27 Side Braid Hairstyles Everyone Is Pinning Right Now

27 Side Braid Hairstyles Everyone Is Pinning Right Now

Side braids have been all over Pinterest for a while now, and honestly, it makes sense. They’re romantic, they work on almost any hair type, and they don’t require a ten-step tutorial to pull off. Whether you want something sleek for the office or a boho look for a summer wedding, there’s a version of this style waiting for you. I pulled together 27 side braid hairstyles that people can’t stop saving, so grab a cup of coffee and let’s find your next look.

Gorgeous Blonde Mermaid Side Braid

This one is all about the contrast between rich, buttery blonde tones and a thick, textured braid that drapes over one shoulder. It works beautifully on long, wavy hair and looks especially striking with balayage or dimensional highlights woven through. People love it because it photographs like something out of a fairytale without needing a stylist on standby. To get the mermaid effect, gently pull apart each section of the braid after you finish it for extra volume.

Adorable Side Braid with a Bun

Here the braid starts near your part and flows into a low bun tucked behind one ear. It’s a sweet, put-together look that suits round and oval face shapes especially well. This one is a favorite for brunch dates or casual workdays because it takes ten minutes and still looks intentional. Fine hair benefits from a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray beforehand so the braid has something to hold onto.

Easy Side French Braid

The classic side French braid never really goes out of style, and there’s a reason it keeps popping back up. It works on nearly every hair length and texture, from straight to wavy, and it’s forgiving if your braiding skills are still a work in progress. This look suits people who want something polished but don’t want to spend forever in front of the mirror. A light-hold gel keeps flyaways in check without making the braid look stiff.

Simple Side Braids

Sometimes the plainest version is the one that gets pinned the most, and this three-strand side braid proves it. It’s low maintenance, requires no special product, and flatters medium to thick hair especially well. This is the braid you reach for when you’re running late but still want your hair to look done. Leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer finish.

Stylish Side Fishtail Braid

Fishtail braids have this delicate, woven look that feels a little more elevated than a standard three-strand braid. It works particularly well on hair with natural waves since the texture helps hide any small imperfections while you’re learning the technique. This style tends to suit people with medium to long hair who want something that reads as effortless but detailed up close. A satin hair tie at the end keeps things looking neat instead of frayed.

Cool Lemonade Braids to the Side

Lemonade braids are cornrows braided close to the scalp and swept over to one side, and they’re a fantastic protective style for coily and curly hair. They can last one to two weeks with the right nighttime care, which makes them a popular choice for anyone wanting a break from daily styling. Adding beads or gold cuffs at the ends brings in a little extra personality. This style suits basically any face shape since the side sweep softens the overall look.

Effortless Side Braid

This is the loose, undone braid you see on off-duty models grabbing coffee. It works best on hair with some natural texture since perfectly straight hair can make the braid look too tight and flat. People gravitate toward this one because it doesn’t require precision, just a relaxed hand and a little patience. Spritz in a texturizing spray before braiding to help it hold that lived-in shape.

Sassy Side Braid for Long Hair

Long hair gives you so much to work with, and this thicker, chunkier side braid takes full advantage of that length. It suits pretty much every face shape and looks great whether your hair is straight or wavy. This version tends to be a go-to for special occasions because the braid itself becomes a real statement. Adding loose curls before braiding gives it even more fullness.

Feminine Side Braids for Short Hair

Short hair doesn’t get left out of the braid trend, and a small side braid tucked behind the ear proves it. This works on bobs and lobs especially well, giving you a way to keep hair out of your face without pinning it back completely. It’s a great option for people who thought braids were off the table once they cut their hair. Bobby pins hidden underneath keep the braid secure through the day.

Side Dutch Braid

A Dutch braid is basically an inverted French braid, and it creates a more three-dimensional, raised look that sits right on top of the hair. It suits thick or medium hair particularly well since the braid needs enough volume to stand out. This style tends to appeal to people who want something a little edgier than a traditional side braid. Tugging gently at the edges after braiding gives it a fuller, more voluminous finish.

Side Messy Braid

Not every braid needs to be neat, and this deliberately undone version proves that loose can still look chic. It suits wavy and curly hair naturally, though straight hair can get there with a little backcombing first. This is the braid for days when you want texture and movement rather than precision. A dry texturizing spray is your best friend here.

Elegant Side Braid with Soft Waves

Pairing loose waves with a side braid creates a soft, romantic combination that works beautifully for weddings or date nights. It suits medium to long hair and looks especially good on people with heart or oval face shapes. This one gets pinned constantly because it balances polished and relaxed in just the right way. Curl your hair first, then braid loosely to let the waves peek through.

Trendy Side Braid Hair Down

This style takes just the front section of hair, braids it along one side, and lets the rest fall naturally. It works on almost any length and texture, which is probably why it shows up so often in everyday hairstyle inspiration. People love it because it adds a little detail without committing to a full braided look. It’s an easy one to master if you’re just getting comfortable with braiding.

Flowy Side Braid

Loose and airy, this braid is braided softly rather than pulled tight, letting strands fall naturally around your face. It suits fine to medium hair especially well since a tighter braid can sometimes look overly structured on thinner strands. This look tends to appeal to people going for a soft, ethereal vibe rather than anything too polished. A light-hold spray keeps it from unraveling too much throughout the day.

Intricate Side Ponytail Braid

Here the hair is gathered into a side ponytail first, then braided down the length for a more sculptural finish. This works well on long, thick hair that can support the added weight and detail. It’s a popular pick for formal events since it looks far more complex than it actually is to create. Curling the ends after braiding adds a nice finishing touch.

Popular Side Cornrows Braid

Cornrows braided in a sweeping side pattern are both a protective style and a striking look on their own. They suit coily, curly, and textured hair especially well and can be customized with different parting patterns for a unique design. This style is a favorite because it holds up for days with minimal upkeep. Wrapping hair with a silk scarf at night helps preserve the pattern longer.

Glam Side Braid for Black Hair

This look combines a sleek side braid with a laid edges finish for a polished, glamorous result. It works wonderfully on natural, relaxed, or textured hair and suits pretty much any face shape. People gravitate toward this one for special occasions because it feels dressed up without being overly complicated. Edge control and a soft brush help achieve that smooth, defined finish along the hairline.

Side Loose Braid

A little looser and a little bigger than your average braid, this style has an intentionally relaxed, bohemian feel. It suits wavy and curly hair naturally since the texture fills out the braid without much extra effort. This is a solid choice for festival season or beach days when you want your hair secured but not stiff. Pulling a few pieces loose around the crown softens the overall shape even more.

Cute Side Braid with Curls

Combining a braid with bouncy curls gives you volume and texture in one look, and it works particularly well on medium to long hair. This style suits people wanting something a little more playful and youthful compared to sleeker braided options. It’s a popular choice for parties since the curls add movement throughout the night. Curl your hair before braiding so the texture holds even as the day goes on.

Modern Half Up Side Braid

This one takes the top section of your hair, braids it toward one side, and pins it while leaving the rest down. It works on nearly all hair lengths and textures, making it one of the more versatile options on this list. People like it because it keeps hair off your face without committing to a fully braided style. A few loose curls around the face finish the look nicely.

Inside-Out French Braid

Flip the traditional French braid technique and you get this raised, more voluminous version that sits on top of the hair. It suits thick and medium hair especially well since the reversed technique naturally adds fullness. This style has become popular because it looks more advanced than it actually is once you get the hang of it. Loosening each section slightly after braiding gives it that coveted dimensional look.

Side Braid Updo

Combining a side braid with an updo creates a formal, elegant style that works beautifully for weddings and other dressed-up occasions. It suits long to medium hair and flatters most face shapes, especially when paired with soft face-framing pieces. This one gets pinned so often because it feels bridal without requiring a professional stylist. Bobby pins and a bit of finishing spray keep everything secure through hours of dancing.

Boho Side Braid with Flowers

Tucking small flowers or greenery into a loose side braid instantly gives it a festival or bridal feel. This works especially well on wavy or textured hair since the braid already has natural movement to build on. It’s a favorite for outdoor weddings and summer events because it feels romantic without trying too hard. Fresh or faux flowers both work, just make sure they’re secured with small floral wire or bobby pins.

Braided Side Ponytail with Ribbon

Adding a ribbon through a side braid gives it a playful, slightly vintage touch that stands out in photos. This suits medium to long hair and works well for both casual outings and dressier occasions depending on the ribbon you choose. It’s a fun way to tie in a specific color palette for parties or holidays. Weave the ribbon in as you braid for the most secure, seamless look.

Wet-Look Side Braid

This sleek, glossy take on the side braid uses a wet-look gel to create a shiny, second-skin finish along the hairline. It suits straight to slightly wavy hair best since too much natural texture can fight against the smooth effect. This style has become a favorite for red carpet-inspired looks and nights out. A shine serum brushed over the braid afterward keeps that glossy finish going.

Side Braid with Undercut Detail

Pairing a side braid with a shaved or undercut section on one side gives the whole look an edgier, more fashion-forward feel. It suits thick hair especially well since there’s enough hair left to create a substantial braid alongside the undercut. This style tends to appeal to people wanting something bold and a little unexpected. It also happens to be a great low-maintenance option once the undercut is established.

Two-Strand Twist Side Braid

Using two-strand twists instead of a traditional three-strand plait gives this braid a distinct, textured look that works beautifully on natural, curly, or coily hair. It’s a gentler option for hair prone to breakage since there’s less tension involved. This style is popular as both a finished look and a protective style that can be maintained for days. A lightweight curl cream helps define each twist before braiding.

However you decide to wear it, a side braid is one of those styles that always feels a little more finished without a ton of extra effort. Try a few of these looks, see what your hair takes to best, and don’t be afraid to mix and match details from different ones. That’s usually how the best hairstyles happen anyway.