9 Fish Braid Hairstyles Perfect for Your Next Salon Appointment

9 Fish Braid Hairstyles Perfect for Your Next Salon Appointment

Fish braids (also called fishtail braids) have been having a moment for years now, and honestly, they’re not going anywhere. There’s something about that woven, textured pattern that looks way more complicated than it actually is once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re heading into the salon with a photo saved on your phone or just want some fresh ideas to bring to your stylist, these nine fish braid hairstyles cover everything from everyday casual to full-on special occasion glam.

Classic Loose Fishtail Braid

This is the fish braid most people picture first, and for good reason. It’s soft, a little undone, and looks effortless even though there’s real technique behind it.

The loose fishtail works beautifully on straight to wavy hair, medium to thick, and suits pretty much every face shape since the braid sits down the back rather than framing your face. People love it because it reads as polished without looking stiff or overly done.

To style it, gently tug at the edges of each section once you’ve finished braiding to loosen things up. A texturizing spray beforehand helps the braid hold its shape without looking greasy. Maintenance is low, this is a wash-and-go style, and it works just as well second-day hair as it does fresh out of the shower.

Dutch Fishtail Braid

Swap the traditional over-under weave for a Dutch technique and you get a braid that pops right off the scalp instead of blending in. It’s a small change that makes a big visual difference.

This style suits people with fine to medium hair since the raised braid adds the illusion of volume. It’s a favorite for anyone who wants a braid that photographs well, since the texture really stands out.

Your stylist can start the braid right at the hairline for a bold look, or a few inches back for something more subtle. Bobby pins at the nape help keep flyaways in check, and a light-hold gel along the part keeps things neat through a full day.

Fishtail Braid with Face-Framing Pieces

Pulling out a few soft pieces around your face softens the whole braid and gives it a more romantic, undone feel. It’s a small tweak that changes the entire vibe of the style.

This one is especially flattering for round or square face shapes, since the loose strands add gentle movement near the jawline. Curly or wavy hair textures really shine here because those pieces naturally frame the face without needing much extra work.

Curl the face-framing pieces with a small barrel iron for definition, or leave them straight for a more casual look. Touch-ups are simple, just a little dry shampoo at the roots keeps this style fresh for two or three days.

Fishtail Braided Ponytail

Combine a fish braid with a high or low ponytail and you get a style that feels a little more put-together, perfect for date night or a work event that runs late.

This works for basically any hair length past the shoulders, and it’s particularly great for thick hair since the braid keeps everything contained without feeling heavy. A high ponytail version reads more youthful and sporty, while a low version feels sleeker and more grown-up.

Smooth the ponytail base with a comb before braiding to avoid bumps, and finish with a shine serum on the braid itself. This style holds up well through workouts or long days, making it one of the more practical options on this list.

Double Fishtail Braids

Two braids instead of one gives you a symmetrical, slightly nostalgic look that’s having a real resurgence right now. It’s giving festival season energy year-round.

Double fish braids suit longer hair best, ideally past the collarbone, and work on straight, wavy, or curly textures alike. This style is genuinely great for anyone with a middle part already, since it splits the hair naturally into two even sections.

Secure each braid with clear elastics so they don’t distract from the pattern, and consider a middle part to keep both sides balanced. Because there’s less hair per braid, this style tends to look neater for longer between washes.

Fishtail Crown Braid

Wrapping a fishtail braid around the crown of your head creates a soft, halo-like effect that feels a little bohemian and a little bit like something out of a countryside wedding.

This one is lovely for medium to long hair and works particularly well if you have some natural wave, since the texture helps the braid stay put. It’s a great pick for anyone who wants an updo alternative that still keeps most of the hair down or half-down.

Pin the braid securely along the hairline, tucking the end underneath itself so it disappears into the crown. Fresh flowers or small pearl pins tucked into the braid dress it up nicely for a wedding guest look or a summer garden party.

Fishtail Braid with Balayage or Highlights

Here’s the thing about fish braids specifically, the weaving pattern shows off color in a way a lot of other braids simply can’t. If you’ve got balayage, highlights, or even a subtle ombre, this braid style basically becomes a color showcase.

Anyone with dimensional color, whether that’s caramel balayage on brunette hair or soft highlights on a lighter base, will notice how much the braid brings out those tones. It’s especially striking on medium to thick hair where there’s more surface area for the color to catch light.

Ask your colorist about placement before your next appointment if you know you love braided styles, since highlights placed slightly forward tend to show up best in a fishtail pattern. A glossing treatment between color appointments keeps the shine looking fresh in braided styles.

Fishtail French Braid Combo

Start with a French braid at the crown and transition into a fishtail partway down for a hairstyle that feels layered and a little more intricate without requiring two totally separate techniques.

This combo style is great for thick or coarse hair since the French braid section helps control volume up top before the fishtail takes over. It also tends to last longer than a straight fishtail because the braided-in sections near the scalp keep everything more secure.

This is a nice one to bring to a stylist if you’re not confident doing the transition yourself, since getting the switch-over smooth takes a little practice. Once it’s done, though, it’s genuinely a low-maintenance style that can go two to three days between fresh braids.

Fishtail Braid Updo

For weddings, proms, or anything black-tie, a fishtail braid worked into an updo brings texture to what might otherwise be a fairly plain bun or twist. It elevates the whole look without needing extra accessories.

This works on medium to long hair and suits pretty much any face shape, since an experienced stylist can adjust where the braid sits and how tight the finished updo looks. Fine hair benefits from some texturizing spray beforehand so the braid has enough grip to hold its shape all night.

Once the braid is pinned into the updo, a light-hold hairspray keeps flyaways down without making the texture look stiff. Because it’s meant for special occasions, this isn’t really a wash-and-wear style, but it’s absolutely worth booking a salon appointment for if you’ve got a big event coming up.

Fish braids are one of those styles that genuinely work for almost anyone, it really just comes down to how you want to wear yours. If you’re not sure which version suits your hair type or face shape best, bring a couple of these ideas to your stylist and talk through what would work with your length and texture. That conversation alone usually makes the appointment go a lot smoother, and you’ll walk out with a braid you actually know how to recreate at home.