9 Amazing Retro Updo Fishtail Ideas That Look Romantic

I always find myself drawn to an updo fishtail hairstyle when I want something a little more interesting than a regular bun. I love how those tiny woven sections add texture, especially when they’re paired with soft twists, loose strands, and a pretty low or high updo.

What I find especially lovely is that a fishtail doesn’t have to look perfect. A slightly loosened braid can make an elegant hairstyle feel much softer and more personal.

What I’d Consider Before Choosing a Fishtail Updo

For me, the first thing to decide is whether I want the braid to be the main feature or simply a pretty detail tucked into the hairstyle.

If I’m getting ready for a wedding, I’d probably choose a lower updo with soft volume and a braid woven around the back. I think those styles look especially beautiful with delicate hair accessories and a few loose pieces around the face.

For something more casual, I prefer a larger, slightly messy braid that leads into a bun. It feels more relaxed and doesn’t need to be perfectly arranged.

I’d also consider my hair length and thickness. Medium to long hair offers more room for intricate braiding, while finer hair may benefit from a little texture spray and gentle loosening to make the braid appear fuller.

Romantic Fishtail Updo With a Floral Hairpiece

I love how beautifully the dark brown hair and golden highlights work together in this updo. The soft, woven sections wrap around the back before disappearing into a low, curled bun. My favorite detail is the delicate floral hairpiece resting across the upper section. It adds just enough sparkle without covering the lovely texture underneath.

If I were choosing this for a wedding, I’d ask my stylist to keep the bun soft and slightly loose, with a few curled strands near the face. I think the hairstyle looks most romantic when the twists have some movement rather than being pulled tightly against the head. I’d pair it with small earrings so the floral accessory remains the focus.

For a professional bridal-style updo, I’d budget around $85–$180 or more, depending on the location. A floral hairpiece might cost another $15–$45. Personally, I’d spend more on a secure, comfortable hairstyle and choose a simple accessory rather than an oversized decorative piece.

Soft Side Fishtail With Loose Blonde Curls

The softness of this hairstyle immediately caught my attention. A delicate braid travels along the side of the head before meeting the half-up section, while the rest of the blonde hair falls in beautiful loose curls. I like how the braid adds a little structure without making the hair feel overly formal. It’s a lovely, softer alternative to a fully pinned-up hairstyle.

I’d personally choose this if I wanted the pretty detail of an updo fishtail but still preferred wearing most of my hair down. I’d keep the braid slightly relaxed and curl the lower sections in different directions for more natural movement. A small clear elastic hidden underneath the braid would help everything stay in place.

I’d expect salon styling to cost approximately $50–$110, depending on the amount of curling involved. At home, I’d use a curling iron, a few clear elastics, and a light-hold hairspray costing around $8–$18. I don’t think this hairstyle needs expensive accessories.

Double Fishtail Braids With Low Twisted Buns

I think this hairstyle is such a fun combination of sporty and pretty. The hair is parted neatly down the center, with two thick braids traveling toward the nape and finishing in large, rounded buns. I especially like the beautiful volume through each braid. The slightly loosened sections make the hairstyle feel fuller and softer than tightly woven braids.

If I were recreating this, I’d start with a clean middle part and work on one side at a time. I’d make sure both braids were evenly positioned before twisting the ends into buns. This is one of the updo fishtail ideas I’d consider for an active day because it keeps the hair completely away from the face and neck.

A strong set of hair elastics and bobby pins usually costs around $5–$12 altogether. I’d personally skip salon styling for an everyday version and practice getting the two sides balanced. A little texture spray could help if the hair is particularly slippery.

Elegant Braided Low Bun With a Smooth Crown

What I really appreciate about this hairstyle is how polished it looks without feeling stiff. The crown has beautiful smooth volume, while a delicate braid wraps horizontally across the back and meets a softly rounded low bun. I love how the blonde highlights make the different woven sections stand out. The overall shape feels timeless to me.

I’d choose this updo fishtail for a formal dinner, engagement party, or wedding. I’d ask for a little lift at the crown but keep the sides smooth enough to show the braided detail. A few loose pieces near the face would soften the finish, although I wouldn’t add too many because the bun already has a lovely shape.

Professional styling might cost around $65–$140, depending on the salon. If I wanted to save money, I’d recreate a simpler version using a low bun, a small side braid, and several bobby pins. I think the braided detail makes the hairstyle elegant even without decorative accessories.

Soft Braided Updo With Delicate Side Twists

I love the beautiful fullness of this updo. The wide, loosely woven sections curve around the sides of the head before blending into a low bun, creating a lovely layered effect. The warm blonde tones make every twist easier to see, and I especially like how the hair looks soft around the crown rather than tightly pulled back.

For a romantic occasion, I’d choose this with a simple dress and delicate jewelry. If I were recreating it, I’d build a little volume at the crown first, then work the side sections toward the nape. I’d gently loosen the braids before securing the bun, because I think that gives the hairstyle its graceful, relaxed finish.

A salon might charge approximately $70–$150 for a similar braided updo. At home, I’d keep things affordable with bobby pins, a flexible-hold hairspray, and a texture product if needed. I’d rather invest time in arranging the twists than buy a decorative clip that might hide them.

Delicate Fishtail Detail With a Low Messy Bun

This hairstyle has such a sweet, feminine feel. I like how the braid sits across the back of the head and blends into the low bun, while the soft blonde hair has just enough looseness to keep everything relaxed. The little face-framing pieces are especially pretty to me because they make the style feel less formal.

I’d personally wear this for a garden party, date night, or a casual wedding celebration. I’d create the braid first and then gather the remaining hair into a soft bun, leaving a little volume near the crown. I wouldn’t worry about every strand being perfectly tucked away because I think a slightly messy finish suits this look.

For a simple salon updo, I’d expect to pay around $50–$110. If I were doing it myself, I’d use a few bobby pins and a light texture spray costing around $10–$20. I’d save money on accessories because the braid is already a lovely detail.

Romantic Side Fishtail With a Loose Low Updo

There’s a lovely balance between the fuller braid and the soft, low finish in this hairstyle. I like how the woven sections follow the side of the head, with loose strands around the face adding a relaxed touch. The blonde hair gives the braid a lot of dimension, and the slightly undone shape makes it feel especially romantic.

If I were recreating this updo fishtail, I’d leave a few shorter pieces loose before starting the braid. I’d braid along the side, gently widen the sections, and then gather the rest of the hair toward the nape. For me, the key would be keeping the shape soft without letting the updo become too loose to stay secure.

I’d budget around $55–$120 for professional styling, depending on the complexity. At home, a few clear elastics and pins would be my essentials. I’d rather spend a little more on comfortable, secure pins than keep adding hairspray throughout the day.

Boho Fishtail Updo With a Loose Braided Bun

I think this is one of the prettiest examples of a relaxed braided updo. The fishtail sections have a beautiful woven pattern, and the hair is gathered into a soft bun with loose, curled pieces around the face. I especially like the slightly messy texture because it gives the hairstyle a charming, effortless appearance.

I’d choose this for an outdoor wedding, summer party, or an occasion when I wanted a hairstyle that felt romantic without looking too polished. I’d create the braid before forming the bun and gently pull at a few sections to add fullness. I think leaving one or two curled strands near the cheeks makes the whole style softer.

For salon styling, I’d expect approximately $60–$130, with prices varying by location. At home, a texture spray costing around $10–$20 and a good set of pins could be enough. I wouldn’t spend extra on flowers or clips unless I wanted to make the hairstyle more formal.

Braided Low Bun With a Beautiful Woven Center

The intricate woven center is what makes this updo stand out to me. I love how the smooth sections of hair are brought together into a detailed braid before being tucked into a rounded low bun. The shape is beautifully balanced, and the different blonde tones make the weaving especially noticeable. It feels elegant without needing anything extra.

I’d personally choose this for a wedding or formal celebration when I wanted my hair completely up. I’d ask my stylist to keep the crown smooth but not flat, with enough volume to complement the braided center. I think this is a hairstyle where careful sectioning matters more than adding accessories.

Because the weaving is quite detailed, I’d expect professional styling to cost around $80–$170 or more. For a more affordable version, I’d simplify the braid and focus on creating a neat low bun. I’d rather pay for a skilled stylist on an important occasion than spend heavily on decorative hairpieces.

How I’d Keep an Updo Fishtail Secure Without Losing Its Softness

I think one of the biggest challenges with a braided updo is making sure it stays in place without looking overly tight.

My favorite approach would be to secure the main bun first and then gently loosen the braid afterward. That way, I can add a little volume without disturbing the entire hairstyle.

I’d also use bobby pins that blend with my hair color. For thicker hair, I’d choose stronger U-shaped pins to help support the bun, especially if the style needs to last through a long event.

A flexible-hold hairspray would be my final touch. I’d rather use a little product in the right places than cover the whole hairstyle with so much spray that it loses its natural movement.

Which Updo Fishtail Would I Choose for a Wedding?

For a wedding, I usually prefer a braided updo that feels romantic but still shows off the texture of the hair.

If I were the bride, I’d probably choose the first hairstyle with the delicate floral hairpiece or the final braided low bun with its beautiful woven center. Both feel special enough for a bridal look without needing an oversized accessory.

For a bridesmaid, I’d lean toward one of the softer side-braided buns. I think they look lovely with simple dresses and don’t compete with statement earrings or other accessories.

I’d also consider the weather. For an outdoor summer wedding, I’d prefer a secure low bun that keeps the hair off my neck. For an indoor celebration, I might choose a looser, more romantic finish.

If I were booking a stylist, I’d bring photos showing both the braid and the back of the bun. I’d also ask how the style will hold with my particular hair length and texture, rather than expecting every hairstyle to turn out exactly like the inspiration photo.

What I love most about an updo fishtail is how much personality a little braid can add to a simple bun. Some of these styles feel beautifully elegant, while others have a relaxed, playful charm. I’d choose the one that makes me feel comfortable, pretty, and completely myself.