The Allure of the Undone Look
A perfectly neat, tight braid has its place, but the messy or bohemian fishtail offers a softer, more modern appeal. This style is all about texture, volume, and an 'undone' finish that looks both intentional and effortless. It’s a versatile look that works
for a casual day out, a music festival, or even a romantic wedding. The key is to embrace imperfection. Flyaways, varying braid thickness, and pulled-apart sections are not mistakes; they are the essential elements that give this braid its character and charm. The style is particularly flattering as it frames the face softly and adds a touch of whimsical elegance to any outfit. It suggests a carefree confidence that a more structured hairstyle might lack, making it a favourite for those who favour a relaxed yet stylish aesthetic.
Prep Your Hair for Texture
The foundation of a great messy fishtail is the right hair texture. This is not a style that works well on silky, freshly washed hair, which can be too slippery to hold the braid’s shape. Second-day hair is often ideal as it has more natural grit. If you’re starting with clean hair, you'll need to add some grip with products. A texturizing spray or a sea salt spray is your best friend here. Lightly mist it through your dry hair from roots to ends to create a matte, grippy base. Another great tool is dry shampoo; even if your hair isn't oily, applying it at the roots and throughout the lengths will add significant volume and texture, making the hair easier to braid and manipulate later on. Brush the product through to ensure it's evenly distributed before you begin braiding.
The Braid: Small Sections are Key
The secret to the intricate look of a fishtail lies in using small, consistent sections. Start by gathering your hair to one side and splitting it into two large, equal sections. Now, take a very thin strand—about the size of a pencil—from the outer edge of the left section. Cross this small strand over the top and add it to the inside of the right section. Now, repeat on the other side: take an equally small strand from the outer edge of the right section, cross it over, and join it with the inside of the left section. This simple criss-cross motion is the entire basis of the braid. Continue this pattern, always taking small pieces from the outside and adding them to the opposite section. Try to keep your tension even but not overly tight as you work your way down. The smaller your crossed sections, the more detailed and textured your finished braid will look. Secure the end with a small, clear elastic.
Mastering the 'Pancaking' Technique
Once your braid is secured, it's time to create that signature messy, voluminous look. This is done through a technique called 'pancaking'. Starting from the bottom of the braid and working your way up, begin to gently pull on the outer edges of each woven section. Don't pull the whole section, but rather the outermost loops of the 'V' shapes. Be gentle at first; you can always pull more, but you can't easily tighten the braid once it's loosened. As you pull, the braid will flatten and widen, appearing much fuller. This is the most crucial step for achieving the bohemian vibe. For an even more relaxed look, use your fingers to gently rub the surface of the braid to create some soft frizz and pull out a few face-framing strands or tendrils around your ears and neckline.
Finishing Touches and Variations
With your braid perfectly pancaked, a few finishing touches will lock it in place. A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray will help control major flyaways without making the style look stiff. If your hair is on the finer side, a little texturizing powder puffed into the braid before pancaking can add extra grit and fullness. You can leave the style as is or accessorize it. For a true bohemian feel, weave in a delicate ribbon, or tuck small flowers into the loosened sections of the braid. This style also works beautifully as a half-up look, where you fishtail a smaller section of hair and leave the rest down and wavy. The beauty of this braid is its adaptability, so feel free to experiment and make it uniquely yours.
