Side Braid Hairstyles: 15 Easy and Romantic Ideas to Try Now
A side braid can change the whole mood of your hair.
Soft and romantic, sleek and polished, or bold enough to feel like a full styling moment.
These 15 ideas show how versatile a braid can be when it sits to the side.
Romantic Pancaked Low Side Braid
A low side braid is perfect when you want something soft but still secure.
The twisted crown keeps the front gentle, while the pancaked braid gives thick hair a fuller shape.
Loose tendrils around the face stop the style from feeling too formal.
Best for: Long, thick hair with enough density to pull the braid wide.
How to get it: Gently tug the outer edge of each braid loop after tying it off.
Sleek Silver Accent Braid
A slim accent braid works beautifully when you want detail without tying all the hair up.
The deep side part gives the braid a clean starting point at the temple.
Straight silver lengths keep the whole look smooth, modern, and polished.
Best for: Long, straight, medium-density hair.
Keeps it smooth: Use a lightweight serum through the loose lengths before braiding.
Pompadour Undercut Braid
A braid along an undercut line gives short hair a strong, graphic detail.
The tight Dutch braid keeps the shaved side crisp, while the brushed-back top adds height.
Platinum blonde makes the contrast feel even sharper.
Works great if: You have a pixie or short cut with one longer top section.
Keeps it in place: Use firm gel or pomade while braiding close to the scalp.
Classic Crown Braid Updo
A crown braid updo is one of the most secure side-braid styles.
The braid wraps into the bun, so it feels elegant without loose pieces falling everywhere.
It is a lovely choice when you need hair to stay neat for hours.
Best for: Thick, long hair that can hold a pinned updo.
Pro tip: Push U-shaped pins into the braid base, not just the outer bun.
Asymmetric Braid with Sweeping Lift
This style uses the side braid almost like a faux undercut.
The braided side keeps one area tight, while the lifted top brings drama and shape.
It works especially well on a textured bob because the shorter length still feels styled.
Best for: Short to medium hair with enough top length for volume.
For root volume: Blow-dry the top upward with mousse before setting it with strong spray.
Textured Side-Braid Chignon
A side-braid chignon is soft, secure, and very pretty for dressier plans.
The Dutch braid leads the eye into the low bun, so the style feels connected rather than pinned together randomly.
Decorative pins tucked under the braid add detail without overpowering the hair.
Best for: Mid to long hair with texture or a bit of grip.
Holds better with: Texturising powder before braiding, especially on freshly washed hair.
Sleek Waterfall Accent Lob
A waterfall braid gives a straight lob a delicate detail without changing the whole shape.
The dropped strands fall through the braid and blend into the sleek length below.
It is a good option when you want something polished but not too romantic.
Best for: Fine to medium straight hair with a clean lob shape.
For that finish: Flat iron first so the waterfall strands fall smoothly.
Rocker Ponytail with Side Dutch Braid
A side Dutch braid can make a high ponytail feel much stronger.
The tight braid anchors one side, while the teased ponytail brings height and drama.
It is not a quiet style, but it holds well when you want impact.
Best for: Thick hair that can handle teasing and texture spray.
Stays put through: Festivals, nights out, or long events with strong-hold spray.
Brunette Side-Braid Bun
This side-braid bun feels classic without being stiff.
The braid wraps diagonally into the low bun, which gives the style a soft shape from the front.
Wispy curlicues around the ears keep the bun gentle and touchable.
Best for: Medium to thick hair that can hold a low bun.
For that finish: Mist flexible hairspray over the bun, but leave the tendrils soft.
Half-Up Pancaked Dutch Braid
A half-up Dutch braid is perfect when you want the braid to be seen.
The oversized braid gives the crown structure, while the loose lengths keep the style relaxed.
Chestnut and golden balayage make the woven sections look more dimensional.
Best for: Very long, heavy hair with natural wave or curled ends.
How to get it: Pancake the braid before securing it so the shape looks fuller.
Oversized Bohemian Mermaid Braid
A mermaid braid is all about width and softness.
The braid starts high and falls to one side, blending into long waves rather than stopping sharply.
Dark roots under platinum blonde make each braid link stand out clearly.
Best for: Extremely long, high-density hair or extensions.
For that finish: Add volumising powder to the braid links before pulling them wider.
Whimsical Wispy Low Chignon
A loose lace braid gives a low chignon a soft, handmade feel.
The braid gathers small pieces from the side before tucking into the bun.
It is a lovely style when you want hair up, but not too polished.
Best for: Medium-length fine to medium hair with a little texture.
At home tip: Pull out tiny tendrils with a fine-tooth comb before setting with flexible mist.
Sleek Faux-Undercut Triple Braid
Triple side braids create a strong faux-undercut effect without cutting the hair.
The tight parallel lines look sharp against the smooth length on the opposite side.
It is a great way to make long straight hair feel more edgy for one day.
Best for: Long, straight, high-density hair.
Keeps it in place: Work slicking gel into each side section before braiding.
Hollywood Waves with Side Weave
A side braid can work as an anchor for glamorous waves.
The temple braid keeps one side sleek, while the rest falls into polished vintage movement.
This is a beautiful option when you want a formal style with a little braided detail.
Best for: Long, dense hair that can hold set curls.
For that finish: Brush the curls into one wave pattern with a boar bristle brush.
Textured Crown-Accent Lob
A braid along the front hairline gives a lob an instant headband effect.
The pancaked Dutch braid keeps the front neat, while the loose ends stay casual and piecey.
It is an easy way to make shoulder-length hair feel more styled for the day.
Best for: Shoulder-grazing lobs with enough front length to braid.
Quick styling: Add sea salt spray to the loose ends and scrunch for contrast.