Blake Lively with long golden blonde hair in a fishtail ponytail braid.

How to do a fishtail braid ponytail in 5 simple steps

The only fishtail braid ponytail tutorial you'll ever need!

We all know that braided hairstyles are perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re in need of a hairstyle for the gym, a wedding or the beach, braids are always a go-to look to help you feel put together. But if your braiding skills only reach as far as a French or Dutch style pattern, you may think that creating a fishtail braid ponytail is out of your remit. But what about if we told you that creating a fishtail braid is actually super simple and far less intimidating than you might think.

Don’t believe us? Find out how you can create a fishtail braid ponytail in 5 easy steps by following out hair tutorial below.

How to do a fishtail braid ponytail: Step-by-step guide

1

Create a ponytail.

If your hair is greasy, start by prepping your strands with a dry shampoo, then secure your hair into a ponytail

Tip: Wrap a small section of hair around your hair band and use a bobby pin to secure for extra style points.

brunette woman putting her long straight hair into a ponytail
2

Separate your hair.

What makes a fishtail braid different is that unlike a French or Dutch braid, hair is divided into 2 equal sections, instead of 3. 

brunette woman separating her long straight hair into sections while in a ponytail
3

Start braiding.

To create a fishtail braid ponytail, take a thin section of hair from the outer edge of your right section and bring it over and across to the left section.

Then, take a thin section from your left section and bring it over and across to your right section.

Brunette woman doing a fishtail braid ponytail.
4

Continue braiding.

Continue this braiding process until you reach the end of your hair and secure your braid using a hair elastic.

Brunette woman securing her fishtail braid ponytail
5

Pancake your braid.

Pancake your braid by carefully pulling the braid apart to create a fuller looking finish.

Tip: If you have short layers, be extra careful when pancaking and keep some bobby pins at hand if you’ve pulled a little too much hair out of your braid. 

Ensure your braid stays put by spritzing your finished look with hairspray.

And there you have it! A stylish fishtail braid ponytail in 5 easy steps. 

Brunette woman pancaking a fishtail braid ponytail

 

 

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