How To Do A Fishtail Braid? Step By Step

The fishtail braid has been my all-time favorite casual look. However, getting a perfect fishtail braid isn't an easy feat. It requires precision and some effort, if not a lot.

It took so much energy and determination for me to grasp it. But, with time, I finally pulled it off and rocked a fishtail braid that's beautifully plaited.

Thankfully, you won't experience such struggles. That's because you'll learn the techniques properly in this article unlike me.

You can likewise see how you can get this done from your scalp and on your wigs.

So, make sure you follow the steps below and read this article to the end to master the Fishtail Braid well.

How To Do A Fishtail Braid On Your Own Hair - Step By Step With Pictures

Step 1: Gather your hair into a ponytail

It can be a center or a side ponytail. Whichever one you prefer. This is to make sure the braid cascades down towards your shoulders.

Step 2: Divide your hair

Now, divide your hair into two equal parts. You can tie your hair with a head tie to make it easier to divide and make the process seamless. If you like messy braids, you should skip tying your hair.

Step 3: Start braid

Pick small strands from the back of a section and pull them to the other half of the hair you earlier divided. You should do the same for the other side as well. Grab small strands of hair from the back of the other section and place them over the first.

Pro tips: While picking the pieces from the back to the front, make sure it's small pieces. You want your fishtail braid to come out fine and not like a regular braid.

Step 4: Keep braiding

Continue to bring strands from the back to the front. Whenever you need to tighten, simply pull both divided strands outward (like you're pulling a rope). Then, place your thumb at the center of the braids to avoid it loosening again.

Your fishtail braid can look snug or loose. It depends on what style you're going for. If you want it loose, do not tighten it by pulling the parts outwards, and keep your hands further away from your braid. For a tight fishtail braid, make sure your hands are close to your braid with your thumb in the middle of it.

Pro Tips: As you braid, take note of your strands. Make sure they are around the same size. You want to avoid big pieces on a side or some parts of the braid. Plus, it'll look perfect and professional if you continue with a consistent size.

Step 5: Secure the braid

Once you've gotten to the ends of your hair, it's time to tie it. You can decide to leave some hair unbraided for a more modern look as well. Decide on that. When that's settled, spin one piece of the divided part and place the other part behind it. Then, use a hair elastic to hold it together.

Step 6: Loose your braider

If you'd like your braid to look a lot fuller and thicker, you can pull it out. So, simply fan it out by pulling the braids from outside. Do that to each side of the fishtail braid for a uniform look. It also gives it a messy yet detailed appearance.

Step 7: Finished

Lastly, finish up the look with a hairspray to keep your hair looking fine and good.

How To Do Fishtail Braid On A Frontal Wig?

I noticed a few trendy fishtail braid wig styles on TikTok. And honestly, a fishtail braid on a wig takes your look to a whole new level. You won’t want to miss out on it. So, let's get started on how you can achieve yours: a fishtail braid on a wig.

Step 1: Install your wig

The first thing you want to do is to install your wig. So, get your wig nicely installed and laid. You can also style the fishtail braid before installation. Whatever you find more comfortable.

Step 2: Section your wig

It's time to section your wig. Decide which area you want the fishtail braid to be and section it.

It can be hard to choose, but there are a few loving ones you can try out. You can have it by the left or right side of the wig, giving you a gorgeous. These styles are different from the usual ponytail style. So, you should enjoy them.

Pro Tips: However, please know that your fishtail braid should not be around the area of your edges. You can section an area in the front part, before deciding where your braid should be.

Once you've decided, use a rattail comb to section out the area and tie the rest of the hair with a hair elastic.

Pro Tips: If it's a “quick weaves” wig or sew-in you're using, make sure you avoid showing your tracks. You can cover them up by pulling hair strands from over the areas. For instance, if you want to cover the second track, pull a few strands from the first track. That way, you get it to look natural.

Step 3: Divide and braid fishtail

• Divide the section for the fishtail braid into two parts. Make sure they are equal.
• Then, pick a few strands from one of the parts and pull it over to the other side. When you are picking, do that from the back of the hair over to the top before adding it to the other part.
• You want the strands you pull to be equal and small. Don't pull over with big strands so the fishtail braid comes out well.
• Repeat the step till you're done with the hair you've sectioned out.

Remember to hold it tight if you want your fishtail braid tight. That's because the looser you hold it, the looser the fishtail braid will be.

Step 4: Tie the end of the braid

Use a hair tie to secure the ends of the braid once you've plaited it. But, if it's too tight, you can loosen it by pulling it out on each side.

Step 5: Done

Now that it is done, remove the hair tie from the rest of the hair and style as you wish. You can simply leave it to flow with the rest of the hair or take it across the other side of your hair for another gorgeous look.

How To Do Fishtail Braid On Scalp

Another beautiful style most people try is the fishtail braid from the scalp. Here's a tutorial on how to braid it;

Step 1: Divide your hair into two sections

You're sectioning from the front to the back so that it gives you two braids. If you'd like one fishtail braid, skip this step.

Step 2: Start braid

• Start with a small triangle section at the front of your hair. Once that's separated, the line on your scalp should look like a triangle.
• Then, divide the triangle section into three equal parts and pull the first strands over the second and the third strands over the strands in the middle.
• Add the middle strands with the first strands so it becomes one. Then, pick a few strands from your scalp, add a little from the strands you've just joined, and pull it to the other side.
• Repeat the same process for the other side of the hair: slide across your scalp, pick a few strands from the one already in your hands, and pull it over to the other side.

This step may seem hard. However, it follows the pattern of the ponytail fishtail braid. The only new technique is you'll simply be adding strands from your scalp to the section you've already had.

• So, repeat the steps over again. Remember to pick a few strands from your scalp and keep them equal and uniform.
• Also, as you plait, make sure it is not loose so the hair turns out tight. You can use your hands to hold them securely while you braid.
• Once you get to the areas with more hair due to the wide portion of the head (middle part of the head), add more hair strands from the wider side and a little from the narrow side.

Step 3: Turn to the normal fishtail braid

After braiding down to the end of the section, it's time to braid following the standard fishtail braid discussed in the first section of this article.

Simply pick a few strands from the back of one side and bring it over to the other side. Repeat on the other side as well. Then, continue the steps till you reach the end.

Step 4: Secure the fishtail end

At the ends, spin one section and pull the other side behind. Use a hair tie to keep the strands tied so they do not loose.

You can loosen the braid a little if you want it loose. Add hairspray for some finishing touch. And that's it!

Now, if you've sectioned your hair into two parts, follow the steps to braid your other half.

On Scalp Fishtail Braid Video

Cute Fishtail Braid Hairstyles

1. Side Fishtail Braid

2. French Fishtail Braid

3. Two Fishtail Braids

4. Messy Fishtail Braid

5. Fishtail Braid Pigtails

6. Black Hair Fishtail Braids

7. Mermaid Braids For Black Hair

8. Fishtail Braid With Weave Ponytail

9. Half Up Half Down Fishtail Braid

Conclusion

Have you started with your fishtail braid? I hope to see how it turns out. At first, it can be difficult, but you should grasp it with practice in no time. If you want to get a fishtail braid without comsuming time, a pre braided wig can help!