Master The Fishtail Braid With Braids: Your Easy Guide To Stunning Hair Today

Mrs. Dana Mertz 22 Aug 2025

Have you ever looked at those amazing fishtail braids and thought they seemed, you know, just a little too complicated to try yourself? Many people feel that way, but honestly, it's a style that looks super intricate yet is actually pretty straightforward to do. We're talking about a look that can really transform your hair, giving it that special something for any day, or even a fancy event.

It's true, fishtail braids are having a really big moment in hair fashion right now, and it's easy to see why, actually. Their unique, intertwined pattern gives off a vibe that's both polished and, in a way, kind of effortless. This guide is for anyone who has always wanted to know how to do a fishtail braid, whether your hair is long or maybe a bit shorter.

We're going to go a step beyond the basic fishtail, too, and show you how to combine it with other braids for an even more complete hairstyle. So, if you're looking for an easy fishtail braid tutorial, you've definitely come to the right place. We'll walk you through everything, making sure you feel confident trying this gorgeous look.

What Makes the Fishtail Braid So Special?
Getting Ready: Your Hair Prep for a Perfect Fishtail
The Core Technique: How to Do a Basic Fishtail Braid
Starting Your Fishtail: Ponytail or Freehand?
Leveling Up: Fishtail Braid with Braids – The Next Step
Adding Smaller Braids Before Your Fishtail
Weaving Braids Into Your Fishtail
Styling Your Fishtail Braid with Braids: Ideas and Inspiration
Common Questions About Fishtail Braids (FAQs)
Pro Tips for a Flawless Fishtail Braid with Braids
Ready to Braid?

What Makes the Fishtail Braid So Special?

Well, honestly, fishtails are one of the prettiest plaits you can make, and they really do catch the eye, you know? Many people think they look super complex, like you need hours and a professional stylist to create one. But the real secret is that this unique style is one of the most simple braids to do, even though it looks so elaborate. It's kind of a magic trick for your hair, actually.

These braids have become very popular in recent years, offering a look that works for lots of different events. You can wear it casually for an average day, or dress it up for a formal gathering. It just turns out beautifully every time, pretty much. With their intricate yet effortlessly chic pattern, fishtail braids can seriously transform any hair situation, giving it a touch of elegance.

Getting Ready: Your Hair Prep for a Perfect Fishtail

Before you even think about starting to braid, a little bit of preparation goes a long way, you know. No matter your hair type – whether you have long locks or maybe even shorter strands – this guide will show you how to get the perfect fishtail braid for your hair. The goal is to make sure your hair is easy to work with and holds the style well.

For starters, you want your hair to be relatively clean but not too slippery, so sometimes second-day hair works best. A little bit of dry shampoo can add some grip, actually. You might also want to brush out any tangles really well, making sure it's smooth from roots to ends. This makes separating sections much easier, which is pretty important for a neat braid.

The Core Technique: How to Do a Basic Fishtail Braid

Okay, so, if you've always wanted to know how to do a fishtail braid, let's get down to the basics. This is the foundation for everything else, so mastering this part is key, honestly. We've rounded up some beginner tips to help you get this plaited look down pat. It's all about small, consistent steps, you know.

First things first, you need to separate your hair into two equal sections. Just divide your hair right down the middle, basically. Now, bring both of these sections to the same side of your head. This is to make sure the braid cascades down towards your shoulders, which is a really lovely effect. Grip each section with one hand, making sure you have a good hold.

Next, you'll take a small piece of hair from the outside of one section, then cross it over to the inside of the other section. Then, you'll do the same thing on the other side, taking a small piece from the outside and crossing it over. You just keep repeating this process, going back and forth, alternating sides, until you reach the end of your hair. Learn how to do a fishtail braid in a few steps, it's pretty simple.

Starting Your Fishtail: Ponytail or Freehand?

You have a couple of choices when you start your fishtail, and it really depends on the look you're going for, you know. Some people find it easier to begin with their hair in a ponytail. It can be a center or a side ponytail, whatever feels right. This gives you a nice, secure starting point, especially if you're just learning.

However, you can also start at one side as before, but skip the ponytail entirely, just working with loose hair. This creates a softer, more flowing look, which is actually quite pretty. It might take a little more practice to keep the tension even without a ponytail, but it's definitely worth trying. Both ways will ensure you’ll master how to make a fishtail braid, no matter your hair type or length.

Leveling Up: Fishtail Braid with Braids – The Next Step

Now that you've got the hang of the basic fishtail technique, it's time to level it up into a more complete hairstyle, you know. Adding other braids into the mix gives your hair even more texture and visual interest. It makes the style look even more elaborate, which is kind of fun, honestly. This is where you can really get creative with your hair.

There are a couple of main ways to incorporate other braids. You can either create smaller braids first and then fishtail the rest of your hair, or you can actually weave existing braids into your fishtail as you go. Both methods give a really stunning result, and it's all about what kind of look you prefer. It's pretty cool how versatile this style can be.

Adding Smaller Braids Before Your Fishtail

This is a fantastic way to add a lot of detail to your hairstyle, you know. To start, pick a section of hair where you want a smaller braid to be. This could be a small section at your temple, or maybe a tiny French braid along your hairline. Create that smaller braid first, securing the end with a tiny clear elastic band. You might want to make one or two of these, depending on the look you're after.

Once your smaller braids are in place, you then gather all of your hair, including these little braids, into the two main sections for your fishtail. You just treat the smaller braids as if they are part of the larger sections of hair. Then, you simply proceed with your fishtail as usual, taking small pieces from the outside and crossing them over. The little braids will become beautifully integrated into the larger fishtail, adding a lot of character.

Weaving Braids Into Your Fishtail

Another really neat trick is to weave a pre-existing braid right into your fishtail as you're making it, you know. Let's say you have a small, three-strand braid already done, perhaps a tiny one coming from your part. When you're dividing your hair into the two main sections for your fishtail, make sure this smaller braid is part of one of those sections.

As you're doing your fishtail, when it comes time to take a small piece of hair from the outside of the section that contains your small braid, you can either take hair from *around* the braid, or you can actually take the small braid itself as one of your "strands" to cross over. This creates a really unique texture and makes the fishtail look even more complex, even though it's essentially the same technique. It's a pretty clever way to add dimension, actually.

Styling Your Fishtail Braid with Braids: Ideas and Inspiration

With 25 different fishtail braid hairstyles to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect one that speaks to you, you know. The beauty of adding smaller braids is that it opens up so many possibilities. For example, a side fishtail with a tiny braid starting near your temple and joining the main plait looks really elegant. This kind of style is great for an average day or to wear to a formal event, pretty much.

You could also try a half-up fishtail where the top section of your hair is fishtailed, and then you add a couple of small braids on either side that feed into it. This intricate braid, which involves intertwining two sections of hair, creates a unique texture that beautifully complements loose curls. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance, fishtail braids work wonderfully with a bit of wave in the rest of your hair. It just gives a really romantic feel, honestly.

Common Questions About Fishtail Braids (FAQs)

Is a fishtail braid easier than a French braid?

Many people find the fishtail braid to be much simpler than a French braid, you know. A French braid requires you to add new sections of hair as you go, which can be a bit tricky to coordinate. The fishtail, on the other hand, only involves two main sections of hair, and you're just crossing small pieces from the outside. It's definitely less to keep track of, which makes it feel easier for a lot of people.

What is the difference between a fishtail braid and a regular braid?

The main difference comes down to how many sections of hair you're working with, you know. A regular, traditional braid uses three sections of hair that you cross over each other. A fishtail braid, however, only uses two main sections. The magic happens by taking very small pieces from the outside of each of those two sections and crossing them over to the inside of the other section. This creates that unique, intricate, fishbone-like pattern that's really distinctive, honestly.

Can you fishtail braid short hair?

Yes, you absolutely can fishtail braid shorter hair, though it might require a little more patience, you know. The key is to make sure your hair is long enough to be gathered into two main sections and that the pieces you're crossing over are long enough to reach the other side. If your hair is very short, you might only be able to do a small section, like a mini fishtail near your face. But with practice, even those with bobs or lobs can create really pretty fishtail styles. It just shows how versatile the technique is, pretty much.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Fishtail Braid with Braids

To really master the fishtail braid well, there are a few little tricks that can make a big difference, you know. First off, don't be afraid to practice. The more you do it, the quicker and neater your braids will become. We put together five different tutorials on how to achieve the fishtail braid, and these tutorials will ensure you’ll master how to make a fishtail braid, no matter your hair type or skill level.

When you're taking those small pieces of hair to cross over, aim for consistency. The smaller the pieces, the more intricate and beautiful your fishtail will look, actually. Also, don't pull too tightly at the roots, but keep a firm, even tension throughout the braid. This helps it stay put and look polished. A little bit of texturizing spray before you start can give your hair some grip, which is really helpful, honestly.

Once your braid is finished, secure it with a good elastic band. Then, you can gently pull on the loops of the braid to make it look fuller and a bit messier, if that's the style you like. This "pancaking" technique makes the braid appear wider and more voluminous. A light mist of hairspray can help hold everything in place, especially if you're wearing it for a long time. It turns out beautifully and is great for an average day or to wear to a formal event, so you want it to last.

Ready to Braid?

So, there you have it! Fishtail braids are easier than you think, and adding other braids into the mix just takes them to a whole new level of pretty. This intricate braid, with its unique texture, is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any look, you know. It's a style that looks elaborate and will become a favorite for rushed mornings, especially if you have long hair, because it's so quick once you get the hang of it.

Whether you have long locks or short strands, this guide has shown you how to achieve the perfect fishtail braid for your hair. So, make sure you follow the steps below and read this article to the end to master the fishtail braid well. Don't be shy; give it a try today! You might just find your new go-to hairstyle. Learn more about hair styling on our site, and for more braiding inspiration, link to this page our braid tutorials.

For more detailed hair care advice, you might find some useful tips on a general hair care resource like Cosmopolitan's hair section.

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