How to weave a fishtail: step-by-step instructions with photos

April 10, 2020
Face
Yana Troyanova

The fishtail (spikelet) takes pride of place among the most popular braids. This hairstyle, despite its simple technique, has a number of advantages. It adds volume to even sparse hair, elevates the image, and goes with any clothing, be it a summer sundress or a business suit.

Another undeniable advantage of the fashionable spikelet is that it, bypassing age boundaries, is suitable for all representatives of the fair sex.

Classic fishtail braiding pattern

In the basic version, the hairstyle necessarily involves basic preparation of the hair for the upcoming manipulations. To bring your curls into proper shape, it is recommended to use combs made of ebonite, ceramics, and wood. Such materials do not damage hair or electrify it.

How to braid a fishtail? This is described in detail in the instructions below:

Group all the hair in the parietal or occipital region and secure firmly with an elastic band. Divide into two equal parts.
Select a small strand from the outside of the right curl. Move it to the left side of the hair.
Similarly, separate the same strand from the left side and lay it symmetrically on the right.
Separate the curl on the right again. Move it to the left side. Do the same on the opposite side.
Continue to alternate the positions of the outer strands, trying to ensure that at each stage of the formation of the spikelet the individual links correspond to each other in thickness.
secure the braid with an elastic band and comb the end.

If your hair does not want to fit obediently into your hairstyle, then before braiding a fishtail, you need to treat your curls with a moderate amount of liquid wax. You can simply spray your hair with plain water from a spray bottle, and then comb it carefully.

Fishtail braid

Braiding your hair in hot weather is a very good idea, and now we will prove it to you.

Tied and braided hair does not stick to a sweaty neck, cheeks or back. This hairstyle is simply more convenient - and de facto cooler. A ponytail is not always a good solution, because tightly tied hair can start to fall out and break, not to mention tension or headaches. Braided braids work much better. The hair is not disheveled, but it is not pulled either (if you do not braid it too tightly). And in the evening, when you unravel them, they will be slightly wavy. Just spray them with texturizing spray and you're ready for beachy waves.

Braided hair is also less exposed to the negative effects of sunlight. And this is quite important, because the sun can weaken the color of the strands, make them dull and even weaken and dry them.

Upside-down spikelet

We told you how to weave a fishtail braid in the classic version. Now let's look at how to do this in reverse. Algorithm of actions:

In the nape area, divide all the hair into 2 halves.
Select the outermost strand on the right side. Moving it under the hair, connect it with the left curl.
Separate the strand on the left side. Bringing it under the braid again, move it to the right side of the hair.
Continue braiding, forming a braid of the desired length. In order for the spikelet to last for a long time, it is advisable to secure it with varnish.

It is much easier to do a reverse fish braid by tying a high ponytail. The appearance of the hairstyle will be more vibrant and interesting if you complete two additional points:

After forming the braid, pull out a thin strand from the total volume of hair and wrap it around an elastic band. Hide the tip inside the base of the hairstyle and secure it with a hairpin or bobby pin.
When the braid is ready, slightly stretch the segments to the sides, creating the effect of volume and fashionable dishevelment.

It is better to secure the spikelet with an elastic transparent elastic band, which does not add unnecessary contrast.

The shapeshifter made from large strands looks like a French braid. Using small curls of equal thickness will make the tail look like the backbone of a fish with closely fitting ribs.

How to weave yourself: instructions

It is very difficult to braid a fishtail yourself, starting from the top of your head. Therefore, it is better to choose a simplified option, when weaving begins from the beginning of a pre-assembled ponytail. For your hairstyle, you need to prepare a comb, an elastic band and a mirror (preferably two).

How to make a fishtail braid - step by step instructions. Step 1

How to make a fishtail braid - step by step instructions. Step 2

How to make a fishtail braid - step by step instructions. Step 3

How to make a fishtail braid - step by step instructions. Step 4

Side braid

This is a fairly simple hairstyle that many people braid themselves without any extra effort. All you have to do is place all the combed hair on the more convenient side, and then proceed according to the already familiar pattern. You can insert a small braid into the fishtail, starting in the parting area.

A very interesting type of side braid in the style of Elsa from the popular cartoon. It is performed according to the following scheme:

From the left or right side, pick up a strand of hair from the forehead and transform it into a classic fishtail with gradual stretching of the segments.
Continue braiding until the braid reaches the back of your head. Secure the tip with a silicone rubber band and comb through.
Secure the mini ponytail with hairpins, bobby pins or a hairpin that is not conspicuous.
Place all the curls on your shoulder and form a large fish braid without tightening its segments. Treat with varnish.

This spikelet is a real discovery for those with long hair.

Curls laid on their sides harmonize well with ombre, shatush and bronding techniques, which involve a smooth transition from dark to light shades.

Original styling with a fishtail

If you have already practiced enough and braid your hair easily and quickly, it’s time to diversify your hairstyles. The herringbone braid looks original in various styles.

Ponytail braid

How to make a fishtail? The easiest option for beginners.

Gather clean curls at the top of the head and secure with an elastic band;
Divide the strands into two equal parts, weave in the classic way;
Secure the ends with a thin elastic band and cover with a strand.

Side laying

Another simple but effective styling. The longer the curls, the more interesting the hairstyle looks.

Procedure:

wash your hair and dry it;
gather all the strands to one side;
divide into two equal parts, braid the fish spikelet in the usual way;
add volume if desired.

Note! The side braid lays beautifully in front. For this reason, braid your hair to a sufficient length. You won’t pull the braid back, otherwise the strands will bristle.

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Classic Malvinka

One of the simplest options.

Step by step:

Comb clean, dry hair well and gather it back;
Gather the side strands as for a regular “malvinka”, connect them, secure with an elastic band;
braid the fish spikelet in the usual way or weave a ribbon.

Advice! If you make the braid too tight, the braid will stick out. Braid your hair gently.

The original version made from rubber bands

A triple fishtail hairstyle can be easily achieved with the help of a large number of thin elastic bands. The method is simple and original. The result is a braid that does not need to be braided.

How to weave a fishtail from rubber bands? Instructions:

separate two side strands about two centimeters wide;
connect with a thin elastic band, turn inside out - you get the beginning of a braid;
take the next two strands, connect them, turn them out the same way;
continue until you have “braided” the braid;
secure the bottom, wrap it with a thin strand or decorate it as desired.

Hairstyle “Two in one”

Your actions:

braid two fish spikelets of medium length from the sides;
using a narrow elastic band on the top of the head, connect both braids;
Leave the rest of your hair loose;
if you want, continue braiding and create a beautiful pike tail from two braids;
make sure that the strands do not stick out from the sides while weaving.

Advice! If you are not very comfortable braiding, gather the upper part of the braids with a loose elastic band, and carefully remove it after finishing the work.

Mermaid tail headband

An interesting hairstyle suits many girls every day. For a festive version, you can make the braid softer and decorate it with decorative hairpins in some places.

Procedure:

gather the curls on one side;
braid the classic version of the braid, wrap it around your head like a headband;
you can make two low fish-spike braids, also wrap each on the opposite side;
secure the edge with pins or bobby pins;
If you have bangs, curl them up slightly. A slightly fluffy headband and bangs will completely transform your hairstyle.

Everyday styling

This neat hairstyle is suitable for young girls. It’s good to go to class with this hairstyle: it’s fashionable, stylish, and the strands don’t get in your face.

How to proceed:

part your hair at the back;
Also divide the left and right parts in two, braid two fish spikes;
Wrap each braid in a ball and secure with hairpins;
you can make tight buns or more voluminous ones, secure them closer to the back of the head or lift them up. The scope for imagination is unlimited;
decorate the central part of the rolls with hairpins with beads or small flowers at the ends;
Place decorative pins in a circle. The main thing is to know when to stop.

Two spikelets

Before weaving fishtails on both sides of the head, you need to make a parting from the crown, dividing the hair into 2 equal parts. Next you should proceed like this:

Secure the right bun tightly with a tight hairpin or elastic band so that the strands do not accidentally cross the border of the parting.
On the left half, pick up the front hair and divide it into two parts.
Grab a small loose strand on the right. Bring it under your hair, moving it to the left.
Repeat the same steps on the opposite side. Take a small bunch from the free zone on the left. Place it under your hair and move it to the right.
Continue the reverse fishtail, alternately weaving loose strands into it to the bottom of the hair growth. Finish the rest of the braid without grabs.
Repeat the same manipulations with the hair on the right side of the head.

If you combine two ponytails into one, you get an image that fits perfectly into everyday work.

Basic spikelets starting at neck level look romantic. They are much easier to do yourself.

Step-by-step weaving pattern

The procedure or pattern for weaving a fishtail braid:

wash your hair and dry it well;
Treat your curls with a small amount of mousse or foam;
Divide your hair into two parts with an even parting;
Separate a thin strand from the right side and transfer it to the left side. Take hair from the outer zone;
repeat the same operation on the left side;
continue weaving, taking strands in turn from each side;
at the end of the work, collect the ends with a thin elastic band, and if desired, wrap the place of fixation with hair.

Consider the weaving pattern. The photo shows that there is nothing complicated about the technique. A few training sessions - and you can easily cope with weaving an original braid.

Technique with tape

Have you already gotten the hang of weaving a regular mermaid braid? If you have long curls, try mastering the original technique using a satin ribbon. Your girlfriends and acquaintances will surely appreciate your hairdressing talent when they look at your luxurious hairstyle.

Symmetrical option

Step by step:

start of work - according to the usual scheme;
take a medium-width ribbon twice as long as your hair (weaving goes on both sides);
place one end on the right side at the base of the braid, the second on the left side;
as you weave, move the ribbon simultaneously with the strand;
When finished, tie a bow at both ends.

Iroquois

Such an exotic appearance of a spikelet is another reverse braid with lifts from the forehead line. However, it is located in the center of the head. The hairstyle is quite easy to do, but it looks decent, emphasizing the individuality of its owner.

It is necessary not to weave all the lower curls into the central ear, leaving some hair free at the temples. Then, after weaving the mohawk, you should wrap it in the back of the head with the side strands that are not included in the braid. The result will be a hybrid of a shifter and a standard tail.

Wreath

This is another simple and cute look for girls with long locks. To create it, you need to form one fishtail from both temporal strands, fluff the resulting braids, place one on top of the other and hide the ends at the base, having previously secured them with hairpins.

By analogy, a full-fledged wreath is woven for short hair, but with tiebacks along an arched path. Pre-treatment of the strands with corrugated tongs will give the braids an alluring effect of small folds.

Flower

The rosette, which is made on the basis of a ponytail tied at the back of the head, looks truly feminine.

As soon as the spikelet is ready, you need to form a flower out of it, laying it in a spiral. At each turn, the hair should be secured with bobby pins.

Moderate decoration with natural or artificial pearls will transform a rose from your hair into a worthy holiday hairstyle.

Segmented braid

How to weave a fishtail to get a segmented braid? You need to add intermediate strands to the spikelet. You can do this:

Combine the temples at the crown of the head and tie with an elastic band.
Braid a small braid of 5-8 segments and secure it with an elastic band.
Repeat step 2 until the braid is completely braided.

There is another scheme for creating such a hairstyle. It provides the opportunity to make a spectacular braid with pronounced curves. Algorithm of actions:

Separate the hair at the temples and collect it at the top of the head.
Start weaving a fishtail using strands of the same size.
After 5-8 overlaps, slightly stretch the links.
Weave another 5-8 pairs of segments tightly (without stretching).
Continue to perform steps 3 and 4, maintaining the symmetry of the spikelet.

Single segmented braids look equally good on both straight and wavy hair.

Greek motif

A fishtail hairstyle in the Greek style is suitable for romantic fashionistas who do not want to spend a lot of time creating a spikelet. The technique is standard. An unusual beginning acts as an innovation. Two large curls, highlighted in the temple area, are twisted several times around their axis clockwise and secured with an elastic band, after which a classic low-slung fishtail is woven.

For greater effect, instead of two large strands, you can alternately form 2-3 pairs of small twisted strands, and then start creating a braid.

Braided hairstyles

When you have learned how to quickly braid a fishtail yourself, or even several, you can begin to create more complex designs. Hairstyles with braids are even more in demand than braids alone. It’s difficult to do them yourself without help, but you can create masterpieces on the head of your daughter, mother or friend who will not forget to thank you.

The fishtail braid is braided from several strands at the temple and woven into the ponytail. Step 1-2

The fishtail braid is braided from several strands at the temple and woven into the ponytail. Step 3-4

Among the hairstyles with a fishtail, we highlight the following options:

Zigzag braid. The diagonal weaving begins from the temple, in the center of the back of the head it sharply changes its trajectory and weaves in the opposite direction.
Two braids, woven at the temples, need to be intertwined and secured in the form of a ball at the back of the head. You will get an original flower. If you relax the strands, the lace will look like petals.

Fishtail combined with loose hair. Step 1-2

Fishtail combined with loose hair. Step 3-4

Two fish tails can make a stylized fry. The main thing is to make the braids small and tight on the sides of the hair. The rest of the hair should fall down. The braids are neatly connected at the back of the head: either woven into one or simply secured with an elastic band. A hair bow will effectively complete your hairstyle.

Variation of the fry with a fishtail braid

Variation of the malvinka with a fishtail braid. Step 1-2

Variation of the malvinka with a fishtail braid. Step 3-4

If you combine braiding techniques, you can get interesting images. For example, a spikelet braided using the fishtail technique is ideally wrapped in a knot and makes the styling incredibly beautiful.

Two braids are woven into a ponytail

Highlighting the hair adds uniqueness and texture.
By combining a classic French braid with a fishtail, you get the wrong side of our weaving, which also looks quite interesting and unusual.

Advice! The classic fishtail goes perfectly with any clothing style or look. It can be created for any event. The main thing is not to forget about accessories. They will add sophistication, romance or lightness and playfulness to your hairstyle.

Snail

How to weave a fishtail in a spiral? You need to do the following:

Separate some hair from the temple. Start weaving the base spikelet with small strands picked up diagonally.
Having reached the opposite side of the head, continue to move the fish tail in a semicircle.
Braid the braid to the end. Fluff its segments and secure with an elastic band.
Lay the braid evenly in a circle.

For variety, curls can be formed in any direction or shifted to the side.

The zigzag hairstyle looks like a spiral. Its weaving is done from the right temple. Only this time it is not performed in an arc. The braid is braided in a straight line to the left side of the back of the head with step-by-step grabs of loose hair. Then it turns to the right at an acute angle and is brought to its logical conclusion.

How to braid a fishtail braid step by step diagram

As we wrote earlier, this hairstyle looks best on long hair that is not too shaded. The braid itself is made in the same way as an ordinary braid. For ease of use, we have included instructions on how to braid a fishtail braid.

See how to make a fishtail step by step in the infographic.

How to braid a fishtail braid step by step

Bun

Sometimes you need to create an elegant hairstyle for a celebration. In this case, you can also braid the fish tails, but put them in a bun. You need to do the following:

Comb your hair and part it into 4 equal parts.
Secure three of them with elastic bands, leaving the outermost one free, since the hairstyle will begin with it.
Braid this part of the hair into a spikelet. Secure it with an elastic band.
In the same way, braid three more spikelets from other separated parts of the hair.
Beautifully stretch out the segments in braids.
Gather them at the back of your head and make a bun.
Secure it with bobby pins and hairpins.

This bun is in perfect harmony with ribbons, hoops, tiaras, openwork combs, flowers and hair necklaces.

This look is so sophisticated that even brides can use it.

Step-by-step instructions for weaving

Before braiding such a braid, you need to comb the strands well so that there are no difficulties during braiding.
First, you need to pull your hair back. Select two strands in the temple area and connect them at the back of the head. More precisely, we cross them so that the weaving resembles a multiplication sign. Hold the connection of the two strands with one hand, select another strand and place it on top in the same way. Then, take a strand from the other side and also lay it over the weave. Accordingly, we continue “in the same spirit.”

After finishing the braiding, secure the braid with a hairpin.

Combined braids

The fishtail version pictured below looks complicated. However, the pattern of its weaving is already well known:

Form one spikelet from the temporal strands and fluff them up.
Pick up the curls at a lower level and form 2 more braids from them in the same way.
Repeat the manipulation with the remaining hair. As a result, 3 pairs of braids should appear, located on the sides one below the other.
Create a classic fishtail with all the little braids. You should start by shifting the temporal strands with a gradual transition to the lower tiers. There is no need to tighten the spikelets.
Secure the tip with an elastic band. The hairstyle can be secured with bobby pins.

There is another interesting combination:

Weave 2 medium-sized braids from the temples. Connect them at the crown and insert them into a common spikelet.
Divide the remaining curls into 2 parts (in the ear area) and make similar fish tails out of them.
Braid the three resulting spikelets (central and two side) into one classic three-strand braid.

Such complex hairstyles will become even more attractive if you decorate them with beads or accessories in the form of butterflies, leaves and flowers.

All of these fishtail variations look best on straight and slightly wavy hair. Therefore, young ladies with small curls are recommended to straighten their curls with an iron or special cosmetics before braiding.