18 Half Up Half Down Fishtail Braid Hairstyles You’ll Actually Want to Copy
I have tried out all the kinds of braids on all types of hair – from thick and thin, to curly or straight as sticks – and therefore, I am able to recommend those which stay intact throughout the day and those that don’t make it till lunch time. All this expertise and experience is reflected in each and every piece of advice that you will find here in the guide, and hence, you’ll not be just looking at pictures, but at hairstyles that are going to work!
And now, what is a half up half down fishtail braid? It is a kind of hairstyle, where the upper part of hair is braided with the help of the fishtail technique (where strands of hair are crossed from outside) and fastened back, while the lower part of hair remains loose and free. It looks good on any hair that is longer than chin and can be used on any occasion – whether casual or formal.
Stay tuned, and I’ll tell you about 18 ways of creating this kind of braided hairstyle!
Why the Fishtail Braid Deserves a Spot in Your Hairstyle Rotation
Have you ever wondered why the fishtail braid seems a lot more complex in appearance than a braid but easier to keep neat for a whole day? This is due to the type of weave. While a braid consists of three sections weaving across each other, in a fishtail braid you will work only with two sections by taking thin sections of hair from the sides.
The half up half down fishtail braid is my favorite since it allows you to combine advantages of an updo with versatility of the fishtail braid. This is a good option when you have not washed your hair, it can suit any face shape and it will definitely make you look like you tried a little bit harder than you actually did.
1. Classic Half-Up Fishtail Braid
This is the style that you should learn first. Choose some part of your hair at the crown, divide it into two, and begin crossing thin strands starting from the outer part inward. It is easy, neat and frames the face without covering it. This hairstyle is most appropriate for straight and wavy hair because it allows you to see the braiding style better.
This braided hairstyle suits medium and long hair and looks good on oval, heart-shaped and square faces. Remember to apply a light texturizing spray before you begin – it is easier to braid dry hair than hair that has just been washed.
2. Boho Half-Up Fishtail with Loose Waves
If your hair already has natural wave or curl, this style practically does itself. The trick here is loosening the braid after you finish, gently tug at the edges to widen it and give it that relaxed, undone look. Wavy and curly hair types shine in this style since the texture blends seamlessly with the braid. It’s ideal for long hair, festival days, beach trips, or casual weekend outings.
A sea salt spray adds grip and texture before braiding. This look softens angular face shapes beautifully. It’s low-maintenance, forgiving of flyaways, and honestly gets better the messier it gets.
3. Double Fishtail Half-Up Braid
Two braids are better than one, especially when they meet in the back. Part your hair down the middle, fishtail braid each side starting near the temples, then join them together with a small elastic. This works wonderfully on thick hair since the double braids balance out volume, and it’s flattering on round and oval faces because the center part elongates the face.
Medium to long hair works best here. Use a fine-tooth comb to keep the part crisp before you start. This style is a favorite for brunch dates or semi-formal daytime events. Next, let’s talk about adding a little something extra on top.
4. Fishtail Half-Up with Flower Crown
Braids and flowers are a match made in heaven, and this style proves it. Create a simple half-up fishtail, then tuck small artificial or fresh flowers along the braid itself. Fine hair benefits here since flowers add visual volume without extra product. It suits long or medium hair and works on nearly every face shape.
This is a top pick for spring weddings, garden parties, or bridesmaid looks. Secure flowers with small bobby pins hidden underneath the braid strands so nothing slips during the day. It’s romantic without trying too hard, and it photographs beautifully in natural light.
5. Sleek Half-Up Fishtail for Straight Hair
Straight hair gets a reputation for being “boring,” but this style flips that completely. The key is smoothing every section with a flat iron or straightening brush before you braid, so the fishtail pattern looks crisp and defined instead of soft. This suits fine to medium straight hair and flatters heart and oval faces especially well. Use a smoothing serum to control frizz, and finish with a light-hold hairspray so the braid doesn’t loosen throughout the day. This is a strong pick for office settings or client meetings where you want texture without looking too casual. Now let’s go bigger with some volume.
6. Half-Up Fishtail with Bouffant Volume
Want your braid to have some lift? Before braiding, backcomb the crown section gently to create height, then smooth the top layer and fishtail braid from there. This works best on thick or medium-density hair, since fine hair may need extra teasing spray to hold the volume. Round and long face shapes benefit from the added height at the crown. This look is a favorite for prom or formal events where you want drama without a full updo. Just be gentle when backcombing — too aggressive and you’ll create knots that are painful to brush out later.
7. Side-Swept Fishtail Half-Up
Instead of braiding straight back, this version pulls the top section diagonally toward one shoulder before joining it into the fishtail. It’s a great option for square and diamond face shapes since the asymmetry softens strong jawlines. Works on medium to long hair of any texture. Secure the braid with a clear elastic and pin it slightly behind the ear for extra hold. This style feels a little more editorial and works beautifully for date nights or evening events. The diagonal line also hides thinning temples if that’s something you’re dealing with.
8. Fishtail Half-Up for Curly Hair
Curly hair and fishtail braids are honestly an underrated combo. Because curls already have texture, the braid pattern gets a soft, almost lace-like look. This works best on medium to long curls, 2B through 3B patterns especially. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb and use a curl cream before braiding to prevent frizz from taking over. This style flatters round and oval faces since the volume balances the face shape naturally. It’s perfect for humid days when you want something styled but low-maintenance. Curly girls, this one’s for you — and it barely needs touch-ups.
9. Micro Fishtail Half-Up Braid
Smaller sections mean a tighter, more delicate braid pattern. This version takes more time but delivers serious detail. It’s best suited to long, fine to medium hair since thick strands can make micro-braiding bulky and hard to manage. Use a rat-tail comb to section tiny pieces cleanly. Oval and heart face shapes look great with this intricate style. This is the braid for special occasions — bridal showers, engagement photos, or anytime you want something that looks like it took two hours (because it kind of did). Patience pays off here.
10. Fishtail Half-Up with Twisted Accent
Add a rope twist on either side of your part before joining into the fishtail braid for extra dimension. This works on all hair textures but looks especially striking on hair with subtle highlights or balayage, since the twist shows off color placement. Medium to long hair is ideal. This style suits every face shape and works for both casual and semi-formal settings. Use a texturizing paste to keep the twisted sections from slipping loose. It’s a small detail that makes people ask, “wait, how did you do that?”
11. Half-Up Fishtail Crown Braid
This version wraps the fishtail braid around the crown of the head like a halo before letting the rest of the hair fall loose. It’s stunning on long hair and works particularly well for square and round face shapes since it draws the eye upward and around. Best on straight to wavy textures. Use bobby pins liberally to secure the wrap, and finish with flexible-hold hairspray. This is a bridesmaid and wedding-guest favorite because it looks formal without being stiff. It also keeps hair out of your face during outdoor ceremonies — hello, wind protection.
12. Fishtail Half-Up for Thick Hair
Thick hair needs a slightly different approach — smaller sections and a firmer grip while braiding to keep things from getting bulky. This style suits medium to long thick hair of any texture. Oval, heart, and long face shapes work beautifully with this braid since the fullness balances proportions. A lightweight gel helps control the volume without weighing hair down. This is a solid everyday option for thick-haired women who struggle to find styles that don’t feel overwhelming. It holds up through humidity and activity, making it great for outdoor work or errands.
13. Fishtail Half-Up for Fine Hair
Fine hair often looks flat in braids, but a few tricks fix that fast. Dry shampoo at the roots before braiding adds texture and grip, making the fishtail pattern easier to see. This style works on medium to long fine hair and flatters round and oval faces especially well. Avoid heavy oils, which can make fine strands look greasy fast. This is a great everyday style for fine-haired women who want definition without extra bulk. It’s quick to do, holds reasonably well, and doesn’t require much product at all.
14. Rustic Half-Up Fishtail with Braided Headband
This style combines a thin braid running horizontally across the crown with a fishtail braid gathered at the back. It works on long hair of any texture, though wavy hair blends the two braid styles most seamlessly. Heart and diamond face shapes benefit from the horizontal line across the forehead. This is ideal for outdoor weddings, fall photoshoots, or countryside events. Secure with small pins along the headband section so it doesn’t shift. It has a cozy, rustic feel that pairs perfectly with flannel and denim just as easily as with a sundress.
15. Half-Up Fishtail with Beach Waves
Pair a loose fishtail half-up braid with tousled beach waves for a laid-back, vacation-ready look. Works best on medium to long hair with natural texture, though straight hair can be waved with a curling wand first. This style flatters nearly every face shape thanks to its soft, undefined lines. Use a texturizing spray on the loose sections to enhance the wave pattern. This is a top choice for summer days, beach trips, or casual outdoor parties. It requires almost no touch-up throughout the day, which makes it a practical pick for long outings.
16. Elegant Half-Up Fishtail for Weddings
Bridal hair needs to survive hours of hugging, dancing, and crying happy tears, and this style is built for that. A tightly woven fishtail braid at the crown, paired with pinned curls underneath, creates a polished, formal finish. Best on medium to long hair, any texture, though it holds especially well on hair with some natural body. This flatters every face shape since it can be adjusted — tighter for oval faces, looser for square faces. Finish with a strong-hold, flexible spray. This is the braid to bring to your stylist for engagement photos or the big day itself.
17. Half-Up Fishtail with Ribbon or Pin Accessories
Weaving a thin ribbon into the braid alongside your hair strands instantly dresses up this style. Works on any hair type and length long enough to braid, typically shoulder-length or longer. This is a fun option for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or themed events. Choose ribbon color to match an outfit or occasion for extra polish. Decorative pins along the braid also work if ribbon feels like too much. It’s a simple upgrade that turns an everyday braid into something that feels a little more special without extra styling time.
18. Reverse Dutch-Style Fishtail Half-Up Braid
This version braids underneath rather than over, creating a raised, 3D look along the crown. It’s a slightly trickier technique but worth learning once you’re comfortable with basic fishtail braiding. Best on medium to long hair, any texture, though straight hair shows the raised pattern most clearly. Diamond and heart face shapes benefit from the structured line it creates near the hairline. This is a great pick for anyone wanting a slightly edgier take on a classic style. It works for both casual days and dressier evening looks, depending on how polished you leave the ends.
Half Up Half Down Fishtail Braid by Face Shape
| Face Shape | Best Style Options | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Double Fishtail, Crown Braid, Fishtail for Curly Hair | Adds height and vertical lines |
| Oval | Classic Fishtail, Micro Fishtail, Fishtail for Fine Hair | Nearly all styles are flattering |
| Square | Side-Swept Fishtail, Double Fishtail | Softens strong jawline angles |
| Heart | Flower Crown Fishtail, Braided Headband, Reverse Dutch | Balances wider forehead |
| Diamond | Side-Swept Fishtail, Reverse Dutch, Twisted Accent | Softens cheekbone width |
| Long | Bouffant Volume Fishtail, Crown Braid | Adds width instead of length |
Half Up Half Down Fishtail Braid by Hair Type and Maintenance
| Hair Type | Recommended Style | Styling Time | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | Fishtail for Fine Hair | 10–15 min | Low |
| Thick | Fishtail for Thick Hair | 15–20 min | Medium |
| Curly | Fishtail for Curly Hair | 15 min | Low |
| Straight | Sleek Fishtail | 10 min | Medium |
| Wavy | Boho Fishtail with Waves | 10–15 min | Low |
| Long | Crown Fishtail Braid | 20–25 min | Medium-High |
Tips for Success
- Braid on second-day hair whenever possible — freshly washed hair is too slippery to hold a fishtail pattern well.
- Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots before starting, especially on fine or straight hair.
- Keep your sections small and even for a cleaner, more defined fishtail pattern.
- Pull the outer edges of the braid gently once finished to add fullness and a more relaxed look.
- Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray rather than a stiff one, so the braid moves naturally instead of looking stiff.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
incorrect sectioning: Grabbing uneven strand sizes creates a lopsided braid.
correct approach: Use a comb to check section sizes before crossing strands.
incorrect tension: Braiding too tightly causes headaches and pulls at the hairline.
correct approach: Keep tension firm but comfortable, especially near the scalp.
incorrect product use: Applying heavy oils or creams on fine hair before braiding.
correct approach: Stick to lightweight sprays that add grip without weighing hair down.
incorrect timing: Braiding immediately after washing hair.
correct approach: Wait until hair has some natural oil or texture, or use dry shampoo to mimic that texture.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it — 18 ways to wear a half up half down fishtail braid, whether you’re headed to work, a wedding, or just want your hair out of your face on a hot day. Every hair type and face shape has an option here, so there’s really no excuse not to try one this week.
Pick the version that matches your hair texture and the occasion you’ve got coming up, grab a texturizing spray, and give it a go. Once you get the hang of the basic weave, switching between these 18 half up half down fishtail braid styles becomes second nature — and honestly, kind of addictive.
