How to Do a Fishtail Braid (PHOTOS)

Braided hair is so pretty — and an easy style even if your hair isn't clean or it's a frizzy hair kind of day. And the fishtail braid (also known as herringbone braid) is a really pretty look. The problem is that it's harder to do than your standard braid … or so I thought.

Farouk Systems Creative Artist Danielle Bucco-Regazzi shares with us the very simple steps on how to achieve the fishtail braid. It is the look actress Jennifer Lawrence will be wearing in the movie The Hunger Games, so we think it's going to be even more of a must-have style than it is now once it premieres.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fishtail braid.

Start with dry hair. Bucco-Regazzi suggests you will need:

  • BioSilk Silk Therapy
  • CHI Digital 1” Orbit Curling Iron
  • BioSilk Molding Silk
  • Clear Plastic Bands

Apply a dime size amount of BioSilk Silk Therapy from mid-shaft to ends — avoid the roots. Taking large sections, curl the hair around the CHI Digital Orbit to create a beach curl. Apply a fingertip size amount of BioSilk Molding Silk from mid-shaft to ends to help create texture.

Step 1: Start by using your fingers to direct the hair to one side. Make sure hair is free of knots.

Step 2: Gather your hair to the side and divide it into two sections. Do this instead of three sections, like you would for a regular braid. I find it easier to put it in a low ponytail — you can remove the tie after.
 

Step 3: Hold both sections in one hand, separated by your pointer finger, and use your other hand to grab a small piece from the outside of one section. Make sure it's a small piece — the smaller it is, the more intricate the fishtail braid will look.

Step 5: Pull all the strands of that small piece over to the other half, joining it with that section of hair. Then take a new piece of hair of the same smaller size from the outside of that section and braid the opposite way.

Keep going as far down as you want. It can be messy or neater depending on the style you like. At first it may not seem like you are achieving the braid, but pull hair tight as you go and eventually you will see the braid. You can do it tight or loose depending on the look you want.

Step 6: Secure at end with a tie. *Remove the first ponytail tie if you used it at the start.

It may take a little bit to get it right — it did for me. But once you get it, you will be happy you kept trying. Try it with a small strand too just to have a little fishtail while the rest of your hair is down and flowing around it. Also, sleep with your hair in this braid for the night and the next day you will have mermaid-like waves once you take it out.

Have you tried the fishtail braid? Do you like the look?

Images courtesy of Farouk