3. The Fishtail Braid

The Vibe: Intricate, bohemian, casually extraordinary, and one of the most photographed summer hairstyles for long hair on Pinterest.

The fishtail braid looks impossibly intricate and skilled, and people will constantly ask you how you did it. The secret is that it is significantly easier than it looks — it requires only two sections of hair rather than three, and the alternating movement of pulling small pieces from the outside of each section creates the woven, herringbone-pattern texture that makes the fishtail so visually remarkable. On long hair, a fishtail braid running from the crown to the ends creates a style of extraordinary length and detail.

What Makes It Work in Summer:

A fishtail braid contains and secures every strand of long hair in a structure that is genuinely resistant to summer conditions. It does not unravel in humidity the way loose styles do. It survives wind, light swimming, and a full day of outdoor activity. The texture of the braid actually improves slightly as the day progresses and the style loosens slightly — giving it a more romantic, undone quality.

How to Create It:

Gather all long hair into a low ponytail or simply hold it together at the nape. Divide it into two equal sections. From the outside edge of the right section, pull a thin strand — no more than a quarter inch — and cross it over to join the left section. Then from the outside edge of the left section, pull a thin strand and cross it over to join the right section. Continue alternating, always pulling from the outermost edge, until you reach the desired end point. Secure with a small elastic. Gently tug the sides of the braid outward to loosen and widen it into a full, voluminous shape.

Pro Tips:

  • The thinner the pieces you pull across, the more delicate and detailed the final fishtail pattern — experiment with different thicknesses for different effects
  • A fishtail side braid — pulling all the hair to one side before braiding — is one of the most flattering and photographed variations for long hair
  • Apply a texturizing or sea salt spray before braiding to give the hair grip that makes the braid hold together more cleanly
  • Leave a few loose pieces at the nape and temples for a romantic, slightly undone finish that photographs beautifully

Best For: Long straight and wavy hair. Long wavy hair creates the most beautiful, textured fishtail because the natural wave adds dimension to the braid.

Face Shape: The low side fishtail is particularly flattering on round and square face shapes — it creates an asymmetric, elongating effect.

How Long It Lasts in Summer: 1–2 days. One of the most durable summer hairstyles for long hair.

Occasion: Beach days, outdoor weddings (as a guest), festivals, summer photoshoots, everyday bohemian style.