Before you choose
How to choose from these trendiest side braid hairstyles
Start with the feature that matters most to you, then use the photographs to compare the remaining details. Treat color, lighting, and a fresh salon finish as separate from the underlying cut or style.
The hairstyle gallery
18 Trendiest Side Braid Hairstyles
Compare these 18 trendiest side braid hairstyles by their visible shape, texture, front detail, and wearability. Save the details that fit your hair and routine.
Idea 01
Long Copper Side Braid with a Side Part
For shape comparison, this braided is defined by a braided surface, a clear lower edge, and side part.
- Length
- Long
- Style
- Braided
- Front
- Side part
Long copper side braid with a side part; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 02
Loose Dark Side Braid with Face-Framing Layers
At a glance, the clearest visual cues are the braided, braided texture, and face-framing pieces.
- Style
- Braided
- Front
- Face-framing pieces
Loose dark side braid with face-framing layers; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, for longer wear, secure the braided and decide how much hair can stay loose around the face-framing pieces.
Idea 03
Relaxed Brunette Side Braid with a Center Part
For shape comparison, the braided remains readable through the braided texture, and the main front detail comes from center part.
- Style
- Braided
- Front
- Center part
- Color
- Brunette
Relaxed brunette side braid with a center part; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and center part determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, for this braided braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Choose your direction
First decision
Choose the anchor height and overall silhouette before refining small details.
Texture check
Tension affects comfort, polish, and how well the style lasts.
Upkeep check
Accessories should support the structure rather than hide the hairstyle.
Best reference
Save a clear front view and a second angle when the back shape matters.
Idea 04
Short Loose Blonde Side Braid with Side-Swept Bangs
For shape comparison, the photograph makes the braided, braided movement, and side-swept bangs easy to compare.
- Length
- Short
- Style
- Braided
- Front
- Side-swept bangs
Short loose blonde side braid with side-swept bangs; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and side-swept bangs determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 05
Long Highlighted Side Braid with Loose Front Pieces
The face frame is set by an open front, while the braided finish keeps the braided from looking rigid.
- Length
- Long
- Style
- Braided
Long highlighted side braid with loose front pieces; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, test whether the braided finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 06
Slim Dark Fishtail Side Braid
At a glance, the face frame is set by an open front, while the braided finish keeps the fishtail braid from looking rigid.
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Finish
- Braided
Slim dark fishtail side braid; the style is organized around the fishtail braid, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, check this fishtail braid from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and braided finish stay balanced.
Idea 07
Loose Highlighted Fishtail Side Braid
The braided texture softens the fishtail braid; the main face-framing detail comes from an open front.
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Finish
- Braided
Loose highlighted fishtail side braid; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the fishtail braid through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, test whether the braided finish and fishtail braid hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 08
Relaxed Blonde Side Braid Over the Shoulder
At a glance, the photograph makes the braided, braided movement, and an open front easy to compare.
- Style
- Braided
- Color
- Blonde
Relaxed blonde side braid over the shoulder; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, for longer wear, secure the braided and decide how much hair can stay loose around the open front.
Idea 09
Long Slim Brunette Side Braid
The photograph makes the braided, braided movement, and an open front easy to compare.
- Length
- Long
- Style
- Braided
- Color
- Brunette
Long slim brunette side braid; the style is organized around the braided, with the braided finish controlling how polished or relaxed it reads; pay attention to placement, visible tension, and where pins, ties, or braided sections anchor the shape; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, for this braided braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 10
Loose Brunette Side Braid with an Open Front
This view clearly records an open front, the braided perimeter, and the direction of the braided texture.
- Style
- Braided
- Color
- Brunette
Loose brunette side braid with an open front; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, match the braided anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 11
Thick Brunette Side Braid Under a Wide-Brim Hat
At a glance, this braided is defined by a braided surface, a clear lower edge, and an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Color
- Brunette
Thick brunette side braid under a wide-brim hat; this photograph shows the structure of the braided clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, choose a comfortable tension for the braided, then adjust loose pieces around the open front.
Idea 12
Low Blonde Side Braid Under a Felt Hat
For shape comparison, the braided finish gives this braided visible movement, with the front defined by an open front.
- Style
- Braided
- Color
- Blonde
Low blonde side braid under a felt hat; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For a closer match, check this braided from the front and back so the open front, anchor point, and braided finish stay balanced.
Idea 13
Long Brunette Side Braid with a Center Part
At a glance, the photo is most useful for comparing the braided edge, center part, and braided movement.
- Length
- Long
- Style
- Braided
- Front
- Center part
Long brunette side braid with a center part; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: For daily wear, choose a comfortable tension for the braided, then adjust loose pieces around the center part.
Idea 14
Loose Copper Side Braid with Natural Texture
At a glance, the face frame is set by an open front, while the textured finish keeps the braided from looking rigid.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Textured
- Color
- Copper
Loose copper side braid with natural texture; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the textured texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Test whether the textured finish and braided hold without over-tightening the hairline.
Idea 15
Soft Blonde Side Braid with Loose Face-Framing Pieces
The braided texture softens the braided; the main face-framing detail comes from face-framing pieces.
- Style
- Braided
- Front
- Face-framing pieces
- Color
- Blonde
Soft blonde side braid with loose face-framing pieces; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the braided texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, for this braided braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 16
Long Blonde Fishtail Side Braid
The balance comes from a defined fishtail braid, braided movement, and the way an open front shapes the front.
- Length
- Long
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Finish
- Braided
Long blonde fishtail side braid; this photograph shows the structure of the fishtail braid clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: When adapting the look, match the fishtail braid anchor height and tension to your comfort, density, and the amount of time the style needs to hold.
Idea 17
Loose Copper Fishtail Side Braid
Here, an open front connects cleanly to the fishtail braid, and the braided finish keeps the shape light.
- Style
- Fishtail braid
- Finish
- Braided
- Color
- Copper
Loose copper fishtail side braid; this photograph shows the structure of the fishtail braid clearly enough to separate it from decorative details; the braided finish and open front determine whether the result feels sleek, soft, or intentionally undone; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: Before committing, for this braided fishtail braid, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Idea 18
Textured Brunette Side Braid with Wispy Front Pieces
For shape comparison, the balance comes from a defined braided, textured movement, and the way an open front shapes the front.
- Style
- Braided
- Finish
- Textured
- Color
- Brunette
Textured brunette side braid with wispy front pieces; the visible anchor point and direction of the hair are the practical references here; the textured texture adds character, but secure placement is what preserves the braided through wear; compare these visible proportions with your natural density, texture, growth pattern, and usual styling routine rather than expecting an identical result.
Wearability note: At consultation, for this textured braided, decide whether smoothness, volume, or accessory placement matters most before pinning.
Choose placement and structure
Compare where the style is anchored and how the hair travels into it. That structure determines the silhouette more than decorative finishing touches.
Balance hold with softness
A smooth base usually lasts longer, while loose texture feels softer and more relaxed. Decide which matters more for your routine or occasion.
Save the useful angle
Back views explain braiding, twisting, and pin placement; front views show face framing. Keep both when the style needs to be recreated accurately.
About the author
Bella Ross
Bella Ross is the hairstyle editor behind Latest Easy Hairstyles. She curates practical haircut, braid, color, and styling ideas with a focus on looks that are easy to browse, realistic to recreate, and useful for everyday hair decisions.