If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest wondering if those intricate fishtail braid hairstyles are actually achievable without a professional stylist, I’ve got news for you—they absolutely are. I’ve spent years breaking down hair techniques and talking to stylists, and I can tell you with confidence that the fishtail braid is one of the most versatile and rewarding styles you can master.
So what exactly is a fishtail braid and why is it so popular? A fishtail braid, also known as a herringbone braid, is a braiding technique that uses only two sections of hair instead of the three used in a traditional braid . Small pieces are taken from the outside of each section and crossed over to the opposite side, creating a intricate woven pattern that resembles fish scales or a wheat sheaf. It is deceptively simple to learn yet looks impressively complex, making it a favorite for both casual and formal occasions.
Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through 15 stunning fishtail variations, break down the step-by-step technique with expert tips, and share the insider secrets that keep your braid looking fresh all day long.
What Makes the Fishtail Braid So Special?
The fishtail braid has been around for centuries, with roots tracing back to ancient cultures where it symbolized beauty and sophistication . Today, it’s experiencing a major resurgence thanks to the “mermaidcore” trend, which celebrates ethereal, sea-inspired looks . The braid’s elegant, woven pattern mimics the look of fish scales, making it an enchanting choice for modern hairstyles.
The best part? Fishtail braids are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for an everyday hairstyle that’s easy to manage or something more elaborate for a special occasion, the fishtail braid has you covered . It can be sleek and refined for a formal event or tousled and messy for a boho-chic vibe.
Fishtail Braid vs. Other Braids: Quick Comparison
| Braid Type | Number of Sections | Difficulty Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Braid | 3 sections | Beginner | Quick, classic styles |
| French Braid | 3 sections + added hair | Intermediate | Sleek, fitted styles |
| Dutch Braid | 3 sections + added hair (underhand) | Intermediate | Bold, raised styles |
| Fishtail Braid | 2 sections | Beginner-Intermediate | Intricate, textured looks |
15 Fishtail Braid Hairstyles to Try
Let’s dive into the styles that’ll have you reaching for your brush with excitement.
1. Classic Fishtail Braid
This is the foundation style that started it all. The classic fishtail braid cascades down the back, creating a sleek, tight weave that looks intricate and polished. It’s a timeless choice for formal occasions, lending an air of elegance and sophistication .
Best for: All hair types and lengths; perfect for both everyday wear and special events.
Pro tip: “Add a bit of texturizing spray for extra grip, and gently pancake the braid (pulling on the edges) for added volume” .
How to style: Start at the nape of your neck, divide your hair into two even sections, and begin crossing small pieces from the outside of each section to the inside of the opposite section. Secure with a clear elastic and gently loosen for a fuller look.
2. Half-Up Sweet and Soft Fishtail
This style blends a loose braid with natural-looking texture. The top section is gently braided, then the side braids meet below the crown . The rest of the hair flows freely, giving a relaxed yet polished look that works well with highlights.
Best for: Round, heart, and oval faces; straight, wavy, or curly hair .
Pro tip: “Start your braid a finger behind the hairline to avoid puffiness and get a smoother front” .
3. Fishtail Braid Ponytail
This is the style that proves ponytails don’t have to be boring. You start by pulling your hair into a ponytail, then divide it into two sections and cross small pieces from each side over to the opposite section . The result is a neat, textured look that works for both casual and formal occasions.
Best for: Medium to long hair; active lifestyles.
Pro tip: “Take a section from the heavier side of your parting to braid. Tie back the rest of your hair away from the braiding section” .
4. Messy Boho Fishtail
Sometimes imperfection is the goal. The messy boho fishtail is loose, a bit undone, and has a natural, carefree look . This style starts low at the nape and has a soft, textured finish that’s perfect for casual days.
Best for: Casual days, music festivals, or anyone wanting a laid-back vibe.
Pro tip: “The messy strands around the braid add a carefree vibe. It’s easy to do and suits different hair types” .
5. Double Fishtail Braids
Why have one when you can have two? Double fishtail braids involve creating two fishtail braids, usually on each side of the head . This look can be worn loose or styled into ponytails or updos.
Best for: Bohemian vibes; showing off your braiding skills.
Pro tip: Double fishtail braids take more time, but “the effort is worth it. They add texture and detail that simple braids don’t have” .
6. Fishtail Crown Braid
This is the style that makes you feel like royalty. The braid wraps around the head like a crown, giving a neat and elegant look that frames the face beautifully .
Best for: Weddings, formal events, or any day you want to feel like a princess.
Pro tip: “This style works well for both casual and formal settings. I often pair it with loose waves for a softer feel” .
7. Side-Swept Fishtail
For a romantic, asymmetrical look, try the side-swept fishtail. You start by gathering your hair to one side, then braid it in the fishtail style . Adding volume at the crown makes the braid stand out more.
Best for: Date nights, weddings, or any romantic occasion.
Pro tip: “This style works well for casual days or formal events. It’s a simple way to make your hair look polished without much effort” .
8. Waterfall Fishtail Braid
This style mixes two popular braid techniques. The waterfall effect lets strands fall freely, adding softness, while the fishtail part creates a neat, textured look .
Best for: Showing off highlights; romantic, ethereal vibes.
Pro tip: This braid “takes some practice, but the result is worth it” .
9. Braided Fishtail Bun
The braided fishtail bun combines style and neatness. The braid starts on one side and wraps into a bun at the back . The fishtail adds texture and interest, making the bun more than just a simple hairstyle.
Best for: Formal events, work, or any day you want a polished look.
Pro tip: “Add small details like loose strands to soften the face” .
10. Fishtail Braid Updo
For maximum elegance, turn your fishtail into an updo. Once you’ve created two fishtail braids on each side, secure them together with a single hair tie at the nape of your neck . Then loop the ponytail up and through a ‘hole’ in the hair above the tie, tucking sections around the loop.
Best for: Weddings, proms, or black-tie events.
Pro tip: “The finished up-do is supposed to look a bit loose and messy, so don’t worry about getting everything perfectly smoothed down” .
11. Half-Up Fishtail Top Knot
This sophisticated style starts with a half-up fishtail braid, but instead of continuing the braid all the way down, you wrap the remaining unbraided portion around the base to form a top knot .
Best for: Transitioning from office to evening; versatile styling.
Pro tip: “The combination of the textured braid flowing into a sleek bun creates beautiful contrast” .
12. Boho Crown Fishtail
For a festival-ready vibe, try the boho crown fishtail. Gather hair from your temples and crown area, creating a horizontal fishtail braid that wraps around the back of your head like a crown .
Best for: Festivals, outdoor events, summer activities.
Pro tip: “Pull a few tendrils loose around your face for that effortless bohemian vibe” .
13. Pancaked Fishtail Half-Crown
This style takes a half-up fishtail braid and transforms it through “pancaking”—gently tugging at each link of the braid to flatten and widen it .
Best for: Fine hair that needs volume; special occasions.
Pro tip: “The pancaked texture creates a beautiful backdrop for the loose hair beneath, adding significant dimension to an otherwise simple half-up style” .
14. Twist-into-Fishtail
This style creates small twists on each side of your head, starting at your temples and working backward. These twists become the base for your fishtail braid .
Best for: Those growing out bangs or layers; sophisticated styling.
Pro tip: “The twisted sections add interesting texture and help keep shorter layers contained within the style” .
15. Off-Center Fishtail Waterfall
A waterfall variation that feeds small drops into open lengths, finished with a fishtail along the back. It showcases texture while keeping the top neat .
Best for: Round and heart-shaped faces; wavy or curly hair.
Pro tip: “Keep ‘drop’ sections consistent so the pattern reads clearly in photos” .
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Grabbing chunks that are too big | Impatience or inexperience | “Break hair into small strands for a tighter, more intricate braid” |
| Working with slippery hair | Hair is too clean and smooth | “Add a little texturizer helps. Hair that is too clean and soft can be slippery” |
| Uneven tension | Not pulling tightly as you go | “Pull the braid gently as you go to keep even tension. If the braid gets loose near the top, pinch and tighten those sections before moving on” |
| Sections getting uneven in size | Losing track of your sections | “Try to keep your two sections pretty even in size. If one side starts to get a little bit skinny, just take a little bit more hair from the other side and balance them out” |
| Rushing the process | Impatience to see the finished result | “Don’t rush. Braiding takes time and patience, especially for fishtails. Moving slowly and deliberately gives the best results” |
How to Do a Fishtail Braid: Step-by-Step
Here’s a quick tutorial to get you started:
Step 1: Prep your hair. “Before braiding, try using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep your locks smooth and soft” . Braids often look better when hair has a bit of texture, so spritz your strands with dry shampoo to make your hair more workable .
Step 2: Part your hair. The easiest way to learn is to do a side braid. “This allows you to clearly see each step that you do” .
Step 3: Split into two sections. “Take the ends of your hair and split them into two even sections to prep for braiding” .
Step 4: Start braiding. “Take a tiny section of hair from the outside of the one section and cross it over to the other section. You’re going to take a tiny section of hair from the other side and do the same. You’re just going to repeat this movement until you get to the end and it creates an X” .
Step 5: Continue to the end. “Keep switching back and forth between sections, until you reach the bottom of your hair” .
Step 6: Secure and style. “Once your hair is completely braided, secure the ends with a hair tie. If you want a more piece-y look, you can gently tug at your braid to loosen some strands” .
Fishtail Braid Variation Quick Reference
| Style | Best For | Key Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Fishtail | Formal events, everyday | Tight, even sections |
| Messy Boho | Casual, festivals | Looser sections, more pulling |
| Half-Up Fishtail | Versatile | Gathered top section only |
| Double Fishtails | Bohemian | Two side braids |
| Crown Braid | Special occasions | Wraps around the head |
| Side-Swept | Romantic | One-shoulder braid |
| Waterfall | Ethereal looks | Dropping strands effect |
| Braided Bun | Formal, work | Wraps into a bun |
Similar Variations Worth Considering
- Pull-Through Fishtail: A faux braid technique using ponytails that looks complex but is surprisingly simple .
- Reverse Fishtail (Inside-Out): The braid is created with strands going under instead of over, making it stand out more prominently .
- Bubble Fishtail: Small elastics are placed every inch or so down the braid, and the hair between is gently tugged to create “bubbles” of volume .
- Fishtail with Ribbon: A thin ribbon is incorporated into the braid for a pop of color and unique texture .
- Mermaid Fishtail: A voluminous braid that starts at the crown and flows into a lush fishtail, perfect for long, thick hair .
Hair Care Tips for Fishtail Braid Hairstyles
- Start with textured hair. Braids hold better in hair that isn’t freshly washed and slippery. Dry shampoo or texturizing spray adds grip .
- Use the right tools. “A fine-tooth comb, hair serum or light oil to reduce frizz, small clear elastics, hair clips, and texturizing spray” make the process easier .
- Don’t over-tighten. While you want the braid to hold, pulling too hard can cause headaches and breakage.
- Protect your braid at night. Sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet to prevent frizz and preserve your style.
- Give your hair breaks. Don’t wear tight braids every day. Let your hair rest between styles.
Ready to Master Your Fishtail?
After walking through these 15 styles, you’ve probably spotted a few that caught your eye. The fishtail braid isn’t just a trend—it’s a versatile, timeless technique that works with any hair type and length. Whether you want something casual for a beach day or elegant for a wedding, there’s a fishtail variation for you.
The key to success is practice. As one stylist puts it, “Braiding takes time and patience, especially for fishtails. Moving slowly and deliberately gives the best results” . Don’t be afraid to undo and try again—it’s better than settling for a loose or uneven braid.
So grab your brush, find a mirror, and start practicing. With the right fishtail braid hairstyles, your hair game is about to go to the next level.
