How to Create a Fishtail Ponytail – Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Fishtail Ponytail?

A fishtail ponytail marries the timeless appeal of a classic ponytail with the intricate beauty of a fishtail braid. While it looks complex, it’s actually easier to learn than mastering a French braid—albeit requiring a touch more patience than your standard three-strand weave.

The style’s distinctive herringbone pattern is created by crossing small hair sections from the outside of one part to the inside of the other. This creates A beautifully textured, woven appearance that transforms an ordinary ponytail into something extraordinary. Whether you’re heading to brunch or a black-tie event, this versatile style keeps your hair elegantly secured while making a statement.

Tools and Products Needed for Fishtail Ponytail

• Elastic Hair Tie: A snag-free version that matches your hair color is ideal for securing the ponytail base.

• Bobby Pins: Essential for taming stray hairs and securing the finished style.

• Hairspray: A flexible-hold formula maintains your style without making it stiff.

• Texturizing Spray: Adds grip and definition, which is especially helpful for fine or slippery hair.

• Optional Items: A fine-tooth comb for clean parts, hair extensions for added volume, or a ribbon to conceal the elastic.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Fishtail Ponytail

Mastering this elegant style gets much easier with practice. Success comes from following the simple pattern while maintaining consistent tension throughout your braiding journey.

Preparing Your Hair for Styling

Start with the right prep work. Clean, dry hair provides the ideal canvas for your creation. Pro tip: second-day hair often works even better, offering natural grip that freshly washed strands simply can’t match.

Working with fine or slippery hair? A texturizing spray—think sea salt spray—works wonders, adding the grip and volume that makes braiding much more manageable.

Brush through your hair to eliminate any tangles, then gather it into a ponytail at whatever height speaks to you. Secure it firmly with an elastic hair tie—tight enough to hold, comfortable enough to wear all day.

Different hair textures need different prep: thick, voluminous hair might benefit from some strategic thinning for easier handling, while finer strands can be gently teased at the roots to create extra body.

Creating the Fishtail Braid

Split your secured ponytail into two equal sections. Hold one section in each hand, maintaining separation and gentle tension—this gives you the control you need.

Now for the fun part: take a slender strand (roughly half an inch) from the outer edge of your left section. Cross it over the top and merge it with the inner portion of your right section. Remember, smaller strands create more intricate, detailed braiding.

Now mirror this movement on the opposite side. Lift a small strand from the right section’s outer edge, cross it over, and blend it into the left section’s interior. This alternating dance—left to right, then right to left—continues down your ponytail’s entire length.

Keep things steady as you work. Maintain steady tension by gently pulling the sections apart, creating definition while preventing your braid from dissolving into chaos.

Don’t worry about making it perfect—fishtails look better with a slightly messy, relaxed feel. This braid naturally carries a slightly undone, Bohemian quality that makes it so appealing. With each attempt, your movements will grow more fluid, your results increasingly polished.

Securing and Finishing the Ponytail

As you reach your ponytail’s end, secure the braid with either a clear elastic or one that seamlessly matches your hair color.

For a more polished look, hide the hair tie like this: select a thin section from your ponytail’s underside, wrap it around the elastic to hide it completely, then tuck and secure with a bobby pin underneath. This simple detail transforms the entire look.

Now add some texture. Gently tug at your braid’s edges, pulling slightly outward to add volume and texture. This “pancaking” technique makes your braid appear fuller and more intricate. Work methodically from top to bottom, being careful not to pull so hard that you compromise the structure.

Seal your masterpiece with a light hairspray mist, targeting flyaways while preserving the braid’s natural movement. For special occasions demanding all-day perfection, spray from about 10 inches away—close enough to be effective, far enough to avoid creating unwanted stiffness.

Tips for Beginners Learning Fishtail Ponytail

New to this technique? Try practicing on a friend or mannequin head offers invaluable perspective. You’ll see the braid forming from multiple angles while building essential muscle memory.

Helpful tip: start with slightly damp (not soaking) hair during your learning phase. Damp strands prove more manageable and less prone to slipping through your fingers. Once confidence builds, transition to dry hair for the texture you want.

Small, consistent sections make all the difference. Resist the temptation to grab larger chunks for speed—smaller pieces create the detailed, defined appearance. Position yourself comfortably in front of a mirror with your ponytail draped over one shoulder for optimal visibility.

Take your time. This repetitive technique improves dramatically with each attempt, so be kind to yourself during the learning curve. Tutorial videos can provide additional visual guidance for perfecting each step.

Styling Variations of Fishtail Ponytail

Height variations completely transform your fishtail’s personality. A high ponytail radiates youthful energy and playfulness, while a low placement at the neck’s nape whispers elegant sophistication.

Craving more drama or length? Hair extensions become your secret weapon. They deliver substantial volume and length, creating a more impressive braid with serious visual impact. Clip-in extensions prove particularly beginner-friendly for those new to working with additional pieces.

Get creative with accessories. Weave delicate ribbons or tiny flowers throughout for romance, or strategically place decorative clips along the braid for modern edge. A well-positioned headband can beautifully frame your face while complementing the braided elegance.

Try mixing in partial fishtail elements, weaving this technique into half-up styles or side ponytails for refreshingly contemporary takes on the classic.

Mix things up by combining techniques. Combine your fishtail ponytail with other braiding methods for show-stopping results. Try a French braid beginning at the crown that seamlessly transitions into a fishtail ponytail—it’s a real showstopper. These creative variations make the fishtail ponytail endlessly adaptable to your personal style.