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Side Braid Hairstyles are a fresh, easy way to add instant style to any day. From boho fishtails to sleek low braids, side braid hairstyles bring a relaxed, romantic vibe that works for brunch, work, or wedding guest moments.
They shine with texture and movement, and show off accessories beautifully.
These Side Braid Hairstyles flatter many face shapes and hair textures: loose side braids soften square or angular features, while tighter side braids keep fine hair looking fuller. Try a side braid for casual weekends, date nights, or when you want a pulled-together look without a lot of effort.
Easy Side Braid For Busy Mornings
When you need hair that looks polished in under ten minutes, this easy side braid is a lifesaver. Gather hair to one side, smooth with a light serum, and braid loosely for a relaxed, modern finish. It works great on second-day hair or freshly washed locks, and lifts a simple tee-and-jeans outfit. Add a colorful elastic for a playful touch or wrap a thin ribbon around the ends for a subtle pop. This braid keeps hair off the face while feeling casual and pretty.
Styling Tips
- Start with a small amount of styling cream to tame flyaways.
- Loosen braid by gently pulling at loops for a lived-in vibe.
- Secure with a clear elastic, then hide it by wrapping a small strand.
Romantic Loose Side Braid With Face Framing
This romantic loose side braid feels soft and feminine, with curtain-like tendrils that frame the face. Start with a deep side part, pull out a few thin front pieces, and braid the rest loosely over the shoulder. Finish with a light mist of flexible-hold spray to keep movement while maintaining softness. This look is dreamy for date nights and garden parties, and works especially well on medium to long hair that holds a gentle wave. The face-framing bits add a flattering, flattering softness to many face shapes.
Styling Tips
- Create soft waves before braiding to boost texture and volume.
- Pull a few wisps loose around the temples for a romantic feel.
- Add a tiny decorative pin near the ear for subtle sparkle.
Boho Side Fishtail Braid With Tiny Flowers
The boho side fishtail braid brings a festival-ready, whimsical touch to any outfit. A fishtail produces an intricate, woven look that pairs beautifully with scattered tiny flowers tucked into the braid. Keep the braid slightly undone and textured for that effortless, lived-in charm. This style suits long hair or long layers, and is perfect for outdoor events, beach days, or a romantic picnic. The floral accents make it feel playful and fresh, while the side placement keeps the braid front and center for a dreamy profile shot.
Styling Tips
- Loosen the fishtail by pulling gently at the woven sections for volume.
- Tuck small fresh or faux flowers into braid gaps for a boho touch.
- Use texturizing spray to help the braid hold and look fuller.
Sleek Low Side Braid For Glossy Hair
This sleek low side braid is all about shine and polish. Smooth hair back with a lightweight serum, then gather into a tight side braid that rests over the shoulder. It creates a chic, modern silhouette that pairs beautifully with tailored outfits or evening wear. This version works best on straight or slightly wavy hair, and highlights glossy texture and clean lines. It’s an elegant choice when you want hair that looks put-together without overdoing accessories, and gives a refined finish to any look.
Styling Tips
- Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair for instant gloss.
- Use a soft boar-bristle brush to keep surface flyaways down.
- Finish with a light shine spray for a camera-ready sheen.
Messy Side Braid With Textured Waves
This messy side braid is all about effortless cool: tousled waves and a slightly undone plait make it feel playful and current. Start with sea-salt spray or a curl cream to create texture, then braid loosely to one side and tug gently at the sections for fullness. Strands that escape around the face add charm and movement. It’s a great go-to for casual weekends, brunch, or an artsy date night—especially flattering on medium-to-long hair and on people who like an easy, lived-in style.
Styling Tips
- Use a salt spray on damp hair to boost natural wave and grip.
- After braiding, pull at the braid to widen and tousle it for texture.
- Spritz with flexible-hold spray to keep shape without stiffness.
Side Dutch Braid That Wraps Around
The side Dutch braid that wraps around the head adds a touch of edge with a crown-like effect. This inverted braid pops off the scalp, creating dramatic texture and definition as it sweeps to the side. It’s a stylish pick for medium to long hair and looks especially cool paired with an oversized sweater or leather jacket. Wear it tight for a sleek look or slightly loosen it for softness. This braid frames the face beautifully and keeps hair tucked neatly while still feeling bold and polished.
Styling Tips
- Start with detangled hair and a small amount of styling paste for grip.
- Keep the braid close to the scalp for a defined Dutch effect.
- Loosen sections at the end for a softer, more romantic finish.
Bubble Side Braid For Playful Volume
The bubble side braid is a playful twist that gives instant volume and a modern silhouette. After creating a basic side braid or pony, secure intervals down the length with elastics and pinch each section to form rounded bubbles. This technique works on straight or slightly wavy hair, and is ideal for adding whimsical texture to medium or long hair. It’s a fun option for daytime events or casual nights out, and the rounded shapes create a fashion-forward profile that looks effortless and creative in photos.
Styling Tips
- Create evenly spaced elastics for balanced bubble sections.
- Gently tug each bubble outward to increase volume and shape.
- Apply light hairspray to hold form without stiffness.
Side Waterfall Braid For Soft Movement
The side waterfall braid offers delicate movement, letting strands cascade through the braid for a romantic, flowing effect. It’s perfect for medium-to-long hair and adds a dreamy touch to casual looks or special occasions. Start with a small section at the front, pick up and drop pieces as you braid across, and sweep the finished braid to the side. This style pairs beautifully with soft waves and light accessories, and creates a graceful profile that catches the breeze and highlights layered cuts.
Styling Tips
- Use a light texturizing spray to give dropped strands some grip.
- Loose waves enhance the waterfall’s flowing motion and texture.
- Secure the braid discreetly behind the ear with a bobby pin.
Glam Side Braid With Metallic Accessories
Elevate a simple side braid with metallic pins, cuffs, or tiny chain accents for an instantly glamorous look. A sleek or slightly textured braid provides the perfect canvas for metallic details that catch light in photos. This style pairs beautifully with eveningwear or a statement blouse and suits medium-to-long hair. Keep the braid tidy and secure so the accessories stay put, and choose complementary metal tones to match your jewelry. The addition of metal creates a chic, editorial vibe without much fuss.
Styling Tips
- Place small metal clips at intervals for a polished, reflective touch.
- Use flexible-hold spray to anchor accessories and control flyaways.
- Coordinate metal tones with earrings or necklaces for a cohesive look.
Tiny Accent Side Braids On Straight Hair
Tiny accent side braids are a subtle way to elevate straight hair without changing length or volume. Braid a few thin sections near the front and pin them toward the side for an interesting detail that feels modern and understated. This trick works beautifully on straight hair and adds a textural contrast to sleek strands. Wear them with a middle or deep side part, or scatter a few across one side for a playful asymmetry. These small braids add personality while keeping the overall look neat and wearable.
Styling Tips
- Create micro braids using very small sections for delicate detail.
- Pin ends under a larger section to hide elastics.
- Add a tiny bead or charm to an accent braid for a hint of sparkle.
Thick Side Braid For Full Volume
If you love drama and fullness, a thick side braid does the trick. Create a deep side part and gather hair into a loose, oversized braid, then gently pull at each section to blow it out for maximum volume. This approach is ideal for thick hair or for fine hair that’s been pre-textured with backcombing or extensions. The result is a lush, statement braid that photographs beautifully and adds instant glamour to a simple dress or casual outfit alike. It’s a show-stopping look with minimal fuss.
Styling Tips
- Tease the roots lightly before braiding to boost lift at the crown.
- Loosen each braid segment to create a fuller, pillowy effect.
- Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic for a seamless finish.
Braided Side Ponytail For Sporty Chic
Blend sporty ease with chic polish by pairing a side braid into a ponytail. Start with a tight side braid that feeds into a low or mid pony, or create a half-braid that meets the ponytail for contrast. This hybrid look stays secure through active days while still reading stylish and intentional. It’s especially useful for workouts, travel days, or city strolls where you want hair out of your face but still fashionable. Add a sleek scrunchie or a minimal clip to finish the look with flair.
Styling Tips
- Secure the braid into the ponytail with a strong elastic for all-day hold.
- Smooth the top with a light serum to reduce frizz before styling.
- For extra volume, backcomb the ponytail slightly and set with spray.
Side Fishtail Crown For Festival Ready Hair
The side fishtail crown wraps a fishtail braid around the head, landing on one shoulder for a boho, festival-ready effect. This style mixes intricate texture with wearable charm, and looks stunning with beachy waves or sun-kissed highlights. Pinned securely, it stays comfortable for long days out and pairs beautifully with hats or bold accessories. It’s a playful, photo-friendly look that feels youthful and adventurous, great for concerts, markets, or any day you want your hair to make a statement without being fussy.
Styling Tips
- Begin with loose waves to help the fishtail hold and look voluminous.
- Pin the crown braid discreetly behind the ear for comfort and security.
- Add tiny woven ribbons or beads for a festival-inspired boost.
Romantic Side Milkmaid Braid With Roses
This romantic milkmaid-style side braid is perfect for weddings, garden parties, or any moment you want a floral, feminine finish. Weave braids across the crown and gather them to one side, tucking soft rosebuds into the weave for a vintage-inspired touch. This look works well on long hair with soft layers and creates a halo effect that’s both pretty and elegant. It makes for beautiful portraits and complements flowing dresses or lace details. The floral accents give it a storybook quality that feels gentle and refined.
Styling Tips
- Use small faux or fresh roses tucked into braid gaps for a secure hold.
- Loosen the crown braids slightly for a soft, romantic silhouette.
- Finish with flexible-hold spray to protect flowers and keep strands in place.
Wet Look Side Braid For Edgy Shine
The wet look side braid is bold and modern: hair appears sleek and glossy while braided to one side for an editorial finish. Apply a wet-look gel or pomade, smooth hair into a defined side braid, and lock with a strong elastic. This style pairs well with striking makeup and minimalist jewelry for an on-trend aesthetic that turns heads. It works on straight hair or slightly waved hair smoothed down, and photographs beautifully thanks to the glossy texture and sharp silhouette it creates.
Styling Tips
- Work gel through damp hair for a serious glossy effect.
- Keep the braid tight and smooth to highlight the wet texture.
- Use hairspray to lock shine and prevent flyaways in humid weather.
Twisted Side Braid With Loose Tendrils
Soft twists combined with a side braid create a delicate, romantic texture that’s both modern and timeless. Twist sections from the front toward the side, incorporate them into a loose braid, and pull a few tendrils free for a soft, face-framing effect. This style feels feminine without being overly fussy, and suits medium to long hair with natural movement. It’s perfect for casual dates or garden ceremonies, offering a gentle, flattering outline around the face that softens features and adds a handmade charm.
Styling Tips
- Start with a side part and twist small front sections for detail.
- Loosen the braid slightly to create softness and dimension.
- Use a light mist to hold tendrils while keeping them touchable.
Half Up Side Braid With Soft Curls
The half-up side braid combines the elegance of a braid with the bounce of soft curls. Gather the top half into a loose side braid and let the lower half cascade in gentle curls. This look frames the face while keeping hair partially free, offering the perfect balance of structure and movement. It’s ideal for date nights, semi-formal events, or weekend parties, and works on medium-length cuts that hold curl well. The mix of braided detail and flowing curls makes the style photogenic and flattering.
Styling Tips
- Create soft curls on the lower half before finishing the braid for contrast.
- Pin the braid discreetly to keep the half-up shape steady.
- Finish with a flexible-hold spray to keep curls bouncy and touchable.
Mini Side Braids For Curly Hair
Mini side braids on curly hair add charming contrast and control while keeping natural texture on display. Braid one or two small sections on the side and pin them back to accent your curls without flattening them. This detail brings intentional interest to a simple curly style and helps keep face-framing curls in place during humid days. It’s a low-commitment way to experiment with braids and looks great on shortened curls as well as longer coils. The tiny plaits highlight curl pattern while adding a neat, styled touch.
Styling Tips
- Choose small front sections to braid for subtle accent without weight.
- Use a curl-friendly gel to define braid and keep frizz controlled.
- Pin ends under a larger curl for a seamless, natural finish.
Elegant Side Braid For Formal Events
For weddings, galas, or elegant dinners, an elegant side braid reads refined and graceful. Use smooth, glossy hair or soft, sculpted waves and braid neatly to one side, tucking the end into a low chignon if desired. Add a delicate hairpin or pearl clip to complement formal attire. This hairstyle frames the neck and décolletage beautifully, pairing well with off-shoulder or v-neck dresses. It’s a polished option that feels timeless and flattering in portraits, offering both sophistication and practical, face-revealing comfort.
Styling Tips
- Prep hair with heat and smoothing serum for a sleek base.
- Incorporate a small decorative pin near the braid’s end for glam.
- Use medium-hold hairspray to keep the style in place all night.
Side Braided Bob For Short Hair Glam
Short hair can join the braid trend with a side braided bob that adds texture and interest. Braid a small front section and pin it across the side, or create a little peek-a-boo braid that blends into the bob’s curve. This look gives short cuts a playful edge without changing the silhouette, and it works well for straight or slightly wavy bobs. It’s ideal for those who want a hint of styling detail for work, dates, or nights out, and it keeps the overall vibe chic and modern.
Styling Tips
- Choose a thin front section for small, tailored braids on short hair.
- Use pins that match hair color for a seamless finish.
- Texturize ends lightly to blend the braid into the bob’s shape.
Braided Side Updo For Wedding Days
This braided side updo is a dreamy pick for brides or wedding guests: romantic, secure, and endlessly photogenic. Combine braids with twists and tuck them into a low side bun or chignon for a polished finish. Add jewels, combs, or fresh blooms to match the wedding palette. It’s versatile across hair lengths when extensions are added, and provides a comfortable, long-lasting hold that keeps hair tidy through vows and dances. The side placement makes it flattering for photos and easy to pair with veils or statement earrings.
Styling Tips
- Build a strong base with pins and a light hairspray for all-day hold.
- Incorporate small braids into the updo for texture and visual interest.
- Add floral or jeweled accents last so they sit perfectly in place.