5 Easy Steps to a Fashion Favorite: the Fishtail Braid

Blake Lively with a fishtail braid. (Pic: Just Jared)

Those gorgeous fishtail braids worn by celebrities on the red carpet might look super-complicated, but you can create the look yourself easily by following five simple steps.

I shared the secret recently for fans of bethenny over on her website, and the response has been huge.

So here you go, ladies — start experimenting with this versatile and easy braid. Tousled and bohemian, it’s a great look for all types of long hair.

 


STEP 1
If you want a high or side fishtail braid, make a ponytail. Otherwise gather your hair at the base of your neck. Then, separate the hair into two chunks.

 


STEP 2
Take a thin strand of hair from the right side and braid it into the left side: cross the strand over the right chunk and under the left chunk. The strand needs to be thin — you’ll be doing this several times, so you need to make sure you have enough hair to work with to get all the way down to the end.

 


STEP 3
Take a thin strand from the left side and braid it into the right side.

 


STEP 4
Take a thin strand from the right side and braid it into the left. Continue this pattern until all hair is braided.

 


STEP 5
Tie hair off at the end and pull the braid apart with your fingers to separate the strands a bit. It should look tight but slightly mussed, like “bed head.” Finish off with hair spray, and you’re good to go!

Once you’ve got the hang of the basic fishtail braid, try experimenting — as you can see from these celeb pics, the possibilities are endless…

Rihanna rocking a red fishtail (pic: Getty Images)

Nina Dobrev with a glam red carpet fishtail (Pic: Getty Images)

Dianna Agron takes the fishtail to the next level, creating a romantic updo (Pic: Getty Images)