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How to Make a Fishtail Braid

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The Fishtail/Fishbone/Herringbone Braid

The fishtail braid (also known as the fishbone or herringbone braid) is a popular style of braiding among celebrities as well as the general public. The braid has a unique exotic look that is easier to make than it seems.

This lens will give you step by step instructions and videos on how to make this braid and other hair style variations using this type of braid.

Don't get discouraged the first time you try. Get a friend or a family member to be your model as you practice this braid. Once you master the basics of this type of braid the other hairstyle variations will come easy!

Step by Step

The Basic Steps

The braid involves 4 of the following basic steps:
  1. Split
  2. Bring Over
  3. Other Side
  4. Follow Through

1. Split Hair

First step-probably the easiest step-is to split your hair down your back into two separate parts.

2. Bring Over

Grab the two parts of hair-one in each hand. From either side, take about a 1/2 inch strip of hair from the outer side of the one part and bring it over, adding it to the other part of hair.

3. Other Side

Repeat the last step, taking about a 1/2 inch strip of hair from the other part, bringing it over, and adding it to the first part of hair.

4. Follow Through

Continue steps 2 and 3 all the way down your hair, and secure with a hair tie

Fishtail Braid Video Tutorial

A clear and great quality video for those who are confused!

This video has you starting with a ponytail, begin your braid, and then cutting off the hair tie. This is a great idea for beginners as keeping a consistent tension throughout the braid can be difficult initially.
powered by Youtube

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Beyond the Basics

try some fishtail variations

Here are some ways to change up your fishtail braid
  • Messy, Chunky Fishtail
  • French Fishtail
  • Side French Fishtail
  • Fishtail Headband
  • Feathers/Color Extensions

Messy, Chunky Fishtail

This variation of the fishtail was made by parting the hair at the top and using thicker pieces of hair to bring over. When finished mess up the braid to give it a disheveled look.

French Fishtail Braid

a great tutorial on how to make a french fishtail braid

powered by Youtube

Side French Fishtail

Try a fishtail braid on the side. Start by parting your hair to one side, and facing the side with the more of the hair braid as you would a regular french fishtail braid. Works best for those with longer hair.

Fishtail Headband

braid yourself a cute headband

powered by Youtube

Can't Get The Headband Braid Down?

try these headbands!

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Feather/Color Extensions

Adding feather clips or dyed hair extensions give a cool look to a fishtail braid

Awesome Multi-Colored Feather Extensions

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What is nice about these are that the bundle includes a wide variety of bright peppy colors allowing you to mix and match to see which colors suite you the best. The extensions will act like the rest of your hair; they can be curled, straightened, washed, and cut with your real hair.

Includes 20 hair extensions. Pliers are not included--they are used to close the metal beads used to attach the extensions to your hair--so make sure you pick up a pair at a local craft store if you need a pair.
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Was This Lens Helpful?

  • anushka6605 May 6, 2012 @ 7:29 am | delete
    Today I learned one hairstyle step... This was step by step position.
  • :) Apr 3, 2012 @ 10:39 pm | delete
    i alwayz wondered hw much difficult it is............bt heyyyyyy.......itz too easy :)
  • martinepb Mar 29, 2012 @ 7:47 pm | delete
    hahaha :)
  • martinepb Mar 29, 2012 @ 6:54 pm | delete
    i dont like this at all :)
  • martinepb Mar 29, 2012 @ 6:30 pm | delete
    ugly much hahah jk i love it :)
  • martinepb Mar 28, 2012 @ 9:26 pm | delete
    :) its good
  • martinepb Mar 27, 2012 @ 9:37 pm | delete
    yes trhiss is helpfull to me because when i want to do my hair
    all i need to do is come on to this website so yes and thanks <3
  • julia-stella Mar 24, 2012 @ 12:04 am | delete
    This is actually what really helped me do my braids and they come out perfect http://howtofixstuff.blogspot.ca/2012/03/how-to-do-fishtail-braid.html
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