18 Side Braid Hairstyles To Inspire Your Next Look (2019 Update)

Not a master when it comes to creating braids? Well, simple side braid hairstyles could be the answer to this hair problem. Whether it be for a casual brunch, night out or formal event, side braids can be tailored for any occasion, making it a popular hairstyle for celebrities too!

So ahead, we’ve gathered some of our favourite side plait hairstyles to give you all the inspiration you need to give this look a try yourself. Just click through our gallery above or scroll down to get inspired!

Emily Ratajkowski Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 04 Mar 2018

Emily Ratajkowski’s very loose side plait is #hairgoals to us. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

This simple side braid on Emily Ratajowtski is perfect for date night thanks to its loose wavy tousled finish which you can achieve with a curling wand.

Chloe Grace Moretz with a side braid hairstyle at cartier reopening ceremony

Chloe Grace Moretz’ loose side braid is one to try. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Depending on your mood, this look can be worn in lots of different ways: you have the option to wear it nice and neat like the Valentino braided ponytail or with a more messy, boho-vibe like the Chloe Grace Moretz plait above. Win-win situation!

Editor’s tip: Build volume from root to tip with the VO5 Volume Creation Hairspray. Offering all-day reworkable hold, this lightweight hairspray helps to create styles, not just finish them!

Side braid hairstyles: Chiara Ferragni with long straight blonde hair with side cornrow braids

Sarah Hyland with fishtail side braid in all white

Sarah Hyland’s fishtail side braid is an easy way to update your look. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Sarah Hyland’s fishtail side braid hairstyle has a cute and whimsical feel, making it a great look for any wannabe mermaids out there!

Style tip: Wrap a small section of hair around your elastic for a profesh finish.

Side braid hairstyles: Cara Delevingne with long blonde side braid wearing a light pink dress.

Team your one side braid with a sweeping fringe for the most dreamy combo. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Wondering how to incorporate a fringe with side plait hairstyles? Turn to Cara Delevingne who added sweeping side bangs to her long side braid.

Blonde woman with long hair in a half-up fishtail braid

Perfect for those with short or long strands. Instagram.com/missysueblog

Get the best of both worlds with a half-up, half-down French fishtail braid. Credit: @missysueblog

Style tip: Instead of holding your braid in place with bobby pins, reach for a pretty pearl barrette to get in on the latest hair accessory trend.

Side cornrows worn by Breanna Yde at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 10 Sep 2017 2017

Side braid hairstyles: Drew Barrymore with long blonde side rope braid wearing a off the shoulder top.

Blonde woman with straight hair in a low bun with side braid

Side braid hairstyles: Louise Redknappp with long dark blonde highlighted hair in a messy side braid wearing a black outfit.

Not just your average side braid hairstyle. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

At a quick glance, this may look like just another one side braid hairstyle, but on closer inspection, you’ll notice tiny braids weaved within the bigger plait. Clever!

Take notes as this messy braid is hair goals. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Louise Redknapp’s take on the side braid shows how carefree and fun this style can be. Wear this perfectly undone hairstyle to a festival or beach holiday this summer.

Editor’s tip: Create tousled texture and light hold with the TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray. Spray over damp or dry hair for a rough textured finish.

Side braid hairstyles: Olivia Culpo with long straight brown hair tied into a high ponytail with cornrow braids

Update your ponytail with a fierce cornrow accent. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Olivia Culpo upped the wow factor by teaming a power ponytail with a statement cornrow braid.

Style tip: Give this updo a festival makeover by adding hair rings or glitter along your braid. We promise you won’t regret it.

Brunette woman with long side dutch braid

Side braid hairstyles: Taylor Swift with blonde medium length hair with a side braid and fringe wearing sunglasses and a black lace top.

Want to wear your hair braided to the side? Don’t let a fringe stop you. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Taylor Swift proves that even those with bangs can still wear braids on the side.

Style tip: If you have a full fringe we suggest leaving your parting down the centre to avoid big ’90s Kelly Kapowski hair.

Side braid hairstyles: Martha Hunt with medium-length blonde hair in a side plait wearing a vest top.

The perfect everyday classic hairstyle. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

You don’t have to be a Victoria’s Secret model to wear this classic side braid hairstyle. The simplicity of this braided updo means it’s the perfect quick and easy option for the gym.

Side braid hairstyles: Woman with shoulder length bleach blonde hair with cornrow braids on the side with quiff swept back top.

Blonde woman with long hair with headband braid

Make your hair your best accessory. Credit: Instagram.com/missysueblog

Not only are headband braids really cute, but they’re also super practical too! Whether you’re growing out a fringe or trying to secure shorter layers away from your face, a headband braid is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Credit: @missysueblog

Lindsey Wixson with a fringe and side braid at the Purple magazine dinner, Fall Winter 2017, New York Fashion Week, USA - 13 Feb 2017

Lindsey Wixson rocking a sweet side fringe with her side plait hairstyle. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

We love the idea of dressing up side braid hairstyles with a pretty ribbon. It’s a great (and subtle) way to give your plait a girly touch.

Editor’s tip: Do you find that braids tend to slip out of your tresses? Before you start weaving your braid spritz your hair with of the VO5 Dry Texturising Spray, this will help give your hair a little grip and make it easier to create a long-lasting plait. Result!