The next-level fishtail braid

Put your plaiting skills to the test with this TRESemmé NYFW style

Beauty Crew Editor / April 11 2016

A few years ago, the fishtail braid became the hairstyle to master, and since then, it’s became a go-to look for long-haired girls around the globe.

Well, this New York Fashion Week saw Jeannie Syfu, TRESemmé Hairstylist, take the style to completely new heights at the Rachel Zoe A/W 16 show. The good news? Her update on the fishtail braid, which doesn’t start at the nape of the neck like it usually does, means that now those with shorter-than-mermaid-length hair can incorporate the technique into their look while achieving the same impact. The not-as-good news? You will need some pretty good braiding skills up your sleeve for this one.

1

Prep your hair

Starting with damp hair, apply a combination of TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)Done Wave Creating Sea Foam and TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)Done Sea Salt Spray through the roots and lengths of your hair.

TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)Done

2

Dry off

Rough-dry your hair to keep the natural texture, and create an imperfect centre part.

3

Create your side-braids

Section off the front pieces either side of your part, and lightly tease each at the roots to give your hair extra lift.

Split each section in half, and take a small piece from the outside of one half and bring it in to the centre, joining it to the inside of the other half. Repeat this on the other half of your section, and continue creating your fishtail braid until your braid can wrap around to the back of your head. Secure with a clear elastic and complete the other side.

TOP TIP: For a more romantic, whimsical finish, leave some face-framing pieces out.

4

Bring your braids together

Once both side-braids are complete, gather them together at the back of your head, so you’ve almost created a half ponytail.

5

Fishtail braid the rest

Using the same plaiting technique as before, continue braiding your hair down the centre of the back of your head, and fasten with a clear elastic.

TOP TIP: If you want to create more bulk to your back braid, add some more hair from the centre of the back of your head.

6

Add some texture to it

Using your thumb and forefinger, gently pull apart your braids for a more whispy texture. Finish off the look by spraying TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)Done Brushable Hold Hairspray for a long-lasting finish.

TRESemmé Perfectly (Un)Done Brushable Hold Hairspray
TOP TIP: If you want to create more of a messy feel, you can use a small scissors to cut the clear hair elastics securing your two side-braids, loosening up the hair.

Main image credit: Getty

Carli was BEAUTYcrew’s Editor from launch in 2016 until May 2020. You can find her words right here on BEAUTYcrew, and previously on beautyheaven.