Fishtail braids look intricate and impressive. But here is the secret. They are actually much easier than they look. Unlike French or Dutch braids, fishtails use just two sections. You simply take small pieces from the outside and cross them over. The result is a beautiful, textured braid that looks like a work of art.
I know the appeal of this style. Maybe you have seen fishtail braids on social media and thought they were too hard. Or you want a romantic braid for a wedding or date night. Perhaps you need a protective style that keeps your hair secure. Or you just love the bohemian, effortless vibe of a fishtail.
I have been there, and I am here to help.
The beauty of fishtail braids is their versatility. You can wear them loose and messy or tight and sleek. You can do a single side braid, double braids, a half up style, or an updo. You can add ribbons, flowers, or accessories. And they work on every hair length from shoulder length to very long.
This guide breaks down 20 stunning fishtail braid styles. You will find messy boho braids, sleek ponytails, half up styles, and elegant updos. I will share exactly what tools and products you need. Plus you will get pro tips on creating volume, hiding elastics, and making your fishtail last all day.
Let us master the fishtail.
Messy & Boho Fishtail Braids for Effortless Style
These fishtail braids are loose, textured, and perfectly imperfect. They are great for festivals, date nights, or any time you want a relaxed, bohemian look.
1. Messy Boho Fishtail Braid with Voluminous Texture
Description: This bohemian style features a loose, messy fishtail braid with lots of volume and texture. The braid is pulled apart for a lived in look. You will need texturizing spray and your fingers. The vibe is boho, effortless, and very festival ready.
Why It Works: The messy texture hides imperfections and makes the braid look thicker. The volume at the crown adds height. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for music festivals, beach days, or any time you want an effortless, boho look.
Pro Tip: After braiding, gently pull the edges of the fishtail to pancake it and create volume. Use texturizing spray at the roots and scrunch with your fingers. Leave out a few face framing pieces for a softer look. Do not use hairspray or the braid will lose its messy texture.
2. Soft Romantic Side-Swept Fishtail Braid
Description: This romantic style features a soft fishtail braid swept to one side. The braid is loose and romantic, not tight. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and a curling wand. The vibe is romantic, soft, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The side sweep creates asymmetry and romance. The soft texture keeps the look from being too severe. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for weddings, date nights, or any time you want a soft, romantic look.
Pro Tip: Sweep all hair to one side before braiding. Create a loose fishtail braid, pulling the sections gently as you go. Curl the ends with a curling wand for a soft finish. Pull the edges of the braid gently to pancake it. Use bobby pins to secure any loose pieces.
3. Classic Sleek Fishtail Braid on Multi-Tonal Hair
Description: This polished style features a sleek, tight fishtail braid on multi tonal hair. The braid is smooth and defined. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and a smoothing serum. The vibe is polished, elegant, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The sleek finish looks polished and professional. The multi tonal hair makes the fishtail pattern visible and dimensional. This style works on straight or blow dried hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for the office, formal events, or any time you want a polished look.
Pro Tip: Use a smoothing serum on your hair before braiding to eliminate frizz. Braid tightly for a clean, defined look. The multi tonal colors will show up beautifully in the fishtail pattern. Use a shine spray on the finished braid for a glossy finish.
4. Intricate Loose French-Style Fishtail Braid
Description: This intricate style combines French braiding with fishtail techniques. The braid starts at the crown and incorporates hair as you go down. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and texturizing spray. The vibe is intricate, detailed, and very impressive.
Why It Works: The French technique keeps the braid close to the scalp at the crown. The fishtail pattern adds texture and interest. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for special occasions or when you want a more complex braid.
Pro Tip: Start by taking a section at your crown. Divide it into two sections. As you fishtail down, add small pieces of hair from the sides, just like a French braid. This takes practice. Use texturizing spray for grip. Pull the edges gently after finishing for volume.
5. Casual Tight Fishtail Braid with Smooth Top
Description: This everyday style features a tight fishtail braid with a smooth, sleek top. The braid itself is tight and defined. You will need a boar bristle brush, elastics, and smoothing serum. The vibe is casual, polished, and very wearable.
Why It Works: The smooth top looks polished and professional. The tight fishtail stays secure all day. This style works on straight or blow dried hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for work, school, or any time you want a polished, low maintenance look.
Pro Tip: Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the top section before braiding. Apply a drop of smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways. Braid tightly for a clean finish. This style can last for two to three days. Sleep with a satin scarf to preserve the braid.
6. Avant-Garde Triple-Layered Textured Fishtail Braid
Description: This dramatic style features three layered fishtail braids stacked on top of each other. The texture is bold and avant garde. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and texturizing spray. The vibe is dramatic, artistic, and very high fashion.
Why It Works: The triple layers create a bold, sculptural look. The texture adds volume and interest. This style works on long, thick hair. It is perfect for photoshoots, fashion events, or any time you want a dramatic, artistic look.
Pro Tip: Divide your hair into three horizontal sections. Fishtail braid each section separately. Stack the braids on top of each other and pin with bobby pins. The bottom braid should be longest, the middle shorter, the top shortest. Use texturizing spray for grip.
Side & Double Fishtail Braids for Everyday Wear
These styles feature fishtail braids worn to the side or as double braids. They are perfect for everyday wear and are surprisingly easy to create.
7. Sleek French-Inverted Fishtail Braid on Dark Hair
Description: This modern style features an inverted (Dutch) fishtail braid that sits on top of the hair rather than sinking in. The dark hair makes the pattern pop. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and texturizing spray. The vibe is modern, edgy, and very chic.
Why It Works: The inverted fishtail is visible and textured. The dark hair creates high contrast with the braid pattern. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for women who want a modern, edgy twist on a classic braid.
Pro Tip: An inverted fishtail is created by crossing the pieces under instead of over. This makes the braid sit on top of the hair. Use texturizing spray for grip. The dark hair will make the inverted pattern very visible. Pull the edges gently for volume.
8. Loose Tousled Side Braid with Face-Framing Tendrils
Description: This romantic style features a loose, tousled side fishtail braid with face framing tendrils left out. The tendrils are soft and wispy. You will need a curling wand, elastics, and texturizing spray. The vibe is romantic, soft, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The face framing tendrils soften the look and draw attention to your eyes. The tousled texture is romantic and effortless. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for weddings, date nights, or any time you want a soft, romantic look.
Pro Tip: Leave out two thin tendrils on each side of your face before braiding. Curl the tendrils with a small curling wand. Create a loose side fishtail braid. Pull the edges gently to pancake it. The tendrils should be soft and wispy, not tight.
9. Double Dutch Fishtail Braids into Half-Up Ponytails
Description: This playful style features two Dutch fishtail braids that start at the crown and transition into half up ponytails. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and texturizing spray. The vibe is playful, youthful, and very fun.
Why It Works: The double braids are symmetric and frame your face. The half up ponytails keep the style playful and youthful. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for festivals, concerts, or any time you want a fun, playful look.
Pro Tip: Create two Dutch fishtail braids starting at your crown. Braid down to your ears. Gather the remaining hair into two half up ponytails. The Dutch fishtail uses the inverted technique so the braid sits on top. Use texturizing spray for grip.
10. Textured Tapered Fishtail Braid with Relaxed Crown
Description: This relaxed style features a fishtail braid that tapers at the ends with a loose, relaxed crown. The crown is teased for volume. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and volumizing powder. The vibe is relaxed, voluminous, and very effortless.
Why It Works: The tapered ends prevent the braid from looking heavy. The relaxed crown adds height and volume. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for casual days or any time you want a relaxed, effortless look.
Pro Tip: Tease the crown section lightly before braiding. Apply volumizing powder to the roots. To taper the fishtail, gradually take smaller pieces as you braid down. The last two inches should be very thin. Pull the edges gently for volume.
11. Half-Up Fishtail Braid with Soft Waves
Description: This romantic style features a half up fishtail braid with soft waves on the bottom half. The braid sits at the crown. You will need a curling wand, elastics, and texturizing spray. The vibe is romantic, soft, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The half up style keeps hair off your face while showing off your length. The soft waves add movement and romance. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for weddings, date nights, or any time you want a romantic look.
Pro Tip: Take the top section of your hair from ear to ear. Create a fishtail braid and secure with an elastic. Use a curling wand to create soft waves on the bottom section. Curl away from your face. Pull the braid edges gently to pancake it.
12. Messy Side-Swept Fishtail Braid
Description: This effortless style features a messy fishtail braid swept to one side. The braid is loose and undone. You will need texturizing spray and your fingers. The vibe is effortless, cool, and very everyday wearable.
Why It Works: The messy texture hides imperfections and makes the braid look thicker. The side sweep creates asymmetry. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for casual days, running errands, or any time you want an effortless look.
Pro Tip: Sweep all hair to one side. Create a loose fishtail braid, pulling the sections gently as you go. Do not braid too tightly. After finishing, pull the edges aggressively to create a messy, voluminous braid. Use texturizing spray for grip and hold.
Updo & Ponytail Fishtail Braids for Special Occasions
These styles are more formal and polished. They are perfect for weddings, proms, or any time you want an elegant look.
13. Classic French Fishtail Braid on Straight Hair
Description: This elegant style features a classic French fishtail braid on straight hair. The braid starts at the crown and incorporates hair as it goes down. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and smoothing serum. The vibe is elegant, classic, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The French technique keeps the braid close to the scalp. The fishtail pattern adds texture and interest. This style works on straight or blow dried hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for weddings, formal events, or any time you want an elegant look.
Pro Tip: Start by taking a section at your crown. Divide it into two sections. As you fishtail down, add small pieces of hair from the sides. Use smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways. This style takes practice. Watch video tutorials before attempting.
14. Intricate Fishtail Braid Updo with Leaf Accessory
Description: This artistic style features an intricate fishtail braid wrapped into an updo. A leaf shaped accessory is tucked into the braid. You will need bobby pins, elastics, and a leaf accessory. The vibe is artistic, ethereal, and very high fashion.
Why It Works: The fishtail updo is unique and unexpected. The leaf accessory adds a natural, artistic touch. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for weddings, photoshoots, or any time you want an artistic, ethereal look.
Pro Tip: Create a fishtail braid starting at your nape. Wrap the braid into a bun and pin with bobby pins. Tuck the leaf accessory into the bun, sliding the stem under the braid. Use strong hold hairspray to keep everything in place. This style is very elegant.
15. Boho Half-Up Crown Braid with Loose Curls
Description: This bohemian style features a fishtail braid that wraps around your head like a crown. The rest of your hair falls in loose curls. You will need a curling wand, bobby pins, and texturizing spray. The vibe is boho, romantic, and very festival ready.
Why It Works: The crown braid keeps hair off your face dramatically. The loose curls are romantic and soft. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for music festivals, outdoor weddings, or any time you want a boho, romantic look.
Pro Tip: Create a fishtail braid from behind one ear to behind the other, wrapping across your forehead. Pin the ends behind your ears. Use a curling wand to create loose curls on the remaining hair. Curl away from your face. Pull the braid edges gently for volume.
16. Tightly Woven Fishtail Braid on Vibrant Red Hair
Description: This bold style features a tight, tightly woven fishtail braid on vibrant red hair. The braid is smooth and defined. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and shine spray. The vibe is bold, vibrant, and very eye catching.
Why It Works: The tight weave creates a clean, polished look. The vibrant red color makes the fishtail pattern pop. This style works on straight or blow dried hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for women who want to show off their bold hair color.
Pro Tip: Braid tightly for a clean, defined look. Use a shine spray to make the red color pop. The vibrant red will look stunning in the fishtail pattern. This style can last for two to three days. Sleep with a satin scarf to preserve the braid.
17. Low Chignon with Overlapping Fishtail Braids
Description: This elegant style features two overlapping fishtail braids wrapped into a low chignon. The braids cross over each other. You will need bobby pins, elastics, and strong hold hairspray. The vibe is elegant, intricate, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The overlapping braids create a unique, intricate look. The low chignon is elegant and timeless. This style works on medium to long hair of any texture. It is perfect for weddings, galas, or any time you want an elegant, sophisticated look.
Pro Tip: Create two fishtail braids, one on each side of your head. Cross them over each other at the nape. Wrap the ends into a low chignon and pin with bobby pins. Use strong hold hairspray to keep everything in place. This style is very elegant.
18. Sleek High Ponytail with Statement Bubble Braid Detail
Description: This modern style features a sleek high ponytail with a bubble braid detail made from a fishtail technique. You will need elastics, a boar bristle brush, and smoothing serum. The vibe is modern, sleek, and very fashion forward.
Why It Works: The high ponytail is sleek and polished. The bubble braid detail adds interest without being overwhelming. This style works on straight or blow dried hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for the office, formal events, or any time you want a modern look.
Pro Tip: Create a high ponytail and smooth with a boar bristle brush. Tie elastics every two inches down the ponytail. Between each elastic, create a fishtail pattern by taking small pieces from the outside and crossing them over. This creates a bubble effect.
19. Glossy French Fishtail Braid with Bronde Highlights
Description: This glossy style features a French fishtail braid on bronde (brown and blonde) hair. The finish is high shine and glossy. You will need a tail comb, elastics, and shine spray. The vibe is glossy, polished, and very red carpet ready.
Why It Works: The French fishtail keeps the braid close to the scalp. The bronde highlights make the fishtail pattern visible. This style works on straight or blow dried hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for formal events or any time you want a glossy, polished look.
Pro Tip: Use a shine spray on the finished braid for a glossy, healthy look. The bronde highlights will catch the light beautifully. French fishtail by adding small pieces from the sides as you braid down. This style takes practice but looks stunning.
20. Polished High Ponytail Fishtail Braid on Dark Hair
Description: This polished style features a high ponytail that transitions into a fishtail braid. The top is sleek, the braid is defined. You will need a boar bristle brush, elastics, and smoothing serum. The vibe is polished, elegant, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The high ponytail is sleek and polished. The fishtail braid adds texture and interest. This style works on straight or blow dried hair of medium to long length. It is perfect for the office, formal events, or any time you want a polished, elegant look.
Pro Tip: Create a high ponytail and smooth with a boar bristle brush. Divide the ponytail into two sections and create a tight fishtail braid. Use smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways at the crown. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it.
Conclusion
Fishtail braids look complicated, but they are actually one of the easiest braids to master. With just two sections and a simple crossing motion, you can create beautiful, textured braids that look like they took hours. Whether you want a messy boho braid for a festival or a sleek ponytail for the office, there is a fishtail style for you.
I hope these 20 fishtail braid styles have inspired you to practice and perfect this versatile technique. The best advice I can give is to practice on a day when you are not in a rush. Fishtail braids get easier with practice. And do not be afraid to pull the edges to create volume. A perfect fishtail is supposed to look a little messy.
Now I want to hear from you. Which of these 20 fishtail braid styles will you try first? Do you have a question about how a certain style would work with your hair length or texture? Drop a comment below. I read every single one and I am happy to help you master the fishtail braid.
