Space the rings evenly throughout the braid or cluster them together for different effects.
The metallic accents catch the light beautifully as you move.
This trend-forward style adds unexpected detail to the classic fishtail, making it perfect for festival season or whenever you want to stand out.
12: Waterfall Fishtail Hybrid
Create a waterfall braid that transitions into a fishtail halfway around your head.
The waterfall section lets strands “fall” down while the fishtail portion creates a defined braid.
This combination technique creates a unique flow of textures, with the loose waterfall strands blending seamlessly with your down hair.
The hybrid style offers the best of both braiding worlds and looks particularly stunning with highlighted or balayage hair that showcases the different textures.
13: Half-Up Fishtail with Flowers
Create your half-up fishtail as usual, but incorporate small fresh or silk flowers throughout the braid.
Tuck the flower stems directly into the braid as you work.
For special events, match the flowers to your bouquet or event colors. For everyday wear, baby’s breath or small wildflowers create a delicate, romantic effect.
This nature-inspired style is perfect for spring and summer occasions, particularly outdoor weddings or garden parties.
14: Pull-Through Fishtail Combo
Create a half-up section and divide it into two parts. With the top part, create a pull-through braid (a faux braid technique using ponytails).
Use the bottom section to craft a traditional fishtail.
Let the pull-through braid cascade into the fishtail for a complex-looking yet surprisingly simple style.
The combination creates amazing texture and dimension.
This show-stopping style creates the illusion of much more intricate braiding than it actually requires—perfect for impressing without hours of effort.
15: Half-Up Bubble Fishtail
Create your fishtail braid as usual, but place small clear elastics every inch or so down the length. Gently tug the hair between each elastic to create “bubbles” of volume.
This technique adds a playful, modern twist to the classic fishtail and creates beautiful dimension, especially when viewed from the back.
The bubble effect works particularly well with highlighted or multi-toned hair, showcasing the different colors throughout the braid.
16: Lace Fishtail Half-Up
Begin a French fishtail at your hairline, incorporating new hair only from underneath as you work backward.
This creates a “lace” effect where the braid floats on your loose hair.
Continue this technique around to the back of your head, where you’ll finish with a standard fishtail using the gathered hair. Secure with a clear elastic or decorative clip.
This intricate-looking style appears much more complex than it is, making it perfect for impressing with seemingly advanced braiding skills.
17: Topsy Tail Fishtail
Create a half-up ponytail and secure with an elastic. Make a hole in the hair directly above the elastic and flip the ponytail through it to create a “topsy tail” effect.
Use the flipped ponytail as your starting point for a fishtail braid.
