How-Tos > Hair > Braided Fishtail Chignon
Last updated: May 31, 2017

Braided Fishtail Chignon

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Braided Fishtail Chignon

Modern upstyles combine intricacy with a casual feeling, and nobody masters this mix like Stephanie Brinkerhoff. The Pinterest star has created a staggeringly successful career as a bridal artist and educator, and now she’s also an author! Her Elegant Upstyles for Today’s Bride is a BTC best-seller. Steph reveals that the Braided Fishtail Chignon is one of her most in-demand styles among brides and stylists with bridal clients. Here’s how she does it.

HOW-TO STEPS

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    1

    This look is best achieved on a slightly wavy texture.

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    2

    Backcomb the roots to create volume.

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    3

    Mist the ends with spray wax and tousle the hair with your fingers to create texture.

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    4

    Create a side part, then section the hair at the ears on each side and clip away the front sections.

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    5

    On the heavy side, create a French fishtail braid, beginning at the part.

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    6

    Omit some of the hair around the hairline to soften the look.

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    Continue braiding to the ends.

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    8

    Grasp the end of the braid with one hand and with the other, gently pull each section at the sides to loosen the braid.

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    Pin the end of the braid behind the opposite ear, taking care to avoid flattening the volume on top.

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    10

    Repeat on the other side, pinning the end of the second braid just under the first braid.

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    11

    Create a low, loose ponytail with the remaining hair.

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    Pull the ponytail through the braids, forming a chignon.

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    Secure by inserting bobby pins down through the top of the chignon.

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    Finish with hairspray.

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    Finished look. 

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    16

    Finished look. 

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Stephanie Brinkerhoff