Fishtail braid hairstyles have become a go-to choice for women seeking elegant yet manageable looks. These intricate plaits work beautifully for weddings, formal events, casual outings, and everyday wear.
This loosely woven plait features a gentle texture enhanced by dimensional highlights. Side braids meet below the crown and merge into one cascading plait. The freely hanging portion blends seamlessly into soft, touchable waves.

@catherinestroh
This style works beautifully for long hair. One or two plaits wrap around your head and pin securely in place. Create one or two plaits and wrap them around your head, securing with pins for a timeless crown effect that works for any occasion.

@braids_in_action
This polished style suits professional settings perfectly. The gorgeous blonde ombre shades shine through the plait, which begins at the crown and cascades over one shoulder. The French braiding technique adds impressive dimension.

@nicoledrege
This bold style really makes a statement. The thick plait is gently pulled apart for an intentionally undone look, then lifted over the crown to create a faux hawk secured with an asymmetrical twist.

@hair_by_christina
This French braid begins above the forehead and travels down into a completed plait. The braid twists around itself into a tightly pinned swirl, creating a polished bun.

@annies_hairstyles
Women’s hairstyles reach new heights with the intricate design. The hair separates into three sections, each plaited individually. These three braids then weave together to create a stunning final look.

@aurorabraids
This elegant updo brings extra refinement to shorter lengths. Lightly teased hair is twisted and braided gently across the nape. The ends tuck under the plait to create a small, textured chignon-style bun you can wear every day.

@fayesmithbeauty
This look features one continuous braid across the back of the head. The bottom half of the hair is also braided and twisted to create a simple yet elegant bun at the nape.

@catherinestroh
Straight hair pairs beautifully with this technique. Two braids start at each side of the head and join to create one seamless plait!

@jessannkirby
The relaxed feel of this look combined with French braiding, creates a soft, eye-catching style. The French plait begins at the hairline on one side and twists across to the other side. The unbraided bottom strands gather into a loose, low bun.

@modernsalon
The black and pink color contrast and impressive volume create a striking faux hawk that makes a powerful statement. This edgy look stands out in any crowd.

@modernsalon
Fishtail braid hairstyles take on a new dimension when paired with striking color. The loose, textured side plait coils and pins into a large bunch. The contrasting tones make the plait pop beautifully.

@american_salon
This stunning crown braid works even for fine hair. The plait encircles the head, ending pinned neatly to its starting point.

@christinagunnell
Looking for a hairstyle that can swing from casual to formal based on the swoop of bangs? This side braid is your answer! The soft curl of the bangs complements the chunky braid that flows over the shoulder and delicately rests on the same side.

@modernsalon
These two chunky braids give an interesting dimension to the overall style. The pigtails start at the top of the head and continue down until they’re tied off into soft curls.

@aurorabraids
The details of this braided style really stand out and make a statement. Each side of the head has been braided into pigtails. These astounding braids are twisted around themselves to create two buns that remind us of the Princess of the Galaxies herself!

@braidsxperts1
This unique style creates impressive height that resembles a braided mohawk. The plait begins at the hairline and rolls all the way down to the tie-off point.

@kiastylez
The top section of the ‘do brushes away and ties off in the back. A plait cascades down to the next tie-off, gently pulled apart to soften the contrast between the straight hair and the fuller braid.

@missysueblog
Without the tightness of a typical plait (the braids are intentionally pulled apart and loosened), this style creates a relaxed appearance. Two braids are picked, swirled, and pinned up asymmetrically for a charming effect.

@hair_by_christina
The bangs that accompany this fishtail braid hairstyle give a whole new attitude to your locks. While the hairline is left alone to let the bangs fly free, the crown of the head, where there’s the beginning of the braid, is focused. Neither braiding nor pinning is done tightly, which gives a carefree attitude to the final look!

@heatherchapmanhair
The Dutch braid creates a plait that rises above the surface of the hair for impressive dimension. Ending in a cute braided ponytail with wispy flyaways, this braid adds polish to your look.

@american_salon
This look features three separate plaits woven and twirled into three small buns sitting neatly in a row at the back of the head. You can wear it as it is or add some bejewelled hairpins or a dressy feel.

@svetlana.style
Beginning at one corner of your forehead, brush a section of hair away from your face. First, braid closely to the scalp, and then, once the ear has been reached, braid your hair as usual to the ends. Then simply twist the free end of the braid into a small knot on the side of the head, and pin it into place for a cute side detail.

@ash.shallenberger.hair
In this style, braids come from the sides and top, all joining in a tousled bun with the addition of a slight bouffant at the front. The subtle detail adds some extra volume to your locks.

@modernsalon
This intricate design features impressive detail. There is a French braided plait behind the ear on either side of the head. These braids continue to their ends, then carefully wrap around in a large circle.

@haselnussblond
At least five different braids merge into one unique style. The back of the head showcases several intersecting braids that transition into a loose, elegant plait.

@missysueblog
Two side plaits are pulled apart for maximum width, brought together at the back of the head, and wrapped in the center with another plait to define the center of the bow shape.

@american_salon
The braided detail brings a unique quality to the bang area. Following the hairline and continuing down, this braid starts with the herringbone technique and finishes as an inside-out three-strand plait.

@modernsalon
Fishtail braid hairstyles become magical when paired with floral accents. The hair sweeps up into an inverted plait that cascades beautifully. Purple flowers tucked into the auburn hair complete this enchanting style.

@xoreneemarie
Tease your hair a bit more than usual and French-braid your locks down the back to get the look. The braid is gently curved and pinned beside its starting point. Begin braiding off-center to one side to allow room for pinning the end.

@nicoledrege
Here, the French braid starts on either side of the head and transitions into a regular plait at ear level. Every few inches, the hair ties off, and the braid continues. The braided sections create a striking contrast with the straight hair beneath.

@ash.shallenberger.hair
This dramatic style makes a bold statement. The braid begins at the crown and zigzags across the head, descending to a gorgeous braided flower design.

@svetlana.style
This half-updo, half-side-downdo blends a few styles into one harmonious whole. A crown braid sits on top of the head with another braid peeking out beneath. Paired with easy waves, it creates a beautiful look.

@braidsbyjordan
This elegant double-plait design creates a regal appearance. You can see how loosely curled hair swoops up and over the top of the head to gather into a braid that feeds into another braid for a soft, elegant look.

@hairandmakeupbysteph
Two sections of hair are twisted back and away from the face to join in the back. The unique part? The twisted sections continue into a short, sassy plait at the ends.

@courtney_irzyk
Say goodbye to tight and trapping braiding! This French plait is pulled apart to give volume and showcase the texture of curly hair beautifully.

@braidsbyjordan
Fishtail braid hairstyles take on an ethereal quality with the right accessories. Beginning at the top, the hair is plaited along one side of the head and across the nape. This braid disappears in the mass of curls, topped with a golden leaf tiara.

@hairandmakeupbysteph
This slightly relaxed braid weaves in and out of itself, turning into one large plait. Delicate sprigs of baby’s breath tucked around the edges of the updo create a fresh, spring-like feel.

@ulyana.aster
This tightly wound plait resembles a beautiful ocean shell. The spiral bun is a striking ending to the soft beginnings of the French plait.

@lena_nymeria
This hairstyle definitely pops in a gorgeous red hue. It is braided from the top sections of the hair to flow down the back of the head, indulging in the large, voluminous curls. It’s simple yet elegant.

@hairgoddesskat
As you can see, fishtail braid hairstyles bring feminine appeal and visual interest to any look, adapting beautifully to your hair type and length. With practice, you’ll master the fundamental technique and develop your own creative variations. Try them out!