Here's how to style a fishtail braid… 1. Part your hair into two even sections. 2. Take a small strand of hair (preferably from underneath so that it wraps around the entire seciton) from one section and bring it over to the other side. Make sure your strands of hair aren't too large, or it will look more like a regular braid! 3. Do the same thing with the other section. 4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until the braid is finished. 5. To make your braid a little more full looking, lighting tug the edges of the braid to widen it.
Next, we had a crazy idea… weave pieces of yarn into the braid? FUN!
1. Tie yarn to one layer of hair at the root. We teased the roots a little bit to help the yarn stay. 2. Braid the pieces in with the same technique as seen above. Be sure to vary the colors of yarn. 3. Trim pieces of yarn and tie off with yarn.
We thought it was pretty cute! xo. elsie + kinsey too
236 Comments
Thanks! I might try this 🙂
I’ve been doing fishtail braids since I was a kid but I LOVE the colorful twist with the yarn! A very cute way to freshen up an old favorite 🙂
I JUST learned how to do this! My first attempts were just awful. I made a complete embarrassment of myself. But now I can do it! SO PLEASED!!
P.S. – It probably would have been easier for me to learn had this tutorial been around 😉
♥
Talia Christine
http://taliachristine.blogspot.com
Love this! The yarn addition is totally fantastic – I love how it subtly plays into the chevron trend in an unexpected way.
so cool! with the yarn, it almost reminds me of the fishtail braid they had in the anthropologie magazine a little ways back, except you don’t have to dye your hair to get that affect!
LOVE! I will definitely try this.
XO
This is so cute! I am trying to grow my hair out right now, I can’t wait til it gets long enough to actually ‘do’ things with it.
this looks like the free people fishtail cute
I’ve been bothering my sister forever to show me how to do this! my hair might be a little short but…the messier the better, right?
I might have to try this! My hair is so thin/fine that I’m not totally sure how a braid will work out for me, but I might have to do it anyway. And the yarn is cute too 🙂
-Kat
http://certainsomethingvtg.etsy.com
oh wow that’s so creative, i do the fishtail all the time but have never thought of that. totally trying it 🙂
http://www.dragonnfruit.com
Oh Hullo! That is fantabulous! And with the colour too – heavenly!
You make me like fishtail braids! I’m not sure if my hair is long enough to try something like this… I can barely make little thin braids. Hmmmm.
Also, I love the addition of the yarn!
This is so cute. I love fishtail braids. I’ll have to try one with yarn. Thanks for the idea!
Love that yarn idea! I saw a really cute fishtail braid with hair that had been dyed light pastel colours like these in chunks. It has essentially the same look, but yarn I would actually do!
Here’s a link to the other pastel fishtail braid: http://jeezejulia.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/things-i-love-thursdays-3-10-11/
xx.
Cuteness! I LOVE the last look!
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
Great tutorial! I love fishtail braids!
♥ Gina Michele
CrochetClouds.com
Fun! This is one of the best tutorials I’ve seen for fishtail braids. Thanks!
She’d match the new Missoni for Target goodies with the colors in that fishtail! ;]
retweeted.. so fun, had no idea how to do the fishtail (;
Love fishtail braids! Tying the yarn in is such a cool idea! <3
I’ve never done the fishtail braid before, but I absolutely love having yarn in my hair! Definitely going to try it soon 🙂
<3 Linda
Does this work on curly hair? I’ve tried doing the fishtail braid, but failed so bad. I want to try the one with yarn…but I think I should take it one step at a time, and first learn how it’s done the right way. lol
oh my god! what a cute idea to add yarn into your hair! once my hair grows back, i’ll definitely try that out. haha!
http://www.petiteandhungry.blogspot.com
Love it! Wish I had long hair!
Oh my gosh I love the yarn in her hair! so adorable! Was she able to braid it herself? That’s my issue… I don’t think I’m coordinated enough to fishtail braid without the help of another!
-meesch
http://www.aperfectkindofday.com
I just learned how to do these the other day. The yarn addition has just made this so much more fun!
♥ sécia
http://www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com
Great tutorial! I love the idea of putting wool through the braids to make it colourful, very creative.
I know what I’m gonna do tomorrow. Train doing that fishtail braid! And I love love love with the colors of yarn. And I love Kinsey’s hair color. That’s how I’d love my hair to be 🙂
Exactly what I needed….good motivation for Operation Grow out Hair! I’ve got a loooong way to go! Hearts, Janna Lynn
ooww.. nice to try!! 🙂
http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
I more than love this!
-grace
http://herumbrella.com
Ooh love this concept! Makes me miss long hair! xo
Hahaha! What a cute idea. Kinsey is so adorable. XO, Rae
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
I love LOVE fishtail braids! Can’t wait till my hair is long enough to do one, and the yarn! *dies*
I’ve always loved braids…
And I’ve always wondered how the fishtail braid is done. Thanks for sharing, I’ll definitely try it.
So lovely. Love the added colors.
Delaney
xx
so gorgeous!
LOVE THIS!!!
Planning to use the yarn idea in the very near future. 🙂
Oh I love this! The yarn is a great idea.
LOVE it! Can’t wait for my hair to be long enough to try this! 🙂
Yes! I have always wanted to know how to do this braid.
I love this! I now know how I’ll be wearing my hair tomorrow.
-Britta
It looks lovely! I would totally try it with the yarn if I still had my long hair. Wonder if it’d work with short hair. SO cool!
Ash:O)
amazing tutorial love it i want to try it!
http://www.ohmydior.org/
LOVE the yarn! i am still hopeless at a fishtail braid, though, no matter how many times i try! i’ll keep practicing!
so cute! the fishtail braid always confounded me 😉 it makes more sense now.
wildheartlove.blogspot.com
I have always loved the look of the fishtail braid, esp. since it was what all the cool kids were doing in the 80s. But I have never been able to do it! Maybe this is my time… and the yarn is the best!!
Love the braid with the yarn, you could co-ordinate it with outfits! How exciting. Thanks for this lovely tutorial!!
oh my gosh! i LOVE the look with the yarn. i’m so mad i cut my hair *sad face* grow hair, grow!
-erin
Super pretty!
oh thats great!!!
looks so amazing!
i love the way with the yarn in it!
if my hair is a little bit longer in the future…soon;D…i will try this out!!!
have a great day!
liebgruss from germany
eni
Thats gorgeous, so reminds me of free people 🙂
Love the yarn in it its a great touch.
Zoe xx
http://blessedbeeapothecary.blogspot.com/
I gotta learn that! I have always wondered how other people did that, and now.. Yeah i gotta train, but thank you!!
This is really cute, I’m going to try this with ribbon!
LOVE! I am deffo going to try the look with the yarn for a wedding party next week!
I still need a lot of practice but I’ll try it again later. I really love the braid with the yarn!
It seems easy & fun to do, I’d try if I’ve long hair.
fan va snyggtt!!!!
I managed to make this after trying for a while. I like the idea of the colorful yearn, I have been using tiny shells lately and love them.
if only i hadn’t just cut all my hair off! oh well, i like my bob, too. maybe fishtail braids next summer 🙂
Thank you! I have always wanted to know how to do this and now I know… complete avec yarn!
Thanks Elsie!
Funtime x
London vintage, lovely prices
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I’ve always thought fishtail braids were beautiful, but never knew how to do them myself. Now that my hair is too short to do one on myself, I guess I’m going to have to play with my sister-in-law’s hair.
Thanks for the how-to!
It’s such a cool idea, but I just can’t the fishtail braid down. I guess I’m just too klutzy! Ha!
http://www.thoreausdaughter.com/
BRILLIANT! I’ve been obsessed with fishtail braids since last year but I love this new option! Breaking into my yarn stash as soon as I get home!
I always wondered how to do these! and the yarn idea is SO cool.
SO SO SO smart! I love the idea of adding the yarn!!!
I’ve done fishtail braids to my own hair tons of times. But adding the pieces of yarn is a nice twist. I’m gonna try it asap!
Maria @ Green Love Designs (previously @ My current hobby!)
Love fishtail braids! Took me forever to learn, and mine don’t turn out that neat. Layers are awesome but they fight back. And the yarn was such a great idea!!
Adorable!!!!!
i need LONG hair now!!!!
I’ve ALWAYS wanted to know how to do this! I love the braid and added pops of colored yarn! So cute…might just step out of my comfort zone and have fun with this one!
It’s really cool! creative thinking ^^
Must try!
–Jaclyn T
Giveaway for a necklace on my blog:
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You guys always blow me away with the yarn-in-the-hair tricks! Love this hair how-to. Thank you!
That looks ace! Not sure if my hair is quite long enough, but I’ll give it a go. The yarn through the hair is a great idea.
you are perfect!!! Thanks for putting this up, I’ve been trying to figure out how to fishtail for agesss!
CUUUTE! totally pinning it right now :o)
xo.
http://dropsofjupiterBLOG.com
the yarn really spiced this style up. great color choices.
i have dreads and have wrapped quite a few of them in yarn. cuz color’s more fun 😉
http://painting-on-the-road.blogspot.com/2011/04/wild-hair-wednesday-color.html
http://painting-on-the-road.blogspot.com/2011/02/wild-hair-wednesday.html
Duh! I wish I would have thought of that! It’s genius! I had a New Year’s resolution to learn how to crochet but instead its been sitting in a basket for nearly a year. You’ve inspired me to make use of the yarn:-)
Hello! Just noticed a type-o and thought you might want to know. Step #5 on “How to Style a Fishtail Braid” says “lighting” when I think you meant “lightly.” Thanks for the instruction. I’ll be practicing on my daughter tonight!
Love Fish tail braids. I’ve just learnt how to do them recently so I’m super excited to try it with the yarn (or maybe ribbon!) soon =)
I always w0nder h0w t0 d0 a fishtaiL braid & thinking it w0uLd be difficuLt but thanks t0 y0ur l0veLy tut0riaL I can make it 0n my 0wn! ^_^
I’m f0LL0wing y0u. ^_^
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Thank y0u! ^_^
oh this is amazing.. so creative. defs following
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Wow what a great idea!!
http://www.lyzhang.com
THIS is way too cool! I love the yarn idea. That is brilliant!
Kacie
http://www.acollectionofpassions.com/
LOOOVE. will do 🙂
wow, so brilliant with the yarn!! 🙂
gives me ideas to do something else with it.. hair piece, maybe?
Thanks for the ongoing inspiration.
I like the yarn in the braid – very creative!
WOW! That’s such an ingenious idea~ I wanna try that when my hair gets long!
I am scrapbooking this! It is the coolest thing ever!
LOVING the yarn. Finally something fresh and new!
Love this!!! I have been practicing for weeks to get this right!!!
Also I love the idea of adding color!
xoxo
red-tintedglasses
so cute, if only I had enough hair 🙂
AGH!! I MUST MUST MUST TRY THIS!!!! Thanks for the inspiration!! 😀
I loved so much I`ll post it on my blog! Great idea!
adorable with the yarn! i also really want to know where you got your ikat dress… 🙂
such a good idea. Where’d you get your dress? It’s fabulous!
oh my! i LOVE her dress! (&the fishtail braid, too!) do you know where it’s from??
xoxo nicole
I tried doing a fishtail braid, I failed. But I am going to try again!
Thanks for this. I have identical triplet girls that are 8 and we are always wanting to try fun hair styles that none of the other girls will have. I had never know how to do the fishtail, but I got it the first try, even with the yarn!! We even did pigtail fishails on one of the girls. Love it. Keep the ideas coming. Oh, btw, I love the new format of the blog. Its easy to find what I am looking for.
<3becky
http://www.nowthatyouknowthesethingsdothem.blogspot.com/
Just found this how-to via pinterest….LOVe it! Thanks so much for taking the time to include pictures – I’m so so excited to try this out tonight!! 🙂
can you wash your hair with yarn in?
I might just add some yarn extensions to my hair. Screw feathers!
I’m gonna ask my mum to do it tomorrow for me! A true princess deserves a properly made fishtail braid.
Nene (A princess in the making)
What a cool and creative idea to incorporate the yarn!
I found your blog via Pinterest. I love the look of the Fishtail but I’m not good at doing hair. AT ALL! 🙂 But you made this look really easy & I was able to recreate the look in my Big Girl’s hair! 🙂 Next time we are going to try the yarn! I featured it here: http://www.pinfluence.com/2011/10/18/fishtail-braid-tutorial/
Cute! And I find the yarn strings tied into the hair without doing the braid strangely complelling. Thanks for the ideas!
wow cute! I am sooo going to try this. I love fishtails in general x <3
We’re sharing this on our twitter feed. Braids are still in and here in Austin, Tx, we can see Austinites wearing fishtail braids with colorful yarn weaved in. Thanks for sharing!
cooooooooooll 🙂
I absolutely love this idea. I’ve been doing fish braids since I was young but never thought to add some color in there without dying my hair. I definitely want to try this!
So awesome, I’ve been wanting to learn how to do this since forever! Thanks for posting this tutorial! 🙂
love love love this tut!!! thanks for the inspiration, now where did you get your chevron dress? Ive got to have it:)
This is adorable! I just love your blog!
-C
{www.cait-flightlessbird.blogspot.com}
OMG! Seriously awesome!
i rock the fishtail braid on the regular but have never thought of tying yarn/strings in my hair too! cute idea!
krissykreates.blogspot.com
ps. i LOVE your blog layout/design. so cute.
I REALLY LIKE THIS ITS VERY UNIQUE I WILL BE TRYING THIS…. LOVE IT
what a pretty idea with the string! i have a similar post in my DIY section
–instead of an elephant
Very nice! 🙂 FISHTAIL 😀
Great !! Awesome thanks for this beautiful DIY 🙂
thank,s you regard
Excellent! I love how it looks and gives out an aura of innocence!
babylonlingerie.com
I will never do that!
That was easy! I just did it and it came out great…Love the color of the yarn also-thanks! C.Chic. 🙂
nice n stylo…LOVE it! I will definitely try this.
nice n stylo… love it… will surely try this… 🙂
It looks so cute! I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!
That crazy idea of putting yarn turned out to be fantastic 🙂 It looks so pretty 🙂
I love this so much! I’ve been wanting to know how to do a fishtail for the longest time and incorporating the yarn is a really pretty touch! I love your whole blog and your wedding pictures were one of the most precious things I’ve ever seen.
From a happy reader:)
I couldn’t do it 🙁
I love the Hair bow. I’m going to try it sometime, I like the twisted bow too, I think they’re all awesome. Thanks for posting the tutorials ♥. I always thought most of those were hard, but not the way you showed it, I love your blog.
So lovely, and here on your pics looks so easy to make. I will try. Thank you! :-)))
I love it!!! I’m most definitely going to give this a try!
wana learn more styles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXN5ABcKHvY&feature=channel_video_title
Found this on pinterest! could you tell me where you gorgeous dress is from??? THANKS! – Meg
Absolutely love it-
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i love fishtail braids, takes centuries with my long hair but still. Love the twist with the colours, must try this 🙂 x
Love this! I retweeted too! Check out my blog http://jmslilybug.blogspot.com/
this is lovely!
I love your outfits!
if you have a chance, plz plz take a look at my blog: http://www.foragirllikeme.com
I’m starting a career in fashion and I need advice about what I should do!
Creative！ I really love people who enjoy their lives,^^
so nice , i have to learn it and make it myself , haha
Great tutorial! I found your blog via stumbleupon 😀
that a beautiful…
it’s will better if you used more colorful rope.
🙂
Wow! I love the twist that you shared right there with your fishtail braid! I’m going to try it soon!
I love it, thanks for the idea. I kept seeing a picture with the girl with a fish tail braid with the blue in it, and i always wanted it but without dying my hair blue.
i luv it
OMG I love your blog, this is fantastic
I love your blog it’s just so pretty and colorful! I really like your fish tail:)
Beautiful. I will try it on my teen’s hair today!
http://mamawolfe-living.blogspot.com
M surely gona try this out.With my hair colored in streaks n the colored yarns i m sure it will look cute on me too 🙂
very adorable! love the yarn!
very nice
very nice
Billy
http://www.fshionablybig.com
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What a cute idea. Maybe using black and white satin ribbon could pull off a chic Chanel vibe? I’ll have to try. Xo.
You are so Brilliant!
yay!! I finally taught myself how to fish braid! thank u so much for the tutorial!
I think this is my first visit to your blog – I love it! This tutorial seems really easy to follow. Since I’ve been growing my hair out, I’ve been looking for fun ways to style it and this is so cool!
So that’s how it’s done. And it’s extra cute too. Can’t wait to try this out.
Very cool!!!
What a fun & colorful way to give an update to the fishtail braid!
thanks alot valentine day is coming and my bf asked me to do this <3 <3
same fashion here check
I love Fishtail braids i had such a hard time at first..but after the 50th try i finally got it right!! I learned from this site http://howtodoafishtailbraid.org
Awesome! I do fishtails all the time…totally my favorite/ I never thought of adding yarn and now I can’t wait till tomorrow to try it!
Kisses and Cupcakes!
Ahaaaa the fishtail!!! How i yearn to be able to get this one right!! But do you know what, i have been trying to attempt this for ages, well to get it just right like yours and the many other pics i have seen and i have decided that i quite like my ‘a little bit wrong/skew-iff/messy’ attempt, as most of what i wear is a little scrumpled or messy!!!
Love all these pics xxx
Cute and yet sexy at the same time. Great for parties.
I really like this, but i was wondering if you could do a french braid? Thanks! I love your website!
How fun. Makes me want my hair to grow much faster than it is 🙂
wow that simple thanks admin 🙂 had no idea how to do the fishtail
Featured this on http://craftingformommies.blogspot.com !
Wow you have inspired me to do something on my blog. I love this! Good job!
what a horrible tutorial for the braid.
such an amazing look i love this fun idea on a summer day its casual and pretty:)
http://heylyss.wordpress.com/
hi! love the fishtail, but i’m REALLY loving that dress – where can I get that?!
WHOA love this!!!
Well..you made it quite easy to understand….i have hair till waist..actually till knee..will it work on that…or will it get messed up for long hair….
thanks anyway for posting the tutorial…loved it…
I love the idea of adding the yarn!!! I’m going to try this on my hair!!! <3
http://ivegotalovelylittleblog.blogspot.com/
Cute!! I love this!! I gotta try it!
I definite love braided hair! Hey, summer, it is 🙂
Finally – the fish tail looks so complicated, but your tutorial made it seem simple :{D Would love to know where you got that dress!
I love the style…and with the yarn…so beautiful!!!!!!!
Love the fishtail braid! Thanks for sharing!
One of my friend has the same fishtail she looks good…even she is American but she looks like Indian in Fishtail
the same to .how can i do every day .
authenticnikefree.com
I have recently learned how to French Plait and have become addicted, my next test is the Fishtail Braid and it just looks gorgeous with the coloured yarn…
Thank you!
The Attic Diary
I loooove this!
Val
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
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I love this idea. Definitely going to try it out!!! Trish @ reservedforruby.com
How do you get the yarn secured in your hair? Love this!
swear.,.,im love it so much,.!!!;)
Look at you smartie pants! haha (: i do love his idea though its so cute and very creative!! <3
marriage spell
Oh my gosh I heart this!
Thank you! I had no clue how it was done! It is such a cute idea! <3
nice post !!!
Looks amazing!!
yay color without having to dye it. i love.
amazing fishtail!!!
http://www.medxpower.com/blogs/Generic-Latisse-Efficacious-eyelash-growth-enhancer/
I tried this, but was confused…is it a new strand each time you pull from one side to the other? That’s what I tried and it came out funky, I liked it. But just in case there is abetter way to do this. Thanks.
Wow that’s soo cool neva had the idea of yarn in a fish braid…
this is super cute. i weave in colored ribbons or a couple beads into regular braids sometimes or when my hair is in a bun.
i will totally try
ooops i meant i will totally try this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
buenisimo me encanto ahora el reto es que me salga haha
Hey! I’m Stacie, the Social Media Coordinator for Hobby Lobby! I just wanted to let you know we posted this wonderful idea on our Facebook page! Here’s the link to check it out! http://ow.ly/aCd9N Thanks!
Wow! I haven’t been able to do this hairstyle yet due to short hair, but i grew it out; so i think i will be able to do it! The yarn is such a great idea for this hairstyle. So original!
i love pony tail but i will try it
Hey nice blog!!
we could follow each other!!
http://switchthefashionblog.blogspot.it/
Switch! <3
Loooooove. I’ve always wondered how that’s done. I’m so excited to try this!
cool photos and turorials!
How do you place your hands when you are pulling the sections from the outside. That seems to be where I lose track!! I know it’s harder to doing on yourself. Any help wld be appreciated!! Thanks!
Very nice tail. The second tail is better 😉
Very nice tail. The second tail is better 😉
Hi Elsie and Emma!! Fishtail braids are my new obsession!! I featured this idea and your How to Style a Side Braid Two Ways post today on my 20 Summer Braid Hairstyle Tutorials Roundup!! http://www.missloviecreations.blogspot.com/2012/06/20-summer-braid-hairstyle-tutorails.html# Come check it out and grab a button if you like!!
I love this! Would you mind sharing where you got your dress? It’s super cute. Thanks!
Simply Amazing!
now, who should i try that on >.> 😛
Thanks for sharing elsie + kinsey very creative 🙂
My hair used to be long, but I cut it short a few months ago. I really want it to grow faster so I can braid it like that.
Yarn to the braid? very creative! Thank you for the tutorial 🙂
Ahhh its so cute but I just can’t get the hang of this! This in my opinion is definitely incredibly cute, but not incredibly easy…
It’s so pretty 🙂 Totally gonna do it like heaps now!!!
This is really Cool and Beautiful Hair style tip 🙂
also check out these Most Beautiful and Stylish Hairstyles: http://www.zurmat.com/2011/09/22/most-beautiful-hairstyle/
who makes that dress? I love it!
I just tried it and I still don’t get it.. hmm I’ll have to practice more but it looks so pretty!
Lots of thanks for revealing the art of craft ! Bilkis B Chowdhury.
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OH MY GOD!! I LOVE ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT…will be definitely trying it out as soon as i reach home and find the yarns hehe
Adorable, and such a great idea!
Great idea! I like very much!
I’m late to the commenting party but where is this dress from? I love it!
Love this brade so practical and easy !!!!
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Beautiful, this would be great hair for a festival! I have written about Festival Fashion on my website: Style Quandary
So cute !!! I love it and I’m gonna try for my daughters 🙂
Thats such an amazing cool quirky idea. I love it