Hairstyle history
The braid is called the very first hairstyle formed from hair. The appearance of styling is associated with the convenience of the design, but the method of organizing hair quickly gained popularity for its aesthetic qualities. Braids began to be woven in different variations.
In Rus', braiding was considered a traditional women's hairstyle. This option was used by ladies of all ages. The braid was made according to the traditional crossing pattern, using 3 strands. The element began to be woven in the back of the head. The finished braid was thrown over the shoulder on one side. Read more about the Russian braid, who and when it was braided, on our website.
Previously, side braids were not woven as an independent hairstyle. The installation method was used for convenience in an informal setting. Variations are known from two braided elements on the sides, pulling the braid in a circle.
Attention! Currently, the side braid has become especially popular. The styling is extraordinary, elegant, and maintains a stylish look. The hairstyle enhances the femininity and romantic appearance.
general description
The side braid, as the name suggests, is performed on one side of the head. For braiding you will need shoulder length hair. The braid is performed using different technologies for overlapping strands. It is possible to combine variations in a single hairstyle.
There are various techniques for working with hair of different lengths and structures. Recommended base for hairstyle: long straight or slightly curly hair of medium coarseness.
Side braid styling goes well with bangs, loose strands, various hair elements or jewelry. The option is practical and gentle in appearance.
Pigtail in the form of a tourniquet
How to remove bangs beautifully? Braid your hair! It's very easy to do this:
- Comb your hair gently.
- Separate a medium-width section and divide into two parts.
- Intertwine them together.
- When re-braiding, add loose thin strands of bangs to the top of the braid.
- Continue braiding to ear level. Secure the end with an elastic band or pin it with a bobby pin.
Who is it suitable for?
A braid on one side is universal. A hairstyle with an asymmetrical arrangement of laid hair is suitable for owners of any type of appearance, age, and goes well with different styles of clothing.
A side braid will help smooth out imperfections in the oval, the expression of features, and hide defects in appearance. Additionally, it is recommended to correct imperfections using bangs, loose strands, density and volume of the braid.
One side braided hairstyle is used for different occasions. Dense weaving is good for sports. A loose, careless braid is ideal for creating a casual look. Volumetric, unusual weaving will be an excellent basis for a ceremonial styling.
Preparatory stage
In order for your styling to retain its pristine freshness throughout the day, you should carefully prepare for its implementation.
- Wash your curls with shampoo, then soften them with a mask or balm.
- Dry your hair with a hairdryer using a cold stream of air. This will prevent the ends from drying out and will also add additional shine to the surface.
- Braids on medium hair will look neater if your strands are left slightly damp after washing and blow-drying.
Stock up on tools and styling products
To perform various DIY weaving techniques, you will need the following tools and styling aids.
- Elastic bands are thin, durable, invisible to the eye, which will allow you to fix your hairstyle without spoiling the overall appearance with its visibility.
- Bobby pins, hairpins, barrettes - something that will help maintain the complex design of your hairstyle throughout the day.
- Decorative decorations - ribbons, headbands, hairpins, which will allow you to diversify your braiding for medium hair.
- Fixation products – varnish and mousse to add volume and durability to the hairstyle. If you've had a haircut before, you probably still have these products.
General recommendations
Braiding a side braid is not very convenient if the hair is frizzy, electrified, or falling apart. Considering this, it is better to start styling with slightly damp hair. Using styling products before starting weaving will also help correct the situation.
It is important to start working after thoroughly combing your hair. Tangled hair with knots, tangles, and styling residues prevents accurate braiding.
It is not recommended to make the braid too tight. Even thick hair is better to slightly loosen. This will help soften the image and achieve a fashionable casual appearance.
Important point! When forming a side braid, it is important to correctly separate the parting, distributing the mass of hair. You can throw all the strands over to the working side, starting the braid from the side. It is permissible to highlight a straight or curly parting. In this case, the braid is formed from the back of the head or a French braid is made.
Features and difficulties of braiding
I would like to say right away that in order to learn how to weave braids well and beautifully, you need to practice, because not always and not everyone succeeds the first time. But you can really learn everything, the main thing is that you have the desire.
You should start with simple, uncomplicated weaving, and then complicate the task as you get better.
In order for your curls to be more manageable, you must wash them using conditioner, and then apply styling products to the already dry strands - this can be mousse or styling foam. This will make it much easier for you to manage your hair. This is especially true for long strands, because they are the hardest to braid.
Now let’s present some step-by-step instructions for braiding your hair yourself at home.
Step-by-step instruction
Most often, the side braid is formed according to the French braiding pattern. This option is available for those with short lengths of hair and haircuts with uneven lengths of strands. The spikelet looks neat and stylish. The hairstyle is performed using the following step-by-step instructions:
- Clean hair is slightly dried, after distributing a small amount of fixing foam over the strands. It is not recommended to let it dry completely, but using excessively wet hair is unacceptable.
- The strands are carefully combed. If necessary, create a parting.
- Between the crown and crown of the head, a large strand of hair is isolated, which is divided into 3 parts. Start doing the classic braid.
- Having made 2-3 complete weaves of all strands, add hair from the free mass of hair to the work.
- The weaving is directed down to one side. After the loose strands are completed, the braid is completed using the classic pattern.
- The tip is tied with an elastic band. The sections of the braid are stretched a little. The result can be complemented with jewelry.
It is recommended to make the weaving not very tight. The braid is formed asymmetrical not only in location, but also in format . Weaving can be done using a small strand from the crown. At the level of the back of the head, the entire volume of hair is attached. This option is suitable for those with long hair and an even haircut.
We recommend reading: interesting options for weaving a Greek braid, for whom styling is suitable.
Fishtail with lace effect
Another great option for classic weaving, which can be used in various unusual styles.
This option is a real boon for those who want to change their looks every day.
This hairstyle is done step by step as follows:
- Nothing new - I wash my hair and treat it with styling foam (this is necessary so that the curls do not fall apart during the styling process).
- After drying, we begin the installation process itself. We divide the mop into 2 even parts - a straight parting. We are not touching the bangs yet.
- The beginning of the braiding should be immediately near the bangs. We start by braiding the side spikelet. Then the strands are taken only from the upper curls. Thanks to this technique, a fish tail will be formed.
- After the hair has been braided to the base of the back of the head, we make a braid to the end using the same technology. But now only two strands are used in weaving, overlapping each other.
- At the end, we secure the hair with a matching or transparent elastic band.
- The weave needs to be decorated - to do this, slightly pull the strands to create an openwork effect.
- We do the second braid in the same way.
- Now the ends need to be secured to the back of the head so that they are not visible. In this case, it is very important to do this as reliably as possible, so that at the most crucial moment the entire installation does not fall apart. It is better to use bobby pins and stilettos.
- To better fix the hairstyle, it is recommended to spray it with hairspray.
- The styling of the bangs is carried out entirely at the girl’s request. In addition, you can hide it at the very beginning by starting weaving from it.
Popular variations
A tight braid on the side will perfectly complement a business look. You can use a French or classic weaving pattern. The braid does not have to be done on top. The image of a strict teacher is ideal with a braid from the back of the head using traditional technology, thrown forward over the shoulder.
A relaxed version of the braid with a backcomb on the top of the head and strands of bangs thrown back is ideal for imitating Elsa, the popular cartoon heroine. Styling is often used to create a light festive, romantic or casual look. You can find out how to do Elsa’s hair from “Frozen” step by step on our website.
A braid going to one side looks beautiful against the background of loose hair. Weaving is made from part of the hair. The waterfall hairstyle with a braid on one side is universal. This option is often used by women of all ages. Straight, loose strands are good for every day. A hairstyle with curls is ideal for the holidays. You can view even more stylish and beautiful hairstyle options for loose hair and braids on our website.
The Greek loose braid resembles a flowing waterfall. This option is suitable for those with long hair. The styling is good for summer. The loose structure refreshes the appearance and provides ventilation. The look with a hairstyle becomes light and airy.
A voluminous inverted braid or fishtail looks elegant. Lush weaving is often performed for special occasions. This option has been repeatedly seen among stars showing off their fashionable look in public. The hairstyle is popular as a wedding hairstyle.
Bohemian "Boho" style
The second easiest braid to make is a braid of bangs, which is woven like a French braid along the hairline. Instructions for implementation:
- Divide the selected area near the forehead into three parts, in which: the first consists of bangs, the second (middle) is mixed from short and long curls, the third is entirely from long hair.
- As you work, weave strands from the total mass to each link.
- Watch the tension. A tight weave that ends near the earlobe in combination with loose curls looks great and retains its shape longer. Although, if you wish, you can continue the work and get a headband around your head. This option is ideal for a child.
- Secure the edge of the braid with bobby pins or tie with a clear elastic band.
Advantages and disadvantages
The side braid is an incredibly practical hairstyle that has long occupied a leading position in the list of popular hairstyles. The option is easy to do on your own and universal. Hairstyles in different variations will help maintain a fashionable image, diversifying your appearance.
To make a braid you need a certain length of hair. A hairstyle on short hair runs the risk of falling apart and quickly acquiring an overly careless look. Laying is simple, but an accurate result requires training. To create a formal look, it is better to contact a hairdresser.
Examples from the stars
A braid on one side can often be seen on the heads of stars. Some people prefer loose, careless variations, while others choose chic reverse braids, French braids or fishtails. A hairstyle with a side braid is often worn by Nicole Kidman, Beyoncé, Shakira, Penelope Cruz.
Nicole Kidman and Beyoncé
Shakira and Penelope Cruz
A side braid is an ideal choice for a modern girl with hair below her shoulders. Styling will allow you to remain fashionable, adding femininity, fragility, and romance to the image.
Don't know how to refresh your look? We offer original and stylish styling options:
- backcombed tail;
- snail hairstyle;
- tail with a braid;
- "Han" hairstyle;
- "Waterfall" hairstyle;
- hairstyles with Kanekalon;
- hair bow;
- curls for different hair lengths.
Hairstyles with braids for medium length hair
Today, medium hair length is considered the most universal. Because they are not inconvenient, but are also ideal for experimenting with hairstyles. Among the simplest weaving options are the classic and French braids. Many girls make them themselves without any problems. A little more complex is the four-strand weave. This is the kind of braid that looks luxurious on hair of any thickness. For festive events, you can make a more complex hairstyle with two braids. If you are planning to create a romantic look, it is better to braid your hair only to the back of your head. The rest of the strands can be curled with a curling iron. The result is a fairly simple, but at the same time spectacular hairstyle. Also, many girls prefer to use a braid as a basis for a bun. Such hairstyles are often decorated with large beads or floral decorations. The headband hairstyle has become trendy this year. It is suitable for any occasion and is generally considered one of the most versatile for any hair length.
