Fishtail Braid Hairstyles: 24 Plaits and Ponytail Ideas

Fishtail braid hairstyles can look sleek and narrow or loose and textured, depending on how the sections are arranged. These photos show paired plaits, crown braids, braided ponytails and softer half-up options, with a few related alternatives for comparison.

Twin Braided Lengths

Two closely spaced braids create a strong centre line, while the long plaits keep their woven pattern visible from behind. Small bows soften the finish without covering the detail.

Style note: Keep the two sides at a similar width if you want the paired braids to feel balanced.

Crown-to-Nape Weave

A broad centre braid follows the crown before narrowing towards the nape. Keeping the surrounding hair close to the head lets the woven shape stand out.

Sleek Blonde Fishtail

The smooth blonde crown leads into a closely woven braid with a defined tapered end. This is a useful reference if you prefer a tidy outline over a pulled-apart texture.

Side-Swept Blonde Braid

A diagonal braid changes the direction of the style without gathering every strand into a tight plait. Leaving length below the weave gives the hairstyle a softer shape.

High Braided Ponytail

This high ponytail keeps the crown smooth and places the chunky braid where it can be seen clearly. A little looseness through the plait creates a fuller outline.

Pro tip: Ask for a firm ponytail base before loosening the braid itself.

Glossy Black Fishtail

The dark, glossy surface makes the repeated sections of this braid easy to pick out. The loose straight ends provide a simple contrast to the tighter weave above.

Braided Side Crown

A raised side braid flows into the longer plait for a slightly off-centre finish. A few free strands around the face make the overall shape less severe.

Sculpted Side Fishtail

The diagonal weave gives this braid movement across the back instead of following a straight centre part. A dark bow keeps the finish understated while securing the end.

Blush-Toned Braided Layers

Small braids at the sides draw attention into the larger braid through the centre. The pale pink-blonde colour makes the layered texture especially noticeable.

Style note: Leave enough space between the side sections so the centre braid remains distinct.

Long Centre Fishtail

The plait starts high at the crown and stays fairly consistent down the back. Its uninterrupted line suits anyone who wants the braid itself to lead the look.

Soft Side-to-Centre Braid

The plait sits slightly to one side near the crown before joining a longer tail. That subtle shift gives the back more shape without extra accessories.

Low Woven Ponytail

A smooth crown keeps attention on the broad woven ponytail below. The patterned tie adds a small point of colour while the dark hair keeps the shape simple.

Narrow Low Fishtail

The narrow plait begins near the nape, leaving the upper hair smooth and relaxed. This low placement works visually with simple clothes and minimal hair accessories.

Ask your stylist: Request a tighter weave if you prefer the braid to stay slim rather than spread wider.

Half-Up Mini Braids

Two small braids add detail above otherwise straight, loose hair. This is a lighter braided alternative when a full-length fishtail would feel too dominant.

Tapered Dark Ponytail

The braid is broad where the ponytail begins and gradually tapers towards the end. That shape emphasises the length without needing extra pieces around the crown.

Voluminous Textured Plait

The expanded sections give this long plait a rounded, dimensional outline. It provides a useful contrast to the smaller, tightly woven fishtails elsewhere in the collection.

Good to know: A pulled-apart finish shows more texture but changes the braid’s final width.

Sleek Fine Fishtail

A neat centre part and smooth sides lead into a thin, closely woven braid. The restrained proportions put the emphasis on clean lines rather than extra volume.

Blonde Bubble-Braid Alternative

This blonde ponytail uses rounded bubble sections rather than the narrow crossings of a classic fishtail. It offers a useful alternative if you like a similarly long, textured silhouette.