With C’s lovingly grabby fingers constantly finding the hairs on my head, it’s time to bring back some favorite hairstyle from my past to pull my hair a bit out of my face without having to resort to a bun every day. This easy side braid is first up. I have a tendency to get stuck in a rut with hairdos - usually wearing it straight or in some kind of bun - messy or a little put together. I’m not showing it here, but you can double up the mini braids for a slightly different option! Also, if you live in a humid place or just have hair that loves to frizz, make sure to use a good anti-frizz spray before you start doing the braid here!
Part your hair just off-center. On the side of more hair, take a thin line of hair along part, about two inches long. This is a half-french braid of sorts. Instead of grabbing hair with every movement, it’s done just half the time. This hairstyle can be done with a traditional braid or the inverted method. Continue to pull new hair into braid until you’ve passed your ear. Then continue braiding hair until braid length reaches the middle of the back of your head. Sweep all hair above braid out of the way (can use a hair tie or clip). Secure braid in place with two mini bobby pins - facing opposite directions.
On the other hand, you can craft a fuller result by creating two braids (one on each side) and joining their ends with a clear elastic. I take one-third to one-half of my loose hair and pull it up into a clip to get it out of the way, secure the braids with the elastic, then drop the hair over the braids. This approach yields a slightly different silhouette while keeping the look cohesive and polished.
When you’re after a larger, single side braid that pulls in all your hair, part your hair just off-center again. On the side of more hair, take a thin line of hair along part, about 2" long. Divide into three pieces. Begin braiding hair down hairline adding hair only from the front. This is a half-French braid of sorts. Instead of grabbing hair with every movement, it’s done just half the time. Be sure to only grab about a half inch from the front. Continue to pull new hair into braid until you’ve passed your ear. Then continue braiding hair until braid length reaches the middle of the back of your head. Secure with a small hair elastic. Sweep all hair above braid out of the way (can use a hair tie or clip). Secure braid in place with two bobby pins - facing opposite directions.
Save this tutorial on Pinterest here! Try this hairdo? Side braid hairstyles can transform your long hair from simple to striking in just minutes. When you’re ready to add dimension and interest to your locks, a diagonal braid brings the styling to your front view where you can actually see it. These 20 styles range from casual everyday looks to more polished designs, each with its own character and technique.
Practical tips and braid variations for medium hair
Present-day braids are all about the texture and strategic messiness. Try this classic Bohemian plait on second-day hair for your beach trips. Lengthy locks give off a classic vibe when left undone, but sometimes you’ll want to add a personal touch to stand out from the crowd of other long-haired beauties. It’s incredibly easy to recreate this look at home. There are only two steps: twist and braid. Twist the front pieces of your hair (or your bangs if you have any) to the side.
Keep in mind that you’ll want to retain the loose and messy feel of your natural texture for the style. If you just wash your hair and find it to be too sleek or slippery for braiding, spritz some sea salt spray all over and scrunch to liven it up. If you already know how to create Dutch Braids, the style will be stress-free and fast for you to mimic. If not, Dutch Braids aren’t very hard to learn and once you get the hang of them, they’re as useful as French Braids!
This simple style is perfect for a bike ride through the city or a picnic in the park. If you’re doing an activity in the sunshine, the classic braid is for you. French braids are the basis of many elegant hairstyles, so if you don’t know how to create them, there’s no time like the present to learn. They’re easy to do, they look stunning and they hold up well even in the most humid climates. This deliberately undone style creates the appearance of naturally tousled hair while actually following careful construction.
Fishtail braids serve as an interesting alternative to traditional three-strand or French braids. Since fewer people know how to create them, you’re likely to stand out with this distinctive pattern. This Dutch braid is similar to the hairstyles we have seen before, but it’s also pointedly messy, loose, and relaxed. The tail can be made messier to your liking by gently tugging at the braid to loosen it up.
For a totally unique and different side braid hairstyle, try this one out! It’s much easier than it looks and won’t take more than ten minutes to achieve. Volume makes any braid look fuller and more substantial. The secret lies in gently pulling sections apart after completing your braid, creating the illusion of thickness. This clever style combines two separate braids into one cohesive design. Divide your hair into two sections, braid each one, position them together, and secure with small bobby pins.
This style is created the same way as any other Dutch braid. Once you complete the braid, you’ll have to go in and play around with the hair if you want to recreate a picture-perfect looseness. A lace braid doesn’t work like an average braid; instead, the lace braid circles around your hair to create a simple yet creative ponytail. Small braids are a better low-key experience for ladies who have to go to work or make an appearance at a formal event.
Ask your stylist to pepper some fun colors into your hair at your next salon visit. Try a few strands of pink and a few tangerine ones, for instance. They look fabulous on a strawberry blonde base! These colors will create quite a beautiful scene when you braid them in with the rest of your hair. When your hair falls all the way down to your mid-back, it is more prone to tangling and split ends. You’ve got to find a few low maintenance styles that are comfortable to wear and easy to make. This side braid hairstyle will give you gorgeous waves on your next-day hair. Don’t worry, it’s a sturdy enough braid to sleep on. After it does its job by keeping you stylish all through the day, crawl into bed without unraveling it.
These twisted-up tresses are easy to do at home and they are perfect for a day lounging out by the pool. If you take your style out into the sun, be sure to spray it with a product that promises UV protection. The side braid is a cute style of braiding that goes over the shoulder. It looks especially nice with side-swept bangs or as a romantic, somewhat messy look.
Step-by-step: how to do a secure side braid on medium hair
Begin by brushing your hair thoroughly. Since the side braid look is asymmetrical and on the side of your head, part it to one side. If you’re going for a romantic look, allow the part to be messy. If your part is off to one side, make sure that the hair is on the side farthest from the part. If your hair is medium length and too short for one side braid, two side braids (i.e. pigtails) might work better.
The sections will be easier to control if your hair is a little damp. Starting underneath your ear, braid as you normally would. When finished, place an elastic band around the end of the braid. Arrange any wisps of hair that are hanging out. If you want a cleaner look, use spray or pins to secure wisps. Before you begin to braid the hair, brush the hair to remove tangles and knots. Decide which shoulder you would like the braid to hang over. If you want to part your hair, the part should be on the opposite side of your head from your hair.
For darker confidence in your technique, you can approach from different angles. The braid should be started underneath the ear opposite the shoulder where you’ve gathered your hair. If your braid is going to be over your left shoulder, begin the braid under your right ear. Start by separating a small section of hair from the bottom of the sweep of hair going across the back of your neck. There is also an option to begin this French braid at the top of your head. To begin your braid in this way, follow the same French braiding instructions. Make sure the sections are even, and begin braiding as usual. Grab 1 of the outer sections and cross it over to the middle, then grab the outer section on the opposite side and pull it across the new middle. Do this only once. The rest of the braid will be half a French braid, and you will incorporate more hair into the upper half of the braid. If you are starting the braid at your front hairline, pull sections forward from the back of your head. Keep the braid tight, and hold it close to the hairline. If you are starting the French braid from the top of your head, you will begin by French braiding down, and then when you get around the earline, you will begin braiding in a horizontal line across your head. When you reach the opposite ear and have incorporated all the hair into the French braid, braid the rest of your hair in a normal 3-strand braid. Secure the braid with an elastic band. Arrange any wisps of hair and spray with hair spray if desired. Tug on the braid if you want a messier look. Loosen the braid to the desired size. Make sure to get out any knots or tangles. Don’t part your hair. This style works better with hair swept to the side. This style works better with longer hair with few layers.
You will be starting to braid over the eye opposite of the shoulder you swept the hair over. Grab about a 1-2-inch section. Bring the right section under the middle, then bring the left section under the right. A Dutch braid is like the opposite of a French braid. Instead of adding hair and braiding over, you add hair to the strands and then cross under the braid. As you braid, keep adding hair as you cross the strands. Keep the braid close to the hairline along the side of the face. Add hair into the outside of the braid by pulling in hair from the hair sweeping across the back of the head. Once all the hair has been added, just continue braiding with 3 strands until you run out of hair. Make sure to brush or comb if necessary. You can place a part in your hair if you wish.
Number each strand 1-4, left to right. Cross 2 over 1, then cross 4 over 3. Each cross should be right over left. Repeat these steps until no more hair is left. Want to save this article? Get the full formatted PDF you can save, print, or read offline.
Notes on care, products, and inspiration
One thing you can do is a knotless braid by tying your braid with a strand of hair at the end and then using an elastic band on top of that. Also, wash, condition, and dry your braids without adding extra products or oils. This should help your braids stay in place for longer. Innersense is hitting it out of the park with great, clean hair care items! Try their hair mask and treatment oil.
Reader Poll: We asked 288 wikiHow readers which braid style they prefer, and 84% of them said I like double braids. They’re unique! The sections will be easier to control if your hair is a little damp. The more you practice, the easier the side braid becomes. Don’t stress if it isn’t perfect, honestly, that’s what I love most about this braid.
- Part your hair off-center and choose the side with more hair.
- Take a thin line along the part and begin a half-French braid, adding hair only from the front.
- Continue braiding until past the ear, then braid to the middle of the back of the head.
- Sweep hair above the braid and secure with two mini bobby pins facing opposite directions.
- Option: create two braids and join ends for a fuller look.
Side braids are versatile: they can be casual, polished, or romantic, and they pair well with side-swept bangs or textured, natural hair for a relaxed yet put-together appearance.
