Style this: fishtail braid

I'm really loving the fishtail braid that seems to be popping up all over the place.

Photo via Google images

I'm also loving how easy it is to do with your own hair. I found instructions and a video tutorial on The Beauty Department's website - it was quick and easy, and it seems to me like the messier the better. Perfection.

Check out my step-by-step instructions along with The Beauty Department's video after the jump . . .

DIY: Fishtail braid

1. Pull your hair into a low ponytail, either to one side or in the back. Secure with a loose elastic.
2. Split the ponytail in half.
3. Take a piece of hair from the first half of the ponytail and pass it to the second half.
4. Take a piece of hair from the second half of the ponytail and pass it back to the first.
5. Periodically make sure you're tightening the braid as you go.
6. When you finish the braid, secure at the end with a second elastic.
7. Carefully slide (or if you're braver than me, cut) the elastic at the top of the ponytail out.
8. There's your braid! You can loosen it up for a messier look by gently pulling on the pieces. Or if your hair is like mine it will naturally look messier within a couple of hours.

The Beauty Department's tutorial:





-Alissa