A new hairstyle tutorial for you, with an interesting twist on the fishtail braid. Sometimes referred to as a seashell braid, this curving fishtail does have a shell-like quality and it’s a beautiful upstyle for day or night.
You can learn the basic fishtail braid technique here and see below for the step-by-step tutorial for this braided upstyle.
Hairstyle tutorial – French fishtail braid chignon
How to get the look
Step 1 - Brush your hair back to remove any knots.
Step 2 - Make a short part on the right side and take a section of hair to begin your braid.
Step 3 - Make a French fishtail braid from the top right to the bottom left of your hair. French fishtail braids use the same technique as a regular fishtail but you add in extra hair from each side as you braid. Pick up a small section of hair from the left and cross it into your right hand. Pick up a small section of hair on your right side and cross it over into your left hand. Repeat this as your braid diagonally down your head.
Tip: For fishtail braids, I find it helpful to think of them as two ponytails. Hold one ponytail in each hand and then you cross little pieces over from one side to the other, always keeping one ponytail in the palm of your hand.
Step 4 - When your braid reached behind your left ear, start to curve it around and braid along your lower hairline. Continue into a regular side fishtail braid until all your hair is braided. Secure the end with an elastic.
Tip: Use a small clear elastic as it won’t show when you create the chignon.
Step 5 - Twist the braid up and around into a spiral bun. Pin in place with bobby pins.
Style tips
This hairstyle is best for long hair without too many layers. Try and keep each section you add in small and even. This will emphasise the seashell shape.
My version is a little messy, but I like it that way. When doing this on your own hair you have to go by feel so it can be tricky to keep it even. You will achieve a much neater result on someone else’s hair.
Where would you wear this fishtail chignon hairstyle?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Lovely! This style works well for any occasion too.
masterofboots recently posted..Home away from home
Thank you! Xx
So pretty! I’m always jealous of people who can get this sort of style to work, because my layers basically exclude me from any fancy braiding
I love that you paired this with edgy jewellery, too. Such a little detail, but it looks great!
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Thanks Rachel! I was thinking about how this could work for layers and if you could do two French fishtail braids next to each other curving around. If you made a zig-zag part line between them it would look as if they joined. I want to try this (when I get my colour done!) and I’ll let you know how it goes x
This is so gorgeous – I love the French fishtail, but mine always seem to fall when I do it on my hair. I have very straight and fine hair, and even if I start the fishtail at the hairline, by the time I’m done, the whole braid has scrunched down at the bottom of my head – any tips to prevent this? Do I just need to use some product or tease my hair? Thanks!
Hi Sarah, try adding mousse to your hair and blowdrying it in to add some texture. If you hair is soft and fine you will need to add some “grip” to keep the braid from slipping.
ausiee style
I’m in love with this hairstyle! ♥ I will try this with my sisters hair at a wedding. I think it will look great with a flower in color of her dress
Thank you so much Ozge! I think a flower with this would look stunning x
I think It would look nice if it was left as a braid before putting it up as well
Great idea, Thanks Helena x