Long hair is the perfect canvas for intricate, eye-catching braids, and the fishtail is one of the most beautiful weaves you can master. Its delicate, woven pattern resembles the elegant tail of a fish, offering a fresh twist on the everyday plait.
Below you’ll discover twenty stunning fishtail braid styles for long hair, from relaxed and bohemian to polished and formal, each with styling tips and Pinterest-ready inspiration to transform your hair routine.
Crown Fishtail Braid
Channel your inner royalty with a style that wraps your head in a gorgeous woven halo. The crown fishtail braid plaits hair around the perimeter of the head for a continuous, circlet effect.
This ethereal look keeps every strand secured and out of the way, making it ideal for outdoor events, garden parties, or even bridal styling. Create two side braids and cross and pin them over the top.
Gently tug the loops to add volume and give the crown a thicker, more majestic finish. A truly enchanting choice.
Side Fishtail Braid
Sweeping your hair over one shoulder instantly creates effortless glamour. The side fishtail braid brings an asymmetrical, flattering dimension to your whole look.
Gathering all your length to one side and weaving it down the shoulder keeps hair out of your face while showcasing the intricate plait. It’s especially forgiving on hair with natural wave or texture.
Perfect for the office or a casual stroll, it transitions to evening with a stylish clip. Classic and easy.
Messy Fishtail Braid
Want a hairstyle that blends comfort with high fashion? The messy fishtail is the ultimate rushed-morning solution that still looks stylish. It relies on intentionally loosened weaving for a soft, lived-in texture.
Instead of pulling tightly, gently tug the edges of the finished plait to pan out the hair, adding volume and the illusion of a thicker mane. It’s made for brunches, festivals, and errands.
Finish with a clear elastic and a few face-framing tendrils for that relaxed bohemian vibe. Effortlessly chic.
Fishtail Braid Bun
Elevate your everyday topknot by weaving in beautiful texture. The fishtail braid bun merges the simplicity of a bun with the intricate detail of a fishtail.
Create a fishtail plait, then wrap it around the base of your head and secure with bobby pins. The effect looks far more complicated than it actually is.
Remarkably elegant for formal events or professional settings, it gets hair completely off your neck. Leave a few loose strands for a romantic touch.
French Fishtail Braid
Want to keep every strand in place while showing off your skills? The French fishtail integrates hair from the sides as you work down, creating a sleek, tight weave that hugs the scalp.
The cascading effect looks intricate and polished, making it ideal for active days, workouts, or professional settings where hair stays fully secured. The woven pattern remains the star.
Keep it tight for a clean finish or pull the edges for a softer look. Beautiful from every angle.
Half Up Fishtail Braid
Why choose between hair up or down when you can have both? The half up fishtail captures the elegance of a woven plait while leaving the rest of your length flowing freely.
Section off the top portion from the temples up and create a fishtail to the crown. Once secured, gently pull the weave apart for a thicker, fuller look.
Versatile and flattering on all face shapes, it adds detail without a full updo commitment. Perfect for picnics and casual lunches.
Dutch Fishtail Braid
Love woven hair but want something that truly pops? The Dutch fishtail crosses sections underneath each other, making the woven design pop outward for a raised, textured plait.
This underhand method gives the illusion of a thick, voluminous braid even on finer hair. It’s fantastic for making a statement at concerts or gatherings.
Wear a single Dutch plait down the back or try two symmetrical braids for a trendy, attention-grabbing look. Bold and beautiful.
Fishtail Braid Ponytail
A standard ponytail is practical, but adding a woven element takes it to new heights. The fishtail ponytail starts with hair gathered at the nape or crown, then woven down the length of the tail.
Sporty yet undeniably chic, it’s a fantastic option for the gym or busy errands, keeping long hair controlled and tangle-free. Hide the elastic with a wrapped piece of hair or a scrunchie.
Pull the edges loose for incredible thickness and bouncy movement. Function meets flair.
Pull Through Fishtail Braid
Want the impact of a complex braid without finger fatigue? The pull-through fishtail uses elastic bands and flipped ponytails to mimic a thick, continuous fishtail.
Create small ponytails down the back, split each in half, and pull the next one through the gap. This generates immense volume and a striking visual effect.
It’s fantastic for thinner hair that wants the illusion of massive thickness, and it stays put all day. Bold and clever.
Double Fishtail Braid
Embrace a fun, youthful aesthetic by doubling up your braiding. The double fishtail, often styled as pigtails, offers a playful, symmetrical look that’s incredibly charming.
Part the hair down the middle and weave two separate fishtails to keep your length perfectly tangle-free. It’s highly practical for hiking, amusement parks, or any active day.
Pull the braids apart for a chunkier, relaxed feel. It also beautifully showcases any color dimension or highlights.
Fishtail Braid Chignon
For an undeniably elegant, refined look, turn to a low, graceful updo. The fishtail chignon places a loosely woven plait at the nape, coiled into a low knot or bun.
Timeless and a staple for elegant occasions, the woven texture adds visual interest to an otherwise simple bun. It highlights the neck and collarbone for a poised silhouette.
Accessorize with decorative pins or leave it bare for minimalist beauty. A fail-safe formal option.
Fishtail Braid Headband
Keep hair off your face while showing off creative styling with this clever trick. The fishtail headband weaves a section from behind your ear and pins it across the top of your head like a band.
The rest of your length stays down and flowing, creating a beautiful contrast between the structured braid and loose waves. This bohemian look is perfect for festivals and beach days.
It secures the front sections without any artificial bands or clips. A touch of whimsy for everyday style.
Mermaid Fishtail Braid
Dive into a whimsical aesthetic straight out of a fantasy story. The mermaid fishtail is known for its exceptionally wide, flat, intricately woven appearance.
Take larger sections during braiding and aggressively pull the edges to pan out the weave as much as possible. The result is a thick, shell-like pattern that drapes beautifully over the shoulder.
It’s stunning on long hair that’s been curled or waved beforehand for extra texture. Perfect for feeling magical and ethereal.
Ombre Fishtail Braid
Make your color transitions pop by choosing a style that highlights dimension. The ombre fishtail isn’t a different technique so much as a way to showcase your gorgeous color gradient.
The structure blends darker roots into lighter ends for a seamless, stunning effect. If you have color-treated hair, this plait displays your dye job in the most flattering light.
Style it as a side braid or loose back plait. The contrast makes the weave’s intricate details far more captivating.
Waterfall Fishtail Braid
Create a cascading effect that’s both romantic and dynamic. The waterfall fishtail combines the dropping technique of a waterfall plait with the intricate weaving of a fishtail.
As you work around the head, drop sections and pick up new ones to create a draped look. The dropped pieces blend into your loose hair, like strands falling gracefully.
Breathtaking for special occasions, it photographs incredibly well thanks to its multi-dimensional nature. Flowing art for your hair.
Milkmaid Fishtail Braid
Inspired by rustic charm, this updo is a cute, cozy way to wear long hair. The milkmaid fishtail uses two separate plaits crossed over the top and pinned to form a crown.
Unlike a continuous crown braid, this method is far easier for beginners since you work with two distinct sections. It’s fantastic for hot summer days when you want hair off your neck.
The visible woven texture gives the classic milkmaid look a fresh, modern twist. Charming and approachable.
Stacked Fishtail Braid
Multiply your style’s visual impact by layering multiple plaits on top of one another. The stacked fishtail creates a three-dimensional effect that looks complex and artistic.
Make a smaller fishtail with the top section and clip it aside, then create a larger fishtail with the bottom. Lay the smaller braid over the center of the larger and pin them together.
The result is a thick, multi-layered masterpiece. Perfect for creative photo shoots and fashion events.
Twisted Fishtail Braid
Combine two simple techniques for a look that’s effortlessly chic and entirely unique. The twisted fishtail merges a basic two-strand twist with the classic woven plait.
Start with a twist at the roots and transition into a fishtail, or twist two separate fishtails around each other. This hybrid adds incredible depth, making long hair look thicker and more dynamic.
It’s a great option for casual Fridays or weekend get-togethers. The contrast of smooth twists and chunky weaves is endlessly admired.
Fishtail Braid With Ribbon
Add a splash of personality and color with a simple accessory trick. The fishtail with ribbon weaves a long ribbon into your hair as a third or fourth strand.
This instantly elevates the basic braid into a festive, eye-catching statement. Choose a ribbon that matches your outfit or go metallic for a touch of glamour.
It’s perfect for holiday parties, weddings, or any celebration. The ribbon reinforces the braid while adding stunning visual interest.
Final Thoughts
Mastering a new plaiting technique opens up a world of styling possibilities for your long hair, and the fishtail braid turns an everyday routine into something genuinely special. From relaxed, messy side sweeps to elegant, polished updos, there’s a variation suited to every occasion and personal taste.
The unique woven pattern adds texture and dimension that standard plaits simply can’t match. With a little patience and practice, you can recreate these gorgeous looks at home, so embrace the versatility of your length and enjoy experimenting with these timeless braided designs.
