Let's be real – the first time I tried a fishtail braid, it looked like a bird's nest attacked by a tornado. My cousin's wedding was in two hours, and I was ready to chop it all off with kitchen scissors. But guess what? After ruining three hair ties and nearly crying, something clicked. Now I can do it blindfolded (tested during a power outage, true story). That's why I'm spilling every secret today – no fluff, just the gritty details that actually work.
Why Bother Learning Fishtail Braids?
• Holds longer than regular braids (seriously, survives gym sessions)
• Works on EVERY hair type – thin, thick, curly, slippery straight hair
• Looks fancy but takes less time than French braids once you get it
• No fancy tools needed – just fingers and a hair tie
What Exactly Is a Fishtail Braid Anyway?
Imagine a regular braid but with way more texture. Instead of three big chunks, you're working with tons of tiny sections crossing over. The pattern resembles – you guessed it – a fish's tail. My hairdresser friend Nina says it's technically called a "herringbone braid," but fishtail stuck because... well, look at it.
The Non-Negotiable Prep Work
Trust me, skipping prep is why 70% of first attempts fail. Here's what actually matters:
| Hair Type | Prep Must-Do | Product Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Fine/Slippery Hair (like mine!) |
Day-old dirty hair OR dry texturizing spray | Living Proof Dry Volume Blast ($32) or sea salt spray |
| Thick/Coarse Hair | Lightweight leave-in conditioner on ends | Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother ($28) |
| Curly Hair | Damp hair with curl cream, detangle thoroughly | Camille Rose Curl Maker ($22) |
Step-by-Step: How Do You Do Fishtail Braid in Plain English
Forget those vague tutorials saying "take a small section." I'm giving millimeter specifics. Grab a chair and hair tie – let's go.
The Classic Low Fishtail Braid
Position: Sitting on floor, elbows propped on knees (better control)
- Divide & Conquer
Split hair into TWO equal sections – left and right. Not three like regular braids! Hold left section with left hand, right with right hand. If sections feel uneven, redo it now. - The First Cross
With right thumb and index finger, pinch a 1/4-inch strand from the OUTSIDE of the left section. Literally outside edge hairs – about the thickness of a chopstick. Pull this tiny strand ACROSS to join the right section. Tighten gently. - Mirror Movement
Now left thumb/index finger: grab same-sized strand from OUTSIDE of right section. Cross it over to left section. See the criss-cross starting? - Rinse & Repeat
Alternate sides continuously: right hand takes from left section → joins right, left hand takes from right section → joins left. Always grab from the outermost edge! - Tension Trick
After every 4 crosses, gently pull both sections away from head. Not downward – horizontally outward. This prevents pancake-flat braids.
My rookie mistake? Pulling strands too thick. When sections get thicker than a pencil, the braid looks chunky, not delicate. Took me weeks to break that habit.
☠️ Disaster Alert: If braid feels loose/wobbly, you're grabbing inner hairs instead of edge hairs. Stop! Undo last 2 crosses and restart with smaller edge strands.
Fishtail Braid Variations You'll Actually Wear
Once you nail the basic how do you do fishtail braid, try these real-life upgrades:
Messy Side Fishtail (5-minute version)
Perfect for second-day hair. Flip all hair over one shoulder. Split into two sections BUT leave face-framing pieces loose. Do a loose fishtail braid with 1/2-inch strands instead of thin ones. Secure end. Gently tug braid sides to "pancake" it. Spritz with texture spray.
Fishtail Crown Braid (Party trick)
• Part hair down middle
• Fishtail braid right side from temple to nape, secure with clear elastic
• Repeat left side
• Cross braids at back of head like a headband, pin with bobby pins
• Hide elastic under hair
Tools That Actually Matter vs. Hype Products
- ✔️ Must-Haves:
- Fine-tooth comb for clean sections
- Snag-free elastics (Scünci No Damage is $4 for 50)
- Mirror facing another mirror (to see back) - ❌ Skip These:
- Fancy braiding tools (waste of $)
- Heavy gels or waxes
- Those viral TikTok braiding clips
Why Your Fishtail Braid Fails (And How to Fix It)
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Braiding feels "sticky" | Product buildup or grabbing inner hairs | Wash hair with clarifying shampoo; focus on edge strands |
| Ends are lumpy | Strands uneven when securing | Before tying, run hands down braid to align strands |
| Braids unravels in hours | Silky hair without texture prep | Spray roots with dry shampoo BEFORE braiding |
Q&A: Real People Fishtail Problems Solved
Can I fishtail braid short hair?
Yes, if it reaches your shoulders! For chin-length bobs: do mini fishtail pigtails. Section hair behind ears, braid downward. Secure with tiny clear elastics.
How long does it take to learn?
First attempt: 25 mins of swearing. By try #3: under 10 mins. Muscle memory kicks in fast – promise.
Does it damage hair?
Less than heat styling! But if your scalp hurts after, tension's too tight. Redo it looser.
Best hair length for fishtail braids?
• Shoulder-length: Classic low braid or pigtails
• Mid-back: Crown braids or halo styles
• Waist-length: Dramatic side fishtail or double braids
Making It Last: Overnight & Workout Proof
After nailing how do you do fishtail braid properly, here's how I keep mine intact for 3 days:
- Secure ends with TWO elastics (stacked)
- Wrap braid into loose bun for sleep with scrunchie
- Morning refresh: Lightly mist with water + 1 drop hair oil on hands, smooth flyaways
Frankly, I've worn sweaty gym fishtails straight to dinner. Zero shame – it looked intentional.
When to Give Up & Try Alternatives
Look, fishtails aren't for every situation. After my brother's wedding humidity disaster, I created this cheat sheet:
| Situation | Skip Fishtail For... | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Humid beach wedding | Sleek low ponytail | Humidity poofs out fishtail texture |
| Very short layers | Twisted headband style | Layers pop out of braid |
| Formal events | Classic chignon | Fishtail can read "casual" |
Advanced Pro Secrets (From Salon Braiders)
I bribed my stylist with coffee for these:
- Texture Hack: Braid when 80% dry. Damp hair grips better but fully wet causes frizz
- Volume Trick: Before braiding, tease roots at crown lightly. Hide it under braid
- Neat Part: Use tail comb dipped in rubbing alcohol for sharp part lines
Remember that wedding panic I mentioned? Now I do fishtail braids while watching Netflix. Master how do you do fishtail braid once, and it's like riding a bike – wobbly at first but soon effortless. Just start with day-old hair and a forgiving mirror angle. You'll mess up. You'll redo it. Then suddenly... magic.
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