17 Cutest & Easiest Side Braid Hairstyles for Every Hair Length
A side braid is a type of braid that sits on one side of your head or falls over one shoulder. You don’t always need to go to the salon to try a new hairstyle. Side braids are easy and versatile, letting you change your look quickly.
Southern California braid artist Jessica Keife creates braid styles inspired by Rapunzel. She suggests using hair extensions to make your side braids look longer and fuller.
For products, Keife recommends Kenra Professional Dry Texture Spray 6 and Powder Play Lite. She says, “these both add grip to your hair, making it easier to create a lovely side braid with great texture.”
Try a French or Dutch braid, an updo, or even a Queen Elsa look! Side braids are easy and stylish, perfect for any time of day. Whether you want a quick 3-minute style or a detailed braid, there’s a unique look for you to try!
Before you book your next hair appointment, take a look at these inspiring photos of the most popular side braid hairstyles!
#1: Modern Half Up Side Braid
Give your hairstyle a fun twist with a half-up side braid. You can make this simple look at home using some bobby pins and hair ties. The best part is that a messier braid looks even nicer!
#2: Popular Side Cornrows Braid
Cornrow braids are a favorite style to protect and show off beautiful African-American hair.
#3: Glam Side Braid for Black Hair
A protective hairstyle creates a stylish look right away. To make it more fun, try a side braid on black hair. You can add touches of blonde to your long hair without harming your natural strands. Complete your style with small beads or a hair tie as accessories.
#4: Trendy Side Braid Hair Down
This hairstyle is perfect for long, blonde hair. Style a side braid with loose beach waves flowing down your back. This elegant look works well for special occasions.
#5: Easy Side French Braid
Make a statement by shifting your loose French braid to the side. This fresh twist gives your usual braid a bold, new look. Big side braids like this are sure to turn heads!
#6: Simple Side Braids
Gather your braids into a side ponytail. Then, wrap them around your head to create a crown-like look. Choose tight or loose braids based on the texture you want.
#7: Side Loose Braid
Brides can create a lovely look by gently loosening their braids and pinning them to the side for a textured braided bun. Adding small flowers as accessories gives it a soft, feminine style.
#8: Adorable Side Braid with a Bun
Perfect for formal events, large loose braids styled into a low bun look elegant and stay secure. This simple side braid also highlights your beautiful makeup and accessories.
#9: Sassy Side Braid for Long Hair
Gather your hair to one side and tie it into a low ponytail. Then, braid the ponytail. Gently pull on the braid to make it look fuller.
#10: Feminine Side Braids for Short Hair
You can still make side braids with short hair! The blanket weave side braids give this bob more volume and style.
#11: Cool Lemonade Braids to the Side
Popularized by Queen Bey, lemonade braids swept to one side are classic cornrows styled from one side across to the other. This look adds fullness and weight on one side, making the braid pattern stand out on your scalp. These side braid styles for black hair offer a stylish twist on traditional protective hairstyles.
#12: Intricate Side Ponytail Braid
This side ponytail braid looks amazing on long hair. It transforms your typical ponytail into a stylish look with added volume and texture using different braid patterns.
#13: Stylish Side Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids might seem tricky at first, but they are actually very simple to make. A side fishtail braid can be the perfect style to finish your entire outfit.
#14: Cute Side Braid with Curls
This side braid with curls looks stunning. The fishtail side braid adds style to long, blonde hair. We used her natural curls and shaped them with a 3/4 Hot Shot Curling Iron for a more defined look. The fishtail braid completes her beautiful hairstyle. While these photos show the back view, the front is what matters most. Choose a style that suits your face shape and highlights your hair type.
#15: Side Braid Updo
A side braid updo is always fashionable. Its messy texture gives it a relaxed, effortless look. Style doesn’t have to be perfectly neat! This diamond blonde hair in a low bun looks soft yet eye-catching. The hairstyle features a loose twist in a low, undone bun. I love how gentle and romantic it feels. You can wear it casually or dress it up for a formal event. It’s meant to look a little imperfect and can be adjusted to suit different hair types and face shapes.
To loosen the waves before styling, I gently ran my fingers through them while spraying Moroccan Oil Dry Texture Spray. This adds texture and hold. Next, I made a low bun using a clear elastic. It should feel loose but stay secure. I used bobby pins to shape the bun and pin any loose pieces. Then, I softly twisted the hair on both sides and pinned it above the bun, leaving the front hairline out for now. This style should look soft and airy. Lightly pull at the crown to add volume, gently loosen the twists, and tug on the bun to make it fuller. As you adjust, add bobby pins to keep everything in place.
👉 Check out more braided updo hairstyles.
#16: Side Messy Braid
This style combines a textured boho Dutch braid with a fishtail braid. The best part about these side hairstyles is their texture and flow. The lower section is made by weaving the hair into a basic fishtail braid.
This style works best on clean, dry hair. Use a light or medium hold hairspray along with volume powder. Start by curling your hair, then gently backcomb the roots to add volume. Curling first gives your hair a soft, romantic boho look. This side braid looks great on medium to long hair with highlights, but it also suits brunette hair because of its texture. Adding face-framing layers helps create a soft look around your face.
#17: Side Dutch Braid
Try a half updo formal style for a wedding. You can also wear it casually, like on a beach vacation. To get the best look, prepare your hair first. Use a volume shampoo, conditioner, and a lifting foam before blow-drying. Next, curl all your hair. Make a deep side part and start a Dutch braid on top of your head. As you braid, gently pull it apart to make it look fuller.
You can use a volume or texture spray on the braid to make it look fuller. When I reached behind her ear, I gently pulled from the top sections and left out a small piece each time I took a new section. The piece you leave out will hang down—that’s the waterfall strand. I secured the braid with a clear elastic and added a few bobby pins to hold it in place. Finish by spraying a medium-hold hairspray to keep the style set. You can also add flowers or hair jewelry to make the look even prettier. This updo works well for all hair types and textures. If your hair is very fine, I highly suggest using volume products before styling.