The fishtail braid has taken over Instagram and Facebook with it’s perfectly-beachy, mermaid-esque style! Lots of fashion bloggers have taken to using the fishtail braid in mini braids across their head, or with large, oversized messy braids for a boho look. Although the braid looks very elaborate, it’s fairly simple if you can learn where your fingers need to be and how to hold the strands. It is perfect for those with long hair, because it keeps it out of your face on hot summer days. It is also a hairstyle that tends to look better the messier it gets, which makes it ideal for a long day, or even going to the gym.
1. Divide your hair into two even sections. You will have a left piece and a right piece. {Beginner TIP: If this is your first time trying a fishtail, start by securing your hair with a disposable clear elastic or a hair bungee and pull hair back into a ponytail. Then Divide the ponytail into two smaller, equal-sized ponytails.}
2. Take a thin strand of hair from the left section. Gather it from the outside. It should be no thicker than ½ inch
3. Pull the thin strand up and across the left section. Move it towards the right one. Be sure that you don’t twist the hair as you bring it across.
4. Tuck the thin strand under the right section. It will now become part of the right section.
5. Gently tug on the two sections to tighten them. Move your hands up as far as they can go. The tighter you make your braid, the better; you can always tousle it for a messier look later.
6. Take a thin strand from the right section. Gather it from the outside of the section, and make it no thicker than ½ inch
7. Pull the thin strand up and across the right section. Move it towards the left section.
8. Tuck it under the left section. It is now part of the left section.
9. Keep alternating sides until you reach the end of your hair. Leave at least an inch of your hair unbraided so that you can tie it off. Try to use thinner strands the further down you go on your braid. This will help make your braid look more even; your hair becomes naturally thinner towards the ends. Don’t worry if it’s messy, that’s part of the fishtail braid charm.
10. Wrap a hair tie around the end of your hair. If you want, you can take a strand of hair, and wrap it around the hair tie to hide it. Secure the strand with a bobby pin. We like the really thin, clear rubber bands to create a more polished look!