Side Part Braids

By Ashley

April 3, 2025

3 min read

Side Part Braids

Embarking on a journey to master the art of side part braids can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you're a beginner looking to add a new skill to your hairstyling repertoire or an experienced stylist aiming to refine your techniques, understanding the intricacies of side part braids is essential. This guide will walk you through the basics, advanced techniques, and styling tips to help you achieve the perfect side part braid every time.

Table of Contents

Understanding Side Part Braids

Side part braids are a versatile and elegant hairstyle that can be worn for various occasions, from casual outings to formal events. The key to a successful side part braid lies in the precision of the parting and the technique used to create the braid. Whether you prefer a classic three-strand braid, a French braid, or a more intricate Dutch braid, mastering the side part is crucial.

Basic Techniques for Side Part Braids

Before diving into advanced techniques, it's important to master the basic steps of creating a side part braid. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Preparing Your Hair

1. Start with Clean, Detangled Hair: Ensure your hair is clean and free of tangles. This will make the braiding process smoother and more manageable. 2. Apply a Light Hold Product: Use a light-hold hair gel or mousse to add texture and hold to your hair. This will help keep the braid in place throughout the day. 3. Section Your Hair: Use a comb to create a deep side part. The position of the part will depend on your preference and the look you want to achieve. A deeper part will create a more dramatic effect, while a shallower part will be more subtle.

Creating the Braid

1. Three-Strand Braid: Divide the sectioned hair into three equal parts. Cross the right section over the middle, then the left section over the new middle. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of the hair. 2. French Braid: Start by dividing a small section of hair at the crown into three equal parts. Cross the right section over the middle, then the left section over the new middle. As you continue, add small sections of hair from the sides to the outer sections before crossing them over the middle. This will create a fuller, more integrated braid. 3. Dutch Braid: Similar to a French braid, but instead of crossing the sections over the middle, you cross them under. This technique creates a more textured and three-dimensional look.

Securing the Braid

1. Use a Hair Tie: Once you’ve reached the end of the braid, secure it with a hair tie. Choose a tie that matches your hair color for a seamless look. 2. Tuck in Loose Ends: Gently tug on the edges of the braid to loosen it slightly and create a fuller appearance. Tuck any loose ends under the braid and secure them with bobby pins if necessary.

💡 Note: Practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon master the technique.

Advanced Techniques for Side Part Braids

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced techniques to add complexity and elegance to your side part braids. Here are some advanced methods to consider:

Invisible Braids

Invisible braids are a sophisticated technique that creates a seamless, integrated look. To achieve this style:

1. Start with a Deep Side Part: Create a deep side part and section off a small piece of hair from the front. 2. Create a Small Braid: Braid this small section tightly and secure it with a bobby pin. 3. Add Hair Gradually: As you continue braiding, add small sections of hair from the sides, incorporating them into the braid in a way that mimics the natural parting of your hair. 4. Secure and Blend: Once you reach the end, secure the braid with a hair tie and gently tug on the edges to blend it seamlessly with your natural hair.

Waterfall Braids

Waterfall braids are a romantic and intricate style that involves creating a cascading effect. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with a Deep Side Part: Create a deep side part and section off a small piece of hair from the front. 2. Create a Small Braid: Braid this small section tightly and secure it with a bobby pin. 3. Add Hair Gradually: As you continue braiding, add small sections of hair from the sides, incorporating them into the braid. After adding each section, drop the outer section and pick up a new section from the side, creating a waterfall effect. 4. Secure and Blend: Once you reach the end, secure the braid with a hair tie and gently tug on the edges to blend it seamlessly with your natural hair.

Crown Braids

Crown braids are a regal and elegant style that involves braiding the hair around the head like a crown. To achieve this look:

1. Start with a Deep Side Part: Create a deep side part and section off a small piece of hair from the front. 2. Create a Small Braid: Braid this small section tightly and secure it with a bobby pin. 3. Add Hair Gradually: As you continue braiding, add small sections of hair from the sides, incorporating them into the braid. Continue braiding around the head, securing the braid with bobby pins as you go. 4. Secure and Blend: Once you reach the end, secure the braid with a hair tie and gently tug on the edges to blend it seamlessly with your natural hair.

💡 Note: For a more polished look, use hairpins that match your hair color to secure the braid.

Styling Tips for Side Part Braids

Styling your side part braids can elevate your look and make it more versatile. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect style:

Accessories

1. Hair Jewelry: Add a touch of elegance with hair jewelry such as clips, barrettes, or headbands. Choose pieces that complement your outfit and personal style. 2. Ribbons and Bow: Incorporate ribbons or bows into your braid for a playful and feminine look. You can weave the ribbon into the braid or tie a bow at the end. 3. Flowers: For a romantic and whimsical touch, add fresh or artificial flowers to your braid. Secure them with bobby pins or hair ties.

Texturizing

1. Beach Waves: For a more relaxed and casual look, add beach waves to your hair before braiding. This will give your braid a softer, more textured appearance. 2. Crimping: Use a crimping iron to add texture to your hair before braiding. This will create a more dynamic and interesting look. 3. Teasing: Gently tease the sections of hair before braiding to add volume and texture. This will make your braid look fuller and more defined.

Finishing Touches

1. Hairspray: Use a light-hold hairspray to set your braid and keep it in place throughout the day. Choose a hairspray that provides hold without leaving a sticky residue. 2. Serum: Apply a small amount of hair serum to the ends of your braid to add shine and smoothness. This will give your braid a polished and finished look. 3. Bobby Pins: Use bobby pins to secure any loose ends or sections of hair that may have come undone. Choose pins that match your hair color for a seamless look.

💡 Note: Experiment with different styling techniques to find the look that best suits your personal style and the occasion.

Maintaining Your Side Part Braids

To ensure your side part braids look their best and last throughout the day, follow these maintenance tips:

Nighttime Care

1. Loosen the Braid: Before going to bed, gently loosen the braid to prevent it from becoming too tight and causing discomfort or damage to your hair. 2. Use a Silk Pillowcase: Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help reduce friction and prevent tangles, keeping your braid looking fresh and neat. 3. Refresh in the Morning: In the morning, gently refresh your braid by lightly misting it with water and applying a small amount of hair gel or mousse to add hold and texture.

Daytime Care

1. Touch-Ups: Throughout the day, use bobby pins to secure any loose ends or sections of hair that may have come undone. 2. Hairspray: Apply a light-hold hairspray to set your braid and keep it in place. Choose a hairspray that provides hold without leaving a sticky residue. 3. Avoid Touching: Try to avoid touching your braid throughout the day to prevent it from becoming frizzy or disheveled.

💡 Note: Regularly trimming split ends and maintaining a healthy hair care routine will help keep your braids looking their best.

Side Part Braids for Different Hair Types

Side part braids can be adapted to suit different hair types and textures. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect braid regardless of your hair type:

Straight Hair

1. Add Texture: Use a texturizing spray or mousse to add grip and texture to your straight hair, making it easier to braid. 2. Teasing: Gently tease the sections of hair before braiding to add volume and texture. 3. Beach Waves: Add beach waves to your hair before braiding for a softer, more textured look.

Curly Hair

1. Detangle: Ensure your curly hair is well-detangled before braiding to prevent knots and tangles. 2. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently section your hair and create a deep side part. 3. Braid Loosely: Braid your curly hair loosely to avoid pulling and damaging your curls.

Thick Hair

1. Section Off: Section off smaller pieces of hair to make the braiding process more manageable. 2. Use a Rat-Tail Comb: Use a rat-tail comb to create precise sections and a deep side part. 3. Add Hair Gradually: As you braid, add small sections of hair gradually to create a fuller, more integrated braid.

Thin Hair

1. Use a Light Hold Product: Apply a light-hold hair gel or mousse to add texture and hold to your thin hair. 2. Teasing: Gently tease the sections of hair before braiding to add volume and texture. 3. Braid Tightly: Braid your thin hair tightly to create a more defined and polished look.

💡 Note: Experiment with different braiding techniques and styling tips to find the best method for your hair type.

Side Part Braids for Different Occasions

Side part braids are a versatile hairstyle that can be adapted for various occasions. Here are some ideas for different events:

Casual Outings

1. Beach Waves: Add beach waves to your hair before braiding for a relaxed and casual look. 2. Loose Braid: Create a loose, messy braid for a more effortless and laid-back style. 3. Accessories: Add a simple hair clip or barrette to your braid for a touch of elegance.

Formal Events

1. Invisible Braid: Create an invisible braid for a seamless and sophisticated look. 2. Crown Braid: Opt for a crown braid for a regal and elegant style. 3. Hair Jewelry: Incorporate hair jewelry such as clips, barrettes, or headbands to add a touch of glamour.

Weddings

1. Waterfall Braid: Choose a waterfall braid for a romantic and whimsical look. 2. Flowers: Add fresh or artificial flowers to your braid for a romantic and feminine touch. 3. Ribbons and Bow: Incorporate ribbons or bows into your braid for a playful and elegant style.

Workplace

1. Classic Three-Strand Braid: Opt for a classic three-strand braid for a polished and professional look. 2. French Braid: Create a French braid for a more integrated and sophisticated style. 3. Hairspray: Use a light-hold hairspray to set your braid and keep it in place throughout the day.

💡 Note: Choose a braiding technique and styling tips that best suit the occasion and your personal style.

Side Part Braids for Different Face Shapes

Side part braids can be adapted to complement different face shapes. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect braid for your face shape:

Oval Face

1. Deep Side Part: Create a deep side part to elongate your face and highlight your features. 2. Loose Braid: Opt for a loose, messy braid for a more effortless and laid-back style. 3. Accessories: Add a simple hair clip or barrette to your braid for a touch of elegance.

Round Face

1. Shallow Side Part: Create a shallow side part to add length and definition to your face. 2. Tight Braid: Braid your hair tightly to create a more defined and polished look. 3. Hair Jewelry: Incorporate hair jewelry such as clips, barrettes, or headbands to add a touch of glamour.

Square Face

1. Deep Side Part: Create a deep side part to soften the angles of your face and add length. 2. Loose Braid: Opt for a loose, messy braid for a more effortless and laid-back style. 3. Flowers: Add fresh or artificial flowers to your braid for a romantic and feminine touch.

Heart-Shaped Face

1. Shallow Side Part: Create a shallow side part to balance the width of your forehead and chin. 2. Tight Braid: Braid your hair tightly to create a more defined and polished look. 3. Ribbons and Bow: Incorporate ribbons or bows into your braid for a playful and elegant style.

💡 Note: Experiment with different braiding techniques and styling tips to find the best method for your face shape.

Side Part Braids for Different Hair Lengths

Side part braids can be adapted to suit different hair lengths. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect braid regardless of your hair length:

Short Hair

1. Deep Side Part: Create a deep side part to add length and definition to your face. 2. Tight Braid: Braid your hair tightly to create a more defined and polished look. 3. Accessories: Add a simple hair clip or barrette to your braid for a touch of elegance.

Medium Hair

1. Shallow Side Part: Create a shallow side part to balance the width of your forehead and chin. 2. Loose Braid: Opt for a loose, messy braid for a more effortless and laid-back style. 3. Hair Jewelry: Incorporate hair jewelry such as clips, barrettes, or headbands to add a touch of glamour.

Long Hair

1. Deep Side Part: Create a deep side part to elongate your face and highlight your features. 2. Tight Braid: Braid your hair tightly to create a more defined and polished look. 3. Flowers: Add fresh or artificial flowers to your braid for a romantic and feminine touch.

💡 Note: Experiment with different braiding techniques and styling tips to find the best method for your hair length.

Side Part Braids for Different Seasons

Side part braids can be adapted to suit different seasons. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect braid for each season:

Spring

1. Flowers: Add fresh or artificial flowers to your braid for a romantic and feminine touch. 2. Ribbons and Bow: Incorporate ribbons or bows into your braid for a playful and elegant style. 3. Loose Braid: Opt for a loose, messy braid for a more effortless and laid-back style.

Summer

1. Beach Waves: Add beach waves to your hair before braiding for a relaxed and casual look. 2. Hair Jewelry: Incorporate hair jewelry such as clips, barrettes, or headbands to add a touch of glamour. 3. Tight Braid: Braid your hair tightly to create a more defined and polished look.

Fall

1. Deep Side Part: Create a deep side part to elongate your face and highlight your features. 2. Tight Braid: Braid your hair tightly to create a more defined and polished look. 3. Accessories: Add a simple hair clip or barrette to your braid for a touch of elegance.

Winter

💡 Note: Choose a braiding technique and styling tips that best suit the season and your personal style.

Side Part Braids for Different Ages

Side part braids can be adapted to suit different ages. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect braid for each age group:

Children

1. Simple Braid: Opt for a simple three-strand braid for a quick and easy style. 2. Ribbons and Bow: Incorporate ribbons or bows into your braid for a playful and elegant style. 3. Accessories: Add a simple hair clip or barrette to your braid for a touch of elegance.