Since adding the pink to my hair, I’m loving how it looks in braids like this side braid hairstyle.
This simple twist on a Dutch braid is a fun hairstyle to keep your hair off your neck in summer.
It also gets you another day’s mileage from your blow dry before you need to wash your hair again. That and a little dry shampoo.
A Dutch braid is the reverse of a French braid, where instead of crossing your hair over each other, you bring them under. This leaves the braid on top so you can see the shape.
This hairstyle is also a bit like the braid Katniss wears in The Hunger Games, don’t you think?
Side braid hairstyle tutorial
Step-by-step
Step 1: Brush your hair – you want to remove any knots or tangles before you start to braid.
Step 2: Start on the right (or left if you prefer!) – I’ll explain as if you’re on the right, but pick whichever side you part your hair. Take a large section above your right ear and split into three.
Step 3: To make a Dutch braid, cross the right piece under the centre section. Then bring the left piece under the right.
Step 4: Next add more hair to each section as you braid. Try to add in even amounts on both sides so you keep the braid shape equal.
Step 5: Keep braiding, bringing the right section under the centre, and the left under the right. When you run out of hair to add in, bring your right hand around to the front and braid to the end of your hair.
Step 6: Secure the braid with a small clear elastic and then stretch out your braid. It’s my best braiding tip.
This is a great style to keep your hair up on hot days. You can do this hairstyle in in wet or dry hair too.
The bonus in wet hair is you’ll have great beach waves when you take your hair out later. Just add a spritz of sea salt spray and you’re ready to go out again.
If you love braids you’ll love my 30 Braids in 30 Days ebook. Click below to get your copy now and get rid of bad hair days for good.
What’s your favourite hairstyle to beat the heat?
Any tips on short hairstyle ideas (short as in above the shoulder but not pixie) and lightly layered … (and wavy) …
Hi Jacqueline, check out my post on 17 ways to wear a bob x
OH MY GOSH. I do the EXACT kind of braid (it’s awesome :D), but when I saw that you make the braid look bigger, I immediately wanted to try it out, but I thought it would be hard. And then you showed me, and it was so simple! Thanks for the tips! 😀
Thank you Sana 🙂
My hair is shoulder length with a little layering. Do you have any suggestions on how I could fix my hair? I’ve got in the bad habit of just putting in a pony tail
Hi Kimberly, check out my hairstyle tutorials here as most can be adapted to you hair xxx
thanks so much! i was looking for hairstyles for myself and i found the best one which is this, plus i learned a new hairstyle! thanks so much again! i really loved it ???
Thanks so much Samira! xx
This hairstyle is soo cute! Luv the rainbow colors that are in the hair. The Step-by-step How To was very helpful too. The finished look was fantastic!
I’ve got both your ebooks now and have been happily twisting and braiding for days!
Thank you for all your wonderful tips.
xxx
Thank you so much Debs! Hope you have fun with your hair xx
I was finally able to finish this braid! After several failed attempts I’m glad I stuck it out. I’ve never braided my own hair before so it’s a bit uneven, but I’m sure it will look better with practice. Thanks for this tutorial! It was very helpful. n_n
Thanks so much Sloan! Braiding takes practice, but once you get it you’ll find it such a quick way to style your hair x
i just discovered this blog and it’s simply amazing! your hair looks fantastic with all the eye-catching colours 🙂
i have a question though, not about the braid (which is so much fun and it looks great, thank you). i have black hair, naturally and i was wondering if dying the ends of my hair pink would look good? or would it look trashy?
Thank you Kaya! I think dip dye colour looks fab on dark hair, but you’ll need to lighten the ends of your hair with bleach first or you won’t get that bright colour. This is a great inspiration image – http://pinterest.com/pin/180847741256376610/ and i have more on my pinterest boards x
Colour looks absolutely fab.
Thanks Ali!
Hey there! Nice site. Here in the US this is called a cornrow braid.
Thanks Denise!
The colours look so vibrant, absolutely amazing technique – well done!
Thanks Melissa! Xx
I love it with your bright colors! Looks beautiful!!
Thanks Kate! Xx
Woah, that looks amazing! Love the colours as well 🙂
Thanks Angelica x
Gorgeous! Love the braid and the pink hair. Thanks for the tutorial.
Thanks so much Gio! Xx
What a beauty! The color combination is really eye calming.
I want you to know that your tip for pulling apart your braid to make it look thicker has changed my life – not even exaggerating! I have very long but thin hair, and love to braid it but always felt like I was 8 years old when I did. Pulling it apart though makes it look so much more modern and pretty, and my hair is now in a braid at least 3 times a week. 🙂 You are awesome, keep the tips and tutorials coming!!
Oh thank you so much Sarah! So happy to help and lots more braid inspiration coming soon.. Xx
Gosh you do that so well – and you make it look easy too.
I think I would be all thumbs 🙂
Can I also say – luurve the aqua x
Loulou
Why thank you! I rarely wear aqua but the pink hair is making me choose different colours. It’s amazing the impact hair colour has on your makeup and wardrobe choices.
Love the braid, especially with the pop of colour! I normally keep my hair in a french braid as I don’t know how to do anything else, so this is a great tutorial.
What are your thoughts on hair extensions for those of us growing out pixie cuts? I like my hair the way it is, but miss being able to do more with it. I have a consultation booked at my salon for next month but don’t know if I should get them or not.
Thanks Caet! If you’re good at French braiding this will be easy for you. as for extensions, it’s a personal choice. I think you need to be careful with how they are attached as they can cause more harm than good if you’re trying to grow your hair. I sometimes wear clip in extensions which are fun but I’ve never had more permanent extensions.
thanks for the tutorial. I really like the pink highlights!! they make the texture of the braid really pop!!
Thanks Yojo! Xx
Hey, I’m Dutch. Maybe this will help me in getting this done, I’m not that good with hair. I really really love the pink hair by the way. My favorite is a ballerina bun to keep my very thick hair out of my neck.
Thanks Linda! I’m sure that’s a definite advantage 😉 Can’t beat a ballerina bun – so simple and chic