Side braids make a cute hairstyle with braids flowing on one of your shoulders. You can opt for them when trying to create a messy, romantic look or a playful look with side-swept bangs. The best part is that you can try side braids with any desired braid category, be it classic 3-strand braids, French, Dutch, or any other.
If you are in for installing side braids, we have got you covered in this ultimate guide. It features detailed how-to guides on different braid creations and some exclusive discount codes for premium short lace front wigs or any other wig shopping. So, without any further ado, let’s begin exploring!
Method 1: Creating a Standard Side Braid
Brush Your Hair: Thoroughly brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots, as these will make the braiding process harder.
Part Your Hair: Part your hair on one side, either left or right. For a romantic look, make a messy parting, or try a zig-zag one for more fun.
Gather All Your Hair to One Side: Now, gather all your hair on the side farthest from the parting. If you have layered cutting, ensure the shortest layers aren’t too short to create a braid. If you have shorter hair, you can try two-sided braids, i.e., pigtails. Another option is to make side braids with parting just around the hairline.
Split the Hair Into 3 Sections: Grab all your hair in your hands and divide it into three sections. The area beneath your ear serves as the anchor point for your braids, so avoid shifting the braids once you begin. You can spray water on your hair to make it a little bit damp for ease of control.
Braid the Hair: Now, begin braiding your hair. Grab one of the outer sections and cross it over the middle one; grab the other outer section and pull it across the new middle section. Repeat the same process over and over.
Stop at the Desired Length: Stop right before your hair sections become short enough to fall out the sides of the braid. Alternatively, you can stop at your desired length.
Secure the End: Once the braid is finished, secure it with an elastic band. If you want to wear the braid for longer, you can apply hair spray. Use pins to secure any wisps, or leave them as they are for a messy look.
Tug a Few Shorter Strands of Hair Out: If you have a long side-swept bang, you can let a few strands out to frame your face or a few tendrils to curl out around your neck.
Method 2: Creating a French-Style Side Braid
Brush the Hair: Carefully brush your hair to detangle and remove any knots. Now, decide on which shoulder you would like the braid to hang over, and then brush the hair over that shoulder.
Gather the Hair: You will begin braiding underneath the ear opposite the shoulder on which you have gathered your hair. Begin by sectioning off a small portion, up to 2 to 3 inches, of hair from the lower part of the sweep across the back of your neck.
Split This Section of Hair Into 3 Sections: Make three even sections of your hair and begin braiding. Now, grab one outer section over to the middle one, grab the opposite side outer section, and cross it over the new middle. Just do it once.
Start French Braiding: Now, you will create half a French braid by incorporating more hair into the upper half of the braid.
Finish Your Hair with a Normal Braid: When you have added all your hair into the French braid, braid the remaining hair as a three-strand braid along the entire length.
Complete with a Hair Band: Secure the braid with an elastic band and apply hair spray to smooth out any loose ends or wisps.
Method 3: Creating a Dutch Side Braid
Brush Your Hair to the Side: Get rid of all the knots and tangles to ensure a seamless braiding process. Don’t part your hair in any way. This hairstyle looks best with longer hair boasting fewer layers.
Gather the Hair: Begin braiding your hair over the eye opposite to the shoulder where you swept it. Simply grab a one- to two-inch section and split it into three sections to begin braiding.
Begin Braiding: Cross the right section under the middle, then cross the left section under the right. Now, add hair to the middle section, which now becomes the right.
Continue Adding Hair: Keep adding more hair into your sections as you braid, trying to keep the braid close to your hairline along one side of the face.
Finish with a Standard 3-Strand Braid: Once you have added all the hair, continue braiding with three strands until you have minimal hair length. Secure with a hair tie or an elastic.
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Conclusion
Side braids are almost always trending owing to the simple yet elegant look they offer. You can style them with almost any braiding technique, be it simple, Dutch, or French. Hope the guides featured in this article proved helpful. Ensure to check out LUVME Hair if you plan on trying side braids with wigs.