Side braids are my go-to when I want to look effortlessly put together without spending hours in front of a mirror. There’s something about that over-the-shoulder plait that feels equal parts chic and relaxed. It works for casual days, fancy nights, and everything in between.
I love how a simple braid can completely change the vibe of a look. A soft, loose braid gives off romantic energy, while a tight, structured one feels sleek and bold. Some days, I go for a messy, boho style that looks like I just walked out of a dreamy Pinterest board. Other days, I want something polished that holds up all day long.
If you’ve ever wondered how to switch up your hairstyle without doing anything drastic, a side braid is the answer. It’s easy, versatile, and always looks like you put in more effort than you actually did. Let’s check out some of the most stunning side braid hairstyles that are perfect for any occasion.
Effortlessly Tousled Side Braid
Loose waves and a chunky side braid come together in the dreamiest way. This style blends relaxed, undone texture with just the right amount of structure, making it perfect for that effortless “I woke up like this” vibe. The braid starts at the nape and cascades over one shoulder, with soft strands framing the face to keep things romantic and natural.
There’s something so enchanting about a style that looks stunning without trying too hard. The combination of tousled volume and a thick, textured braid gives off serious boho energy, making it perfect for casual days or dressed-up moments. I love how it feels both playful and elegant—like you’re ready for an impromptu photoshoot or a cozy coffee date.
Softly Twisted Side Braid
This side braid is the definition of effortless charm. A loose, textured braid drapes over one shoulder, with delicate twists pulling back the front sections to create a soft, romantic look. Face-framing strands add a touch of movement, while the rich, warm tones of the hair enhance its natural beauty. The balance between polished and undone makes this style feel easy yet refined.
What I love about this braid is how it feels both whimsical and wearable. It’s the kind of look that works for anything—from brunch with friends to a laid-back wedding. The twists add an elegant touch, but the overall feel is relaxed, making it perfect for anyone who loves looking put-together without spending hours in front of the mirror.
Boho Side Braid With Floral Accents
A relaxed side braid paired with delicate floral details makes this hairstyle feel straight out of a fairytale. Soft waves frame the face, while the braid itself is gently pulled apart for a full, textured look. Small flowers woven into the style add a touch of whimsy, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings, festivals, or any moment that calls for a little extra magic.
This look has such a dreamy, free-spirited vibe, and I can’t get enough of it. The combination of braids and floral accents feels effortlessly romantic, like something you’d wear while twirling through a sunlit meadow. It’s the perfect mix of feminine and laid-back, proving that the best hairstyles are the ones that look naturally beautiful.
Playful Side Braid With Braided Crown
This hairstyle is all about relaxed charm with a touch of structure. A loose side braid drapes over one shoulder, while a smaller braid wraps around the crown, adding a soft, romantic touch. Wispy strands frame the face, giving it a carefree, effortless feel. The subtle bun at the back keeps things interesting, blending the best of braids and updos in one gorgeous look.
I absolutely love how this style manages to look chic without trying too hard. The mix of braids and loose waves gives it a laid-back elegance, making it perfect for brunch, casual outings, or even a low-key wedding. It’s one of those hairstyles that works for just about anything, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a braid that makes it seem like you put in way more effort than you actually did?
Voluminous Side Braid With Silver Waves
This side braid is pure drama in the best way. A thick, textured plait sweeps over one shoulder, starting with a voluminous French braid along the crown that blends seamlessly into the main braid. The loose, tousled strands add a bit of movement, creating a bold yet effortlessly cool look. The icy silver hue makes the style even more striking, giving it an almost ethereal vibe.
There’s something so powerful about this hairstyle—it’s bold, modern, and effortlessly chic. The volume makes it feel glamorous, while the messy texture keeps it wearable and relaxed. It’s the kind of braid that turns heads without looking like you tried too hard, which is exactly why I’m obsessed with it. Perfect for edgy fashion lovers or anyone who just wants to feel a little extra fabulous.
Elegant Side Braid With Soft Updo
A delicate side braid seamlessly blends into a relaxed updo, creating a sophisticated yet effortlessly chic hairstyle. The braid starts at the crown and sweeps across the side, adding a touch of structure while the soft waves and wispy strands keep it light and natural. This style is perfect for any occasion where you want to look polished without being overdone.
What I love most about this look is its timeless elegance. It’s refined but not fussy, making it just as perfect for a casual day out as it is for a special event. The side braid adds just the right amount of detail, while the soft updo keeps everything graceful and flattering. It’s proof that beautiful hairstyles don’t have to be complicated—they just need the right balance of ease and charm.
Regal Side Braid With Twisted Crown
This breathtaking side braid feels straight out of a fantasy novel. A thick, voluminous twist starts at the crown, wrapping elegantly into a long, textured braid that drapes over one shoulder. Soft tendrils frame the face, adding a romantic touch, while the rich auburn hue enhances the depth and dimension of the style. The intricate weaving gives it a regal, ethereal feel, making it perfect for special occasions.
Everything about this braid screams timeless elegance with a touch of drama. The combination of softness and structure creates a look that’s both powerful and feminine. I love how it manages to be effortlessly romantic while still feeling bold and statement-worthy. It’s the kind of hairstyle that makes you feel like you belong in a historical romance or a dreamy autumn wedding.
Edgy Side Braid With High Bun
This bold side braid is the perfect mix of sleek and playful. A thick, structured plait runs down one side, starting from a tight braid along the crown and leading into a long, voluminous tail. The high bun at the back adds a modern twist, while a few loose face-framing strands keep the look soft and effortless. It’s the kind of style that feels both sporty and chic, making it ideal for everything from casual days to statement moments.
What I love about this braid is how confident and cool it looks. It’s giving major boss energy without trying too hard. The high bun keeps it practical, while the thick braid adds that wow factor. Whether you’re heading to a festival, running errands, or just feeling like switching things up, this is the kind of style that makes you look effortlessly put-together with minimal effort.
Romantic Side Braid With Pearl Accents
Soft, flowing braids and delicate pearl accents make this hairstyle a dream for special occasions. The braid starts high on the crown and cascades over one shoulder in a voluminous, textured plait. Wispy tendrils frame the face, keeping the look soft and effortless, while scattered pearls add a touch of elegance. The result is a style that feels both ethereal and timeless.
There’s something so magical about a hairstyle that looks like it belongs in a fairytale. The pearls add just the right amount of sparkle without feeling overdone, and the loose braid gives it a naturally romantic feel. I love how it strikes the perfect balance between intricate and effortless—ideal for weddings, formal events, or just when you want to feel a little extra special.
Edgy Side Braid On A Textured Bob
A sleek side braid paired with a tousled bob creates the ultimate cool-girl hairstyle. The braid starts near the temple, adding a touch of detail while blending effortlessly into the textured waves. Loose strands frame the face, keeping things soft and undone. This mix of structure and movement makes the look effortlessly stylish and perfect for everyday wear.
I love how this style feels fresh, modern, and just a little bit rebellious. The side braid adds a subtle, playful touch without taking away from the edgy vibe of the blunt bob. It’s the kind of hairstyle that looks amazing with a leather jacket and a little attitude. Whether you’re heading out for coffee or a concert, this one keeps things effortlessly chic with minimal effort.
Soft Twisted Side Braid
Loose twists blend seamlessly into a full, textured side braid, creating an effortlessly romantic hairstyle. The soft, undone look is enhanced by gentle waves and face-framing tendrils that add movement and charm. The braid itself is loosely woven, giving it an airy, voluminous feel that works beautifully for casual or dressy occasions.
There’s something so effortlessly elegant about this style. It looks polished yet relaxed, making it perfect for anything from a garden party to a cozy date night. I love how the twists add extra dimension without being too structured—it’s the kind of braid that feels timeless, soft, and perfectly imperfect in all the right ways.
Playful Side Braid On A Wavy Bob
A delicate side braid woven into soft, tousled waves creates the perfect mix of structure and movement. The braid starts at the temple, adding a sweet touch while keeping the rest of the hair free and effortless. Loose curls give the look a relaxed, natural vibe, making it ideal for everyday wear or special moments that call for something a little extra.
I love how this style feels fun and youthful without trying too hard. The braid adds just the right amount of detail, while the wavy bob keeps everything fresh and modern. It’s the kind of hairstyle that works for any occasion, whether you’re heading to a coffee date or just want to switch up your everyday look with something effortlessly chic.
Voluminous Textured Side Braid
A bold, oversized side braid with tons of volume and texture makes this hairstyle an absolute showstopper. The braid starts with a soft crown twist, cascading down into a thick, tousled plait with plenty of movement. Loose face-framing strands and a playful mini pony at the back add to the effortless, boho-inspired vibe. This look is all about that perfectly undone, chicly disheveled style.
I’m obsessed with how this braid brings drama while still feeling relaxed and wearable. The extra volume makes it feel luxurious, while the messy, airy texture keeps it from looking too polished. It’s the perfect hairstyle for when you want to look effortlessly stunning—whether that’s for a wedding, a fancy dinner, or just because you feel like being the main character in your own story.
Bohemian Side Braid With Feather Accents
A loose, carefree side braid with natural texture gives this hairstyle a free-spirited, earthy vibe. The braid is softly woven, with wispy strands escaping for an effortlessly undone feel. Subtle accessories like wooden beads and a feather tucked into the braid add a touch of boho charm, making it a perfect look for festival days, nature walks, or just embracing your inner wild soul.
What I love about this style is how it feels beautifully unstructured yet intentional. The mix of soft braiding and natural adornments gives it a unique, organic elegance—like something straight out of a nomadic adventure. It’s the kind of hairstyle that pairs perfectly with cozy linen dresses, barefoot days, and a heart full of wanderlust.
Minimalist Side Braid With Soft Layers
A simple yet stunning side braid with a smooth, polished finish gives this hairstyle an effortlessly chic appeal. The plait starts low, keeping the look relaxed, while soft layers frame the face beautifully. Loose tendrils add a natural touch, making this style perfect for casual days or elegant moments that call for understated beauty.
What I love about this braid is how timeless and versatile it feels. It’s not overly styled or complicated, yet it has that graceful, put-together look that works for any occasion. The soft texture makes it feel fresh and modern, while the simplicity gives it a quiet elegance. This is the kind of hairstyle that proves less is definitely more.
Cascading Side Braid With Loose Waves
A soft, romantic side braid flows effortlessly into long, tousled waves, creating a dreamy and feminine look. The braid starts near the crown, blending seamlessly into the textured lengths, while delicate tendrils frame the face for a soft, ethereal touch. The undone feel makes this style perfect for both casual days and elegant occasions.
This look is the definition of effortless beauty. The balance between structured braiding and flowing waves gives it a natural, almost fairytale-like quality. I love how it feels relaxed yet polished, making it a go-to for weddings, boho-inspired outfits, or just when you want to look effortlessly stunning with minimal effort.
Bold Voluminous Side Braid
A dramatic, oversized side braid with tons of texture makes this hairstyle a true statement piece. The thick plait starts high on the crown, with airy, pulled-apart sections creating a full, dimensional look. The deep red hue adds even more intensity, making the braid stand out even more. This style blends structure with a touch of wildness, perfect for those who love a little extra flair.
This braid is pure power and confidence. The volume gives it a regal, almost warrior-like energy, while the soft, wispy flyaways keep it from feeling too rigid. I love how it balances strength and elegance—it’s bold enough to turn heads but still wearable for a special night out. If you want a braid that makes an impact, this is the one.
Whimsical Pastel Side Braid With Beaded Accents
A dreamy, pastel-hued side braid with loose waves and delicate hair accessories makes this hairstyle pure magic. The soft pink and lavender tones blend seamlessly into the voluminous plait, while wispy strands frame the face for an effortlessly ethereal feel. Wooden beads and tiny metallic charms woven into the braid add a boho-chic touch, making it look straight out of a fantasy novel.
This braid is giving major fairy-tale energy, and I am completely obsessed. The pastel shades make it feel playful and unique, while the textured braid keeps it romantic and wearable. It’s the kind of style that makes you feel like a modern-day enchantress—perfect for festivals, special occasions, or just adding a little extra sparkle to an ordinary day.
