Seashell braid tutorial – Dutch fishtail braid tutorial

Last week I created a pretty half-up reverse fishtail braid tutorial. This week we’ll take it a step further with this stunning seashell braid tutorial.

You might remember that I’ve created a seashell braid tutorial before using a French fishtail braid. This Dutch fishtail version really stands out and creates a terrific textured updo.

This is the kind of fancy braid that is perfect for formals, proms or weddings. The fishtail adds a beautiful detail to your bun and everyone will ask how you did your hair. Compliments guaranteed!

The braid technique is quite simple but it takes a few extra minutes to do if you want a really fine texture. The larger the sections, the quicker this seashell braid is to do.

Seashell braid tutorial – Dutch fishtail braid tutorial

What you need:

• Clear hair elastic
• Bobby pins

Step-by-step hair tutorial:

1. Brush your hair to remove any knots before you braid.
2. Take a two-inch section of hair near your temple where you normally part your hair. Split this section into two and begin your Dutch fishtail braid. A Dutch fishtail braid is also known as a reverse fishtail braid. Instead of crossing over, you cross under and add hair into the braid as you go.
3. Start your Dutch fishtail braid. 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.
4. 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 next to your braid. Cross it under the left section and combine it with the right section.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.
5. 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.
6. Continue your braid diagonally across the back of your head. When you reach your neck, finish in a regular reverse fishtail braid. Secure the end of your braid with a small, clear hair elastic.
7. S-T-R-E-T-C-H out your braid! This helps to make your hair look thicker and emphasises the shape of the braid.
8. Roll the end of your braid up into a bun. Curve the end of your braid around to form the seashell braid bun. Pin in place with bobby pins.

Styling tips

• Fishtail braids can be a workout for your arms. You can do this style in your own hair (as I’ve done) but if you’re new to braiding you may want to try this on a friend first. Or better still, get a friend to try this in your hair!
• Use small hair elastics. The small, clear elastics are so much easier to hide in the finished bun and give the style a more polished look.
• Start near your part. I usually part my hair on the right so I’ve started there, moving diagonally down to the bottom left. If you part your hair on the left, just reverse direction and move diagonally down to the right.
• If you have layers or very straight hair, curl the ends of your hair under first with a curling wand or using your hairdryer and a round brush. This will help your ends curve into the braid, rather than poking straight out.

To learn all the braiding basics and over 30 unique hairstyles, get a copy of my 30 Braids in 30 Days ebook.

I hope you enjoyed this seashell braid tutorial! Please pin it to Pinterest or share it if you liked it. You can share your hair photos with me on Instagram using #hairromance or #HReverydayhair.

Where would you wear this braid?