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You love the look of a beautiful braided crown, but getting that woven shape can feel tricky. One side looks fuller, the pins show, or the braid loses its shape halfway through. That happens to plenty of people, especially when they first try a fishtail braid.These Zendaya-inspired fishtail crown braid hairstyles give you ten ways to explore the look. You’ll find sleek finishes, romantic loose strands, fuller crowns, and options for different hair textures. Each idea includes a simple styling formula and practical tips to help your braid feel secure. You don’t need a celebrity hairstylist or perfect braiding skills to get started. Take your time, use a mirror, and let a few loose strands feel natural. The little details make the difference. Let’s find your favorite crown.

What Actually Makes a Zendaya-Inspired Fishtail Crown Braid Work?

A fishtail crown braid uses small sections of hair woven across each other to create a detailed, herringbone-like pattern. Wrapped around the head, it creates a crown or halo effect.

Four details help the style come together:

• Texture: Lightly textured hair often holds the braid more easily than very slippery hair.

• Section size: Small, even sections create a clearer fishtail pattern.

• Placement: Keep the braid close to your head for a neat crown.

• Pinning: Use matching bobby pins and tuck the ends beneath the braid.

Straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair can all work with this style. Start with your natural texture, then choose a finish that feels comfortable. A little styling cream or flexible-hold hairspray can help control flyaways without making the hair stiff.

1. Classic Zendaya-Inspired Fishtail Crown Braid

 

 

You want the signature woven-crown look without extra styling details.

The Formula:

• Start with dry, detangled, medium-to-long hair.

• Apply a small amount of lightweight texturizing spray.

• Create a center or soft side part.

• Make a fishtail braid on each side, using small sections.

• Wrap the braids around your head and secure them with bobby pins.

Why It Works: The balanced shape makes the braid pattern the main feature. Two braids also give you more control over placement and tension.

Pro Tip: Gently widen the braid loops before pinning the ends. This creates a fuller look without pulling hard on your roots.

Best For: Medium-to-long straight, wavy, or curly hair with enough length to reach around the head.

Make It Last: Finish with flexible-hold hairspray and tuck away loose ends with small pins.

2. Romantic Fishtail Crown With Loose Strands

 

 

You love a soft, relaxed braid that doesn’t feel too formal.

The Formula:

• Prepare your hair with a lightweight styling cream.

• Create two loose fishtail braids along the sides.

• Leave a few fine sections near your temples.

• Wrap the braids into a relaxed crown.

• Loosen the braid edges gently with your fingertips.

Why It Works: Soft edges make the crown feel less structured. The loose strands frame your face and add movement around the woven pattern.

Pro Tip: Pull out the face-framing pieces before you secure the crown. This helps you avoid disturbing the finished braid.

Best For: Wavy, curly, or straight hair that can hold a braid. This version suits casual gatherings, dinners, and special photos.

Make It Last: Use a light mist of hairspray on the braid, not a heavy coating on the loose strands.

 

3. Sleek Fishtail Crown With a Clean Part

 

 

You want a polished finish with a clear part and tidy edges.

The Formula:

• Detangle your hair carefully.

• Make a precise center part with a rat-tail comb.

• Smooth a small amount of styling cream over the roots.

• Braid each side with consistent, small sections.

• Secure the crown and smooth flyaways with a soft brush.

Why It Works: A clean part gives the hairstyle a balanced foundation. Consistent sections help the fishtail pattern look defined from the front and sides.

Pro Tip: Apply styling cream sparingly near your roots. Too much product can make the hair slippery and harder to braid.

Best For: Straight or stretched hair, including thick hair that benefits from neat sectioning. This style works for formal dinners and polished events.

Make It Last: Carry two or three discreet bobby pins for quick touch-ups.

 

4. Side-Part Fishtail Crown Braid

 

 

You prefer a little asymmetry instead of a perfectly centered part.

The Formula:

• Create a deep or gentle side part.

• Add a little texturizing spray through the lengths.

• Begin a fishtail braid near the heavier side of the part.

• Continue around the head, keeping the braid close to the hairline.

• Pin the end beneath the braid on the opposite side.

Why It Works: A side part changes the crown’s visual balance. It also gives you a clear starting point for a braid that travels around the head.

Pro Tip: Check the braid from the back before adding the final pins. This helps you spot gaps that a front mirror may miss.

Best For: Medium-to-long hair in straight, wavy, or curly textures. Try it for dinners, parties, or everyday styling when you want a detailed updo.

Make It Last: Secure the braid at several points instead of relying on one large pin.

 

5. Full Fishtail Halo Crown

 

 

You want the braid to form a continuous halo around your head.

The Formula:

• Start with hair that reaches comfortably around your head.

• Divide it into two sections.

• Create two fishtail braids, keeping their widths similar.

• Wrap each braid around the head to meet the other.

• Tuck both ends under the crown and pin securely.

Why It Works: The joined braids create a continuous ring around the head. Similar braid widths help the halo look balanced from every angle.

Pro Tip: Place a hand mirror behind you to check the back. A small gap can hide beneath the crown until you view it from another angle.

Best For: Medium-to-long hair with enough length to wrap around the head. Fine hair can also work with gentle loop widening.

Make It Last: Add pins where the braids meet and where the crown changes direction.

 

6. Fishtail Crown With Face-Framing Pieces

 

 

You like an updo, but you still want a few soft pieces around your face.

The Formula:

• Detangle your hair and choose your part.

• Separate two fine front sections before braiding.

• Create a fishtail crown with the remaining hair.

• Secure the braid and check the shape from the front.

• Arrange the reserved strands with your fingers.

Why It Works: The crown keeps the hair gathered while the front pieces add movement. This creates contrast between the woven braid and the softer strands.

Pro Tip: Keep the reserved sections small enough that they don’t interrupt the crown. You can always release another strand later.

Best For: Straight, wavy, and curly hair that has enough length for a crown. It suits relaxed celebrations and evening plans.

Make It Last: Use a tiny amount of curl cream on naturally curly pieces or a light smoothing cream on straight ones.

 

7. Textured Fishtail Crown on Natural Hair

 

You want a braided crown that respects your natural texture.

The Formula:

• Begin with detangled hair that feels moisturized.

• Use your preferred leave-in conditioner or styling cream.

• Work in sections that feel comfortable to handle.

• Create fishtail braids with consistent, manageable strands.

• Wrap and pin the crown without forcing the hair flat.

Why It Works: Working with your natural texture helps the braid feel more familiar and comfortable. Sectioning gives you control over the shape while allowing your hair’s character to show.

Pro Tip: If your hair shrinks as it dries, plan the braid around its natural length. Don’t stretch sections aggressively just to match a reference photo.

Best For: Curly and coily hair, including hair with natural volume. The technique also works on stretched natural hair if you prefer more visible braid definition.

Make It Last: Protect the crown while sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet. Avoid repeatedly tightening the braid during the day.

 

Your natural texture belongs in the finished look. Let the braid work with your hair, not against it.

8. Low-Volume Fishtail Crown Braid

 

 

You prefer a delicate crown instead of a wide, dramatic braid.

The Formula:

• Brush through dry hair and make a soft part.

• Apply a little texturizing spray if your hair feels slippery.

• Create two narrow fishtail braids using small sections.

• Wrap the braids close to the hairline.

• Pin the ends underneath without widening every loop.

Why It Works: Narrow braids create a fine, detailed pattern. Keeping the loops compact gives the crown a subtle shape that doesn’t overwhelm the rest of your hairstyle.

Pro Tip: Use small, lightweight bobby pins that match your hair color. Large pins can interrupt a delicate braid.

Best For: Fine or medium-density hair and anyone who prefers a more understated braided crown. Medium-to-long lengths offer the easiest wrapping.

Make It Last: Add a little flexible-hold hairspray after pinning. Avoid brushing over the braid once you finish.

 

9. Voluminous Fishtail Crown Braid

 

 

You love a fuller braid with visible texture and a little extra presence.

The Formula:

• Add texturizing spray to dry hair.

• Create two fishtail braids with consistent sections.

• Secure the braids loosely before arranging the crown.

• Gently widen selected loops with your fingertips.

• Wrap the braids and hide the ends beneath the fuller sections.

Why It Works: Wider loops make the woven pattern easier to see. Light texture also helps the braid hold its shape without needing excessive product.

Pro Tip: Widen the braid gradually, working from the bottom upward. Pulling too much from one loop can create an uneven section.

Best For: Thick, wavy, or curly hair, plus fine hair that responds well to gentle texturizing. Longer hair offers more material for a fuller crown.

Make It Last: Pin the widened sections from underneath. This supports the shape without leaving pins on display.

 

10. Seamless Fishtail Crown With Hidden Ends

 

 

You want the crown to look connected, with no obvious braid ends.

The Formula:

• Create two even fishtail braids.

• Wrap each braid around the head.

• Overlap the ends slightly where the braids meet.

• Tuck each tail beneath the neighboring braid.

• Secure the hidden ends with small bobby pins.

Why It Works: Hidden ends make the crown look more continuous. Overlapping the braids also helps cover small gaps where the two sides meet.

Pro Tip: Slide each pin through the underside of a braid and anchor it to the hair beneath. This keeps the pin less visible.

Best For: Medium-to-long hair that gives you enough length to tuck the tails away. This finish suits formal photos, celebrations, and polished everyday looks.

Make It Last: Check the join from the front, sides, and back. Add one extra pin only where the crown needs support.

[IMAGE — IDEA 10: A seamless fishtail crown with both braid ends tucked beneath the woven halo.]

[ALT TEXT: Seamless fishtail crown braid with hidden ends and a continuous woven finish]

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you create a Zendaya-inspired fishtail crown braid?

Start with detangled hair and divide it into two sections. Make a fishtail braid on each side by crossing small outer sections over to the opposite side. Wrap both braids around your head, tuck the ends underneath, and secure them with bobby pins. Adjust the loops for your preferred finish.

Is a fishtail crown braid difficult for beginners?

It can take a little practice because the fishtail technique uses smaller sections than a basic three-strand braid. Start with two loose braids and work slowly. You can practice the weaving technique before wrapping it around your head. A second mirror helps you check the back.

Can you make a fishtail crown braid on short hair?

Hair that reaches around your head makes the full crown easier to create. With shorter hair, you can try a partial crown and tuck shorter ends beneath the braid. Use small pins to secure loose sections. The exact result depends on your length, layers, and natural texture.

Does a fishtail crown braid work on curly or coily hair?

Yes. You can braid curly or coily hair in its natural state or after stretching it, depending on your preferred look. Work in comfortable sections and use a suitable leave-in product if you normally use one. Avoid pulling tightly, and let your natural texture remain part of the finish.

How can you keep a fishtail crown braid from falling apart?

Begin with hair that has enough grip for braiding. Use consistent sections, secure the crown at several points, and tuck the ends beneath the braid. Flexible-hold hairspray can help manage flyaways. Avoid relying on one pin or pulling the braid so tightly that it becomes uncomfortable.

Make the Fishtail Crown Your Own

The best fishtail crown braid is one that feels like you. Choose a sleek finish when you want crisp detail, or loosen the loops for a softer shape. Work with your hair’s natural texture and use pins to support the crown comfortably.

You don’t need every section to look identical. A little variation can make the finished braid feel personal rather than overly arranged.

Save this guide to your Pinterest hairstyle board so you can revisit your favorite version when you’re ready to braid. Which look would you try first: the classic crown, romantic halo, or fuller textured braid?

Related reading: Easy Crown Braid Hairstyles for Women · Fishtail Braid Hairstyles for Medium and Long Hair

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