Messy Side Braid with Headband: How To Cop This Look

Make a beautiful mess with your braid by creating a messy side braid hairstyle. Here are the easy steps on how to nail this look. 

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Asian woman with messy side braid with headband smiling at the camera

If you’re a laidback type of person who wants to keep things low-key, you may think braids are not for you. They take some time to get done. Some may even look too polished for your style. But have you tried the messy side braid yet? This may be the braid that you’re looking for.

You don’t need to be a hairstyling expert to cop the messy side braid. In fact, it is so simple but super chic that you’ll want to wear it more often. To show you how it’s done, we broke it down to these easy steps.

The Messy Side Braid in 5 Steps

1

Detox and nourish

Before anything else, make sure your hair’s well-nourished. Wash it with hair products that have natural ingredients to help your hair stay healthy. We recommend TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Shampoo and TRESemmé Detox & Nourish Conditioner

 

Asian woman wearing a white tank top and her hair down holding shampoo bottles
2

Choose a side

It’s a messy side braid, so bring your hair to either to your left or right side. Divide it to three sections.

 

Asian woman prepping her long black hair for braiding
3

Braid your hair

Now that you have all of your hair on one side divided into three sections, you can start braiding. Create a three-strand braid by crossing the left section over the middle section, then the right over the middle section, and so on. Do this until you reach the ends of your hair, then secure your braid with a hair tie. 

Asian woman wearing a white tank top, braiding her hair on one side
4

Coat with hairspray

Spritz some TRESemmé Extra Hold Salon Finish Hairspray on your braid to make it last longer. You can also widen your messy side braid to make it look thicker. Also, pull out some strands at the front of your head for that extra oomph and messy-chic vibe.

Asian woman wearing a white tank top, holding a hairspray bottle
5

Seal the look

Add a simple headband to elevate your messy side braid look and make it chic! You can wear this hairstyle when you’re going to music festivals or art fairs. It’s also perfect for boho-chic parties!

Asian woman wearing a white tank top, putting a headband on her side braid

You see, styling your hair doesn’t have to take a lot of work and time. This is also true when it comes to braids. With the simple yet chic messy side braid, you can start rocking braids the more laidback way.

Other simple braids to try

1. Messy two braids hairstyle

Asian woman with long dark hair in messy two braids sitting in a cafe
Double the braids, twice the charm. Credit: All Things Hair Studio

This look is as simple to do as the messy side braid. You’re just creating two braids instead of one. Following the same steps above, just split your hair into two sections placed on each side before proceeding with the braids. You can also try experimenting with Dutch braids.

2. Rope braid

Asian woman with long black hair in a rope braid wearing a yellow shirt outdoors
A perfect braided look from morning workouts to afternoon hustle. Credit: All Things Hair Studio

This hairstyle is perfect for braiding newbies, especially if you’re having a hard time weaving. It starts by dividing your hair into sections, then twisting them from the top to the ends. If you want something charming yet low-key, this is the way to go.

3. Nine strand braid

Asian woman with black hair in nine strand braid
It’s the braidy bunch! Credit: All Things Hair Studio

If you’re game to do a little more weaving than the messy side braid (believe us, it’s therapeutic!), try the nine strand braid. Relax, it’s not as difficult as it sounds. This hairstyle is basically three braids braided to one. Clever, right?

What are you waiting for? Cop the messy side braid or one of these simple braid looks and start your love affair with braids!

Next read: Want to rock more messy hair looks? Try the messy bun for long hair! It’s perfect for weekends or when you’re in the hurry to beat the morning rush.