Why We’re Loving Fishtails & Waves


When you have the time and want to impress, there’s nothing like a fishtail braid. If you’re in a rush or simply want to enhance your natural texture or amp up straight hair, grab a curling iron and make waves.

City Style and Living Magazine Fall 2025 Why We're Loving Fishtails & Waves
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Get The Look: Fishtail

According to the experts at TRESemmé, start by applying primer to clean, dry hair for a smooth base. Follow with mousse to add grip and texture to make braiding easier.

Use a comb to section the hair straight down the middle, forming a clean centre part. Apply smoothing cream to tame flyaways.

Gently pull hair back into a ponytail, without tying. Split ponytail in two and take a section from the left and pass outside and over top into right. Then take section from right, pass outside and over top into left. Repeat, working your way down to the ends.

As you braid, lightly mist the hair with hairspray on the light-hold setting. Once fully braided, finish the ends with hairspray on the strong hold setting. Generously spray the braid’s ends to lock in place, eliminating the need for an elastic hair tie.

Style Tip: At Ulla Johnson, the fishtail came in two variations as a plain braid and wrapped into a bun.


“We chose a fishtail braid because it adds texture and depth without overpowering the clothes. From the front, it feels effortless and simple, but as you turn, the intricate braid reveals itself, echoing the hidden details woven into the collection.”

— Mustafa Yanaz, celebrity stylist for TRESemmé.


01

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For Easy Waves

Who? A chic woman who doesn’t have enough time for herself.

Inspired by the famous art of American Photographer Dawoud Bey, in which the matriarch of the family styles her hair with rollers in the kitchen, Oribe Session Stylist Joey George replicated the essence of this story by curling four sections of hair.

02

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For Sophisticated Waves

Who? Quiet luxury type.

As an ode to the world traveler who frequents 5-star hotels, jet setting from one luxury lounge to the next, Oribe Principal Artist of Global Design, Kien Hoang, enhanced and elevated each model’s natural cut and texture to make the hair look healthy and expensive yet polished, light and airy.

03

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For Carefree Waves

What? Undone, lived-in locks.

“This look is all about enhancing your hair’s natural texture – as if you were waking up in the morning from a fun night out,” says Lacy Redway, TRESemmé lead stylist. With a flat iron, create bends throughout the hair. Spray all over to create volume and texture.

04

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For Wind-Kissed Waves

Who? Beachy, loose and naturally bohemian.

“For Ulla Johnson’s show, I wanted the hair to feel effortlessly natural yet full of movement—like it’s been kissed by the wind,” says Mustafa Yanaz, celebrity stylist with TRESemmé.


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