I love side braids. There's something super chic about the way they lay down the head and across the shoulder. The look is a little softer than some more traditional plaits. While side braids work best with longer hair, you can definitely try some of these styles on mid-length hair too.
Get ready for a braid makeover and check out these sweet side braids that are elegant and easy.
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1. Side French Braid (h/t Miss Sue)
I love the way the pulled sections look as they move down the head. This basic French braid only takes a few minutes to throw together. Fun tip: wrap a strand of hair from the bottom of the braid around the hair tie for a more polished style.
I love the way the pulled sections look as they move down the head. This basic French braid only takes a few minutes to throw together. Fun tip: wrap a strand of hair from the bottom of the braid around the hair tie for a more polished style.
2. Side Dutch (h/t Howcast)
The unique appearance of this braid comes from twisting each outside piece of hair as you move it into the middle. The braid has a thicker, 3D look. Try using a larger part in the hair to get a more dramatic style.
The unique appearance of this braid comes from twisting each outside piece of hair as you move it into the middle. The braid has a thicker, 3D look. Try using a larger part in the hair to get a more dramatic style.
3. Side twist braid (h/t Cute Girls Hair)
If you're running late, but you still want to look cute, try this fun side twist. The style is intentionally messy, so you can pull a throw and go, as you grab your bag to head out the door. You don't even need a brush for this look!
If you're running late, but you still want to look cute, try this fun side twist. The style is intentionally messy, so you can pull a throw and go, as you grab your bag to head out the door. You don't even need a brush for this look!
4. The Elsa braid (h/t Twist me Pretty)
Any Frozen fans in the crowd? You'll love this fun side braid reminiscent of everyone's favorite ice queen, Elsa. Pro tips: work on dirty hair, and make sure you start with a deep side part.
Any Frozen fans in the crowd? You'll love this fun side braid reminiscent of everyone's favorite ice queen, Elsa. Pro tips: work on dirty hair, and make sure you start with a deep side part.
5. Basketweave side braid (h/t Barefoot Blonde)
This tutorial is a bit long, but skip about 5 minutes in to get to the start of the hairstyle. The basketweave is a more moderate-level braid, and while she uses hair extensions to add thickness, you can do this style au naturel if you prefer.
This tutorial is a bit long, but skip about 5 minutes in to get to the start of the hairstyle. The basketweave is a more moderate-level braid, and while she uses hair extensions to add thickness, you can do this style au naturel if you prefer.
6. Bohemian side braid (h/t The Freckled Fox)
Texture is king, so work with unwashed hair or add some texturing spray to your locks before you start. This loosey-goosey style is elegant and clean. I love how the French braid works into a fishtail braid. It's so pretty.
Texture is king, so work with unwashed hair or add some texturing spray to your locks before you start. This loosey-goosey style is elegant and clean. I love how the French braid works into a fishtail braid. It's so pretty.
7. Side knot braid (h/t A Beautiful Mess)
This intricate look is absurdly easy and mostly entails wrapping hair in a criss-cross pattern. It's easy enough that you can whip out the style while riding the bus to work or school.
This intricate look is absurdly easy and mostly entails wrapping hair in a criss-cross pattern. It's easy enough that you can whip out the style while riding the bus to work or school.
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