How to Create a Dutch Fishtail Braid

So, you’ve heard of traditional three-strand braids and French braids, fishtail braids and Dutch braids, but have you ever heard of a Dutch fishtail braid hairstyle? While it may sound unfamiliar, we have no doubt you’ve seen the head-turning hairstyle trend flooding your social media feeds. Much like a classic Dutch braid, a Dutch fishtail is all about weaving a fishtail braid with an under-handed approach. The result? A gorgeous, voluminous braid that pairs well with any outfit and makeup look. Sound like your cup of tea? We thought it might, so keep reading to learn which hairstyle products you’ll need to stock up on, as well as the step-by-step process used to achieve the look.

What you’ll need:

Texture spray

Clear elastic

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray

Bobby pins

How to get the look:

STEP 1: ADD TEXTURE TO YOUR HAIR

Anytime you’re working with braids, it’s a good idea to start your style off with a solidly textured base to help your braids stay in place. That said, whether you’ve just hopped out of the shower and towel-dried your hair or are working with second-day hair, give your strands a few spritzes of a wave or texturizing spray. This easy-to-use hair spray will instantly transform your strands, giving them a textured look that’s especially pretty when paired with Dutch fishtail braids.

STEP 2: COMB YOUR HAIR BACK

And by comb, we mean to use your fingers to brush all your hair straight back over your shoulders. We recommend your hands over a brush because Dutch fishtail braids look even more effortlessly beautiful when paired with imperfect texture. In other words, don’t worry about any small lumps and bumps—they’ll add to your look. If you prefer a side part or middle part with your Dutch fishtail braid, you can do that, too. Just be sure to still pull all your hair back over your shoulders.

STEP 3: SECTION YOUR HAIR AT THE CROWN

Grab a small section of hair at your crown and split it into two equal pieces. This split section will serve as the base of your Dutch fishtail braid.

STEP 4: START YOUR BRAID

Starting on the left side, take a small piece of hair from the outside of the section you’re working with. Cross this section of hair underneath the left side and add it to the right section of hair. Then follow this same process on the right side. Take a small piece of hair from the outside section of the right side, cross it under, and add it to the left side.

STEP 5: INCORPORATE MORE HAIR WITH EACH STITCH

Next, pick up a new section of hair on the left side of your head, crossing it underneath the left side and joining it to the right side of your head. Do the same on the right side. Continue this back and forth underhanded weaving until you run out of additional hair at the nape of your neck.

STEP 6: WEAVE A REGULAR FISHTAIL TO THE ENDS

Once you have no more hair to add to your Dutch fishtail braid, simply weave your hair down to the ends, continuing with the underhanded weave despite having no extra hair to pull in. Once you reach the ends, before tying your Dutch fishtail braid off, gently tug at each section of your braid to create a more voluminous plait. Once everything looks just right, tie it off with a clear elastic. Then you can wrap a piece of hair around the elastic and secure with a bobby pin to conceal the hair tie.

STEP 7: FINISH YOUR LOOK

As with all braids, your hair will need extra help to keep everything in place. While this look is all about whimsical messiness, hold any unsightly stray hairs in place with bobby pins. Once everything looks exactly as you’d like it—perhaps pull a few face-framing strands out in front of your ears for an added allure—give your style an all-over spritz of hair spray. And there you have it—a beautiful new take on an ultra-cool braided hairstyle!

For more braided hairstyle inspiration, check out our article, How to Do a 4-Strand Braid.