We can safely say that the fishtail braid or plait is the "it" style of the season. Whether perfectly neat or purposely messy, this type of braid is great because it looks a little bit more dressed up than your typical 3-strand braid because of the more advanced way that it is weaved. You can wear it down and loose, up in a ponytail, or as a tiny braid accent in a messy bun or side headband style. Fishtail braids can be worn as a dressy up-do or a more relaxed casual look, but either way, it works! While the concept isn’t complex, it just takes a while for your hands to get into the right rhythm.

So how do you create one of these gorgeous and versatile braids? Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to get this great hair look.

STEP 1

Brush & Section

Detangle and brush out your hair so it's easy to handle. If you need to, smooth out flyaways and frizz with a serum. You don't have to have poker straight locks to work this look, just keep things knot-free! Divide the hair into two even sections starting from the middle of the scalp.

STEP 2 + 3                                            

Braid From The Right

Use your pinky and ring finger to grab a small section of the hair (approximately 1/4" inch) from the back of the right side. Add this section to the left side by folding it over with your left hand.

STEP 4 + 5

Braid From The Left

After you've added a strand to your left side, take your left pinky and grab a 1/4" strand from the back of the left section. Fold it over and add it to your right section. Make sure these first few strands are tighter so you get comfortable with the process and nothing falls loose.

STEP 6

Continue Braiding and Finish Up

Continue breading strands from the left and right. You're going to be braiding more or less depending on the thickness of your strands. But trust me—the fishtail effect looks so much better when you weave thinner pieces instead of thicker. It might take longer, but it's worth it!

Once you're at a comfortable place to end your braid, secure it with an elastic band or a clip. If you feel like your braid is too tight, loosen it by gently massaging the strands with your hands. Grab both hands simultaneously and gently pull away from the braid. This technique gives the braid that casual and effortless look. 

Want to learn how to learn how to create a fishtail via video? Check out my favourite fishtail braid tutorial by the beautiful Lauren Conrad. 

Take a look at these beautiful images to discover some new twists on the fishtail braid and maybe even pick up a few new ideas of your own.

And just to make sure you're armed with everything you need, I've included this handy image you can save to your phone or laptop for easy, anytime guidance.

Happy Braiding! x