21 Half-Up Fishtail Braid Hairstyles
Looking to elevate your braiding game?
The half-up fishtail braid combines the sophistication of fishtail braiding with the versatility of half-up styles, giving you the best of both worlds.
Perfect for everything from casual outings to formal events, these 21 variations offer something for every hair length, texture, and skill level.
Get ready to turn heads with these stunning half-up fishtail looks that are easier to create than you might think.
1: Classic Half-Up Fishtail
Pull the top half of your hair back, leaving face-framing pieces loose for a flattering effect.
With the gathered section, create a single fishtail braid, working your way down with small, consistent strands.
Secure with a clear elastic and gently tug on the braid’s edges for that perfectly undone finish. This creates more volume and a softer, more romantic look.
This timeless style works for any occasion and pairs beautifully with both casual and formal outfits, making it a versatile go-to option.
2: Boho Crown Fishtail
Gather hair from your temples and crown area, leaving the majority of your locks flowing freely.
Create a horizontal fishtail braid that wraps around the back of your head like a crown.
Secure it with bobby pins that match your hair color, hiding them beneath the braid for a seamless finish.
Pull a few tendrils loose around your face for that effortless bohemian vibe.
This festival-ready style holds up beautifully throughout the day while keeping hair off your face—perfect for outdoor events and summer activities.
3: Double Half-Up Fishtails
Section off hair from each temple and create two parallel fishtail braids that meet at the back of your head.
Secure them together with a small elastic or decorative clip where they join.
The dual braids create beautiful dimension and visual interest, especially when viewed from the sides or back.
This style works wonderfully for those with thicker hair.
For added impact, try slightly different braid tensions on each side, creating a subtle asymmetry that adds character to the overall look.
4: Messy Fishtail Half-Ponytail
Gather the top section of your hair into a half-ponytail position. Create a fishtail braid with this ponytail, leaving several inches of hair loose at the end.
After securing with an elastic, gently tug the edges of the braid for an intentionally messy, lived-in appearance.
The contrast between the intricate braid and casual finish creates beautiful dimension.
This effortlessly cool style takes just minutes to create but looks like you spent hours perfecting it—ideal for busy mornings when you want to look put-together.
5: Half-Up Fishtail with Ribbon Weave
Start with a standard half-up fishtail, but incorporate a thin ribbon as you braid. Attach the ribbon to your hair elastic before beginning the braid process.
As you work down the fishtail, include the ribbon as one of your strands, weaving it throughout the entire braid for a pop of color and unique texture.
This elegant detail elevates the standard fishtail and allows you to coordinate with your outfit or add a seasonal touch to your hairstyle.
6: Twisted Sides to Fishtail
Create small twists on each side of your head, starting at your temples and working backward.
Secure these twists where they meet and use this gathered hair as the base for your fishtail braid.
The twisted sections add interesting texture and help keep shorter layers contained within the style.
This technique works especially well for those growing out bangs or layers.
Leave the rest of your hair flowing freely for a romantic half-up style that’s perfect for date nights or special occasions.
7: Fishtail Accent Braid
Instead of using all your half-up hair, create a small section from one side of your crown.
Craft a delicate fishtail braid with just this section, letting it serve as an accent among your loose locks.
Pin the completed braid against your head, allowing it to blend with the rest of your down hair.
This creates a subtle braided detail that adds interest without overwhelming your style.
This minimalist approach works beautifully for those with fine hair or anyone wanting a more understated braided look.
8: Half-Up Fishtail Top Knot
Create a standard half-up section and fishtail braid it halfway down.
Instead of continuing the braid, wrap the remaining unbraided portion around the base to form a top knot.
Secure with bobby pins, tucking the ends underneath the bun.
The combination of the textured braid flowing into a sleek bun creates beautiful contrast.
This sophisticated style transitions perfectly from office to evening events, offering the perfect balance of professional and trendy.
9: Side-Swept Fishtail
Gather hair from one side of your head, creating an asymmetrical half-up section. Craft a fishtail braid with this gathered hair, directing it to fall over one shoulder.
The side-swept positioning creates a romantic, slightly dramatic effect that’s perfect for evening events or whenever you want to make a statement.
This style particularly flatters round face shapes by creating the illusion of length and angles.
10: Reverse Fishtail Crown
Create a reverse fishtail braid (also called an inside-out fishtail) starting at one temple and working around the back of your head.
The reverse technique makes the braid stand out more prominently against your loose hair.
Continue the braid to your opposite temple, securing with pins that match your hair color.
This technique creates a beautiful raised texture that serves as a natural headband.
The crown positioning draws attention upward, creating a flattering lifting effect that’s perfect for special occasions.
11: Half-Up Fishtail with Hair Rings
Begin with a standard half-up fishtail braid, securing with a clear elastic. Slide small hair rings or cuffs onto sections of the braid for a modern, edgy detail.
Space the rings evenly throughout the braid or cluster them together for different effects.
The metallic accents catch the light beautifully as you move.
This trend-forward style adds unexpected detail to the classic fishtail, making it perfect for festival season or whenever you want to stand out.
12: Waterfall Fishtail Hybrid
Create a waterfall braid that transitions into a fishtail halfway around your head.
The waterfall section lets strands “fall” down while the fishtail portion creates a defined braid.
This combination technique creates a unique flow of textures, with the loose waterfall strands blending seamlessly with your down hair.
The hybrid style offers the best of both braiding worlds and looks particularly stunning with highlighted or balayage hair that showcases the different textures.
13: Half-Up Fishtail with Flowers
Create your half-up fishtail as usual, but incorporate small fresh or silk flowers throughout the braid.
Tuck the flower stems directly into the braid as you work.
For special events, match the flowers to your bouquet or event colors. For everyday wear, baby’s breath or small wildflowers create a delicate, romantic effect.
This nature-inspired style is perfect for spring and summer occasions, particularly outdoor weddings or garden parties.
14: Pull-Through Fishtail Combo
Create a half-up section and divide it into two parts. With the top part, create a pull-through braid (a faux braid technique using ponytails).
Use the bottom section to craft a traditional fishtail.
Let the pull-through braid cascade into the fishtail for a complex-looking yet surprisingly simple style.
The combination creates amazing texture and dimension.
This show-stopping style creates the illusion of much more intricate braiding than it actually requires—perfect for impressing without hours of effort.
15: Half-Up Bubble Fishtail
Create your fishtail braid as usual, but place small clear elastics every inch or so down the length. Gently tug the hair between each elastic to create “bubbles” of volume.
This technique adds a playful, modern twist to the classic fishtail and creates beautiful dimension, especially when viewed from the back.
The bubble effect works particularly well with highlighted or multi-toned hair, showcasing the different colors throughout the braid.
16: Lace Fishtail Half-Up
Begin a French fishtail at your hairline, incorporating new hair only from underneath as you work backward.
This creates a “lace” effect where the braid floats on your loose hair.
Continue this technique around to the back of your head, where you’ll finish with a standard fishtail using the gathered hair. Secure with a clear elastic or decorative clip.
This intricate-looking style appears much more complex than it is, making it perfect for impressing with seemingly advanced braiding skills.
17: Topsy Tail Fishtail
Create a half-up ponytail and secure with an elastic. Make a hole in the hair directly above the elastic and flip the ponytail through it to create a “topsy tail” effect.
Use the flipped ponytail as your starting point for a fishtail braid.
The topknot creates an interesting point of origin for the braid with a unique twisted detail.
This combination of techniques adds an unexpected dimension to your half-up style, perfect for when you want something just a little different.
18: Fishtail Half-Up with Bandana
Fold a bandana or scarf into a thin strip and place it at your hairline.
Incorporate the fabric into your half-up section before beginning your fishtail braid.
Weave the bandana through your fishtail as you braid, allowing ends to hang freely from the bottom of the braid. This adds both color and texture to your style.
This retro-inspired look adds personality to the classic fishtail and perfectly incorporates color trends without committing to hair dye.
19: Pancaked Fishtail Half-Crown
Create a half-up fishtail braid that wraps partially around your head.
Once secured, carefully tug at each “link” of the braid to flatten and widen it—a technique called “pancaking.”
This technique transforms a standard fishtail into a wider, more elaborate-looking braid that showcases the intricate pattern.
It’s particularly effective for those with finer hair.
The pancaked texture creates a beautiful backdrop for the loose hair beneath, adding significant dimension to an otherwise simple half-up style.
20: Half-Up Fishtail with Hidden Undercut
If you have an undercut or side shave, create a half-up fishtail that strategically reveals and conceals this feature.
Position the braid to expose the undercut when viewed from certain angles.
This style creates an element of surprise, appearing conventional from one view and edgy from another.
It’s the perfect way to showcase your undercut without fully committing to having it visible all the time.
For special events, consider adding temporary color or glitter to your undercut area for an extra unexpected detail.
21: Curly Half-Up Fishtail
Enhance your natural curls or add waves with a curling wand before creating your half-up fishtail.
The textured base adds beautiful dimension to the finished style.
Create your fishtail with the top section, being careful not to pull too tightly—this maintains the volume and bounce of your curls.
Secure with a clear elastic and loosen the braid slightly.
The combination of structured braid and free-flowing curls creates a romantic, feminine style that’s perfect for everything from weddings to weekend brunches.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a braiding novice or a seasoned pro, these 21 half-up fishtail styles offer endless possibilities for expressing your personal style.
Remember, the beauty of fishtail braids lies in their imperfection—embrace the messiness and make each look your own!
