22 Fishtail Braid Ideas for a Pretty, Intricate Finish
A fishtail braid looks intricate, almost woven like lace, yet it is built from just two sections of hair crossed over again and again. The result is a pretty, detailed plait that suits weddings, weekends and everything between, and this fishtail braid is a joy to learn.
The secret of a beautiful fishtail braid is small, even sections and a gentle pancake at the end for fullness. Healthy hair braids smoother and shines more, so read the healthy hair tips from the American Academy of Dermatology. Here are 22 pretty ideas.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our guides to hairstyles for women, browse these chic hairstyles, or find fresh haircut ideas for your next salon visit.
Classic Fishtail Braid
The classic fishtail braid starts by splitting the hair into two sections, then crossing a small strand from the outside of one side over to the other, again and again, until a fine woven pattern forms down the back. It looks detailed and delicate, yet the movement is simple and calming once your hands learn it.
Keep the crossed strands small and even for the prettiest pattern, and braid on day old hair for grip. Finish with a clear elastic, then gently pull the edges outward to pancake the braid wider, which is when the fishtail shape truly shows itself.
Fishtail Braid Ponytail
- Gather into a ponytail first
- Fishtail the ponytail length
- Small strands, even crossing
- Pancake for fullness
A fishtail braid ponytail is the easiest way to learn the technique: secure the ponytail first so the base stays put, then fishtail the length. The woven result looks detailed and pretty, and the style holds neatly all day long without any slipping at all.
Fishtail Braid Crown
Quick Tip:
Start the crown at one side and work around the head, adding small strands as you go. Pencil thin sections keep the crown fine and even.
A fishtail braid crown wraps a fine woven plait around the head like a halo, delicate and romantic. It is a beautiful choice for weddings, garden parties and any day you want soft detail.
Fishtail Braid Bun
BEFORE: A fishtail braid hanging loose.
AFTER: The braid coiled into a woven bun.
A fishtail braid bun coils the finished braid into a bun at the nape or crown, so the woven texture wraps around itself. The result looks intricate and expensive, yet it is just one braid and a few pins.
Double Fishtail Braids
- Part the hair down the middle
- Fishtail each side in turn
- Match the pancaking on both
- Finish with clear elastics
Double fishtail braids give you two fine woven plaits, one on each side, symmetrical and sweet. They take a little longer than single braids, but the detailed result is worth every extra minute.
Fishtail Braid Half Up
| Feature | Half Up Fishtail | Full Fishtail |
|---|---|---|
| Hair used | Top section only | All the hair |
| Time | About 10 minutes | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Best for | Soft everyday looks | Full woven styles |
The half up fishtail braids only the top section while the rest of the hair falls loose in waves or curls. It is the fastest fishtail look and a pretty everyday favorite for many women.
Fishtail Braid Side Swept
DO:
- Gather all hair to one side
- Fishtail over one shoulder
- Pancake the outer edge
DON’T:
- Start too high at the crown
- Use big uneven strands
- Forget a clear elastic
A side swept fishtail gathers all the hair over one shoulder and weaves it into a single pretty plait. The off center line is romantic and photographs beautifully from almost any angle at all.
Fishtail Braid Updo
Best For: Weddings and formal events | Time: 25 minutes | Skill Level: Medium | Holds: All day
A fishtail braid updo pins one or two fishtails into an elegant arrangement, often a low coil or a woven twist. The fine texture makes the updo look detailed from every side.
Fishtail Braid With Curls
A fishtail braid with curls blends fine weaving with softness: the top or side of the head is worked into a delicate fishtail while the rest of the hair falls in loose curls. The tidy braid at the front keeps the style polished, and the curls below bring the romance, movement and party ready softness.
Curl the loose lengths first and braid gently over them so nothing flattens. This pairing suits weddings and evenings out, and it photographs beautifully because the eye travels from the detailed plait at the top down through the soft, shiny curls at the ends.
Fishtail Braid For Short Hair
- Fishtail the top or one side
- Tiny strands work best
- Grip spray helps hold
- Pin and hide the end
Short hair can wear a small fishtail along the top or side of a bob or lob, adding fine woven detail without length. Tiny strands and a little patience make shorter hair behave, and the pretty result truly surprises everyone who sees it up close.
Fishtail Braid For Long Hair
Quick Tip:
Bring the half finished braid over one shoulder to continue. It keeps the strands even and stops your arms from tiring on very long hair.
Long hair makes the most dramatic fishtail: a long, fine woven plait that shows off every inch of length. Pancake it wide at the end for a full, mermaid like finish.
Fishtail Braid Pigtails
BEFORE: Two plain loose pigtails.
AFTER: Fine fishtails woven down each side.
Fishtail pigtails weave two delicate plaits, one on each side, for a sweet and playful look. They suit festivals, beach days and anyone who loves detailed braids with a youthful feel.
Messy Fishtail Braid
- Braid with loose tension
- Cross uneven small strands
- Pancake wide when finished
- Pull out soft face strands
The messy fishtail relaxes the fine weave: looser crossing, wide pancaked edges and a few strands left free around the face. It is the boho favorite, romantic and undone in the best way.
Fishtail Braid Headband
| Feature | Fishtail Headband | Plain Headband |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Your own hair | Fabric or plastic |
| Detail | Fine woven texture | Flat and simple |
| Comfort | Soft, no pressure | Can pinch |
A fishtail headband weaves a fine plait across the front hairline like a built in accessory, keeping the front tidy while the rest flows free. It is delicate, pretty and surprisingly practical.
Fishtail Braid Low Bun
DO:
- Fishtail the full length first
- Coil into a low bun
- Pin in a circle
DON’T:
- Coil before finishing the braid
- Skip the end elastic
- Pull the front too tight
A fishtail low bun coils the woven braid into a smooth bun at the nape, formal and detailed at once. It is a strong choice for weddings, interviews and elegant evenings out.
Fishtail Braid For Kids
Best For: Parties and photos | Time: 10 to 15 minutes | Skill Level: Medium | Holds: All day
A fishtail braid on kids looks sweet and special for parties, photos and holidays. One side fishtail or two small ones keep hair tidy while looking far fancier than a plain braid.
Fishtail Braid With Bangs
A fishtail braid with bangs keeps your fringe soft at the front while the fine woven plait gathers the rest of the hair behind. Start the fishtail below or behind the fringe line so the bangs sit naturally, and let the delicate pattern of the braid contrast with the smooth, simple front of the style.
Wispy and curtain bangs pair best with this look because they melt into the braid line at the sides. It is also a pretty way to manage a growing fringe: the fishtail keeps the lengths controlled while the front still reads as a finished style.
Fishtail Braid Milkmaid Style
- Two fine fishtail braids
- Crossed over the crown
- Pinned flat into a halo
- Soft strands left free
The milkmaid style crosses two fishtail braids over the top of the head and pins them into a woven halo, delicate and storybook pretty. The fine fishtail texture makes the halo look lacy, and the style stays secure through a whole long day of wear.
Fishtail Braid Top Knot
Quick Tip:
Fishtail a front section first, then sweep everything up into the knot. The woven detail at the front makes a plain top knot look styled.
A fishtail top knot adds a fine woven section to a high knot, either braided up the back or across the front. It is a small detail that makes a simple bun look planned.
Reverse Fishtail Braid
BEFORE: Strands crossed over the top.
AFTER: Strands crossed underneath, the weave raised.
A reverse fishtail crosses the small strands underneath instead of over, so the woven pattern sits raised on top of the braid. The effect is bolder and more three dimensional than the classic.
Fishtail Braid With Ribbon
- Tie the ribbon at the top
- Add it to one section
- Cross strands as usual
- Finish with a small bow
A ribbon in a fishtail threads color through the fine weave, showing in little flashes between the strands. It is a festive, pretty detail for holidays, weddings and photos of any kind.
French Fishtail Braid
| Feature | French Fishtail | Classic Fishtail |
|---|---|---|
| Start | At the crown, adding hair | At the nape, fixed hair |
| Look | Woven from the top | Woven in the length |
| Skill | Higher | Beginner friendly |
A French fishtail starts at the crown and adds hair as it goes, fishtail style, so the fine weave grows down the whole head. It is the most intricate look in this guide and worth it.
Styling Tips for This Fishtail Braid
For every fishtail braid, small strands are the whole secret: the smaller the pieces you cross, the finer and prettier the weave. Braid with even tension, finish on the looser side, then pancake the edges gently for fullness. A little texture spray before you start gives fine hair the grip it needs.
Conclusion
Fine, pretty and quietly intricate, these fishtail braid ideas suit every length and every occasion on your calendar. Start with the ponytail version to learn the crossing, then try the classic, the crown and the French fishtail. Save this guide, practice twice this week, and enjoy the compliments. The fine weave rewards patience, holds beautifully once pancaked, and pairs with ribbons, curls and updos, so this one gentle technique can carry you from school mornings to wedding evenings in real style this festive season and far beyond it too, for sure.
