Fishtail Braid

A fishtail braid has a distinctive woven look, but the traditional technique can be tricky to manage, especially if your hair is slippery or the sections keep coming loose. This pull-through version creates a similar full, textured effect using small twisted ponytails instead of weaving strands together. It is a practical option when you want the appearance of a messy fishtail braid with a simpler method.

The style is built gradually down the back of the head. Keep the ponytails small and secure, then loosen the outer edges at the end for a softer, fuller finish.

How to Make an Easy Fishtail Braid

Before you begin, have small hair elastics ready. Detangling your hair first can make it easier to separate even sections and keep the style neat as you work. If your hair is very smooth, avoid pulling the sections too loosely while making each ponytail.

1. Make the first twisted ponytail. Take a small section of hair from each side of your head. Twist both sections—twisting them inward is one option—bring them together, and secure them with a small elastic.
2. Add two more pairs of sections. Repeat the process with two additional small sections from either side, securing each pair as a ponytail beneath the previous one.
3. Create another ponytail. Take a fresh section from both sides and tie them together with an elastic.
4. Pull the ponytail through. Find the middle of the most recently made ponytail and open a gap above its elastic. Bring the hair from the ponytail up and through that gap.
5. Adjust the tension. Gently pull the ponytail snug so the inverted section holds its shape without becoming uncomfortable.
   

   

6. Repeat down the length. Continue adding small sections from both sides, securing them into ponytails, inverting each one, and gently tightening it. Work in sequence so the braid develops evenly.
7. Finish the ends. When you reach the end of your hair, secure the final section with an elastic. For a wider, more relaxed look, gently tug the outer edges of the braid to loosen and spread them.
   

   

Tips for a Fuller, Neater Finish

Use sections of a similar size as you work; this helps the pull-through pattern look balanced. Keep the elastics secure, but do not yank on the hair, since excessive tension can make the style uncomfortable. If you want a deliberately tousled finish, loosen the braid gradually and in small amounts rather than pulling out large sections at once.

You can stop after securing the ends for a more defined result, or gently widen the braid for extra volume and texture. The finished style resembles a fishtail braid, while the repeated ponytail-and-pull-through method avoids the strand-by-strand weaving of a traditional braid.

More Braid Ideas

If you enjoy experimenting with textured hairstyles, these related styles offer different ways to create a braided look:

• Easy (Wonder Woman Inspired) Knotted Braid
• Messy Fishtail Milkmaid Braids
• A Textured No-Braid Summer Braid

This easy fishtail braid alternative is useful when you want a thick, relaxed-looking style without relying on traditional braiding. With small sections, secure elastics, and a gentle final loosening, you can adjust the result from tidy to deliberately messy. — Rebecca