This method will work for just about any hair texture and length, but it works better on hair that falls past your shoulders. If you have curly or frizzy hair, consider misting it with water. This will help the strands lay smoother and make them easier to work with.
Some people find it easier to pull their hair back into an actual low ponytail. Keep in mind that you’ll have to remove the hair tie later if you do this.
If you have curly hair, smooth it down before and after each cross over. This will help give you a neater braid.
If you have curly hair, consider braiding only a third or halfway down and leaving the rest of your hair loose. This will show off your beautiful curls.
How many times you wrap the hair tie around your braid depends on how thick it is. Expect to wrap it at least 3 times.
Consider misting your hair with water from a spray bottle. This will make it easier to work with. If your hair is smooth and slippery, consider applying some dry shampoo to it to give it some texture.
For a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the sections under the middle one.
Some people find it easier to cross the left section over first, then add the extra strand. [8] X Research source For a Dutch braid, cross the section under the middle one instead of over.
Remember to cross the section under for a Dutch braid.
Match the hair tie to the color of your hair or use a vibrant color for a stylish look. Add a fancy hair clip or flower to the end of your braid for a cute touch.
Consider dampening your hair with some water first. This will make it easier to braid.
Unlike other braids, fishtail braids only require 2 sections. You can have your hair pulled back so that there is no part whatsoever, or you can leave your part. A side-part would look especially cute with this style, but you can do a center-part too. Use a rat-tail comb to create the part.
How far down you braid is up to you. At some point, it will be difficult to cross those strands over; this is a good stopping point.
You can do this on other types of braids, but it is most popular for fishtail braids.
If your braids can’t cross past each other at the top of your head, your hair is too short. Try doing a braided halo with Dutch braids instead for a similar effect.
Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to make your parts nice and neat. Fold the ends of your braids down, then wrap the elastic around them 1 more time for a smoother finish. Create longer braids by adding strands of braiding extensions to the base of each braid. Apply a moisturizing cream to your hair as you are braiding it. Finish your hairline with some edge control cream.
Fold down the ends of the braids, then wrap the elastic around them 1 more time. Make your braids longer by adding braiding extensions to the top part when you begin the braid. Remember to apply moisturizing cream to your hair, and edge control to your hairline.
Use bobby pins to help tack down stray hairs.
