Fishtail braids for black hair are a staple hairstyle for proms, graduations, and weddings. But fish braids recently flooded New York streets, runways, and red carpet events. Did you know that fishtail braids for black hair can be traced back to the ancient Greek female sculpture known as the Caryatids? Yes, you read it right! As these architectural columns suggest, Athenian maidens may have worn this hairstyle around 450 BCE.
Unsurprisingly, fishtail braids for black hair surpassed the test of time. This protective style embodies the combination of creative expression, function, and femininity. In this age of social media platforms, you will find thousands of fishtail braids for black hair content on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Best Fishtail Braids For Black Hair With Accessories
If you are searching for how to do your own fishtail braids for black hair and the different styles to wear the hairstyle, then you came exactly to the right place. At the end of this article, I hope you can do and style your fish braids.
Fishtail Braids For Black Hair
Photo from IG/solowax.centerAs the name suggests, fishtail braids for black hair or fish braids for black hair is a type of braid that looks like a fish tail. Fishtail braid hairstyles are perfect for almost all special events. You can wear them in the office, during dinner dates, or even at formal gatherings. Fishtail braids also look better as they loosen up or get messy. That is why you won’t have trouble wearing it all day long.
The most basic form of this hairstyle involves overlapping and interweaving two strands of hair, starting from the outer sides towards the middle section. But there are also two prominent fishtail braids for black hair variation. These are the Dutch fish braids and the French fishtail braids.
French Fishtail Braids For Black Hair
You should not confuse a classic French braid with French fishtail braids. The French braids involve overlapping and interweaving three strands of hair. Whereas the French fishtail braids overlap and weave only two strands of hair, beginning at the head’s crown and going down the roots.
Dutch Fish Braids For Black Hair
Photo from IG/atomic.alyssaThe Dutch fish braids look a little different than the regular fishtail braids. It begins from the middle section going to the outer sides. However, instead of overlapping the outer sides of the hair, it goes under. I will provide detailed instructions on Dutch braids in the following sections.
Who can wear Fishtail Braids For Black Hair?
The Fishtail braids for black hair are suitable for all hair lengths and all hair types. That said, I would like to make it clear that fish braids for black hair are easier to do with long, textured hair type. Those with wavy and curly hair types will find it easiest to recreate fishtail braids.
Please consider that if you have straight and silky hair, it is likely that you may find it a little challenging to hold this hairstyle. On the other hand, those with 3c and 4c hair types may require a lot of time combing and detangling hair to make fishtail braids. But rest assured that those with coily hair can hold the said hairstyle well.
How to do Fishtail Braids For Black Hair?
Fishtail Braids for black hair is very simple and easy to do. Just follow the instructions listed below.
How to do Basic Fishtail Braids for Black Hair?
- Divide your hair into two equal sections. The right and the left section.
- Take a thin strand (about 0.5 inches) from the outer side of the right section.
- Move the right thin strand from the outer side and cross it over, going to the inner side of the left section
- Tuck in the right thin strand with the left section. This thin strand now becomes part of the left section.
- Pull the two hair sections away from each other to tighten.
- Take a thin strand (about 0.5 inches) from the outer side of the left section.
- Move the left thin strand from the outer side and cross it over to the inner side of the right section
- Tuck in the left thin strand with the right section. This thin strand now becomes part of the right section.
- Continue alternating the process until you go all the way to the ends of the hair.
- Secure your fishtail braids with elastic hair bands.
How to do Dutch Fishtail Braids for Black Hair?
- Divide your hair into two equal sections. The right and the left section.
- Take a thin strand (about 0.5 inches) from the outer side of the right section.
- Move the right thin strand from the outer side and cross it under to the inner side of the left section
- Tuck in the right thin strand with the left section. This thin strand now becomes part of the left section.
- Pull the two hair sections away from each other to tighten.
- Take a thin strand (about 0.5 inches) from the outer side of the left section.
- Move the left thin strand from the outer side and cross it under, going to the inner side of the right section
- Tuck in the left thin strand with the right section. This thin strand now becomes part of the right section.
- Continue alternating the process until you go all the way to the ends of the hair.
- Secure your fishtail braids with elastic bands.
How to do French Fishtail Braids For Black Hair?
Photo from IG/yukalinana- Take a medium strand of hair at the middle of the crown of your head.
- Divide this medium strand of hair into two sections: the right section and the left section.
- To create a regular small fishtail braid. Take a thin strand from the outer right side and cross it to the left. Then take a thin strand from the outer left side and cross it over to the right. Repeat this process twice.
- To create a big fishtail braid. This time, take a thicker strand of hair from the right outer side of your loose hair and cross it to the left side of your small fishtail braid. Then take a thicker strand of hair from the left outer side of your loose hair and cross it over to the right side of your small fishtail braid.
- Create a small fishtail braid.
- Create a big fishtail braid.
- Alternate creating small and big fishtail braids until you reach the loose ends of your hair and all your hair are weaved together.
- Secure your French fishtail braid with elastic bands.
Fishtail Braids For Black Hair Hairstyles
Now that you know how to do fishtail braids for black hair, let us look at some hairstyle inspirations you can try!
Fishtail Braids For Black Hair With Accessories
Photo from IG/_myhairloveaffairOne of my favorite ways to wear fishtail braids is to adorn it with hair jewelry for braids. You can play with jewels, crystals, and pearls. This hairstyle is perfect for proms, weddings, and other formal events. I love the way how this radiates a feminine vibe.
Best Fishtail Braids For Black Hair With Accessories
Giant Fishtail Braids
Photo from IG/beautynbraidsbynikaleahLooking for a unique and eye-catching hairstyle? Why not try a giant fishtail braid? You can use hair extensions or braiding hair to create super long and thicker braids to add more volume.
Alternatively, you can add accessories like beads or jewels to make your braids stand out. Whichever way you choose to style them, giant fishtail braids are sure to turn heads.
Half-up Half-down Fish Braids For Black Hair
Photo from IG/glowupsbylynsayHalf-up and half-down fish braids for black hair is my semi-casual hairstyle. I like to wear this on lunch and dinner dates. This hairstyle keeps hair away from my face elegantly. It draws attention not only to my face but also to the back of the head.
Fishtail Braids on Dreadlocks
Photo from IG/hairwithhope__llcThis styling guide will not be complete without mentioning that fishtail braids are the most popular styles for people with dreadlocks. And the sky is the limit when it comes to styling. You can ask your loctician for giant fishtail locs or cute fishtail barrel ponytail colored loc extensions.
Pigtail Fishtail Braids For Black Hair
Pigtail fishtail braids for black hair are my go-to hairstyle whenever I am out going for a walk or running an errand. This clean look is a little casual, making it perfect for everyday outdoor activities. I love the clean and fresh energy it exudes. This goes well on my shirt, jeans, and sneakers.
Wavy Hair with Fishtail Braids
Photo from IG/_itsmorrtoitIf you’re looking for a cute and easy hairstyle, try a wavy look with a tiny fishtail braid. This look is perfect for any special occasion, whether you’re headed to the beach or just running errands.
Fishtail Crown Braid For Black Hair
Photo from IG/glamour6126Vintage is one of my favorite looks. This crown low bun fishtail braids made it on my list. You can do two Dutch fishtail braids on each side of your hair and secure it on a low bun. But if you are in a hurry, you can also do a simple low bun and wear a fishtail braids headband instead. Below are some of the fishtail braid headbands that you can buy.
Best Fishtail Braids For Black Hair Headbands
Fishtail Braids Black Hair FAQs
How long should your hair be to create a fishtail braid?
You need at least 5 inches of hair length to create a fishtail braid for black hair. The longer your hair, the better looking the hairstyle is.
How long does fish braid for black hair last?
Fish braid for black hair lasts for an entire day. The great thing about this hairstyle is it looks better as it gets looser or messier.
How many strands do you need to create a fishtail braid for black hair?
Unlike French braids that use 3 strands of hair, fishtail braids for black hair only require 2 strands of hair to overlap and weave with each other.
Bottomline
I guarantee you that you can look absolutely stunning with fishtail braids for black hair. Whether you are going for a casual walk, working at the office, attending a wedding, or having an intimate dinner date, fishtail braids can definitely take your look to the next level.
