How to Do a Messy Fishtail Braid In 5 Minutes or Less

Is it just us, or do braids keep getting more and more complicated (see DNA braids for evidence)? While they can be polished and whimsical or utterly romantic, we typically resort to braids when we can’t manage anything else, or woke up to some serious bedhead — and not the cute, insta-blogger kind.

For the days you’ve got approximately three minutes or less to look presentable, try a messy fishtail braid and plait away! It may be messy, but we promise this hairstyle is totally SFW.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Redken (@redken) on Jul 27, 2018 at 9:00am PDT

STEP 1: Spray hair from root to ends with dry shampoo or texturizing spray like Biolage Clean & Recharge Dry Shampoo. Spraying all over the hair before braiding gives a matte, non-slip texture to straight or fine hair, making braids easier to style and giving a gentle hold. This is especially useful if you just shampooed.

STEP 2: Pull all of your hair to one side, and tie with a clear elastic band.

STEP 3: Separate hair into two equal sections.

STEP 4: Taking a small section of hair from the outside of the left ponytail, pull this piece across the top of the left ponytail over to the right ponytail. The size of the section will vary depending on the thickness of your hair, but it should be less than a quarter of the size of the ponytail.

STEP 5: Repeat the instructions in step 4, and braid hair all the way down.

STEP 6: Secure your fishtail braid at the bottom, and then cut the clear elastic band used to hold your ponytail. Tug and pull your fishtail braid along the edges for a wispier, looser braid.

For added flair, or to take this look to the next level, add a few hair accessories like a printed scarf or hair charms for an effortlessly chic look.