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Learn how to braid classic, French, and side fishtail plaits
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This beautiful, elaborate-looking plait isn't much harder to do than a regular plait. It's a pretty way to dress up your everyday look, and fancy enough to wear to an upscale event. Try a basic Fishtail, a French Fishtail or a side Fishtail.
Things You Should Know
- To do a classic fishtail plait, split your hair down the center of your head. Take a small strand from the outside of the left section and pull it to the right section.
- Then, take a small strand from the outside of the right section and bring it over to the left section.
- Keep alternating between the right and left sides until you reach the ends of your hair.
Steps
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Brush out your hair completely. Remove any tangles and brush your hair smooth. -
Split your hair down the middle. Divide it into two large sections with the part running straight down the middle. [1] X Expert Source Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 3 September 2021. Use the tip of a comb to make the part look neat. Hold one section of hair in each hand. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Take a small strand from the outside of the left section. The smaller the strand, the finer your braid will be. If you're in a hurry, grab a bigger strand. -
Pull it to the inside of the right section. Cross it over to the other side and place in the other section. -
Repeat on the right side. Take a strand from the outside of the right section and move it to the inside of the left section. For a neat-looking braid, make sure the strand is the same size as the previous strand you moved. -
Alternate sides until you reach the end of the plait. Keep taking small strands of hair from each side and crossing them over to the other side. [3] X Expert Source Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 3 September 2021. As you work, pull the plait tight to keep the strands from getting too loose and falling out. -
Tie off the end to keep the plait in place. Use an elastic, a ribbon or a hair bobble. [4] X Expert Source Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
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Separate a section of hair from the crown of your head. Take a handful of hair from the crown, just as you would when starting a regular French braid . -
Divide it in half. Split it into two equal parts, and hold one half in each hand. -
Take a strand of hair from the left side of your hairline. Just as you would for a regular French braid, choose a small strand to start the plait. -
Weave it over the left section and under the right section. Hold it in your right hand so it becomes part of the right section. -
Take a strand from the right side of your hairline. It should be the same size as the strand you took from the other side. -
Weave it over the right section and under the left section. Hold it in your left hand so it becomes part of the left section. -
Alternate sides until you run out of hair. Keep taking strands from the sides of your head and weaving them into the fishtail. You'll see an intricate, beautiful braid begin to form. -
Tie off the end to keep the plait in place. Use an elastic, a ribbon or a hair bobble.
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Put your hair into a side ponytail. Comb it down and to the side, under either your right or left ear. Secure it in place with an elastic hair tie you don't mind breaking, since you'll be cutting it off later. The hair tie will make it much easier to plait your hair on the side. -
Separate your ponytail into two sections. Create two equal sections and hold one in each hand. -
Take a strand from the outside of the left section. You're using the same method you used to make the basic Fishtail braid. -
Move it to the inside of the right section. Hold it in place with your right hand. -
Take a strand from the outside of the right section. It should be the same size as the strand you took from the left side. -
Move it to the inside of the left section. Hold it in place with your left hand. -
Repeat until you run out of hair. Plait your fishtail all the way to the end, going back and forth between the left and right sides. -
Tie off the end to keep the plait in place. Use an elastic, a ribbon or a hair bobble. -
Snip off the top hair tie. Now the top of your plait will look loose and natural. -
Finished.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow many strands of hair does it take to do a fishtail braid?Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments.You only need two strands of hair to successfully make your own fishtail braid.
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QuestionIs a braid easier than a fish tail?Community AnswerA normal braid is easier than a fish tail if you are doing your hair by yourself.
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QuestionOn the very last one, do I have to cut the band when finished the fish tail?Community AnswerYou don't have to cut the band if you think it'll look better with it in. If you want it to look more natural however, cutting it would be necessary.
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Warnings
- Don't do this to knotty hair; otherwise it will pull on the hair.Thanks
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References
- ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
- ↑ http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/how-to-fishtail-braid-tutorial
- ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
- ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Fishtail plaits are a cute way to style your hair that’ll be sure to get you a few compliments. To do a basic fish plait, start by combing your hair so it’s easier to work with. Split your hair down your middle part and hold one section in each hand. Take a strand from in front of the left section, bring it around the back of your head, and add it to the right section. Then, take a strand from the front of the right section, bring it around the back of your head, and add it to the left section. Pull the plait tight as you go so the strands don’t come loose. Keep alternating the steps until you reach the end of your hair. Finally, secure your plait with a hair tie or a ribbon, and admire your new hairstyle. For more tips, including how to do a French fishtail plait, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I like the side fish tail braid, because you could see what you were doing."
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"I like the side fish tail braid, because you could see what you were doing."
"Everything was easy and it made sense, unlike other tutorials."
