DIY Tutorial: Fishtail Braid

I am so excited to announce (for the first time ever), I am doing a video post! This has been one of my main goals for 2015 and a perfect kickoff to the last quarter of the year. Video content is something newer for me - but I've been researching like a crazy person to come up with something for tutorials. There will be many more to come over the next few weeks. My goal is to do a few every month on makeup, DIY projects and more for hair!

One of the questions I get the most is how I manage to do so many different hairstyles up or in braids. I have to tell you, much of this is the effect of living in a hot and humid environment. When it's hot outside - you just have to get your hair up off your neck. I've never felt like shorter hair suited me - makes me look like a kiddo... so I've learned through many pins in Pinterest, braids are the way to go.

When I first started to attempt the fishtail braid - I was little put off. It was so confusing to see in picture tutorials. It actually wasn't something I finally "got" until I saw a friend do it live. Before long, I was finding every excuse to braid my hair or try variations of the braid.

So let's walk through the process and I can give you a few best practices and tips:

1. Start with slightly damp hair - If you don't have much texture, I would add a product to your hair that thickens it. But, comb it out with a wide tooth comb and then make sure it's slightly damp.
2. Part your hair to the side - Then, take the ponytail and split it in two halves. I find it's easier not to look in the mirror when I am braiding - for some reason it makes me confused.
3. Start pulling a small piece from the right half over and to the left half. You'll pull a strand about a 1/4" thick and bring it to join the opposite half of your hair. I work from the outside it. Then, repeat on the other side.
4. Repeat, repeat, repeat - The hardest part is getting the braid going. The first few times you criss-cross strands it will feel awkward, but don't worry. If you keep repeating the pattern, it will work out in the end.
5. Secure the bottom with a ponytail holder - Then, gently pull on the braid from the bottom to the top. This gives it a thicker, messier appearance. Tie the bottom with a ribbon or you can easily add a floppy hat to the look.

The video was sped up, however the original filming from start to finish took about two and a half minutes. Stay tuned for more tutorials and you can start subscribing to my You Tube Channel for future posts! Also, send me any questions. I would love to hear what you think or if this tutorial was helpful.