Faux Fishtail Mini Braid Hair Tutorial
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Currently snuggled in my bed with my doodle-toodle, watching Netflix’s newest chick-flick “Sierra Burgess is a Loser” because I cannot get enough of Noah Centineo after watching “To All The Boys I’ve Ever Loved.” Jury’s still out on if it’s as good as “Too All The Boys” but it’s definitely a contender so far. Also, speaking of Juries…I got my first Jury Summons last week and I was freaking out because we just finished watching The Staircase (also on Netflix.) Thankfully, they filled the jury before I had to go in, so phew…but still. A little nerve-wracking to say the least.
Anyway, a while back, Sadie and I shot a bunch of hair tutorials (including this one that showed how to wear a hair scarf in a messy bun) and I figured it was about time to bring another one to the blog. This faux fishtail braid is so, so easy to do and it’s a fun way to add a little extra “umph” to your daily “wear your hair down” hair. Fishtail braids can be really tricky and take FOREVER to do, so this is a really easy way to get that piecey braid effect without having to take the time or effort to do it. Even though I still have my hair extensions in these photos, this is a super easy hairstyle that can be worn at almost hair length AND I’ll be demoing it on my shorter hair on Instagram stories tomorrow and saving to highlights so you can watch a tutorial as well.
(Sidenote, I’m currently crying REAL tears at this Sierra Burgess movie. It’s SO cute. Go watch it now if you need a giggle and some warm fuzzies in your soul.)
Products Used:
Bathpack Brush: Do I need to say it again? Probably not, but just in case you are new here…Bathpack Brush beats WetBrush. Hands down, every day, no questions asked. It’s the best brush in the world and it’s also insanely affordable.
Clear Hair Elastics – You know the ones I’m talking about. Teeny, tiny little elastics that are usually used for small children? Yep! Those ones. They are ideal for these smaller/more detailed type of hairstyle and are easily hidden!
Drybar 3-in-1 Texturizing Spray – Perfect for finishing any hairstyle off by giving it a little extra grit, texture, and volume. I really love this texturizing spray (and my Living Proof one!) and alternate between the two!
Faux Fish Tail Braid Hair Tutorial
- I’m starting out with my hair curled because I find that it gives the faux braid a bit more grit and texture to keep it in place and because it matches the volume that’s created with the braid. If you need any tips or tricks on how to get some beach waves, check out my beach hair tutorial here.
- I start by taking a small section of hair at the top of my part and securing it with a clear hair elastic to make a little ponytail. You don’t have to secure the elastic tight to your head – in fact, it’s better if you secure it a little lower from your scalp, making it a little looser.
- I insert a finger directly in the middle of the hair that’s been put into the hair elastic, separating it into two sections. Then, I take the ponytail and twist it up and through that hole, making it look like the hair had been twisted before being secured with the hair elastic.
4. Next, I take a section of hair below the first pony – one on each side and secure it with a second clear elastic so that it sits right on top of the first clear elastic.
5. Since there is already a more obvious “hole” between the two sections of hair that were used to create this pony, I simply twist the pony up and through the hole, creating the same twisted effect.
6. I repeat steps 4-5 one more time with one more pony below the second one – essentially creating a verticle row of twisted ponys down the side of my head.
7. After I finish securing and twisting the third ponytail, it’s time for the best part…chunking it up! (That’s the term I use when it’s time to add volume and chunkiness to a hairstyle.) I start with the top pony and slowly pull pieces of hair in the twist out so that it looks looser and more voluminous. By doing this in sections along the twist, it also gives the illusion of a fishtail braid!
8. I repeat the chunking step for each twisted section in all three ponytails. By the end, you can barely see the hair ties and it looks just like a fishtail from far away! I finish with a spritz of texturizing spray to give a little extra grit and help keep the volume lasting throughout the day. After the first few times doing this hairstyle, it now takes me all of 10 minutes flat to complete this and I love how fancy it looks!
Sharing is Caring! If you found this tutorial helpful, I’d be so grateful if you pinned it to Pinterest or shared it with your friends! And if you try this out for yourself, please tag me in your photos! I’d love to see!
