French Fishtail Braids : 5 Top Tutorials
Shalu Bhati
Updated At 29 May 23
Are you fascinated by braids but find them complicated? What if we told you there’s a braid just for you? Keep reading as we tell you everything about the French fishtail braid and how to do a fishtail braid on yourself.
You must have heard about the French braid, Dutch braid, waterfall braid, fishtail braid, milkmaid braid, and what not. But have you heard about the French fishtail braid? It is as the name suggests a combination of the two.
A French Fishtail braid might sound complicated and difficult. But trust us. It is not. It is in fact easier to do than it looks. So, don’t freak out. You can do it by yourself because we will show you exactly how. All you need are your two hands and two sections of hair in each hand. And then you begin the braiding. You can learn the step by step braiding from the top tutorials that we have rounded for you from YouTube and Pinterest. From the classic French fishtail braid to the double French fishtail braid, we have covered everything in detail.
So, let’s get started!
French Fishtail Braids: Top 5 Tutorials
1. French Fishtail Braid For Short And Medium Hair
A French fishtail braid is different from a regular fishtail braid because it incorporates all the hair from the top of the head rather than just the bottom. This is a versatile braid that can be styled to suit all your hairstyle needs. From events such as prom, graduation, wedding to a simple everyday hairstyle, this is a braid that works for everything. You name the occasion and you will have a suitable version of the French fishtail braid to go with. It is effortlessly chic and stylish. It can be done with almost all the hair lengths. It has a universal appeal. You can dance the whole night without worrying about your hair coming undone. So, go and take a look at this fishtail braid tutorial and thank us later.
What makes this tutorial special: This tutorial shows how to do a fishtail braid on yourself. It is easy to understand and comes with written steps within the video. Another thing that we love about this tutorial is how it shows two different looks for the same braid. It shows how the braid will look for both curly and straight hair. It will give you styling tips as well. What is not to love?
You can start with either curly hair or straight hair depending upon the style you want to go with. The curly French fishtail braid has a softer romantic vibe whereas the braid done on straight hair is more for an everyday look.
Following is the step by step tutorial:
- Take a section of hair on top of your head and divide it into two equal parts
- Take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the section on the left and bring it over to the right section and add it into the hair on the other side. Now take a thin strand from the outside of the right section, bring it over towards the left section, and add it to the other side
- This step involves gathering hair from the sides to start the French braid. Grab a thin strand from the left side of your head and add it with a strand taken from the outside of the left section in your hand. Now cross it over to the right side
- Similarly, take a thin strand from the outside of the right side of the head and add it to the strand taken from the right section in your hand. Cross this over to the left side
- Repeat these steps as you go down. Remember to take only thin strands of hair. If you take bigger pieces from the sides, your braid will look more like a French braid and not a fishtail braid. You don’t want that here
- Once you reach the bottom and there is no more hair to add, continue braiding the fishtail braid
- Take a strand of hair from the outside of the left section, cross it over to the right. Take a strand from the outside of the right section and cross it over to the left
- Secure with a soft elastic band
- As for styling, gently pull out your French fishtail braid to give it a messy modern look. This can be done with both straight and curly hair
- Or you can just leave the braid alone for a straight and tighter classic French fishtail braid look
2. Double French Fishtail Braid
What is better than a double fishtail braid? A double French fishtail braid! From Taylor Swift’s latest music albums to period dramas on Netflix, everything is giving us cottage core goals. And this braid fits right within the scope. This French fishtail braid is for all you ladies with thick and long Rapunzel-like hair. Let’s get down to it then!!
What makes this tutorial special: The USP of this French fishtail braid tutorial lies within its inclusiveness. Don’t have thick hair? Worry not. Grab some extensions to add that extra volume. Similarly, if you wish to make your medium-length hair a tad bit longer just to make this braid, take help from your good old friend, hair extensions. Or perhaps you want to change your hair without permanence. You can use extensions in a shade that is different from your natural hair color. It’s a win-win for style. You can also use this tutorial to get yourself some French fishtail braid pigtails.
Following is the step by step tutorial:
- Start by parting your hair in the middle and angle it back down to the center of your head
- Take one side and clip it out of the way
- Now is the time to add extensions. A good trick to add extensions to your hair is by clipping them diagonally to get a uniform volume. Start by taking a thin section of hair across the top of your head and move it aside. Clip a single weft of extension to the top half of your head an inch further than your hairline. Again grab a thin section of hair across the head and place another weft of extension further from where you placed the first one
- Now take two single weft extensions and clip one of them on the other side of the extension. Clip this on your head almost towards the back. All three extensions will sort of form a diagonal and give you good volume without being obvious
- After adding the extensions, use dry shampoo to give more texture to your hair. You can also use a salt spray if you like
- Let’s begin the braiding. Take a section of hair from the front of the head and divide it into two subsections
- Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the top piece and add it to the inside of the bottom piece by crossing it over. Then, take a small piece of hair from the outside of the bottom piece and add it to the inside of the top piece by crossing it over
- Again, take a small piece of hair from the outside of the top piece. But his time, add a new section of hair from the top and cross both over into the inside of the bottom piece. Similarly, take a small piece of hair from the outside of the bottom piece and add it with a new section of hair from the bottom of the hairline. Cross both over to add into the inside of the top piece
- Repeat these steps to finish your French fishtail braid
- Since you have the luxury of long hair, you can go back while braiding to lightly tug at the braid to give it a softer and more voluminous look
- Once you have run out of new hair to add, continue braiding a regular fishtail braid
- Take a small piece of hair on one side and cross it over to the inside of the opposite side. Repeat this step to finish the braid
- When the braid gets longer, pull it to the front for ease and comfort
- Secure the braid with a soft elastic
- Repeat on the other side
3. Stylish French Fishtail Braid For Medium Length Hair
Did we not tell you that French fishtail braids are some of the most versatile braids? You can make as many styles of braids as far as your imagination and innovation take you. And let us tell you that Pinterest is a treasure trove for some of the most beautifully innovative French fishtail braid tutorials. The step by step pictures are a great help. The French fishtail braid shown here is innovative, stylish, and beginner-friendly. Two strands, two hands and that’s it. Since it ends at the nape, your arms will not hurt as much either.
What makes this tutorial special: This is a new and stylish take on the classic French fishtail braid and we love it. This tutorial has also numbered the sections of hair to make it easy for you to know the whereabouts of each strand. You get to know which section goes where and there is no scope for confusion. Plus, this braid is very easy-to-do.
Following is the step by step tutorial:
- Brush your hair to detangle
- Take two slightly thicker sections of hair at the back of your head
- Now take about half the amount of hair that you took into the step earlier from the right side of your head. Cross it over the right section and add to the bottom of the left section
- Similarly, take a strand of hair from the left side of the head. Cross it over the left section to add it into the inside of the right section
- Repeat these steps as you go down till there are no more hair to add from the sides
- Take a soft elastic tie to secure the braid at the nape
4. French Fishtail Braid Step By Step With Pictures
This here is when we introduce you to the original, and the classic French fishtail braid. This is the one that gave rise to all other styles and ways of wearing French fishtail braids. This is the ultimate combination of the French braid and the fishtail braid.
What makes this tutorial special: This tutorial shows you how to do the classic French fishtail braid with each step clearly showed through pictures. And as it is said, sometimes a picture speaks louder than words. It is true. In just six simple steps, you get yourself an effortlessly chic braid to fall head over heels in love with.
Following is the step by step tutorial:
- Brush hair to get rid of knots and tangles
- Once done take two sections of hair from the front. Grab another small piece from the right side of the hairline and cross it over to add it into the bottom of the original left section you have been holding
- Now similarly, grab a small piece from the very front i.e. the left side of the hairline, and cross it over to add it to the bottom of the right section
- Again, take a piece of hair from the right side. But before crossing it over, add a small piece from the outside of the right section to it. Now, cross them both over to the inside of the left section
- Do the same for the other side. Take a small piece of hair from the left side. Add a small piece from the outside of the left section and cross them both over to the inside of the right section
- Repeat these steps as you braid your way down
- While braiding, take a break to lightly tug at your French fishtail braid to give it a slightly soft and messy look
- Once you have reached the bottom and there is no more hair to add, keep on braiding a regular fishtail braid
- Take a section from the outside of the one side. Cross it over to add it to the bottom of the opposite side. Repeat till your braid is done
- Secure with a soft elastic
- Gently tug at your fishtail braid to give it more texture and volume. And voila! You just did a classic French fishtail braid
5. Side French Fishtail Braid
Let’s begin our journey to the land of braiding with a chic and stylish version of the French fishtail braid. This here is a side French fishtail braid. You start from one side of the head and braid all the way down while taking all the hair from the sides. The braiding technique comprises the braiding methods of both the French braid as well as the fishtail braid. You take the hair strand by strand like you would in a French braid but the actual braiding will be with two strands like in a fishtail braid. It will become more clear once you see the tutorial and read the steps below. This tutorial can be used for hair lengths that start at the shoulder and longer.
What makes this tutorial special: This French fishtail braid tutorial is brought to you by Tony & Guy, an award-winning hairdressing brand. They have more than 55 years of experience in their field. In the simplest of terms, they are professionals and they know what they are doing. The steps are also explained very nicely which makes this a good beginner-friendly tutorial.
Following is the step by step tutorial:
- Brush your hair to detangle
- Take a short triangular section of hair in the front on the right side
- Divide this triangular section into two equal subsections
- Take a small strand of hair from the outside of the right section and cross it over to add it to the inside of the left section. Similarly, take a strand of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to add it to the inside of the right section
- Now in this next step, you have to start with the French braid. Grab a little piece from the right side of the hairline. Add this piece with the piece that you will take from the outside of the right section. Cross it over to add it to the inside of the left section
- Similarly, grab a little piece from the left side of the hairline and add it with the strand of hair taken from the outside of the left section you are holding. Cross this over to add it to the inside of the right section.
- Repeat these steps as you braid down. Remember to grab all the hair from each side as you go down
- As your French fishtail braid reaches behind your right ear, start making a regular fishtail braid. It gets easier from here. Simply, take a strand from the outside of one section and cross it over to add it to the inside of the opposite section. Secure the braid with a soft elastic
- Finish this off with a hairspray
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which are the top ways to make a fishtail braid?
Fishtail braids are the easiest of the lot. The top way to make a fishtail braid requires two hands and two strands of hair. It is that simple. Brush your hair and tie them up at the bottom to form a low ponytail. Divide this ponytail into two sections. Grab a small piece of hair from the outside of the right section and cross it over to add to the inside of the left section. Similarly, grab a small piece of hair from outside the left section of hair and cross it over to add it to the inside of the right section.
Remember these two things while making a fishtail braid:
- Take a piece of hair from one side and cross it over to the opposite side
- Strands are taken from the outside and merge into the inside of the opposite section
Q. How to loosen a fishtail braid?
It is rather simple to loosen a fishtail braid. You gently pull at the braid from where it merges. Be gentle while doing this. If you use too much force it will not only undo your braid but also hurt your hair.
Q. Which are the top French fishtail braid hairstyles?
Following are some of the top French fishtail braid hairstyles:
1. The French Fishtail Ponytail
We love this modern take on the French fishtail braid. It is innovative and looks super stylish. It is a great option for those with thick and voluminous hair.
2. Side French Fishtail Braid
The forever beautiful Lucy Liu is giving braid goals with her oh so gorgeous side French fishtail braid.
3. Inverted French Fishtail Braid
This braid has to be one of our top favorites. It is something very different and unique. And it looks so gorgeous. If you ever get bored of your regular French fishtail braid, go for this inverted option.
4. French Fishtail Bun
The famous blogger Missy Sue here shows us how to do a French fishtail bun. Yes, you read it right. You can totally make an updo using a French fishtail braid.
Q. What is a side fishtail braid?
A side fishtail braid is just like your usual fishtail braid but you do it by gathering the hair to one side.
Q. What is a Dutch fishtail braid?
The Dutch fishtail braid is the opposite of the French fishtail. The sections of hair are not crossed over the top in a Dutch braid. But they are crossed underneath the sections to create that raised Dutch effect.
Q. What is French fishtail braid half up?
Just like a half up hairstyle, a French fishtail half up will be done with just the top part of your hair while the bottom part of your hair will be left open.
