Tutorials

How To: Fishtail Braid

Posted on Mar 22, 2020

Lorie Knickle

The fishtail braid: coveted by festival-goers, mermaid enthusiasts and anyone looking for a next-level hairstyle that makes even second-day hair look like a masterpiece. But the fishtail braid has a surprise in-store. It is surprisingly do-able! And easy! Follow this simple how-to with Master Stylist Cindy Duplantis for your next go-to hairstyle.

Gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic hair tie that you can cut away later.
Sprinkle the ponytail with texturizing hair powder, such as DesignMe Puff.Me to give grip.
Divide the ponytail into two sections evenly - a left and a right.
On the outside of the left section, take out a thin strand of hair.
Pass the thin strand over the bulk of the left section, and then add it to the right section.
Separate a thin strand from the outside of the right section. Pass the small strand over the top of the right section and add it to the left section.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you reach the end of your sections.
Secure with an elastic hair tie.
Cut away the top hair tie (closest to your scalp).
Pull the side of the braid lightly to loosen and fatten the braid.

Watch the how-to video below to get your braid on!

To help you braid with ease, here are a few top products to play with!

	DesignMe Puff.Me is a favourite for creating texture, as you can see in the video! It gives volume and grip to keep hair from slipping out of place.
	Breathe life into second (third, fourth – we won't judge!) day hair with Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo. It refreshes, adds volume and texture and smells great!
	If texture powder isn't your thing, try a texture spray! Spray on dry hair and tousle with your fingers to distribute the product through your locks. Then braid, braid, braid! Goldwell Stylesign Creative Dry Boost Dry Texture Spray fits the bill by building texture and grip.
	For control, try a small amount of AG Hair Natural Dry Lift rubbed between your fingertips before braiding. It's light paste to powder texture helps give fingertips a bit of extra grip when working with the hair.
	For curls that are getting out of line, try getting them under control with a smoothing and nourishing oil before braiding. When it comes to Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment, a little goes a long way. Emulsify a small amount between palms and fingertips before running your hands through your hair.
	For an all-around, all-star styler, try AG Hair BB Cream. It smooths, de-frizzes and makes nearly any hair type more manageable, for smooth styling.
	To hold it all in place, try a light spritz of hair spray. Nothing crunchy here, Sebastian Shaper hairspray delivers just the right amount of hold with a fine mist spray.