25 Stunning Half-Up Fishtail Braid Hairstyles You Need to Try Today

The half-up fishtail braid combines the best of both worlds—the elegance of an updo with the carefree vibe of loose locks.

This versatile style works for everything from casual coffee dates to formal weddings.

Fishtail braids might look complicated, but with a little practice, you’ll master this eye-catching technique.

The intricate weaving pattern creates dimension and texture that standard braids simply can’t match.

Ready to elevate your hair game?

These 25 half-up fishtail styles will transform your look while keeping your style practical and comfortable.

1: Classic Half-Up Fishtail

The perfect introduction to fishtail styling starts with this timeless look. Gather the top half of your hair and create a single fishtail braid down the center.

Leave the bottom half flowing freely for a balanced, versatile style that transitions effortlessly from day to night.

This look works on virtually all hair lengths past the shoulders.

For added dimension, gently tug on the edges of your braid to create a fuller, messier texture.

2: Double Fishtail Crown

Create a bohemian princess vibe with two small fishtail braids that meet at the back of your head.

Start with small sections above each ear and work your way back.

Secure the braids where they meet with clear elastics or decorative pins.

The remaining hair cascades freely, creating a beautiful contrast to the intricate crown.

This style looks particularly stunning on wavy or curly hair, where the textures play off each other.

3: Side-Swept Fishtail

Add asymmetrical interest with this dramatic side-swept variation. Gather hair from your crown and create a fishtail that drapes diagonally across your head.

Secure it behind the opposite ear for a look that frames your face beautifully. This style works wonderfully for special occasions and photographs exceptionally well.

Try it with highlighted or ombré hair to showcase the dimensional color throughout the braid.

4: Messy Fishtail Top Knot

Combine casual cool with intricate detail in this trendy style. Create a loose fishtail braid with the top section of your hair, then wrap it into a relaxed top knot.

Leave the ends of the braid visible for an artfully undone finish. The contrast between the structured braid and loose bottom layers creates visual interest.

This style works beautifully for second-day hair and adds volume to finer hair types.

5: Half-Up Fishtail with Accessories

Elevate your half-up fishtail with strategically placed accessories. Create your braid as usual, then add small flowers, jeweled pins, or pearl accents.

The accessories not only add personal flair but also help secure any flyaways. This romantic style is perfect for weddings, proms, or any special celebration.

Choose accessories that complement your outfit for a cohesive, thoughtful look.

6: Boho Fishtail with Scarf

Weave a colorful silk scarf through your half-up fishtail for a bohemian-inspired look. Start your braid as normal, then thread the scarf through as you go.

Leave the ends of the scarf hanging with your loose hair for a carefree, festival-ready style. The pop of color and texture adds visual interest and personality.

This style keeps hair off your face while still maintaining a relaxed, effortless vibe.

7: Half-Up Fishtail Ponytail

Combine the sophistication of a fishtail with the practicality of a ponytail. Create a half-up pony, then transform it into a fishtail braid.

Let the braid hang down with the rest of your loose hair for a style that’s part structured, part free-flowing.

This versatile look works for both active days and evening events.

For extra security during workouts or windy days, add a second elastic at the bottom of the braid.

8: Twisted Fishtail Accent

Add interest to your half-up style with a twisted element. Begin with small twists at your temples that feed into a central fishtail braid.

The combination of techniques creates beautiful texture and keeps even short layers secured. This style looks complicated but takes only minutes to create.

Perfect for when you want to look polished with minimal effort.

9: Half-Up Fishtail Bun

Create a sophisticated look by coiling your fishtail braid into a neat bun. Start with a half-up section and braid it in a fishtail pattern all the way to the ends.

Wrap the braid into a circular bun and secure with pins. The contrast between the textured bun and loose hair creates a beautiful balance.

This style works for professional settings while still showcasing your braiding skills.

10: Waterfall Fishtail Hybrid

Combine two stunning techniques with this eye-catching style. Create a waterfall braid that transitions into a fishtail halfway through.

The dropped strands of the waterfall cascade beautifully while the fishtail adds structure. This romantic style looks particularly striking on long, layered hair.

Perfect for showing off highlighted or dimensional color.

11: Fishtail Headband Braid

Frame your face with this headband-style fishtail that keeps hair elegantly off your face.

Start the braid at one temple and work it across your hairline to the opposite ear.

Secure with pins or a small clear elastic behind your ear. The remaining hair falls freely, creating a beautiful frame for your face.

This practical style keeps hair out of your eyes while still looking sophisticated.

12: Half-Up Fishtail with Braided Accents

Add complexity to your half-up fishtail with smaller braided accents throughout the loose section. Create your main fishtail with the top portion of your hair.

Add 2-3 thin traditional or rope braids throughout the remaining loose hair.

This multi-dimensional style shows off your braiding skills and adds incredible texture.

Works beautifully for festivals, vacations, or anytime you want to make a statement.

13: Half-Up Fishtail with Curls

Create gorgeous contrast by pairing a sleek fishtail braid with bouncy curls. Braid the top section in a fishtail pattern, keeping the braid relatively tight.

Curl the remaining loose hair in large, voluminous waves. The juxtaposition of textures creates a romantic, feminine look perfect for special occasions.

This style photographs beautifully and maintains its shape throughout the day.

14: Half-Up Fishtail for Short Hair

Shorter locks can rock this style too! Create a small fishtail with the top section of bob or lob-length hair. The braid will be shorter but still creates beautiful texture.

Secure with a small clear elastic or decorative pin. This technique adds visual interest to shorter styles that can’t accommodate full braids.

Try it with beach waves for a perfectly undone weekend look.

15: Inverted Fishtail Half-Up

Turn tradition upside down with this creative variation. Instead of braiding down, create an upside-down fishtail that starts at your nape and works upward.

Once you reach your crown, secure the braid and let the remaining top section flow free. This unexpected approach creates a unique look that will turn heads.

The inverted technique also adds volume at the crown—perfect for finer hair types.

16: Diagonal Fishtail Half-Up

Create visual interest with a braid that follows a diagonal path. Start your fishtail at one side of your part and work diagonally across the back of your head.

Secure behind the opposite ear for an asymmetrical look. This architectural approach to braiding creates a modern, fashion-forward style.

Works especially well on straight hair where the precise pattern can truly shine.

17: Half-Up Fishtail with Ribbon

Weave a thin satin ribbon through your fishtail for a feminine touch. Choose a color that complements your outfit or hair color for a cohesive look.

Leave the ends of the ribbon hanging with your loose hair. This romantic addition works beautifully for proms, weddings, or holiday celebrations.

The ribbon not only adds visual interest but also makes the braid easier to grip while styling.

18: Bubble Fishtail Hybrid

Combine two trendy styles with this eye-catching hybrid. Create a half-up fishtail braid, then transform it into a bubble braid by adding elastics every inch.

Gently tug at each section between elastics to create “bubbles.” This playful style offers a fresh take on the classic fishtail.

Perfect for festivals, concerts, or anytime you want to stand out from the crowd.

19: Half-Up Fishtail for Thick Hair

Make the most of your luscious locks with this voluminous style.

Create a wider fishtail with the top section of your hair, gently tugging to emphasize thickness.

The substantial braid becomes a true statement piece while still keeping your thick hair managed. This approach shows off your hair’s natural density and health.

For an even bolder look, try this style with vivid fashion colors that will be showcased in the intricate weave.

20: Micro Fishtail Accents

Create delicate detail with multiple tiny fishtail braids instead of one larger one. Braid 3-4 pencil-thin fishtails throughout the top section of your hair.

Gather them at the back and secure, letting your remaining hair hang loose. This detailed approach creates beautiful texture without removing volume.

Perfect for those who enjoy intricate styles that showcase your patience and skill.

21: Half-Up Fishtail with Undercut

Create striking contrast if you have an undercut or side shave. Gather hair above the undercut into a fishtail braid that showcases both textures.

The braid highlights the shaved section while keeping your style feminine and versatile.

This edgy-meets-elegant approach works for both casual and formal settings.

A great way to grow out an undercut while still highlighting this trendy feature.

22: Loose, Romantic Fishtail

Embrace perfectly imperfect styling with this deliberately messy approach. Create a loose fishtail with the top section, pulling gently to create width and texture.

Leave face-framing tendrils for a soft, romantic effect. This lived-in style actually improves as the day goes on and pieces naturally fall out.

Perfect for bridal parties or any occasion where you want to look effortlessly beautiful.

23: Half-Up Fishtail Twist

Add a modern twist—literally—to your half-up fishtail. Create your braid as usual, then twist it into a coil at your crown.

Secure with decorative pins in a starburst pattern for added visual interest. This architectural approach transforms the traditional half-up style into something truly unique.

The height at the crown elongates your face and creates a flattering silhouette.

24: Half-Up Fishtail with Bangs

Adapt this versatile style to work beautifully with bangs. Create your fishtail slightly further back on your crown to incorporate all hair except your fringe.

The combination frames your face beautifully while keeping hair off your neck. This approach works with all bang styles from blunt to side-swept.

A practical option that keeps your style looking fresh while growing out bangs.

25: Dutch Fishtail Crown

Create stunning dimension with this inside-out technique. Craft a Dutch fishtail (where strands go under rather than over) with your half-up section.

This technique makes the braid sit on top of your hair rather than flat against it, creating beautiful volume.

The textured crown contrasts beautifully with loose locks.

Perfect for special occasions when you want a hairstyle as memorable as the event itself.

Conclusion

These 25 half-up fishtail styles offer endless versatility for every occasion.

From casual to formal, simple to complex, you’ll find the perfect braid to express your personal style and elevate your hair game.