The fishtail braid looks like it requires advanced braiding skills, but here’s the secret: it only uses two strands.
The technique is simple — split hair into two sections, then repeatedly take a thin piece from the outside of one section and cross it to the inside of the other. That’s the whole braid.
Smaller pieces make a more intricate-looking fishtail; bigger pieces make it chunkier and faster. There’s no wrong way to do it.
These 15 styles start dead simple and build from there. Let’s get into it.
The Classic Two-Strand Fishtail
The foundation. Gather hair to one side, split into two sections, and cross thin outer pieces over to the opposite side until you run out of hair. Secure with an elastic.
Best for: learning the motion. Do your first one on slightly damp or day-old hair — the grip makes it ten times easier.
Side-Swept Fishtail
Sweep all hair over one shoulder before you start. The side placement keeps the braid visible from the front — no mirror gymnastics needed.
Best for: true beginners. You can see what your hands are doing, which makes learning dramatically faster.
Half-Up Fishtail
Fishtail just the top section of hair and secure it at the back, leaving the rest down. Less hair to manage means less frustration while learning.
Best for: short attention spans and anyone who wants the fishtail look in under five minutes.
Messy Pancaked Fishtail
Braid it, then gently tug each stitch outward to flatten and widen the braid — called pancaking. Instantly doubles the visual thickness.
Best for: fine hair. A pancaked fishtail looks twice as full and hides every beginner wobble.
Fishtail Ponytail
Secure a ponytail first, then fishtail the tail. The elastic holds everything stable so you can focus purely on the crossing technique.
Best for: the easiest possible first fishtail. The ponytail does half the work for you.
Double Fishtail Braids
Part down the middle and fishtail each side. Sporty, symmetrical, and great practice — the second braid always looks better than the first.
Best for: practice sessions. By braid two you’ll have the rhythm down.
French Fishtail
Like a French braid but with the two-strand fishtail technique, adding hair from the sides as you go down. Advanced-looking, totally learnable.
Best for: once you’ve nailed the basic. Add small sections at a time and keep tension even.
Fishtail Braided Bun
Fishtail your hair, then coil the braid into a bun and pin. The fishtail texture peeking through the bun looks incredibly intricate.
Best for: weddings and formal events. It reads as a $200 salon updo.
Lace Fishtail Headband
Fishtail a section along your hairline, adding hair from only the front side. A delicate headband effect with fishtail texture.
Best for: keeping bangs and layers off your face beautifully. Our braided hairstyles for long hair has more headband variations.
Fishtail Pigtails
Two low fishtail pigtails — youthful, fun, and festival-ready. Tie the ends with ribbon for extra charm.
Best for: concerts and casual weekends. They’re supposed to look a little undone.
Fishtail with Ribbon Woven In
Tie a ribbon at the top and treat it as part of one section as you fishtail. The color weaving through the stitches is gorgeous.
Best for: holidays, parties, and anyone who loves a romantic detail. Velvet ribbon photographs beautifully.
Fishtail Top Knot
Flip your head upside down, fishtail from the nape upward, then gather everything into a top knot. The braid climbing into the bun is such a cool detail.
Best for: showing off the technique. The underside braid gets revealed every time you move.
Dutch Fishtail
Cross the pieces under instead of over so the fishtail sits raised on top of the hair. Bolder, more 3D, more dramatic.
Best for: when you want the fishtail to be the star. It pops even more on highlighted hair.
Fishtail Accent Braid
One tiny fishtail worked into otherwise loose hair — a whisper of detail that elevates everything without any real effort.
Best for: everyday wear. It takes two minutes and makes people ask where you got your hair done.
Overnight Fishtail Waves
Sleep in a loose fishtail and wake up to soft, even waves — heatless styling while you dream. Undo, shake, and go.
Best for: heatless-wave lovers. Mist with a little water before braiding if your hair is dry.
Two strands, fifteen styles — you’ve got this. Practice on a side fishtail first, then level up. For more braid inspiration, browse our 18 braided hairstyles for long hair.
