How to Do a Fishtail Braid: Step-by-Step Guide

Prep Your Hair

Before you start creating your fishtail braid, it’s important to prep your hair properly. Follow these steps to ensure your braid looks neat and stays in place:

1. Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles. Fishtail braids look best when the hair is sleek and smooth.

2. Apply a small amount of hair oil or serum to the ends of your hair to prevent frizz and add shine. Avoid applying too much product to the roots, as this can weigh down your hair and make it harder to braid.

3. If you have fine or slippery hair, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to give your hair some grip. This will make it easier to create a tight, secure braid.

4. Consider parting your hair in the center or on one side, depending on your personal preference. This will help to create a balanced braid and prevent any lopsidedness.

By prepping your hair properly, you’ll be able to create a fishtail braid that looks neat, secure, and polished.

Create the Fishtail Braid

Once you’ve prepped your hair, it’s time to start creating your fishtail braid. Follow these steps:

1. Divide your hair into two equal sections.

2. Take a small strand of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right section.

3. Repeat step 2 on the right side, taking a small strand of hair from the outside of the right section and crossing it over to the left section.

4. Continue crossing small sections of hair from one side to the other, alternating between left and right, until you reach the end of your hair.

5. Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie or elastic.

Remember to keep the sections of hair you’re crossing over small and consistent. This will help create the signature fishtail look. If you want a more intricate braid, you can take smaller sections of hair and cross them over more frequently. If you want a looser, more casual look, you can take larger sections of hair and cross them over less frequently.

Secure the Braid

Once you’ve finished creating your fishtail braid, it’s important to secure it properly to ensure it stays in place. Follow these steps:

1. Take a small section of hair from the bottom of the braid and wrap it around the hair tie or elastic to cover it.

2. Secure the end of the wrapped hair section with a bobby pin or hair clip.

3. If you have any loose strands of hair or flyaways, use a small amount of hairspray or styling gel to smooth them down.

4. Gently tug on the loops of the braid to loosen it slightly and give it a more relaxed, bohemian look.

Remember not to pull too hard on the braid or it may become loose and start to unravel. If you want a more polished look, you can use a small amount of hair gel or pomade to smooth down any frizz or flyaways. If you want a more tousled, messy look, you can use your fingers to gently pull apart sections of the braid and create a more textured effect.

Finish and Style

Now that you’ve created and secured your fishtail braid, it’s time to add some finishing touches and style it to your liking. Here are a few tips:

1. If you want a more polished look, use a flat iron or curling iron to smooth down any frizz or flyaways.

2. If you want a more bohemian, textured look, use your fingers to gently pull apart sections of the braid and create a more tousled effect.

3. Add some accessories, such as a hair clip, ribbon, or flower crown, to dress up your braid and make it look more festive.

4. If you have shorter hair or a layered haircut, you may need to use bobby pins or hair clips to secure any loose sections of the braid.

Remember to experiment with different styles and techniques to find the look that works best for you. Whether you’re going for a romantic, bohemian vibe or a sleek, polished look, a fishtail braid is a versatile and stylish option that’s perfect for any occasion.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start creating your fishtail braid, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Hairbrush or comb: You’ll need a brush or comb to detangle your hair and create a smooth, even base for your braid.

2. Hair ties or elastics: You’ll need a few hair ties or elastics to secure your hair as you braid.

3. Bobby pins or hair clips: You may need bobby pins or hair clips to secure any loose sections of the braid, especially if you have shorter hair or a layered haircut.

4. Hair oil or serum: You can use a small amount of hair oil or serum to add shine and prevent frizz.

5. Texturizing spray or dry shampoo: If you have fine or slippery hair, you may want to use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to give your hair some grip and make it easier to braid.

6. Hairspray or styling gel: You can use a small amount of hairspray or styling gel to smooth down any frizz or flyaways and keep your braid in place.

By gathering all your supplies ahead of time, you’ll be able to create your fishtail braid smoothly and efficiently, without having to pause to search for any missing items.