The fishtail braid has been around for a few seasons. But it’s not going anywhere, so if you haven’t learned how to do one yet, now is the time to master the style for fall. Luckily, that is easy to do with these handy braid tutorials.
1. The Classic Fishtail
This is the most basic version of the braid that always made me so jealous of the school bus. (The hierarchy of schoolyard braids was always the basic braid, the French braid, then the fishtail. Only one girl at my school could do the fishtail, and I’m still envious. I didn’t even manage to figure out how to do a basic braid on myself until college.)
2. The Messy Fishtail
If the classic fishtail is too “done” looking, and you want a more casually chic variety, this is a good way to mess your plait up and look all cool like an NYFW model.
3. The High-Pony Fishtail
I didn’t know it was possible to make a fishtail braid look perky, but here you go.
4. The French Fishtail
This French braid/Fishtail braid combination is like the ne plus ultra of schoolbus braids.
5. Fishtail Pigtails
This looks like something Blake Lively would wear to Cannes. It also just screams Coachella.
6. Fishtail Side Braid
You definitely need to bookmark this braid for fall.
7. Waterfall Fishtail Side Braid
This one looks complicated, but just follow the steps one at a time, and you’ll get there.
8. Fishtail French Braid Combo
This combination braid looks kind of weird, but definitely in a good way.
9. The Lobster Tail Braid
This seafood-themed braid variant is very cool-looking, and it’s surprisingly easy. Try this one out for a cool braid that won’t look like anyone else’s.
10. All The Fishtails
Whoa. This braid is made by making a bunch of fishtail braids, then braiding them together. The poster says it’s easy, but I think she and I might define “easy” differently.
11. The Half-Up Fishtail Braid
This one will make you look like a magical elvish princess.
12. The Fishtail Chignon
This looks like Oscar’s hair. Mess it up a bit, and you will look like a French movie star.
13. The Fishtail Topknot
This topknot looks complicated, but if you can do the fishtail high-pony, you can do this. As a bonus, it will make you look really tall.
14. Tuck & Cover Fishtail Braids
This is definitely the way Lady Mary would wear her hair today.
15. The Messy Fishtail Bun
This is probably my favorite look of the bunch. How great would it look with a blazer and some big hipster glasses? (I’m, er, asking for a friend.)
Photos: Pinterest
Beauty Expert & Hairstylist, Contributing Editor
Dorothy has been a beauty fanatic since she was a preteen growing up in a small Idaho town. She honed her makeup and hair skills on her willing mother and she’s a pro with a pair of tweezers, having fixed many a friend’s unibrow in college. Susan believes the true secret to beauty comes from within, but the right application of mascara and lipstick can help.
