How to Fishtail Braid: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (2024 Tutorial)

Okay, let's talk fishtail braids. You've seen them everywhere, right? Those intricate, woven patterns that look like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Maybe you've tried a how to fishtail braid tutorial before and ended up with a messy, uneven lump that looked nothing like the picture. I promise you, I've been there. My first attempt resembled a startled bird's nest more than a hairstyle. But trust me, once the penny drops, it’s strangely satisfying and way easier than French braiding once you get the hang of it. This isn't just about copying steps; it's about *understanding* the weave so you can actually nail it, even when your hair isn't cooperating.

Seriously, Why Bother Learning the Fishtail Plait?

Besides looking ridiculously cool? There are legit reasons why figuring out how to fishtail braid your hair is worth the initial frustration. First up, it’s surprisingly sturdy. Because you're crossing over tiny sections constantly, it grips hair really well. I find mine lasts way longer than a regular braid on my slippery hair, especially on humid days or during workouts. Secondly, that woven texture? It hides greasy roots like a dream. Third-day hair looking limp? A fishtail braid instantly elevates it to "I meant to look this effortlessly chic." Plus, it distributes the weight differently – sometimes feels less pull on my scalp compared to a thick three-strander. And honestly, once you get good, people look impressed. It’s a nice little ego boost.

Gathering Your Braiding Arsenal: Tools You Actually Need

Don't get sucked into buying every hair gadget online. For a basic fishtail braid how to, you need surprisingly little. Here’s the real deal on what helps and what’s just clutter:

Tool	Why It Matters	Specific Recommendations (Budget-Friendly & Splurge)	Can You Skip It?
Detangling Brush/Comb	Smooth hair = easier sectioning. Knots will derail you fast.	Tangle Teezer (The Original, ~$15) or a Wet Brush Pro (~$10) work wonders. Fine hair? A boar bristle brush helps add grip.	No. Start detangled!
Hair Ties (Elastics)	To secure the braid. Weak ones = heartbreak.	Goody Ouchless (Thick version, ~$5/pack) are reliable. Invisibobble (~$8 for 3) are gentler and reduce creasing. Scunci No-Slip Grip (~$4/pack) are great for thick hair.	No. You need at least one.
Hair Clips (Sectioning Clips)	Keeps sections separate while you work.	Basic metal or plastic jaw clips from the drugstore (~$3/pack). Kenra Sectioning Clips (~$10 for 4) have a stronger grip.	Maybe. Helpful for beginners, especially on longer/thicker hair. Can use spare hair ties as holders instead.
Texturizing Spray or Dry Shampoo	Adds grit & grip. Crucial for slippery hair!	Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Spray (~$7) or Batiste Dry Shampoo (Original, ~$8). Splurge: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray (~$49) or Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo (~$33).	Highly Recommended, especially for fine or freshly washed hair. Day 2+ hair often braids better without it.
Light Hold Hairspray or Finishing Spray	Tames flyaways and sets the braid.	TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray (Level 1, ~$6) or L'Oréal Elnett Satin (~$15). Splurge: Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray (~$28).	Recommended for a polished finish.
Small Mirror (Optional)	For checking the back.	Any cheap handheld mirror.	Yes. Use a wall mirror reflection or phone camera.

See? No magic wands or expensive gadgets needed. The texturizing spray? Honestly, that’s the closest thing to a cheat code, especially if your hair is silky smooth. Skip those tiny clear elastics – they’ll snap on thicker hair mid-braid, and you’ll want to cry. Trust me.

Setting the Stage: Pre-Braiding Prep That Actually Works

Jumping straight in usually leads to frustration. Setting your hair up right makes the whole how to fishtail braid process ten times smoother.

The Hair Goldilocks Zone: Texture Matters

Second-day hair is usually the sweet spot. Clean hair can be too slippery. If you *must* braid clean hair, that texturizing spray is your lifeline. Spray it lightly through the mid-lengths to ends before starting. If your hair is dry or frizzy, a tiny bit of anti-frizz serum or light oil (like OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil, ~$9) on the *ends only* can help prevent flyaways from driving you nuts. Too much product near the roots makes sections slide.

Detangling is Non-Negotiable

Seriously. Run that brush or comb through from ends to roots *gently*. Starting at the ends prevents yanking knots tighter. If you find a stubborn knot, hold the hair above it and gently tease it apart. Don’t just rip through it – you’ll break hair and create more frizz.

Parting Choices (And Why it Matters)

Center Part: Classic symmetrical look. Works well for traditional side or back fishtails.
Deep Side Part: Creates a more dramatic, asymmetric look. Great for side-swept fishtails.
No Part / Messy Crown: Perfect for a boho vibe. Just brush everything back loosely.

I usually go center part for a standard braid down the back. Comb it cleanly using the tail end of a comb for precision. A messy part works better when you're going for that undone look intentionally.

Pro Tip:

Slightly damp hair (think towel-dried, not dripping) can be easier to manage than bone dry for some hair types, especially thick or coarse hair. Experiment! But avoid braiding soaking wet hair tightly – it can cause breakage as it dries and shrinks.

The Moment of Truth: Step-by-Step Fishtail Braid Mastery

Alright, breath. Let's break down the classic how to fishtail braid technique into manageable chunks. I'll explain *why* we do each step – understanding the "why" makes it stick.

The Foundation: Splitting Your Hair

Gather all your hair where you want the braid to start (nape of neck for low, crown for high ponytail braid). Secure it tightly with a hair tie if you're starting with a ponytail. Now, divide that ponytail (or your loose hair at the starting point) into two equal sections. Hold one section in each hand. This is crucial: only two main sections. Forget the three strands of a regular braid. Label them mentally: Left Section (A) and Right Section (B). Clip one section out of the way briefly if it helps you focus on the first step. Now, take a deep breath.

The Core Weaving Pattern - Explained Simply

This is the heart of how to fishtail braid:

Start Small: With your right hand holding Section B steady, use your left hand to reach over to the *outermost edge* of Section B. Pinch a very small piece of hair (like, pencil-thin or even thinner) from the outer edge of Section B. Seriously, smaller than you think. This is KEY to that signature fishtail look.
Why small sections? Tiny pieces crossing over frequently create the intricate woven pattern. Big chunks look messy and lumpy.
Cross It Over: Take that tiny piece you just pinched from Section B and cross it over to Section A. Add it to the *inside* of Section A (the side closest to Section B). Now let go. Section A now holds that small piece.
Why cross over? This is how the weave builds, pulling strands from one side to the other.
Switch Hands & Repeat: Re-grip your sections. You should now be holding Section A (which just got a new piece) in your left hand, and Section B (now slightly smaller) in your right hand. Now, repeat the mirror image: With your left hand holding Section A steady, use your right hand to reach over to the *outermost edge* of Section A. Pinch a tiny piece of hair from Section A's outer edge.
Cross Again: Take that tiny piece from Section A, cross it over, and add it to the *inside* of Section B. Let go.
Rinse and Repeat: That's it! Just keep alternating sides:
- Pull tiny piece from outer edge of RIGHT section (B), cross OVER to inside of LEFT section (A).
- Pull tiny piece from outer edge of LEFT section (A), cross OVER to inside of RIGHT section (B).

Do not pull pieces from the middle or the underside. Always, always from the outermost edge of the section you're taking from. Keep those sections defined as you work.

Beginners Tend to Make This Mistake:

Taking chunks that are way too big! Resist the urge. Small pieces = intricate fish scale effect. Big pieces = messy rope braid. If you feel like you're not making progress, speed up the alternating, not the size of the pieces.

Managing Tension: The Secret Sauce

Getting the tension right is where the magic happens for a perfect fishtail braid how to.

Hold Firm (But Don't Strangle): Keep a consistent, gentle-to-firm grip on your main A and B sections as you work. If you hold too loosely, the braid will be sloppy and fall apart. Too tight, and you'll strain your hands, make the braid stiff, and pull hairs painfully.
Pull Each Added Piece Snug: When you cross a small piece over and add it to the opposite section, give it a gentle tug downwards (towards the ends) to tighten it against the braid. Not a jerk, just a firm little pull to seat it.
Check Frequently: Every few crosses, gently squeeze the braided portion between your fingers and slide down slightly to smooth and even out the tension. Don't pull the whole braid downwards vigorously.

My hands used to cramp like crazy when I started. It gets easier. Remember to relax your shoulders!

Finishing Strong: Securing Your Masterpiece

Once you've braided as far down as you want (or run out of hair!), bring the two main sections (A and B) together. Hold them taut. Wrap a strong hair tie around the ends several times to secure tightly. Give the tail a little tug to make sure it's snug. For a softer finish, you can take a tiny piece of hair from the underside near the tie, wrap it around the elastic band to hide it, and secure it with a bobby pin tucked underneath.

Stand back! You just did a fishtail braid! Okay, maybe it’s not perfect yet, but you started.

Rescuing Common Fishtail Braid Disasters (We've All Been There)

Don't panic if it looks wonky. Troubleshooting is part of the how to fishtail braid journey. Here’s how to fix the usual suspects:

The Disaster	Why It's Happening	How To Fix It (Mid-Braid)	How To Prevent It Next Time
Braided Section is Lumpy & Uneven	Taking sections that are too thick or inconsistent in size. Tension varies wildly.	Stop braiding. Gently squeeze the lumpy braid between fingers and slide downwards to smooth. Resume with much smaller, consistent pieces and steady tension.	Consciously take pencil-thin pieces. Focus on maintaining even pressure as you pull each piece snug.
Braided Section is Too Loose / Falling Apart	Not pulling added pieces snug enough. Gripping main sections too loosely. Very fine/slippery hair.	Work back upwards slightly (gently!). Pinch the braid firmly below the loose point. Pull the tail end tight to temporarily secure. Resume braiding downwards, pulling each added piece FIRMLY snug. Use texturizing spray!	Increase tension slightly on main sections. Be more deliberate about tugging each added piece down firmly. Definitely use texturizing spray/dry shampoo on clean hair.
Getting Lost / Forgetting Which Side to Pull From	It's easy to lose the rhythm when starting!	Stop. Look at your sections. The section you JUST added a piece TO is the one you need to take a piece FROM next. (e.g., You just added a piece to Left Section A? Now take a tiny piece from the outer edge of Left Section A to cross to the Right).	Verbally say "Left to Right, Right to Left" as you work until it becomes muscle memory. Go slowly.
Ends are Too Thin / Wispy	Ran out of hair to add before finishing the braid length.	Once sections get very thin, just switch to a simple two-strand twist for the last inch or two before tying off. It mimics the look.	Start braiding slightly higher up on your head/ponytail. Or, intentionally leave more length unbraided for a thicker tail.
Scalp is Pulling / Hurting	Braid started too tightly at the roots. Tension too high overall.	You'll likely need to restart more loosely, especially near the top. Loosen the initial ponytail if using one. Don't pull scalp hair too aggressively when starting the braid.	Start with a looser grip near the scalp. Be mindful of tension right from the first crosses. Keep braid slightly looser at the top.

Remember, practice makes progress, not perfection overnight. My first decent one took weeks!

Leveling Up: Beyond the Basic Fishtail

Got the basic fishtail braid how to down? Awesome. Now let's play:

The Side Fishtail Braid

Gather hair over one shoulder. Do the exact same technique (divide into two sections, pull small pieces from outer edge, cross over). It drapes beautifully. Tip: Start the braid a bit higher up (near the ear) for a more dramatic look.

The Fishtail Braid Ponytail

Secure a high, mid, or low ponytail tightly. Then, fishtail braid the ponytail itself. Super quick way to elevate a basic pony. Great for workouts!

The Crown Fishtail Braid (Headband Style)

This looks complex but uses the same core technique:

Part hair deeply on one side.
Starting near your temple on the larger side, take a small triangular section. Split it into A and B.
Begin your fishtail braid (tiny outer pieces, cross over).
As you braid along your hairline, gradually add small pieces of hair from the front/top/side of your head into the outer edge of whichever section is currently on the "outside" (facing your face). Only add hair to the outer edge facing your hairline, not the inner edge.
Continue braiding and adding hair until you reach behind your opposite ear.
Once no more hair to add, continue the fishtail braid down the remaining length and tie off. Tuck the tail under or secure with a bobby pin.

It takes practice to keep the added hair neat and the braid lying flat, but wow, it’s a showstopper.

The Dutch ("Inside-Out") Fishtail Braid

This creates a raised, 3D effect:

Start the same: Divide hair into two sections (A and B).
Critical Change: Instead of taking a piece from the outer edge and crossing it over to the opposite inside...
(Here's the twist)... Take a tiny piece from the outer edge of Section B, but cross it underneath the main sections and add it to the inside of Section A.
Then, take a tiny piece from the outer edge of Section A, cross it underneath, and add it to the inside of Section B.
Keep alternating: Tiny piece from outer edge of RIGHT (B), cross UNDER, add to inside of LEFT (A). Tiny piece from outer edge of LEFT (A), cross UNDER, add to inside of RIGHT (B).

Crossing under forces the braid to pop upwards instead of lying flat. It looks incredibly intricate, but it's just a variation on the core move!

Fishtail Braiding for Different Hair Types: Real Talk

Not all hair behaves the same. Here’s the skinny on making how to fishtail braid work for you:

Hair Type	Challenges	Solutions & Pro Tips	Recommended Products (Revisited)
Fine / Straight / Slippery Hair	Sections slip apart easily. Difficult to hold tension. Braid looks thin.	Essential: Texturizing spray or dry shampoo applied BEFORE braiding. Braiding slightly damp can help (experiment!). Take extremely small sections. Use stronger hold elastics (Scunci No-Slip). Consider starting with a tighter ponytail base.	Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Spray, Batiste Dry Shampoo, Scunci No-Slip Elastics
Thick / Coarse Hair	Sections are bulky. Hard to keep pieces small. Heavy braid. Hand fatigue.	Ensure hair is thoroughly detangled. Consider braiding slightly damp for manageability. Focus on taking manageable, consistent small pieces (don't go too thin too fast). Use strong, thick elastics (Goody Ouchless Thick). Take breaks if hands cramp! A light anti-frizz serum on ends only helps tame flyaways.	Goody Ouchless Thick Hair Elastics, OGX Argan Oil (on ends), Wet Brush Pro or Tangle Teezer
Curly / Wavy Hair	Can hide the weave pattern. Sections might not want to stay defined. Frizz.	Braiding on dry, defined curls is usually best for visible pattern. Apply a light curl cream or mousse when wet for definition & control. Take slightly larger sections than fine hair, but still consistent. Embrace a slightly looser, more organic look – it’s beautiful! Minimal flyaways? Use a tiny bit of gel smoothed over hands, not sprayed.	Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls, Cantu Define & Shine Custard, DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel (tiny amount)
Short Hair (Around Shoulder Length)	May not have enough length for a full braid. Shorter tail.	Start braiding as high as possible (crown for ponytail braid). Keep sections very small throughout. Accept a shorter, chunkier braid tail – it’s cute! Secure the end firmly – shorter braids can unravel easier. Texturizing spray is your friend for grip.	Strong Mini Elastics (Invisibobble Small), Texturizing Spray

Your hair is unique. Experiment with prep and tension to find what works. My thick hair braids best on day 2 with a spritz of dry shampoo at the roots.

Fishtail Braid FAQ: Answering Your Actual Questions

Q: How long does my hair need to be to do a fishtail braid?

A: You can start experimenting with shoulder-length hair, especially for a small braid on the side. For a full braid down your back, longer hair (mid-back or longer) gives the most dramatic effect and is easier to practice on. However, with smaller sections and starting high (like a high ponytail), even shorter hair can achieve a cute shorter fishtail. Don't be afraid to try!

Q: Why does my fishtail braid look messy and not like the pictures?

A> This is the most common frustration! It almost always boils down to three things: 1. Sections are too thick (aim for pencil-thin or thinner!), 2. Tension is inconsistent (some parts loose, some tight), and 3. Hair is too slippery (use texturizing spray/dry shampoo on clean hair). Focus on super small pieces and pulling each one snug against the braid consistently. It makes a HUGE difference.

Q: Can I fishtail braid my own hair easily?

A> Absolutely! While doing a fishtail on the back of your head takes practice (like looking in a mirror or using phone cameras), the side fishtail or a ponytail fishtail are excellent starting points where you can easily see what you're doing. Mastering how to fishtail braid your own hair is very achievable with patience. Start simple.

Q: Is a fishtail braid hard to learn?

A> The concept is simple (pull tiny piece from outside, cross over), but the execution takes practice to get neat and consistent. It's different muscle memory than a three-strand braid. Most people find it tricky the first few times but significantly easier than French or Dutch braiding once the rhythm clicks. Stick with it for 4-5 attempts before judging!

Q: How do I make my fishtail braid look fuller and thicker?

A> Three tricks: 1. Pancaking - After securing the end, gently tug outwards on the outer loops of the braid all the way up. Loosens it slightly and makes it look fuller. 2. Start with Teased Hair - Lightly backcomb (tease) the hair at the crown before gathering it to braid. 3. Use Smaller Sections Consistently - More small crossings create denser texture. Avoid pulling the entire braid tight downwards.

Q: How long does a fishtail braid take to do?

A> Once you're proficient? A basic fishtail on a ponytail takes 3-5 minutes. A full head fishtail down the back might take 7-12 minutes. When you're first learning? Budget 15-20 minutes (or more!) for practice without pressure. It speeds up dramatically with muscle memory.

Q: Can I sleep in a fishtail braid?

A> Yes! It's a fantastic protective style and often creates beautiful waves. Make sure it's not braided too tight at the scalp to avoid tension headaches. Use a soft scrunchie or silk/satin hair tie to minimize creases and breakage. A silk pillowcase helps too. Take it down gently in the morning and finger-comb the waves.

Q: Fishtail vs. French Braid: What’s the difference?

A> Core differences:

Sections: Fishtail uses two main sections. French/Dutch use three.
Technique: Fishtail crosses over tiny outer pieces repeatedly. French braid crosses whole strands while incorporating new hair from the sides.
Look: Fishtail has a distinct woven, flat "scale-like" pattern. French braid has a classic three-strand rope appearance running down the center.
Difficulty: Many find the core fishtail motion simpler than managing three strands and adding hair simultaneously in a French braid, though fishtail requires more repetition for length.

Both are beautiful skills!

Keeping It Fresh: Fishtail Braid Care & Style Life

You put in the work, now make it last and look great!

Setting Spray: A light mist of hairspray (TRESemmé Micro Mist is great) over the finished braid tames flyaways and helps hold the weave. Hold the can far away for a light, flexible hold.
Pancaking Perfection: As mentioned in the FAQ, gently pulling the edges of the braid outwards gives it instant volume and a more effortless vibe. Do this after spraying.
Accessories: Jazz it up! Slide in a few decorative bobby pins along the braid, wrap a ribbon around the base, or add a cute clip where the braid starts. Scunci has tons of affordable, pretty options.
Sleeping Protection: If sleeping in it, use that scrunchie or silk tie! Braid it loosely.
Next-Day Refresh: Take it down gently. Finger-comb or use a wide-tooth comb starting from the ends. A light spritz of texturizing spray or leave-in conditioner (It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In, ~$20) can revive the waves/texture.

Learning how to fishtail braid opens up a whole world of hairstyles. It looks intricate, but honestly, breaking it down piece by tiny piece makes it totally doable. Don't get discouraged if the first few tries aren't Instagram-perfect. Mine definitely weren't. Focus on those small sections, consistent tension, and give texturizing spray a shot if your hair is slippery. Stick with it, and one day, that satisfying weave will just click. Happy braiding!