We're going to level with you, fishtail plaits (or braids, as most of the world calls them) look intricate and extremely fiddly but are actually quite easy to create. Whether you have short hair or long, curly or straight, want a side fishtail braid or a dutch plait, all you need is an easy tutorial to make this impressive hairstyle.
Thanks to its versatile nature, a fishtail braid is the perfect hairstyle for a number of different occasions. You can flaunt them at weddings, prom, first dates, in the office, or even on the beach. You can leave them looking polished, or fluff them out for messy fishtail vibe (à la Blake Lively) or you wear them half-up half-down, as a full up-do braid crown or as a ponytail, and once you've mastered the technique, you'll be able to create them with your eyes closed.
Our other favourite thing about this pretty braid is that it can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, which makes it the ideal style to do on busy morning before work. For a simple step-by-step tutorial on how to achieve a chic side fishtail braid, read our guide below.
How To Do A Fishtail Hairstyle: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1
Start with clean, freshly washed and dried hair (we recommend using the Kerluxe CAVIAR4 Shampoo and Conditioner for extra shiny, soft hair).
Brush through your hair, and then use a comb to create a neat side parting. After, bring all of your hair over to your preferred side. Then, split your hair into two equal sections - a right and a left one.
Step 2
Take a small section of hair from the back of the left-hand section of hair, and pull it over the top to join the right-hand section of your hair.
Step 3
Then, take a small section of hair from the back of the right-hand section, and pull it over the top to join the left-hand section of your hair. This will create the start of your fishtail braid.
Step 4
Keep on repeating steps three and four until you have braided your hair right down to the bottom. Then, secure your fishtail braid with a small hairband.
Step 5
If you want to leave your plait looking polished and neat, then you can spritz some hairspray over your hair to set it in place. Or, to achieve a romantic, ethereal-looking fishtail braid, dust some Shu Uemura Art of Hair Volume Maker over your plait, before gently rubbing it in with your fingers and lightly tugging at your braid to loosen some sections. Et voilà!
Fishtail Braid Inspiration
Now that you know how do a fishtail braid, we bet that you're after some fishtail braid inspiration. With lots of different variations to choose from (like a half-up, half-down fishtail braid or a fishtail braid ponytail) you're practically spoiled for choice.
Depending on what kind of occasion you're attending, you can either opt for a more understated fishtail braid, or up the ante with a jaw-dropping, unique style. See some of Grazia's favourite braid looks, below.
Fishtail Braid Inspiration - Grazia
1 of 7Inverted French Fishtail Braid
For a playful twist on the classic fishtail braid, opt for an inverted French version.
2 of 7Half-Up, Half-Down Fishtail Braid
There are a few different ways to rock the half-up, half-down fishtail braid, but we reckon that this one is our favourite.
3 of 7Fishtail Braid Crown
If you have medium-to-long length hair, opt for a fishtail braid crown to really show off your locks.
4 of 7Low Fishtail Braid
A low fishtail braid ponytail is the perfect style for the office.
5 of 7Half-Up, Half-Down Fishtail Braid
Curl the ends of your hair to add some dimension to your half-up, half-down fishtail braid.
6 of 7Half-Up, Half-Down Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids look gorgeous on all hair colours, but especially icy white or silver hues.
7 of 7Low Fishtail Braid
For a dishevelled-looking fishtail braid, gently pull out sections of your hair to loosen the plait.