Glam Up 21 Fishtail Updos for Evening Event Magic

Okay, let’s be real. You have an event coming up. You want to look incredible, but you also don’t want to spend hours wrestling with a curling iron or a hundred bobby pins. I get it. That’s why I’m obsessed with the fishtail braid right now. It looks way more complicated than it actually is.

When you turn that beautiful, textured braid into an updo, you get instant evening magic. It’s elegant, it’s romantic, and it holds all night. This isn’t about stiff, formal hair. It’s about looking effortlessly put-together.

I’ve pulled together 21 of my favorite ways to glam up a fishtail for any event. Whether you’re going for old money hair vibes or something more edgy, there’s a look here for you. Let’s dive in and find your perfect style.

1. The Classic Low Fishtail Bun

This is your perfect starting point. It’s timeless, works on almost every hair length and texture, and takes just minutes to master. The key is keeping the braid a little loose and pulling out a few face-framing pieces.

It pairs perfectly with a simple black dress or a silk slip, giving off major quiet luxury hair energy. No one needs to know how easy it was.

• Create a low, loose fishtail braid.
• Wrap the braid into a bun and secure with pins.
• Gently pull on the edges of the braid for volume.
• Finish with a light-hold hairspray.

2. The Boho Fishtail Crown

Perfect for a garden party or a summer wedding, this style feels romantic and free-spirited. It keeps your hair completely off your face while looking like you just stepped out of a fairytale.

Don’t worry about perfection here. Messy, textured pieces are what make this look so good. It’s one of those 2026 hairstyles that feels fresh but also timeless.

• Part your hair down the middle.
• Create two fishtail braids, one on each side.
• Wrap each braid across the top of your head, pinning securely.
• Tuck the ends under and let some wisps fall free.

3. The Textured Fishtail Ponytail

When you want an updo but still love the feel of hair on your shoulders, this is your go-to. It elevates a simple ponytail into something special and is incredibly secure for dancing the night away.

Tease the hair at your crown slightly before gathering it for instant volume. This look bridges the gap between sleek and soft.

1. Create a high or mid-height ponytail.
2. Fishtail braid the ponytail itself.
3. Wrap the end of the braid around the base to hide the elastic.
4. Pull gently on the braid to make it wider and fuller.

 

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The Side-Swept Fishtail Updo

This asymmetrical style is so flattering. It adds a touch of drama and glamour, drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones. It works amazingly with an asymmetrical lob haircut.

Start with deep side-parted hair. The off-center balance is what makes this feel modern and red-carpet ready, a true glitchy glam hair move.

• Part your hair deeply to one side.
• Gather hair from the heavier side and begin a loose fishtail.
• Incorporate hair as you braid diagonally across the back of your head.
• Pin the end into a soft roll or tuck it under.

5. The Fishtail with a Twist (Literally)

Combine two techniques for a look that’s truly unique. Adding a twist before you braid creates beautiful rope-like detail that makes the fishtail pop even more.

This is a great trick for finer hair, as it adds the illusion of thickness and intricate detail. It looks far more complex than it is.

1. Take a front section and twist it back.
2. Add the twist into a larger section and begin your fishtail braid.
3. Continue the braid down and then coil it into a bun.
4. Pin every coil securely for lasting hold.

6. The “Undone” Messy Fishtail Bun

This is the ultimate “I woke up like this” updo for an evening event. The goal is controlled chaos—soft, romantic, and incredibly touchable. It’s the opposite of a stiff updo.

Use a texturizing spray before you start braiding. The more you pull it apart after pinning, the better it looks. Perfect with a romantic goth hairstyles aesthetic.

• Create a messy, loose fishtail braid.
• Wrap it into a bun but don’t tuck the end in tightly.
• Pull out strands all around your head and face.
• Mist with a flexible hold spray.

7. The Half-Up Fishtail Crown

Can’t commit to all your hair up? This half-up style gives you the best of both worlds. You get the detail and elegance of a crown braid but still get to show off your length.

It’s youthful, flirty, and works for everything from a date night to a bridal shower. It also looks amazing on a hime cut with its blunt front pieces.

1. Take a deep section of hair from each temple.
2. Fishtail braid each section back.
3. Cross them over each other at the back of your crown and pin.
4. Let the rest of your hair flow down freely.

8. The Tucked Fishtail Updo

This style is sleek, sophisticated, and has a beautiful architectural shape. By tucking the ends of the braid under, you create a clean, seamless look.

It’s ideal for highlighting statement earrings or a gorgeous neckline. This is quiet luxury bob energy translated into an updo.

• Create a tight, neat fishtail braid at the nape.
• Coil the braid flat against your head.
• Tuck the end under the coil and pin thoroughly.
• Smooth with a soft-hold gel or pomade.

9. The Voluminous Top Knot Fishtail

Take your top knot to the next level. Braiding the knot itself adds incredible texture and visual interest, turning a simple style into a statement.

This works best on second or third-day hair for extra grip. It’s playful, chic, and keeps you cool all night.

1. Gather hair into a very high ponytail.
2. Fishtail braid the ponytail loosely.
3. Wrap the braid around the base to form a knotted bun.
4. Pin in place and fluff the braid out.

10. The Fishtail Heart Braid Updo

This is for when you want to truly wow. It looks intricate but follows a simple pattern. The result is a beautiful, heart-shaped detail at the back of your head.

It’s perfect for a wedding (yours or a friend’s!) or a super special anniversary dinner. Follow a tutorial video for this one—it’s easier than it looks!

• Part hair down the middle in the back.
• Create two fishtails, curving them inward.
• Join them in the middle to form a heart shape.
• Pin the ends together into a bun or leave as two tails.

11. The Waterfall Fishtail Updo

Incorporate a waterfall braiding technique into your updo for a soft, cascading effect. It creates an illusion of pieces falling down, even though everything is securely pinned.

This style is ethereal and light, perfect for a romantic evening. It pairs beautifully with delicate, dainty jewelry.

1. Start a waterfall fishtail braid near your temple.
2. Continue it around your head like a headband.
3. Once you reach the other side, gather all hair and finish with a simple bun.
4. Let the “waterfall” pieces blend into the bun.

12. The Edgy Fishtail with Accessories

Elevate any simple fishtail updo with strategic accessories. Think pearl-encrusted pins, a sleek leather cord woven in, or a delicate chain. This is where glitchy glam hair really shines.

It’s a quick way to customize a look and make it feel brand new. Less is often more—one or two statement pieces are enough.

• Create your chosen fishtail updo.
• Weave in a delicate hair chain along the part of the braid.
• Or, add a few scattered pearl pins for a touch of old money hair elegance.
• Let the accessory be the star.

13. The Fishtail for Short Hair

Yes, you can do a fishtail updo with shorter hair! The key is focusing on the texture and creating a small, detailed accent. It’s perfect for an asymmetrical lob or a vampire haircut.

Work with what you have. A small, delicate fishtail at the crown or side, pinned back, can be just as impactful as a full-head braid.

1. Tease the crown for lift.
2. Create a small, tight fishtail with a top section.
3. Pull the rest of your hair into a loose twist or pin back.
4. Pin the fishtail flat as a decorative accent.

14. The Double Fishtail Updo

Double the braids, double the impact. This style is great for very thick, long hair as it manages the volume beautifully while creating stunning symmetry.

It has a cool, almost warrior-princess vibe that can be styled to be either sleek or messy. It’s a definite head-turner.

• Part hair cleanly down the middle.
• Create two identical fishtail braids.
• Wrap each braid into a bun on either side of your head.
• Pin them securely and adjust for balance.

15. The Fishtail Wrap-Around Bun

This technique uses the length of the fishtail to wrap around a central base bun, creating a gorgeous, woven effect. It looks like you hired a professional.

Start with a basic, secured bun as your anchor. Then, simply wrap your fishtail braid around it, pinning as you go. It’s surprisingly simple.

1. Make a low, tight bun as your base.
2. Create a separate fishtail braid with the remaining hair (or all hair if thick).
3. Wrap the fishtail around the base bun, pinning every loop.
4. Tuck the end under and secure.

16. The Retro Fishtail Beehive

Mix retro volume with modern braiding. This is a fun, dramatic take on the fishtail updo that’s perfect for a themed party or when you just want to go big.

Backcombing is your friend here. Create height at the crown first, then incorporate the fishtail into the beehive shape for a cool, vintage-meets-now look.

• Tease hair at the crown for maximum volume.
• Shape into a soft beehive and secure.
• Create a fishtail with the back hair and wrap it around the hive base.
• Finish with a strong-hold hairspray.

17. The Fishtail with Face-Framing Pieces

This isn’t a style, it’s a universal tip. No matter which updo you choose, always pull out a few small, wispy pieces around your face and neck.

It softens the look, frames your features, and keeps everything from feeling too severe or tight. It’s the secret to a romantic, effortless finish.

1. After securing your updo, select a few fine pieces near your temples.
2. Use the edge of a comb to gently pull them out.
3. Do the same at the nape of your neck for a soft touch.
4. Curl these pieces lightly with a small iron for bounce.

18. The “Hime” Inspired Fishtail

The hime cut, with its dramatic blunt front sections, is a showstopper. When you put it up, highlight those pieces. Let them frame your face while the rest is in a sleek fishtail.

This creates a beautiful contrast between the sharp, graphic front and the soft, textured braid in the back. It’s a modern take on 2026 hairstyles.

• Leave the classic hime front pieces down.
• Gather the rest of the hair into a low, sleek ponytail.
• Fishtail braid the ponytail and coil into a bun.
• Style the front pieces with a slight curve inward.

19. The Fishtail for Curly Hair

Curly hair takes fishtail braids to another level of gorgeous texture. Embrace your natural curl pattern—the braid will be fuller and more voluminous instantly.

Braid on slightly damp hair with a curl cream for definition and frizz control. The result is a breathtaking, voluminous updo that celebrates your curls.

1. Apply curl cream to damp or refreshed curls.
2. Create a loose fishtail, letting curls pop out of the sections.
3. Once braided, gently pull it apart to widen it.
4. Pin into a bun or leave as a stunning braid.

20. The Sleek & Wet-Look Fishtail

For the ultimate in modern glamour, try a slicked-back, wet-look finish. This pairs the intricate texture of the fishtail with a super sleek scalp, creating high contrast.

Use a strong-hold gel or pomade on your hands to smooth every strand back before you start braiding. It’s edgy, fashion-forward, and incredibly chic.

• Apply a strong hold gel from roots to ends on damp hair.
• Slick hair back into a tight, low ponytail.
• Fishtail the ponytail tightly and secure the end.
• Smooth any flyaways with more product.