The braid every girl with long hair needs to try
Taking fishtails to a whole other level
It’s no secret that braids continue to be one of the top hairstyle trends going around. In fact, the look is so popular ‘how to do a fishtail braid’ was the most googled beauty question of 2016. If you’re one step ahead of the game and have already mastered the fishtail technique (if not, follow our handy guide on how to nail the hairstyle) and are looking to up the ante on your braiding game, or are simply on the hunt for more #hairinspo, we’ve found the perfect hairstyle courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa and Lea Michele.
Instead of opting for a traditional three-strand plait or an intricate fishtail braid, Potempa combined the two braiding styles to create an intricate ‘do that looks a lot more complicated than it actually is.
If you already have some braiding skills, very long hair (or some trusty hair extensions) and want to try this look out for yourself, follow these steps:
1
Tie it up
To begin with, secure your locks into a sleek high ponytail, making sure to leave a small section from the underside out to wrap around the elastic – secure it underneath the ponytail with a bobby pin.
2
Start your plait
Next, plait your ponytail as you would normally until approximately a third of your lengths have been used; secure with a clear hair elastic. The aim of the game is to keep the overall plait looking slightly messy, so loosen the plait by gently pulling on each twist of hair. To secure the first section, take another small strand of hair and wrap it around the elastic and pin it with a bobby pin behind the braid so it stays out of sight.
3
Add the fishtail
For the next section, create a mini fishtail braid. Continue until the middle section is half the length of the top braid and once again secure with a clear elastic. Loosen your braid by pulling on each twist and wrap a small section of hair around the exposed elastic.
4
Finish it off
The final step involves twisting your hair into another simple three-strand plait before tying it with an elastic.
While this hairstyle definitely requires some previous braiding experience and perhaps a bit of patience, it’s a brilliant look that is guaranteed to score you serious compliments.
If your hair isn’t long enough for this look, we’ve got the perfect updo for short hair plus eight braids every girl with short hair should try.
Image credit: @sarahpotempa; @leamichele
Kate started working for BEAUTYcrew in early 2016, first as a contributor, and was then named Beauty Writer in 2017. She loves picking the brains of the industry's top experts to get to the bottom of beauty's toughest questions. Bronze eyeshadow palettes are her weakness and she's forever on the hunt for the perfect nude nail polish to suit her fair skin. Her words can also be found in Men's Health magazine, and she now works in PR.
