20 Side Braid Variations That Frame Your Face Perfectly

Why Side Braids Are the Ultimate Face-Framers

Before we dive into the tutorials, let’s talk about why this style is so universally flattering. A side braid creates a diagonal part and a cascade of hair that runs alongside your cheek and jawline. This diagonal line breaks up the symmetry of your face in a softening way. It can visually elongate a round face, soften a strong jawline, and highlight cheekbones and eyes. Plus, it keeps hair neatly off your face while still allowing for beautiful, face-framing tendrils to escape. It’s the perfect marriage of practicality and prettiness.

It can visually elongate a round face, soften a strong jawline, and highlight cheekbones and eyes. Plus, it keeps hair neatly off your face while still allowing for beautiful, face-framing tendrils to escape. It’s the perfect marriage of practicality and prettiness.

Effortless Everyday Side Braids

These styles are perfect for work, running errands, or just adding a touch of style to your daily routine. They’re quick, easy, and look like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

1. The Classic Side Ponytail Braid: Start by gathering all your hair into a low side ponytail. Braid the tail as you normally would—a simple three-strand braid—and secure the end. Gently tug on the outer sections of the braid to “pancake” it and create a fuller, more voluminous look.

2. Side-Swept Dutch Braid: This inside-out French braid starts at your crown and follows the hairline around your face. Begin braiding a Dutch braid (adding sections under, not over) from one side of your forehead, gradually incorporating hair as you work diagonally across your head to the opposite side, then continue into a regular braid. It creates a beautiful, crowned effect.

3. Loose Side Fishtail: A fishtail braid looks intricate but is simple once you get the hang of it. For a face-framing version, pull all hair over one shoulder. Divide into two sections. Take a small piece from the outer edge of the left section, cross it over to the inside of the right section. Repeat from the right to the left. Keep tension even for a neat look, or keep it loose for a romantic, messy vibe.

4. Twisted Rope Braid: Incredibly simple and elegant. Split your side-pulled hair into two sections. Twist each section tightly clockwise, then wrap the two twisted sections together counter-clockwise. The opposing directions will hold the braid together with just a hair tie. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness.

The opposing directions will hold the braid together with just a hair tie. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness.

Romantic & Soft Side Braids

These looks are all about softness, texture, and a touch of whimsy. Perfect for a date, a garden party, or whenever you want to feel effortlessly beautiful.

5. Braided Headband Effect: Create a small Dutch or French braid starting at one temple. Braid it along your hairline until you reach a point just behind your opposite ear, then secure it and tuck the end under the rest of your hair, which can be worn down or in a loose bun. It acts like a living, breathing headband.

6. Pull-Through Braid with Face-Framing Layers: Create a side ponytail high on the side of your head. Secure with an elastic. Below that elastic, split the hair and create a hole. Pull the tail up and through the hole. Add another elastic below, and repeat. Before you start, deliberately leave out your front layers and pieces around your face.

7. Messy Side Braid with Curls: Start with day-old or textured hair. Lightly curl all your hair with a wand for loose waves. Then, gather it all over one shoulder and create a loose, low three-strand braid. The key is to pull it apart aggressively after securing the end. Gently tug on every “bump” of the braid to maximize volume and messiness.

8. Waterfall Braid on the Side: The quintessential romantic braid. This French braid variation involves dropping sections of hair as you go, creating a cascading effect. Start at one temple, and as you braid along the hairline, drop the bottom section each time, picking up new hair only from the top. It looks stunning with hair worn down.

Elegant & Formal Side Braids

When you need a hairstyle that’s as sophisticated as your outfit, these side braids deliver elegance, polish, and serious style points.

9. Side Chignon with Braided Accent: Create a low side ponytail but don’t pull the last bit of hair through the elastic on the final loop, forming a loop or bun. Take a small section from underneath the bun and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic. Then, incorporate a small braid—either a piece from your hair or a decorative braided accessory—and pin it around the base of the chignon.

10. Tucked Side Braid: Braid a low, sleek side braid (a simple three-strander or a fishtail). Instead of letting it hang, gently twist the braid and tuck it under itself at the nape of your neck, securing with bobby pins. This creates a sophisticated, almost braided bun look from the side.

11. Crown to Side Braid: Begin a Dutch or French braid at one temple, continuing it around the back of your head like a crown until you reach the other side. Instead of finishing it, continue braiding the remaining hair into a traditional side braid that rests over your shoulder. It’s a regal, runway-worthy look.

12. Sleek Side Boxer Braids: For a sharp, modern look, create two tight, sleek Dutch braids (or cornrows) on your head, but instead of ending them at the nape, continue them into two low side braids that you then join together into one larger braid over your shoulder.

Use edge control for a polished finish.

Creative & Intricate Side Braids

Ready to level up your braiding game? These styles are for when you want to make a statement and showcase some serious skill.

13. Side Braid with Ribbon: Take a long, beautiful ribbon. As you begin a simple side three-strand braid, incorporate the ribbon as one of the three strands. Continue braiding all the way down. The ribbon adds a pop of color and a beautiful, finished tail.

14. 5-Strand Side Braid: This looks incredibly complex but follows a simple pattern. Divide your side-pulled hair into five equal sections. Cross the second strand over the third, then the fifth strand over the fourth. Next, cross the first strand over the second, and the fifth strand over the first. Repeat this sequence. Practice makes perfect!

15. Ladder Braid (Side Version): This is a series of interconnected Dutch braids. Start a small Dutch braid near your temple. After a few stitches, drop it and start a new Dutch braid parallel to it, slightly below. Connect the two by picking up a strand from the first braid into the second. Continue down the side of your head.

16. Side Braid into a Bun: Create a beautiful, detailed side braid (like a fishtail or Dutch braid). Once the braid is complete, coil it into a low bun at the nape of your neck or on the side, and pin it securely. The braid becomes the textural focus of the bun.

The braid becomes the textural focus of the bun.

Quick & No-Fuss Side Braids

Short on time or new to braiding? These styles prove you don’t need hours to look put-together.

17. Half-Up Side Braid: Take a section of hair from one side of your forehead, near your part. Braid it loosely (a simple braid or a tiny Dutch braid) back towards your ear, and secure it there, letting the rest of your hair flow freely. It’s a minute-long upgrade.

18. Knot Braid Side Style: Split your side-pulled hair into two sections. Tie them together in a simple knot. Then, add the tails from that knot back into the sections and tie another knot. Repeat until you run out of hair, then secure the end. It creates a beautiful, textured chain-like braid.

19. Twist-Back into a Low Side Braid: On the side with more hair, take two sections at your temple and twist them back, adding in hair as you go (like a French twist). Once you reach behind your ear, combine the twist with the rest of your hair and put it all into a simple low side braid.

20. Accessorized Side Braid: Don’t underestimate the power of accessories. Create the simplest three-strand side braid. Then, take a decorative chain, a string of pearls, or a fancy scarf and weave it through the braid, or simply wrap it around the elastic at the top. Instant glamour.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Face-Framing Side Braid

To ensure your side braid always looks its best, keep these final tips in mind. Texture is your friend. Braiding on second-day hair or using a texturizing spray gives your hair grip and helps the style hold better and look fuller. Always gentle tug after securing your braid to add volume and a softer, less severe look. Don’t be afraid of strategic tendrils—pulling out a few pieces around your forehead, temples, and ears is what truly creates that flattering, framed effect. Finally, secure your braid with a color-matched elastic or a spiral hair tie to prevent creasing and breakage.

The beauty of the side braid lies in its versatility and universal flattery. It’s a style that can adapt to your mood, your skill level, and the occasion. So, the next time you’re looking for a hairstyle that does more than just hold your hair back, sweep it to the side. Experiment with these 20 variations and discover how the perfect braid can not only frame your face but also express your unique style.