How to Make a Fishbone Hairstyle

Fishtail braids create a more-elaborate woven effect than traditional French braids.

A fishbone hairstyle -- also called a fishtail braid -- involves braiding long hair to create a woven pattern that looks like a fish skeleton. For modern versions of the style, the hair is usually braided from the nape of the neck, at the back or at the side of the head, down to the ends. Though the finished style looks intricate, a fishbone hairstyle is deceptively simple to achieve by plaiting together two strands of hair, rather than the three strands used for traditional French braids.

Things You'll Need

• Hair band

Instructions

1. Arrange your hair into a low ponytail at the back or side of your head using your hands.

2. Separate your low ponytail into two equal strands using your fingers.

3. Clasp the two sections with the fingers of one hand. Position your first finger in between the strands to keep them separate.

4. Pick up a 1/2-inch slice of hair from the outer edge of the right strand using your free hand.

5. Wrap the slice of hair over the top of the right strand, and slot it in between the fingers holding the left strand, at the inside edge.

6. Pick up a 1/2-inch slice of hair from the outer edge of the left strand. Cross the slice over the left strand, and place it at the inside edge of the right strand.

7. Continue to cross slices of hair from alternate strands in this way until the braid reaches the ends of the hair.

8. Combine the strands to make a single tail, and secure the ends with a hair band.

Tips & Warnings

• For a sleek fishbone style, dampen your hair and apply a styling product such as mousse or gel spray before braiding. Comb the strands regularly to smooth the hair and remove tangles.

• Positioning your fishtail braid at the side and securing the base with a hair band will make the style easier to achieve for beginners.

References

• Cosmopolitan: Quick How-To: The Fishtail Braid
• Allure: How to Fishtail Braid
• InStyle: 8 New Ways to Rock a Braid