Reverse fishtail braid tutorial – two cute half up hairstyles to try

Fishtail braids are one of my faves and this reverse fishtail braid tutorial is a fun way to wear your hair half up.

This braid tutorial is perfect for formals, proms or weddings. The added detail in the fishtail is really pretty.

It’s also a gorgeous style to wear any day, even just with jeans on the weekend. I love the contrast of wearing a detailed hairstyle with a simple outfit.

Fishtail braids take a little longer to do than regular braids. If you’re new to braiding, this style will test your arm muscles for sure. Keep practising though and you will get there. I promise it’s worth it, for both the strong arms and awesome hair.

Here are two half up hairstyles using the reverse fishtail braid tutorial. Version 1 has one braid pinned up at the side. The second version has a matching braid that connects up at the back.

Reverse fishtail braid tutorial – Version 1

What you need:

• Clear hair elastic
• Bobby pins

Step-by-step hair tutorial:

1. Part your hair where you like. I have a side part but you can do a centre part instead. Brush your hair to remove any knots before you braid.
2. Take an inch section next to your part to begin your braid. Split this section into two. The reverse fishtail is a process of crossing small pieces of hair under from one section and combining it with the other section.
3. The start of this braid is also a Dutch fishtail braid. As well as being a reverse fishtail braid, it also has hair added as you braid towards your ear.
4. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the right section and cross it under and combine it with the inside of the left section. Then pick up a small piece of hair from next to your braid. Cross it under the right section and combine it with the left section.
5. Repeat on the other side. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section and bring it under and combine it with the inside of the right section. Then pick up a small piece of hair from your hairline next to your braid. Cross it under the left section and combine it with the right section.

   BRAIDING TIP: To keep myself on track with this braid, I like to say out loud “outside to inside”. This reminds me to bring hair from the outside under to the inside of the other section.

6. Remember it takes a few sections to see your braid come together. Keep going! You need to cross pieces of hair from the outside under to the inside and also add in small sections of hair from next to the braid.
7. Once you reach your ear, stop adding in hair. Continue with just the reverse fishtail braid.
8. Continue braiding until the braid reaches the back of your head. Secure the end of your braid with a small, clear hair elastic.
9. Stretch out your braid! This is super important to really make it look thick and emphasise the braid.
10. Pin your braid up at the back. Lift hair out of the way and pin your braid at the back of your head. Place your hair back over to cover the ends of your braid.

Reverse fishtail braid tutorial – Version 2

What you need:

• Clear hair elastic
• Hair clips

Step-by-step hair tutorial:

1. Follow the steps for Version 1 above to braid the left side.
2. Create a matching braid on the right side. Take a one inch section of hair on the right to begin your second braid and follow the same instructions.
3. Stretch out the braid! Seriously you can’t miss this step. It’s the game changer when you braid your hair. You pull at the side of your braid to make it wider.
4. Combine both braids together at the back of your head with a small clear elastic.

Styling tips

• If your arms get tired – hold the braid with one hand and let your other arm down for a rest. Swap hands to rest the other arm. After a quick stretch you can keep braiding.
• If you have fine hair – use styling powders to add volume to your braids. Sprinkle a little on the braid, pat it in then stretch your braid to make your hair look thicker.
• Add an accessory – this style is transformed with a simple accessory. Add in a jewelled pin for a formal look or some fresh flowers. Have fun with your hair!

If you want to learn all the braiding basics and over 30 unique hairstyles, you should get a copy of my 30 Braids in 30 Days ebook.

I hope you liked these reverse fishtail braid tutorials! Please pin them to Pinterest or share them if you want to try them. You can share your hair photos with me on Instagram using #hairromance or #HReverydayhair.

Which is your fave look and where would you wear this braid?