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FISHTAIL BRAID

Sharpen up your braiding skills by discovering how to do a fishtail braid. As one of the most impressive-looking braids, the fishtail plait is a must-know trick for hair styling Queens. Messy and tousled or neat and sleek, style it your way with our step-by-step guide.

For a braided look with an ethereal touch, the fishtail braid is the perfect style. It’s a go-to for Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively, who loves a messy fishtail plait, as well as actress and model Kate Bosworth who prefers to rock a tight braid.

The finished effect is more detailed and intricate than French or Dutch braids – but it’s easy to master once you’ve got the basics. You can then use the technique to create a number of luxe-looking new styles on both long and short-length hair, including festival fishtails.

STEP BY STEPS

Fishtail_Braid_Step_1_SBS_Grid.jpgSTEP 1

PREP HAIR WITH GHD BODY GOALS - TOTAL VOLUME FOAM

Use ghd body goals - total volume foam to add body to your hair, combing through with your fingers.
Fishtail_Braid_Step_2_SBS_Grid.jpgSTEP 2

TWIST DRY YOUR HAIR

Twist sections of your hair then dry with the ghd air® hair dryer to dry in product and create texture.
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SECTION YOUR HAIR AT THE CROWN

Section your hair at the crown, this is where you will begin your braid.
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DIVIDE CROWN SECTION INTO TWO

Split the crown section in half with equally sized sections of hair on each side.
Fishtail_Braid_Step_5_SBS_Grid.jpgSTEP 5

TAKE A SECTION OF HAIR FROM THE LEFT & CROSS IT OVER INTO THE RIGHT

To create the first stitch of your fishtail braid, take a one-inch-wide piece from the left section of hair and cross it over on to the right side.

Tip: For a looser plait, don’t pull the hair too tightly.

Fishtail_Braid_Step_6_SBS_Grid.jpgSTEP 6

TAKE A SECTION OF HAIR FROM THE RIGHT & CROSS IT OVER INTO THE LEFT

Repeat on the other side, taking a section from the right and passing it over into the left. Try to incorporate a one-inch-sized section of hair every time.
Fishtail_Braid_Step_7_SBS_Grid.jpgSTEP 7

CONTINUE TECHNIQUE DOWN THE HAIR

Continue this technique until you have braided the full length of your hair
Fishtail_Braid_Step_8_SBS_Grid.jpgSTEP 8

SECURE WITH AN ELASTIC

Use a hair elastic to secure the end of your braid.
Fishtail_Braid_Step_9_SBS_Grid.jpgSTEP 9

TEASE & PINCH THE BRAID TO SOFTEN THE LOOK

To create a more tousled effect, use your fingers to gently tease out sections of the braid.

Tip: Skip this step for a tighter looking braid.

Fishtail_Braid_Step_10_SBS_Grid.jpgSTEP 10

LOOSEN A FEW SECTIONS AROUND THE FACE

Soften the look by loosening a few small front sections to frame your face and spritz with ghd perfect ending - final fix hair spray.