This tutorial is for a classic fishtail french braid, with the ends all flowing down like a fishtail. You can use it as long as you want, but when you’re done, it should look like this:
These braids are a type of braid that is in the shape of a fishtail. They are generally done with pigtails, which would be done in the front and then plaited into french braids. This type of braid can be made out of any length or thickness of hair, but most people prefer it to be at least half an inch thick and around one inch wide.
The key to creating this style is to not just pull the hair across as if you were doing a regular french braid. Instead, start by taking two small sections from either side of your head and crossing them. Make sure that each section has equal amounts of hair in it (about an inch).
1. Mermaid’s Tail
The Mermaid’s Tail is a fishtail braid that has two tails instead of one. The second tail moves up along the side of your head, similar to a mermaid’s tail. Keep hair up in a bun and split it into two sections, with each section of hair on the sides of your head.
2. Braided Fishtail
Divide hair into four sections and braid separately before wrapping in the opposite direction to create a fishtail braid on one side. It is a style that has just swept the world. This is how you could actually wear your hair as if it were a fishtail.
3. French Twist
It’s time to start practicing your old-school hair styling techniques. It might not be as popular as it once was, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be cool again. For our first tutorial, we are going to take you through a French Twist with a fishtail braid.
4. Double Crown
If you feel confident about your French Twist skills, next time you do a French Twist, try a Double Crown. This is definitely a pretty, feminine style. The fishtail here will add some fun to this classic look.
5. Double Fishtail
This version has two sections on each side, with the upper layer placed over the lower layer to create an overlapping effect at the front of your head. Now that you have your French Twist down, it’s time to build on that with a twist. In the next tutorial, we are going to take you through a double fishtail braid.
6. Double Fishtail with Bangs
Now we are really pushing the boat out! The first step in building your hair into fishtail braids is to start practicing those French Twists and learning how to do them right. For those of you with long hair, you might want to try a school of the French Twist with bangs.
7. Half and Half
Separate hair into two sections, then braid each section separately. When braiding, make sure that the wefts from one section don’t overlap with the other. Half and half is a classic style that works well on straight hair. Create a deep side part, and then take two sections of your hair, one from each front section. Brush out the first section of hair and then braid it. Repeat this with the other side, and then tie them together in a knot to create your french braid.
8. Layered Braids
Layered braid is a great style for giving you some length and extra volume. Brush out your hair and then take the outer parts of your hair and divide them into 3 sections. Braid these sections, leaving the ends out and not braiding them. Repeat this with the other side of your hair.
9. Half-up Waterfall Braids
Waterfall braids will give you a fuller look. Blow dry your hair and then take the hair on the top of your head and tie it back. Create a deep side part and then make small pigtails in the back with only one braid made for each section of hair. Twist these pigtails together as you go down to create one braid. Repeat this with your other side, and then tie them together in a knot to create one long braid from each section of hair.
10. Wrapped Braid
This style can be easily achieved by simply taking the hair from the top of your head and twisting it into a small bun. Take your two braids on each side and wrap them around once, tying them at the ends.
11. Fishtail Pigtails
Fishtail pigtails will give you some height and length. Brush out all of your hair and then twist it into a bun on the top of your head. Take your two braids and then wrap them around the bun, pulling them through when you reach the end.
12. To the Side Braid
Side braid is a great style for those who want to keep their hair out of their face and without covering up. Comb out your hair, section it into three sections, and then use a 3-inch comb or brush to create two parallel lines down the middle of your hair. Take one part of each section and braid them together. Pull this braid into the other side of each part and then finish with a secure ponytail at the base of each section.
13. Fishtail Bubbles
Use a 3-inch wide-tooth comb or brush to create two parallel lines down the middle of your hair. Take one part of each section and braid them together. Pull this braid into the other side of each part and then finish with a secure ponytail at the base of each section. Even if fishtail bubbles aren’t the most complex, it’s definitely the most interesting. This is such a fun style to do, and perfect for someone who is looking forward to their next hair appointment.
14. French Fishtail Twist
Twist your hair under a section of hair near the side of your head and twist it twice, wrap it around the base of your head, and pin it in place. French fishtail twist is created by pulling hair from side to side in a crown shape and then twisting it as you go. This hairstyle can be done one time for each ear or two times for each ear.
15. Pull-through Fishtail
Pull-through fishtail is created by pulling hair from the back of the crown to the front and then pulling it into a fishtail, twisting one part at a time. This hairstyle can be done one time for each ear or two times for each ear.
16. Boho Braids
Boho braid is a style that can be done with one or two strands of hair. This hairstyle can be done one time for each ear or two times for each ear. This style is created by pulling hair out of the front and back sections of the hair in preparation for a fishtail, and then pulling them into a corkscrew section in the middle.
17. Four Corners Fishtail
This style can be accomplished by pulling the hair up in a crest, twisting 2-3 sections at four different points on the head (i.e., 2 sections at the base of the ear and 3 sections at the corners of the head). This style is created by pulling hair from both sides of the crown to twist it together in a fishtail shape. Four corners fishtail can be done one time for each ear or two times for each ear.
18. Smooth Front
A smooth front is created by dividing the hair into two sections and twisting it in opposite directions. The twists should look smooth and flat. This hairstyle can be done one time for each ear or two times for each ear. This style is created by creating a fishtail from the front and pulling it to the back of the ear. The hair behind the ear is then braided and pinned up so that it is out of the way.
19. Fishtail french braid
The fishtail french braid requires zero hair products and is quite quick to do. This hairstyle is a good option for you to choose if you have short hair, and it would look great with a little bit of height. This braid is a little fancier than the normal french braids, but it’s still pretty flashy.
20. Dutch fishtail
A fishtail braid with a Dutch side part is a pretty, classic look. This is another style that is a little different from the traditional fishtail. Instead, it shows how to add braid patterns on top of the fishtail.
21. French Weave braid
There are two types of a French braid, a regular basis and the French weave. The weave is similar to cornrows in that you gather sections of hair together and cross them over into a braid. The French Weave will be directly beneath this initial section. This braid can also be done over 2 parts, starting at the crown and weaving in upward sections.
22. Braid and Tuck
Braid and tuck is a variation of the French braid. You will start the braid at the nape of your neck and tuck some pieces into it as you go. Braid and tuck are similar to the French weave braid, but you also tuck the ends of your hair into it. This variation is more time-consuming but much more intricate than straight braiding.
23. Thick and Full
This braid is like the French Weave, except that the extra hair is gathered in sections at the top, and is initially anchored to your hair with a small elastic. The size of this braid can vary from a thin headband to several inches in width, depending on your hair.
24. Side Braid
Starting with a section at the top of your head, make two small braids in different directions. These braids must be anchored to your hair with an elastic band or hair clips and must be quite tight. Instead of starting in the middle, this braid is started on the side of your part. Pull hair from the opposite side over and under to complete the weave. Side braid is a variation on the French Weave, except that it can be very wide depending on your hair.
25. Braided Bun
Braid bun is very similar to a French Weave braid, except that the bun is pulled tight. This can be worn on the side or on top of one’s head, depending on how long you want your braid to be. Wrap a French Braid around itself, securing it in place with bobby pins.
26. Three Dutch Braids High Bun
Three dutch braid high bun is very similar to the Braided Bun and Dutch Braid, except that three braids are used instead of two. French braid three sections of hair. Bring the first section up and over the other two. Bring the second section up and behind the middle one. Then bring the third section up and over all of them, securing it with a bobby pin.
27. Nostalgic Memories
Back in the 1950s, Audrey Hepburn wore this hairstyle in several movies. More recently, Cher wore a french braid similar to this during her Farewell Tour. An easy way to start off this list is by taking a look back at some of the more popular styles that made waves in the past. In this case, we have a fishtail french braid. Nostalgic memories are perfect for someone looking to channel their inner Ariel.
28. Mixing it Up
A fishtail braid is a perfect style for a sleek, polished look. However, if you’re looking to add some personality to your hairstyle, reaching for this one is a great idea. It’s still timeless and elegant, but at least it has a little spice on top. Mixing up is a good style for you.
29. Crowning Glory
If fishtail braids make you think about Ariel from Disney, this style is for you. This braid is clean and elegant, with a little bit of flair in the form of crown braiding. Some of the most beautiful hairstyles are the ones that use braids as accessories. In this case, a simple fishtail braid is used to accentuate a beautiful crown braid. These styles go hand in hand, so why not use both at your next event?
30. Sleek and Simple
Sleek and simple is a classic! It’s so simple to do but looks really great. You don’t have to worry about trying to find the right color or texture for your hair; this is one style that goes with any hair color or texture.