11 Best Side Hairstyles to Copy Now

These easy side hairstyles are all kinds of stylish.

Take a look at any awards show red carpet and you’ll see that side hairstyles are a firm favourite among the A-list. Elegant and iconic, from side chignons to Hollywood waves, these side-swept hairstyles are always on-trend no matter the season. So, whether you’re attending a film premiere (a girl can dream, right?), a party or a date scroll on down for all the hair inspiration you need to give your strands the star factor.

1. Side-swept Hollywood waves

Side hairstyles: Amanda Seyfried with light blonde medium length hair in side-swept Hollywood waves
Wavy side hairstyles are a red carpet favourite. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

You won’t find a more well-loved side hairstyle than classic Hollywood waves. Channel your inner screen siren by trying out a deep side parting and follow our Hollywood waves tutorial to find out how to get the look.

2. Twisted low pony

Side hairstyles: Vanessa Hudgens with long brunette hair in a twisted low side ponytail
Can’t braid? You don’t need to with this pretty twisted style. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

For those who struggle with braids, take inspiration from Vanessa Hudgen’s romantic twisted ponytail. Creating by simply twisting the hair, it looks as intricate as a braid and would work just as well for day or night.

3. The side bun

Side hairstyles: Kate Beckinsale with brunette hair in a low side bun with loose curls around her face, wearing a gold necklace
You can’t go wrong with a classic chignon. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Another way to embrace the side hairstyles trend is to opt for a side bun. To recreate Kate Beckinsale’s relaxed style, keep it loose and wear your bun low, pulling free a few pieces of hair around your face for a softer finish.

Next read: All the side bun inspiration

4. Sleek side ponytail

Side hairstyles: Selena Gomez with dark brown hair in a sleek low side ponytail, wearing all black
Sleek partings and glossy lengths make the perfect ponytail. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Part your hair in the centre and gather it together at the nape of your neck to create Selena Gomez‘s polished ponytail.

5. Side braid

Side hairstyles: Michelle Keegan with brown hair in a Grecian inspired side braid, wearing a mint dress
We’re obsessed with Michelle’s Grecian inspired side braid hairstyle. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Michelle Keegan looks like a Grecian goddess with this beautiful loose braid. Make a simple side braid look super tousled and textured by curling your hair beforehand for texture and pancaking your braids for extra fullness.

6. Side-swept and straight

Side hairstyles: Lily Collins with long brunette hair swept over to one side with a deep set side parting, wearing a black cut out top and green blazer
Try sweeping all of your hair over to one side like Lily Collins for a high-fashion look. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

The quickest way to make straight hair look front row ready in a flash? Take a comb and some gel and comb all of your hair over to one side to create a striking side-swept hairstyle that looks like it came straight from the runway.

Editor’s tip: If you want to make Lily’s style your new go-to look, simple apply a few pumps of the VO5 Mega Hold Gel Spray to your tresses and work it through. Then, using a comb, create a neat side parting and brush all of your hair to one side for a red carpet-ready ‘do!

7. Undercut braid

Side hairstyles: Katherine McNamara with golden blonde hair in a side undercut braided style with waves
Give your beachy waves an edgy update with a faux undercut braid. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Bored of your go-to curls? Rock waves with a difference by adding an edgy faux undercut braid detail. Just take a section of hair from the front side and French braid down to the ends of your hair so that the braid blends in with your lengths.

8. Pompadour braid

Side hairstyles: Janelle Monáe with her hair in a pomapdour style long side braid
Now this is what you call a braid! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Special plans warrant an extra special hairstyle and Janelle Monáe‘s extra long braid ticks all the boxes, combining a fishtail braid with a retro punk mohawk.

9. Ribbon braid

Side hairstyles: Emily Ratajkowski with her dark hair in a side braid with a red velvet ribbon, wearing a matching red velvet dress
Hair ribbons are a big trend right now and we’re totally on board. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

If you’re looking to add hair accessories to your side hairstyles, try incorporating a hair bow into your look. Emily Ratajkowski wears hers with a simple side braid, tying together her hair and outfit like a dream.

Next read: Check out more ways to wear a velvet hair bow

10. 2-in-1 braid

Side hairstyles: Cara Delevingne at Paris Fashion Week AW19 with long blonde hair in a side braid, wearing a pink dress
For those times when only a braid will do. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Cara Delevingne put her own twist on the classic side braid with a French braid on one side, flowing into a larger braid on the left side of her head.

Editor’s tip: To keep braids in place, prep your hair with the TONI&GUY Flexible Hold Braid Balm. This braiding BFF gives strands more hold and structure so that your style lasts longer.

11. The side-parted updo

Sophia Bush with sleek side parting
Side hairstyles: The side parted updo. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Want a style that will enable you to exude confidence and sophistication? Then a side-parted updo is unrivalled in both these style traits! Strutting along the red carpet, Sophia Bush proved just this when she slicked back her mid-length hair into a neat and simple ponytail.

 

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