Braids are timeless hairstyles that offer protection and beauty all at the same time. Braids make a striking statement about who you are while standing out.
Try combining fishtail braids at the bottom with regular braids on top for an adorable schoolgirl look! This hairstyle works particularly well on women who have thick or voluminous locks.
1. Classic Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids are an elegant hairstyle that adds a simple yet chic and luxurious touch to any look. While this braid may appear complex initially, its beauty lies in being more straightforward than you think to create.
Start by dividing your hair into two sections – one on the right side and another at the back – using two even sections as guides. Next, grab a small subsection of Section X from your right area (Section X) and cross it into Section L on your left side (Section L). Do this until all sections have been joined together at their bases by crossing over their subsections with each other until you reach the end. Secure it all using a hair tie!
Once you’ve mastered the basic fishtail braid, expand your repertoire by adding fun hair accessories. For instance, try L’Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color, which has several vibrant hues and washes out after just one shampoo!
If you’re feeling daring, try your hand at creating a fishtail braid with multiple pigtails. YouTuber Tashie Tinks takes this fun look one step further by securing her hair into two low pigtails before bailing them down until their ends. She then adds extra flair by gently tugging and pin-pinning sections of braided sections before finishing it all off by gently pulling on each braid section individually and pining down any flyaways.
Fishtail braids for black hair require products designed to give it an ideal finish, such as styling mousse or leave-in treatments and hairsprays that help keep it in place all day. We suggest beginning with styling mousse before adding in leave-in treatments and finishing up with hairspray if your braid doesn’t stay put throughout your day!
2. Twisted Fishtail Braid
For events requiring extra elegance, longer hair allows for adding a twisted element to the fishtail braid for extra drama and flair. This look works particularly well for proms, weddings, or any special occasions where an additional elegant touch is desired. GlamFam provides this tutorial showing how you can achieve this romantic look using regular ponytails, followed by adding fishtail braids to create a braid that looks like it was made from flowers!
This braid is known as a Dutch fishtail braid, in which details are passed underneath it instead of passing pieces over or around it. This method produces thicker braids reminiscent of those seen on Pinterest boards; alternatively, you could try starting with regular braiding before adding small sections from side to side for a similar effect.
To create this look, start by brushing back and separating your hair into two even sections – roughly as wide as your thumb – using your fingers to part them. Next, take small snippets from each section’s outer side to add to the inner one’s core; keep doing this until you reach the end of your locks!
Once you reach the ends of your hair, tie it back using a thin elastic in a color that complements it and secure it with a bobby pin to conceal any visible elastic bands or any stray hairs that might stick out from beneath the braid. Next, gently tug on it to appear more full; using hairspray if necessary can keep this style intact all day!
3. Faux Ponytail
Fishtail braids are an easy and stylish way to elevate a ponytail, perfect for black women with long, voluminous locks that can easily be pulled into fuller ponytails. To achieve this look, brush out and tie back your locks into either a low ponytail or classic half-up/half-down style; add extra volume by dusting with products like VO5 Instant Volume Powder for additional texture.
Once your ponytail is secured, divide it into two equal sections using your fingers near the hair tie. Take one strand from outside of the left section and move it inside of the right team – repeat this until all strands of your hair have been braided into an intricate braid that you secure using a hair tie or bobby pins/hairspray to hide its elastic underneath your hair.
If you’re feeling creative, why not turn this fishtail into a Dutch fishtail braid? To do so, begin by sectioning off small portions from the nape of your neck; this is Section 1. Next, divide another section outside your left head (Section 2) and pass it under Section 1 until it joins Section 2. Continue this pattern until all four teams have interwoven, and your braid has been shaped!
Are You Searching for an Even More Stylish Way to Wear a Fishtail Braid? Add Ponytail Extensions! There is an array of different ponytail extensions on the market today, ranging from human hair ponytail extensions and clip-ins down to clip-in extensions – remember, when using such products, they should always use high-quality, sulfate-free products!
4. Dreadlock Fishtail Braid
Dreadlocks are knotted ropes of matted hair that have been knotted over time to form matted ropes of matted locks, worn for many reasons and across numerous cultures and ethnic groups throughout history. Dreadlocks may symbolize pride, status, or spirituality while protecting and styling long-haired children – something often frowned upon when worn outside that group’s cultural identity. Wearing them without belonging to that cultural group has long been controversial.
Create braided dreadlocks as one way of donning them dreadlocks without fully committing. Start by sectioning your hair into smaller strands and braiding each one individually before securing each braid with elastics that match your hair color and then using dread wax to prevent unraveling of the braids.
Fishtail braids are another classic style for dreadlocks that is perfect for formal events and dinner dates. As the braids loosen or become messy, their look becomes even more appealing.
Dying your dreadlocks is one of the best ways to add brightness to them, making an individual statement about yourself and boosting their health and vibrancy. There’s an array of colors to choose from, ensuring one suits any personality or mix and match for an intriguing new look!
5. Box Braids
Box braids are an easy way to protect Black hair. Easy to create and last up to several weeks at a time, they require routine care to look their best; thus, when wearing box braids, it is recommended that you utilize a comprehensive hair care regime, including both hydrating and styling products, to maintain them throughout the day.
Box Braids can add texture and color to your look in numerous styles, making them an excellent way to bring texture or vibrance. Wear them in single, fishtail, or ponytail braids; for an elegant touch, try braiding them into Bantu knots claw-clipped braid crowns like Marsai Martin or Jackie Aina have. Finally, you could wrap them around a turban or wear them with a headwrap.
Another fun style you should experiment with is a double-tie fishtail braid, created by braiding a regular fishtail braid before weaving four side strands into it at four points to form this beautiful feminine style that will turn heads.
Untying is easy and quick when you’re ready to untie your braids and return to natural locks. Just use a shampoo without sulfates and an enriching conditioner such as the Sacred Tiara Leave-in Conditioner before taking it out.
As seen above, fishtail braids offer endless styling possibilities to fit any event or outfit. So why not give this versatile style a go and show your confidence? You won’t regret it! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below about this protective hairstyle.
