Fishtail Chignon How-To

Fishtail Chignon How-To

Today’s fishtail chignon how-to answers a colleague’s question about perfecting her braiding technique. The look comes from Bridal Fashion Week as created by Josie Sanchez, Master Stylist at Dop Dop Salon.

Whoop, whoop, happy Hump Day hotties, and welcome to this Wednesday’s Q&A with Ask the Pro Stylist. On a recent hair play date, my stylist and I were discussing fishtails braids, and she wanted to perfect her technique. I remembered a recent fishtail chignon how-to that had been emailed as a BFW follow-up, and felt it would make a great addition to the Wednesday question of the week, which also follows yesterday’s braided bun guide.

Master Stylist Josie Sanchez from Dop Dop Salon created the look for the GALIA LAHAV Spring 2016 collections seen during Bridal Fashion Week, and has detailed how to create a fishtail chignon below.

Two collections were unveiled, the first inspired by the romantic capitals seen around the world. From scenic rooftops to busy metropolitan streets with accents of prismatic light, the effects are scattered across the bridal dresses through unique crystal beading and embroidery reminiscent of a starry night sky. Modern romance is manifested through a variety of silk chiffon fabrics and tulle combined with handmade embellishments. Hints of blush and nude tones created a soft harmony.

The second has been described as medieval princesses with intricate headpieces, think ivory tower and gothic architecture constructed in the silhouettes. The bridal dresses are adorned with floral motifs, beaded features, and vaporous French laces with shades of dusty ivory and dewy blush. Dramatic, handcrafted headpieces from Millela Couture completed the looks over the following fishtail chignon.

• Prep hair with L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Densité, and spray liberally.
• Dry product into hair using a blow dryer and fingers to keep natural texture.
• Create a center part.
• Take large sections of hair and spray with L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Infinium 3.
• Use a curling wand, and starting at the mid-lengths create loose waves.
• Rake hands through waves to loosen/roughen up.
• Create three sections, one in the back and one on either side of the head, and the
• clip back the front sections.
• With the remaining hair in the back of the head, pull back softly into a ponytail and
• Then secure with an elastic band.
• Create a fishtail braid, and then secure that with an elastic band. Pull braid apart from sides to create texture.
• Flip fishtail braid upward and roll into a soft low chignon and secure with pins.
• Release clips from front sections and gently pull back hair and pin into the chignon.
• Finish by pulling out some pieces at the crown to create softness.

If you have a question for Ask the Pro Stylist similar to today’s fishtail chignon how-to, please email me at DeirdreAHaggerty@gmail.com. Until then, happy styling.

©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this article may be reproduced without prior written permission and consent from the author.