How to Do a French Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids are a French braiding technique named after the finished style's resemblance to the pattern of a fish skeleton. The elaborate style is sometimes referred to as a fishbone or herringbone braid. Fishtail braids are usually worn low at the back or side of the head, and work best on long, one-length hair. While traditional French braids or plaits involve weaving together three strands of hair, fishtail braids are achieved using just two segments. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Brush or comb your hair smooth to remove tangles.
-
2
Gather your hair between your hands in a low ponytail where you would like the base of your fishtail braid to sit. Positioning the ponytail to the side just behind one ear will make it easier for you to see what you are doing as you braid.
-
-
3
Divide the hair into two equal sections.
-
4
Hold both sections between the fingers of one hand, using your index finger to keep the sections separated.
-
5
Separate a small strand of hair from the outside edge of the right segment with your free hand.
-
6
Cross the strand over the top of the right segment and join it with the inside edge of the left segment.
-
7
Separate a small strand of hair from the outside edge of the left segment with your free hand.
-
8
Cross the strand over the top of the left segment and join it with the inside edge of the right segment.
-
9
Continue to incorporate new strands of hair into the braid in this manner, alternating between the left and right segments, until you reach the ends of the hair.
-
10
Join the two segments together in one hand and secure with a hair band.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Fishtail braids can be worn messy or sleek. Tease random strands out of the finished braid for a messy style. For a sleeker look, apply a styling product to your hair before you start and comb the two segments as you braid to prevent ripples and bumps.
If you are new to fishtail braiding, you may find it easier to secure base of the low ponytail with a hair band before you begin braiding.
For a variation on this style, cross the outer strands under, rather than over, the segments.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
