How to Do a Fishtail Braid in Under 5 Minutes – So Easy, You’ll Be Obsessed
You are tried to do a fishtail braid, but it never comes out the way you want.
Either the sections are uneven, the braid falls apart too quickly, or it just looks messy no matter how much effort you put in.
Most tutorials move too fast or skip over small but important details and that can be really frustrating.
In this article, I will explain everything clearly, step by step, in simple words, so you can finally create a neat, stylish fishtail braid without all the hassle.
Let’s jump into it!
What’s Going Wrong With Your Fishtail Braid?
If your fishtail braid looks messy, keeps falling apart, or just does not turn out right, you are not alone and many people struggle because they miss small but important details.
Maybe your hair is too smooth and the braid slips out.
Maybe your sections are uneven, or you are pulling hair from the wrong place or sometimes the braid feels too tight at the top and too loose at the bottom, or it just falls apart quickly.
Most tutorials skip over these issues-they go too fast or assume you already know the basics.
Related: How to Do a Dragon Braid – For Beginners
The Tools You Need Before You Start
If you want the perfect fishtail braid then you must the right tool and product because they will makes a huge difference .
If your brush is too soft or your elastics keep sliding out, your braid will fall apart, leaving you frustrated.
A clean and long-lasting dragon braid starts with the right basics.
These tools help you stay in control, keep your sections tidy, and ensure the braid holds its shape from top to bottom.
Here are the tools and product you will need to do a fishtail braid:
- A brush with firm bristles
- A rat-tail comb
- Small elastic bands
- Hair clips
- Dry shampoo or texturizing spray
- A mirror (or two)
Related: How to Do a Slick Back Bun
How to Do a Fishtail Braid( Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep your hair for grip
Start with brushed hair that is free of tangles.
If your hair is freshly washed and feels too soft, spray a light mist of dry shampoo or texturizing.
Step 2: Separate your hair
Make sure your hair is brushed and free of tangles.
If you just washed your hair and it feels too soft, use a light spray of dry shampoo or texturizing hold product.
Step 3: Take a little section from the far side
Brush your hair until it feels smooth and does not have any knots.
If you just washed your hair and it feels very soft, spray a small amount of dry shampoo or texturizing spray on it.
This will help your braid stay in place and stop it from coming undone.
Step 4: Repeat on the other side
Keep repeating the same steps-take the outer pieces and move them to the middle, switching sides each time-until you reach the ends of your hair.
Keep your hands close to the braid as you go so the braid stays neat and tight.
Step 5: Keep braiding all the way down
Keep repeating the same motion-moving the outer sections to the inside and switching sides-until you get close to the ends.
Hold your hands near the braid as you work to keep the tension firm.
Step 6: Tie it off and clean it up
Keep doing the same steps-move the outside pieces to the middle and change sides each time-until you reach the ends of your hair.
Keep your hands close to the braid as you work so the braid stays tight.
How to Make a Fishtail Braid Look Neat?
If your braid always looks messy or uneven, it is not your fault. Most people do not explain the small details that make a big difference.
The key to neat fishtail braids is control and consistency. Always take small, even sections from the outer edge each time.
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Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1) Grabbing uneven sections
If your braid looks untidy, it is probably because the sections are uneven.
Take strands of the same size, about as thick as a pencil, from each side to keep it even.
2) Not pulling tight enough
If your braid looks messy, it is probably because the sections are not the same size.
Take pieces that are as thick as a pencil from each side to keep the braid even.
3) Pulling from the wrong place
If your braid looks messy, the sections are probably not the same size.
Take pieces from each side that are as thick as a pencil to keep your braid even.
4) Too many flyaways
If your braid looks untidy, the sections are probably not the same size.
Take pieces from each side that are as thick as a pencil to make your braid even.
5) Braid shifts to one side
If the braid tilts, it means your posture or the size of your sections is not right.
Stay focused, keep yourself centered, and use a mirror to check your work as you go.
Related: How to Do a Messy Bun
Final Thoughts
Do not worry if your first attempt at a fishtail braid does not look like the ones you see online.
It is normal for it to feel a bit awkward in the beginning. Your hands may get tired, and the sections might not line up perfectly, and that is completely okay.
What matters is that you made the effort and now understand what to adjust and the more you practice, the quicker and neater your braids will become.
Do not wait for perfection-just pick up your tools and start braiding.
I am Mimi Ryan, an author and the creative force behind The Mom Beauty website, where my passion for fashion and beauty seamlessly intertwines with my role as a modern mother. I have created a vibrant online community dedicated to sharing insights, tips, and inspiration. Through my content, I celebrate the art of self-expression and aim to uplift women, reminding them that elegance and confidence can flourish.
