Q&A for How to Make a Fishtail Braid

You can braid sections of shorter hair to make an accent braid. Simply separate out a strip of hair and create a regular fishtail braid.

If you pull pieces that are too thick, it can start to look like a regular braid. You want to pull thinner pieces from the sections to cross over to the other side.

Yes, keep it on for a night or two and then gently take it out, separating chunks of hair to make it even more wavy. A French fishtail braid will make it even wavier.

It's just a matter of personal preference.

Yes. Just make a regular fishtail braid, then twist the braid into a knot and secure it with a hair tie. You can also make two fishtail braids, twist them together, and then twist the whole thing up for a more elaborate bun. These two braided hairdos look great with hair pins and earrings.

Just pull your hair over your shoulder and continue braiding.

Yes. Make two pigtails, one on each side of your head. Braid your hair following the article, then slide the top elastic off.

Yes, it will work.

You can get a straightener to straighten it out a bit before braiding. You can also wet your hair, and brush it out as you wet it, but don't dry it. Just squeeze some water out to make sure it's still straight. Make sure that you braid it while it's wet, and then your hair will dry into the braid, so it won't look bad.

It's easy enough, but you have to do some practice to do it fast.

Normally your hair comes out in waves, but if you do it tight, it can zigzag.

The second strategy looks like it makes the most sense. If you don't want a French fishtail braid, then just do the steps without that little piece of hair.

No, in a french tail, you cross over the whole section of hair.

Divide hair into two equal parts down the middle, then do each side as if it were one braid.

Yes. You can do it on either side by following the same method. Just make sure you don't mess it up by taking thinner portions.

Yes, just don't pull too hard! They should work if you are careful enough, I braid mine all the time.

Try variations, such as thicker strands, thinner strands, on the side, on the back, multiple braids etc. until you find something that works for you.

Do a French fishtail braid, and tie it off as a ponytail rather than continuing to braid it.

Make the braid and then just wrap it around into a bun like you would a ponytail, and secure with pins or a hair tie.

You have more hair to work with. The more hair you have to work with, the easier it is to braid/bind together.

You need to gently pull it, making sure you are not pulling anything out. Also, make sure you are not doing in just one area of your hair.

Yes, if you do the French style. You won't have much left, so it looks great if you just tick the short tail and secure with bobby pins.

It depends on how good you become at it. Practice makes perfect and it makes you faster at doing it.

If you practice enough, it's really easy. I'm 11 and it's fairly easy for me. Just make sure you follow the directions carefully, there are really great tips included.

Fishtail braids work best with longer hair, at least shoulder-length.

You can do a French fishtail until it reaches your hairline, and then tie it without braiding further.

If the instructions aren't helpful, look for a video demonstration on YouTube.

To finish off the look, secure with a hair tie.

You just have to keep practicing and you will get it, looking in a mirror helps too.

This depends on your hair type. If you leave the faux fishtail braid in long enough, say overnight, your hair might be a little wavy when you take the braid out. You could try using a curling spray or foam before braiding your hair, and the waves may stick a bit better once you take the braid out.