15 Side Part With Braids on the Side Ideas
You may want a braided hairstyle without braiding your whole head. You may also want to keep most of your hair loose, curly, straight, or tied back. A side part with braids on the side gives you both options. The side part creates a clear shape, while the braids add detail near the temple. The loose section can stay natural or be styled to fit the occasion. Still, the right braid size and placement matter. Thick braids can take over the style. Tight braids can make your hairline feel sore. Short hair may also need pins because the braid ends will not reach very far. The ideas below include simple mini braids, cornrows, formal updos, ponytails, and bold faux undercuts. You will also learn how to choose a style for your hair type, create a clean side part, and keep the braids comfortable. Side-Swept Knotless Braids Knotless braids can be installed with a clear side part so most of the braids fall over one shoulder. Smaller braids near the part help the front sit more smoothly. The side-swept look can frame your face and show the braid length. Curled ends can make the style feel softer. Do not leave the full weight of the braids pulling against one side for long periods. Switch the placement when your hairline needs a break. Best for: Long braided stylesBraid skill: Professional or experiencedLoose-hair finish: Braids swept over one shoulderStyling tip: Keep the braids near the hairline light and comfortable. Side Part With Two Small Cornrows Two small cornrows create more detail while keeping most of your hair free. Make a deep side part, then divide the smaller side into two even sections. Braid both sections in the same direction. You can stop the braids near the ear or continue them farther back. Keep the spacing even so the finished style looks clean. Pair the braids with loose curls for contrast or straight hair for a sleek finish. Best for: Medium or long hairBraid skill: IntermediateLoose-hair finish: Curls, waves, or straight hairStyling tip: Use the pointed end of a rat-tail comb for cleaner sections. Side Part With Three Mini Braids Three mini braids are easier than cornrows because you can use a basic three-strand method. Create small sections near the temple and braid each one away from your face. Secure the ends with clear elastics or pin them behind your ear. Keep the braids thin so they do not look heavy against fine hair. This style is useful when you want detail but cannot braid close to the scalp. Best for: Fine, straight, or lightly wavy hairBraid skill: BeginnerLoose-hair finish: Natural texture or soft wavesStyling tip: Use small elastics that do not catch or pull the hair. Side Part With Stitch Braids Stitch braids use small, clean sections to form visible lines across each braid. The pattern adds detail even when the braids are narrow. Create two or three stitch braids on the smaller side of the part. Pair them with loose curls, straight hair, or a low ponytail. This style needs careful sectioning. Use a comb instead of your fingernails to form the small lines. Best for: Coily or textured hairBraid skill: AdvancedLoose-hair finish: Sleek, curly, or tied backStyling tip: Use only enough gel to keep the sections clean. Side Part With Feed-In Braids Feed-in braids begin small and become thicker as extra hair is added. Use two or three narrow braids on the smaller side of your part. The gradual size change gives the front a smooth finish. It can also reduce the large knot that may form when all the extension hair is added at once. Keep the added hair light near the temples. Too much weight in a small section may feel uncomfortable. Best for: Curly, coily, or textured hairBraid skill: Advanced or professionalLoose-hair finish: Curls, a ponytail, or a full loose sectionStyling tip: Ask for gentle tension around the front hairline. Side Part With Braids and Loose Waves One or two small braids can make loose waves look more finished. Place them beside a deep side part and hide the ends beneath the wavy section. This style works well for dinners, parties, weddings, or photo days. It feels polished without looking too formal. Create the braids before curling the rest of your hair. This keeps hot tools away from the small braided sections. Best for: Medium or long hairBraid skill: Beginner to intermediateLoose-hair finish: Soft wavesStyling tip: Use a small pin to hide each braid end beneath the waves. Side Part With Braids and a Low Bun A low bun gives side braids a more formal finish. Start with a deep side part, then braid the smaller section back. Gather the rest of your hair near the nape and form a bun. Keep it smooth for a polished look or loosen a few pieces for a softer style. This option works well for weddings, dinners, work events, and formal photos. Best for: Medium or long hairBraid skill: IntermediateLoose-hair finish: Smooth or soft low bunStyling tip: Choose pins that match your hair so they stay hidden. Side Part Braided Ponytail A braided ponytail keeps your hair controlled while adding detail near the front. Create one or more braids along the smaller side of your part. Secure the braids first. Then gather all your hair into a high, middle, or low ponytail. You can leave a few soft pieces around the face or keep the front smooth. Wrap a small section of hair around the ponytail elastic for a cleaner finish. Best for: School, work, workouts, and busy daysBraid skill: Beginner to intermediateLoose-hair finish: High or low ponytailStyling tip: Finish the side braids before forming the ponytail. Side Braids With Sleek Straight Hair This style combines narrow side braids with smooth, straight hair. Make a clean side part and braid the smaller section close to the head. Straighten the loose section after applying heat protection. Keep the roots smooth so the contrast between the braid and loose hair stays clear. … Read more