Hair style

The Fishtail Chignon

Step one

For straight hair, use a medium-barrel curling iron to create waves, then gently shake them out with your fingers.

Step two

Pull hair over one shoulder and create a fishtail braid by separating hair into two sections. Take a half-inch section from the left side, cross it over to the right, then pull it back to the left. Repeat with a half-inch section of hair from the right side and continue to the ends, securing your braid with an elastic.

Step three

Make the fishtail more "scaly" by gently pulling the braid apart with your fingers on both sides.

Step four

Twist and pin braid into place to create a chignon and secure with large U-shaped hair pins.  suggests Patterson: "Slide the braid through and twist it up to your head. These have a wire inside that allows you to bend and lock it into place." Top off the look with a finishing spray.

You can find all the products needed for this look at blow.