The standard fishtail braid is a simple and beautiful hairstyle for long hair. Do you want a fun alternative fishtail braid style? A side fishtail braid can give any outfit a soft and playful, yet elegant look.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Weaving a Standard Side Fish Tail Braid
Step 1. Part your hair
After combing your hair, make a side part, then brush your hair towards the opposite shoulder. Gather all the hair to the shoulder opposite the parting.
If the parting is on the right, collect the hair above the left shoulder, and vice versa
Step 2. Divide the hair into two sections
Hold the hair with both hands and separate it into two equal parts. Make sure your hair is neatly separated and that there is no hair mixed between the two sections.
Step 3. Start braiding the fishtail
Holding your hair at the sides of your head with both hands, start braiding a fishtail. Take a small section of hair from one of the outer sections of hair, making it the third strand for now. Cross the third, smaller strand of hair into the rest of the hair. This third strand is now the section of hair opposite it. You now have two more sections.
- Repeat this step on the next strand. Take a small section of hair from the outer section of hair that you haven't picked up yet, making it the third strand. Cross this third strand into the first section of hair. This third strand is now the first section of hair. Now you have two more sections of hair.
- Pull the two sections of hair apart from each other.
Step 4. Continue adding hair
Add a small section of hair from the outer section and cross it in the section opposite it as you did in step 3. Be sure to tighten the braid after completing each braid.
The fish tail braid will look like an inverted braid. There are only two strands intertwined, giving it the distinctive look of a fish tail
Step 5. Loosen the braid
Fishtail braids are often styled a little messy and loose. For this look, pull out a few strands of hair to make it look messy. You can also loosen the braid to loosen it up, giving the braid a textured look.
If you're having trouble braiding yourself, tie your hair with a hair band after you've gathered your hair above your shoulders. Follow the instructions for finishing the braid. Then, carefully cut the hair band using scissors. This will give you the same loose look as if you were braiding it without the hair band. Loosen the braid after you remove the hair band
Step 6. Done
Method 2 of 3: Braiding a Bohemian Fishtail
Step 1. Part your hair
Make a deep side parting. The part of the hair should be on the side opposite the shoulder where you drape the braid. For example, if you want your braid to hang over your right shoulder, part your hair on the left.
The cleavage should stop at the crown of the head. Do not part hair to the back of the head
Step 2. Gather the hair near the parting
Take a small triangular section of hair in the part and separate it from the rest of the hair. Divide this strand of hair into three sections. Tie your hair on the side you want.
Step 3. Start making French braids
Divide the hair into thirds, then make a French braid. Cross one of the outer hairs over the middle section of hair. Then take the opposite outer hair and cross it over the middle section of hair. This step is the beginning of the anchor braid.
- As you continue braiding, add a small section of hair to each braid. Add hair starting along the front hairline, and from around the back of your ear. Don't add hair from the very back.
- Tie the braid with a hair elastic when it reaches your ears.
Step 4. Sweep the hair over the shoulders
Take the remaining hair and place it over the shoulder you want. All of your hair should be gathered together.
Pull a few strands of hair around your face for a softer, more messy look
Step 5. Start the fish tail braid
Part the hair into two parts. Take a section of hair from the back of the right side, cross it and join it with the hair on the left. Take a section of hair from the back of the left side, cross it and join it with the hair on the right. Continue braiding in this way until you reach the ends of your hair.
- Pull tightly after each braid is complete. Keep the two sections of hair tight and separate by holding them apart.
- Don't separate the new section of hair as you cross it. Every time you start a new braid, your hair should still be split in two.
Step 6. Secure the braid with a hair band
When you get to the end of the braid, secure it with a hair band. Pull the braid loose.
You don't need to finish the braid to the ends of your hair. You can finish the braid at any length you want
Step 7. Done
Method 3 of 3: Weaving Alternative Side Fish Tail Braids
Step 1. Gather Your Hair
Pull your hair into a ponytail. Secure the ponytail with a hair band right at the nape of the neck. Be sure to use a hair band that can be clipped.
Step 2. Start braiding the fishtail
Part the hair into two parts. Take a section of hair from the right side, pull it and unite it with the hair on the left. Take a section of hair from the left side, cross it and join it with the hair on the right. Each time you finish a braid, pull the hair tight by separating it into two sections. Repeat this method until the end of the braid.
- Make sure the smaller sections of hair are joined to the two main sections of hair. There shouldn't be a lot of smaller pieces when you're braiding.
- An alternative way to start this braid is to start from the top of your head. By starting at the top of your head, you don't need a hair band. The braid starts with two sections of hair. When the braid reaches the nape of the neck, add a section of hair. You may need someone to help you braid your hair if you want to complete this look yourself.
Step 3. Finish
Secure the bottom end of the braid with a hair band. Carefully cut the hair band from your hair using scissors. Loosen the braid by gently tugging on the braid to loosen it. To complete this look, drape the braid over one shoulder.
Tips
- So that you don't combine strands when braiding, hold the two sections far apart. This also ensures that the braid stays tight as you braid it.
- Do not separate the third part. Each time you hold a smaller section, add it to the main section of hair. You should always start each braid with two different sections of hair.
- Don't think too complicated. Basically you make an X pattern along the length of the braid.
- To make the braid look soft and silky, comb your hair. For braids with a messy texture and look, leave hair natural or hair wake.
- This look is best for textured hair, such as curls or waves. But if your hair is fine, texture it with curlers, straighteners, or with a back comb. You can also try spray or dry shampoo for texture.
- If your hair is layered, pin it around your neck, or let it loose for a pretty bohemian look.
- When you're braiding, make sure you take equal sections of hair. That way the braids will look even and balanced.
