Even as a native of Maine—or especially as one—I was skeptical when I heard about a new hairstyle idea called the lobster tail. But I'm going to go ahead and share it with you, because it's actually quite pretty (despite the fact that it does resemble a lobster tail—definitely a lot more than a fishtail braid resembles a fish tail).
It was created by Mario Russo, owner of Salon Mario Russo in Boston. Could it be the next fishtail?
Here's Mario's full how-to, should you want to try his lobster tail at home (or have a hairstylist re-create it for your next fancy event).
1. Start with day-old hair to achieve this messy and textured look. Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray on the roots to eliminate any natural oils that can flatten hair.
2. Gather your hair to one side, leaving a few front pieces loose on the opposite side. Curl these pieces with a 1-inch barrel to add more shape around the face.
3. Divide the hair in half, making a front and back section. Make three small sections out of the back section and twist each one individually before joining all three to make one twist. Secure with a clip so you can work freely on the front section. Don’t worry if the hair untwists a little bit; you can retwist later.
4. Take the front section, split into two small twisted sections, and then combine to make one twist.
5. Join the front and back twists, make one complete twist, and then secure with 5 or 6 bobby pins by your ear. This will hold together the beginning of the twist.
6. Spray texturizing spray again on the hair below the bobby pins to create fullness, then make two twists with this remaining hair and combine the two twists into one, twisting all the way down. Don’t twist too hard; let it be a little loose to give it more thickness and texture.
7. Slide bobby pins UP throughout the twist, almost like a skeleton for the twist, and then secure with a hair tie. The pins will hold the twist in place.
Finish off with a light hairspray, such as Oribe Superfine Hair Spray.
I'm not sure my twist would look quite so lovely, but I can see this how-to working well on someone with thick and wavy hair. I like it as a wedding hairstyle idea, or done messier as a hairstyle for a different special occasion.
What do you guys think? Would you try this new twist on the braid? Could it be the next fishtail for you?