Creating the Perfect Fishtail Braid in 4 Simple Steps

A fishtail braid is a timeless and versatile hairstyle that can be your go-to look for various occasions. Whether you're headed to a casual brunch with friends, a romantic evening event, or a day at the office, a fishtail braid adds a touch of bohemian elegance to your appearance. The best part? Achieving a fishtail braid is easier than you might think. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through four easy steps to create a fishtail braid that turns heads and makes a stylish statement.

1. Gather Your Tools and Prepare Your Hair

Before you dive into creating a fishtail braid, it's essential to gather the right tools and prepare your hair. Here's what you'll need:

Tools and Accessories:

Hairbrush: Start by brushing your hair to remove tangles and ensure a smooth, manageable base.
Hair Ties: Have a couple of hair ties or clear elastic bands ready to secure your braid.
Bobby Pins (Optional): These can be handy for securing loose strands and adding extra detail to your braid.
Texture Spray or Hairspray (Optional): If you want to add some texture and hold to your braid, consider using a texturizing spray or hairspray.

Preparing Your Hair:

Once you've gathered your tools, it's time to prepare your hair. Here are some essential steps:

Hair Texture: Consider your hair's natural texture. Fishtail braids work well with straight, wavy, or curly hair. If your hair is naturally curly, straightening it beforehand can give your fishtail braid a different look.
Hair Cleanliness: Fishtail braids can look fantastic on both freshly washed and slightly dirty hair. However, clean hair might be a bit slippery, so applying a light texturizing spray can add grip.
Hair Parting: Depending on your desired look, you can choose a middle part or a side part. A middle part creates a symmetrical braid, while a side part can add a touch of asymmetry for a more bohemian vibe.

Pro Tip: If you opt for a side part, make sure it's aligned with your eyebrow arch for a flattering result.

2. Divide Your Hair Into Two Sections

The fishtail braid is essentially a two-strand braid, so the first step is to divide your hair into two equal sections. Here's how to do it:

Gather all your hair to one side: If you want your fishtail braid to fall over your shoulder, gather all your hair to that side. If you prefer a centered fishtail braid, gather your hair at the back.
Divide your hair into two equal sections: Take the gathered hair and divide it into two sections. Make sure the sections are as equal as possible to create a balanced fishtail braid.

Pro Tip: To ensure that your fishtail braid appears even and balanced, you can use a comb to create a clean part down the center of your hair before dividing it into two sections. Or you could use hair extensions to add your hair volume. 

3. Begin Braiding

Now that your hair is divided into two sections, it's time to start braiding. Follow these steps:

Take a small strand from the outer edge of one section: Start with either the left or right section and take a small strand of hair from the outer edge.
Cross the strand over to the opposite section: Take the small strand you've just pulled and cross it over to the opposite section (the one you didn't take it from). For instance, if you took a strand from the left section, cross it over to the right section.
Repeat the process on the other side: Now, repeat the process on the other side. Take a small strand from the outer edge of the opposite section (the one you didn't take from in the previous step) and cross it over to the first section.
Continue alternating sides: Keep alternating sides, taking small strands of hair from one section and crossing them over to the other. As you continue, you'll notice the fishtail pattern starting to form.
Secure the braid with a hair tie: Once you've braided all the way to the end of your hair, secure the braid with a hair tie or clear elastic band.

Pro Tip: For a polished finish, secure the hair tie about an inch or two from the end of the braid. This leaves room to loosen and texturize the braid in the next step.

4. Loosen and Texturize (Optional)

To achieve that effortless and slightly messy fishtail look, you can gently loosen and texturize the braid. Here's how:

Gently tug on the edges of the braid: Starting from the top, gently tug on the edges of the braid on both sides. This will loosen the braid and give it that desirable bohemian texture.
Optional: Use a texture spray: If you want to enhance the textured look, you can use a texture spray or hairspray to hold the braid in place while maintaining that relaxed appearance.

Pro Tip: You can make your fishtail braid as loose or as tight as you prefer. Experiment with different levels of tugging and texturizing to achieve your desired look.

Variations and Styling Tips:

Messy Boho Fishtail: For a relaxed and bohemian look, create your fishtail braid as usual, and then gently pull it apart to make it appear messier and fuller.
Side Swept Fishtail: Position your fishtail braid to fall over one shoulder for a romantic and elegant touch.
Fishtail Bun: Once you've created a fishtail braid, twist it into a bun and secure it with bobby pins for a sophisticated updo.
Add Accessories: Embellish your fishtail braid with hairpins, flowers, or ribbons for a personal and unique touch.
Colorful Extensions: Experiment with colorful extensions for a vibrant and eye-catching fishtail braid.

And that's it! You've successfully created a beautiful fishtail braid in just four easy steps. This elegant yet effortless hairstyle is a fantastic addition to your repertoire, allowing you to express your personal style and creativity with ease.

Master the Art of the Fishtail Braid

Mastering the fishtail braid is an empowering addition to your hairstyling skills. It's a versatile and chic option that can elevate your look for various occasions. Whether you choose to keep it simple or add some flair, the fishtail braid allows you to express your individuality with hair style.

With these four easy steps and a bit of practice, you'll be creating fishtail braids that turn heads and make a stylish statement. So, embrace the fishtail braid, and let your hair be the canvas for your creativity and self-expression.

With the ability to experiment and make it your own, the fishtail braid is a timeless and enduring choice for any occasion. Make a splash with a fishtail braid and showcase your unique style with confidence.