Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is the two-strand braid that crosses small sections from each side back and forth — distinct from a French or Dutch braid by being two strands instead of three, and by the very visible cross-hatched 'fish scale' pattern it creates. The technique is simpler than it looks once you've practiced; the result reads more intricate than a regular braid.

It flatters oval, oblong, and heart faces — pulling hair to one side asymmetrically (the most common way to wear a fishtail) softens long faces and balances heart shapes. Straight and wavy hair show the cross-hatched pattern cleanest; very curly hair adapts but the pattern is softer. Hair must be at least past the shoulder for the fishtail to develop enough length to show the pattern.

Medium styling maintenance, no cut needed — wear over long hair. Gather into a side ponytail (or wear loose), divide into two strands, take small sections from the outside of each strand and cross them to the opposite side, repeat. Loosen the finished braid by gently pulling sections outward for a 'pancaked' soft version. Takes 10-15 minutes. The fishtail had its viral peak around 2013 alongside the broader 'boho braided' trend and has stayed in rotation as a more interesting alternative to a standard three-strand braid. Best on slightly textured (second-day) hair past the shoulder.