How to make a fishtail braid
Like all the best hairstyles, the fishtail braid (also known as the 'herringbone braid') is one that looks intricate and tricky to do, but with a bit of practice becomes nearly as easy to create as a regular three-strand braid. And like so many of today's popular styles, it actually looks better when it's slightly messed up rather than being perfectly neat and tidy - so no big deal if you happen to drop a strand here or there. Read on for tips on how to make a beautiful fishtail braid, along with the usual gallery of celebrity photos for your hairstyle inspiration.
Minka Kelly's messy side fishtail braid makes her look effortlessly chic.
Step One: Divide your detangled, second-day hair into two equal sections.
Step Two: Hold the righthand section in your right hand. With your left hand, take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the lefthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the righthand section.
Step Three: Do the same thing on the other side: that is, hold the lefthand section in your left hand, use your right hand to take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the righthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the lefthand section. You'll need to use gravity to your advantage as you keep changing hands, and if the strands keep slipping then your hair probably isn't 'dirty' enough (running some mousse or styling wax through your hair will fix this problem in a jiffy)
Step Two: Hold the righthand section in your right hand. With your left hand, take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the lefthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the righthand section.
Step Three: Do the same thing on the other side: that is, hold the lefthand section in your left hand, use your right hand to take a thin strand of hair from the outside of the righthand section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the lefthand section. You'll need to use gravity to your advantage as you keep changing hands, and if the strands keep slipping then your hair probably isn't 'dirty' enough (running some mousse or styling wax through your hair will fix this problem in a jiffy)
Step Four: Repeat the process until you've reached the ends of your hair, tie the braid with a hair elastic, and voila - you're done!
One of the most effective ways to wear a fishtail braid is on the side, as an extra-special version of the classic side braid. It not only looks awesome but means that you can do it yourself in front of the mirror, without needing to have anyone else there to help out. The looser you hold the strands, the 'fatter' your fishtail braid will be, giving a more relaxed finish to the overall look.
If you want a single fishtail braid at the back like this, get a friend to do it for you.
One of the most effective ways to wear a fishtail braid is on the side, as an extra-special version of the classic side braid. It not only looks awesome but means that you can do it yourself in front of the mirror, without needing to have anyone else there to help out. The looser you hold the strands, the 'fatter' your fishtail braid will be, giving a more relaxed finish to the overall look.
Rihanna, Amanda Seyfried, and Demi Moore keep their side fishtail braids relatively neat and tidy...
... while Shailene Woodley, Vanessa Hudgens and Leona Lewis choose a more dishevelled look.
Other ways to wear a fishtail braid include as a single addition to loose hair (like Aubrey O'Day has done), in two super-girly pigtails (like Kim Kardashian's), or incorporated into a more elaborate braided style like Diane Kruger's (but unless you're a braiding expert, you'll probably want to leave this one to your hairdresser!)
Singer Aubrey O'Day creates a bohemian look by adding a single fishtail braid to her otherwise loose hair
Kim Kardashian gets into the Oktoberfest spirit with her two neat fishtail braids
Diane Kruger's beautifully intricate side fishtail braid makes for the perfect red carpet hairstyle.
How to create milkmaid braids
The trend for milkmaid braids is not a new one, but it definitely has some staying power! This braided hairstyle happens to be one of the easiest and most effective looks around, and can be created in less than ten minutes. Milkmaid braids have that old-school European appeal (think The Sound of Music) and can be either very neat and prim, or loose and bohemian, depending on the look you're after.
Mary-Kate Olsen evokes the classic Swiss miss with her 'undone' milkmaid braids
All you need to achieve this look is your hairbrush or comb, two elastic bands, some bobby pins, and a small amount of hairspray. Starting with second-day hair, create a middle part (or a side part if that's what you prefer) and divide your hair into two sections.
Braid each section as though you were just making two plaits, keeping the top of the braid reasonably loose to allow you to twist it up later. Tie each braid with an elastic band.
Helena Christensen goes for a more casual side part, while Salma Hayek sticks to the classic style with a neat middle part.
Braid each section as though you were just making two plaits, keeping the top of the braid reasonably loose to allow you to twist it up later. Tie each braid with an elastic band.
Now, arrange the braids over your head in the style that looks best (you'll need a hand mirror to know for sure). If your hair is very long then you'll be able to criss-cross the braids over your crown and create a braided confection at the back of your head, but otherwise just bring them as far over as they'll go. If you like you can bring one of them across your hairline to create a 'hair headband' like Sienna Miller has in the photograph below (hers is actually a hairpiece braided in, but hey, it works!)
Then, slip off the elastic bands to create a seamless look, and bobby pin the braids in place. Finish with a light touch of hairspray and you're done! Provided that you've used enough bobby pins, your milkmaid braids should stay in place all day, and will result in some serious braid-waves once you take them out that night. Enjoy!
Zoe Saldana and Sienna Miller demonstrate two of the many different ways of arranging the braids.
Then, slip off the elastic bands to create a seamless look, and bobby pin the braids in place. Finish with a light touch of hairspray and you're done! Provided that you've used enough bobby pins, your milkmaid braids should stay in place all day, and will result in some serious braid-waves once you take them out that night. Enjoy!
