20 Fishtail Braid Variations Even Beginners Can Master This Week

Fishtail Braids Are Easier Than They Look

I used to think fishtail braids were for people with extra hands and endless patience. Then I actually learned one, and it took me four minutes. That’s it. Four minutes.

A fishtail is really just two sections of hair, crossed over and over with tiny strands. Once it clicks, your hands basically do it on autopilot.

So I rounded up 20 fishtail braid variations you can master this week, from a two-minute classic to styles that nod to 2026 hairstyles like hime cut vibes and quiet luxury details.

Pick one, try it tomorrow, and text me a photo. Let’s braid.

1. The Classic Fishtail Braid

This is your starting point. Every other variation on this list builds on it, so spend five minutes here first.

1. Pull hair into a low ponytail and split it into two sections.
2. Take a thin strand from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right.
3. Do the same on the right side, crossing to the left.
4. Keep alternating until you reach the ends, then secure with a clear elastic.

Pro tip: keep your strands small for a tight, detailed braid, or thicker for a softer look.

2. The Messy Fishtail Braid

If the classic feels too stiff, this one is your best friend. A messy fishtail is what I wear on day-three hair when I want to look like I tried without actually trying.

• Braid a regular fishtail, but keep your tension loose.
• Once secured, gently pull the edges of the braid outward with two fingers.
• Let a few face-framing pieces fall loose.

This pairs perfectly with second-day hair, and a little dry shampoo gives it extra grip and texture.

3. The Side Fishtail Braid

The side fishtail is the romantic older sister of the classic. It works on almost every hair length, and it photographs beautifully.

• Sweep all your hair to one shoulder before you start.
• Braid downward along the side of your neck.
• Pancake the braid slightly so it looks fuller.

This one looks especially gorgeous with an asymmetrical lob, since the shorter side frames your face while the braid does the rest.

4. The Double Fishtail Braid

Two braids, double the cute. This is the look I go for when I want something playful that still feels put together.

1. Part your hair down the middle.
2. Braid each side into a standard fishtail, starting at the nape.
3. Secure both ends with small elastics.
4. Gently tug each braid wider for a softer finish.

It’s a favorite for festivals, workouts, and those days when you want your hair completely off your face.

5. The Half-Up Fishtail

Half-up styles are having a moment, and adding a fishtail makes this one feel extra special. It’s my go-to for date nights and weddings.

• Section off the top half of your hair.
• Braid it into a small fishtail and secure with a clear elastic.
• Leave the bottom half loose and wavy.

You can also pin the braid into a small bun at the back for a style that leans into old money hair energy.

6. The Fishtail Ponytail

Want the polish of a ponytail with more detail? Braid the tail. This is the easiest way to dress up a basic ponytail in under two minutes.

1. Pull your hair into a low or mid ponytail.
2. Split the tail into two sections.
3. Fishtail braid down to the ends and secure.

Smooth the top with a little serum or gel so the braid really stands out. It’s clean, it’s easy, and it works for the office or a night out.

7. The Fishtail Bun

This is the quiet luxury version of a messy bun. You braid first, then wrap, and suddenly your bun looks intentional instead of chaotic.

• Braid a loose fishtail down your back.
• Wrap the braid around itself into a low bun.
• Pin with bobby pins and tug the edges for softness.

It’s elegant enough for a wedding and easy enough for a Tuesday. A great match if you love the quiet luxury bob look but want to switch it up.

8. The Mermaid Fishtail Braid

The mermaid fishtail is soft, wavy, and a little dreamy. It’s basically the braid version of beach hair, and it’s way easier than it sounds.

1. Start with wavy or curled hair for extra texture.
2. Braid a very loose fishtail.
3. Pull sections wide so it looks woven and flowy.

Leave the tail unbraided and wavy. It’s romantic, effortless, and one of those romantic goth hairstyles that works in daylight too.

9. The Bubble Fishtail Braid

A bubble fishtail mixes two trends in one braid: the fishtail texture and the bubble sections that look like stacked balloons. Playful, but still neat enough for work.

• Braid a normal fishtail.
• Gently pull each section outward to create round bubbles.
• Space them evenly down the braid.
• Spritz with light hold spray.

If you want a quiet luxury bob instead, skip this one. Otherwise, it’s a fun, low-effort statement.

10. The Fishtail Braid With a Scarf

Weaving a scarf into your braid is the fastest way to look like you styled your hair for an hour. It takes two extra minutes, tops.

1. Tie a thin scarf at the base of your ponytail.
2. Treat the two scarf ends as one of your braid strands.
3. Braid normally, letting the scarf peek through.
4. Secure and tie the scarf at the bottom.

Bonus: undo the braid later and you get soft, effortless waves. It’s basically two hairstyles in one.

11. The Halo Fishtail Braid

The halo braid wraps around your head like a crown, and it looks way harder than it actually is. Big angel energy, minimal effort.

• Create two small fishtail braids, one on each side.
• Cross them over the top of your head.
• Pin the ends underneath with bobby pins.

Keep it slightly undone for that glitchy glam hair look, where everything is polished but a little imperfect on purpose.

12. The Fishtail Braided Crown

Similar to the halo, but this one sits lower and reads more romantic goth than angelic. Ideal for fall and winter looks.

1. Braid one fishtail down the center.
2. Wrap it around your head like a crown.
3. Pin securely and loosen the edges.

Pair it with a dark lip and you’re basically a modern vampire haircut mood, minus the commitment of an actual cut.

13. The Mini Fishtail Accent

Not ready for a full braid? Start with a mini one. This is a small fishtail woven into loose hair as a detail, not the whole style. It’s like jewelry for your hair.

• A tiny fishtail along your part.
• A mini braid tucked behind one ear.
• Two small braids meeting at the back.

It’s subtle, beginner-friendly, and perfect if you love a clean aesthetic but want one interesting detail.

14. The Fishtail Braid With Ribbon

Ribbon braids are everywhere right now, and for good reason. A silk ribbon woven through a fishtail instantly makes it look expensive.

1. Start a regular fishtail and hold the ribbon with one section.
2. Braid the ribbon in as one of your strands.
3. Tie it off at the bottom and trim the ends.

Choose a ribbon about the same width as your strands, and go satin for shine or velvet for a fall feel.

15. The Low Fishtail With a Middle Part

This is the version I wear when I want to look serious. A middle part, a sleek low braid, and zero fuss.

• Part hair down the middle and smooth it down.
• Braid a low fishtail starting at the nape.
• Tuck the tail under or leave it loose.

This one leans into 2026 hairstyles energy: clean, intentional, and quietly confident. It also works beautifully on fine hair because a low braid adds fullness without bulk.

16. The Fishtail Braid With Curtain Bangs

Got bangs? Let them work for you. Curtain bangs plus a fishtail is one of my favorite combos because the bangs soften the style instantly.

1. Braid a classic or loose fishtail.
2. Leave your curtain bangs out and slightly tousled.
3. Add a little texture spray to the bangs so they hold their shape.

It’s romantic without trying too hard, and it flatters almost every face shape.

17. The Sleek Fishtail Braid

When you want edge instead of softness, go sleek. Tight sections, smooth roots, and zero flyaways. This is the fishtail’s coolest alter ego.

• Brush hair smooth with a little gel or pomade.
• Use very thin strands for a tight, defined braid.
• Finish with a strong hold spray.

It looks incredible with an asymmetrical lob and a bold lip. Great for events when you want to look sharp from every angle.

18. The Fishtail Braid With a Headband

The easiest upgrade on this entire list. Add a padded headband to a basic fishtail and suddenly you look like you stepped out of a magazine.

1. Braid a loose fishtail down your back.
2. Slide a padded headband in above your ears.
3. Tuck any loose pieces behind the band.

It’s basically old money hair in one step. Pearl, velvet, or tortoiseshell headbands all work beautifully here.

19. The Waterfall Fishtail Braid

This one takes a little more practice, but it’s stunning once you get it. The braid drops sections of hair as it moves, so it looks like a waterfall.

• Start a fishtail at one side.
• Before each cross, drop a small strand and pick up a new one.
• Work your way around your head, securing as you go.

It’s a showstopper for weddings and special events. Skip the dry shampoo and use a light hold spray instead.

20. The Pulled Fishtail Braid

My personal favorite. This is just a fishtail braid, but pulled wide until it looks thick and soft like a cloud. It’s the style I get the most questions about.

1. Braid a normal fishtail.
2. Gently pull each section outward, working from bottom to top.
3. Stop when it looks full but still holds its shape.

Works best on medium to thick hair, and pairs beautifully with 2026 hairstyles that favor texture and movement.

Before You Go

Here’s the truth: most of these look harder than they are. Start with the classic, get comfortable with your hands, then work your way down the list one braid at a time.

You don’t need perfect hair or a million products. Just a few elastics, five minutes, and a little patience on the first try.

Save this post to Pinterest so you can find it later, and tell me in the comments which variation you’re trying first. I read every single one.