29 SIDE PART BRAIDS HAIR TRENDS

The side part braid is a versatile and beautiful hairstyle that suits any face shape. You can style these braids in many ways, from relaxed boho looks to sleek, elegant cornrows. No matter if your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or something in between, this style will highlight your features and is perfect for any occasion or season.

A key feature of side part braids is the side part itself. Parting your hair to one side can soften your cheekbones and balance different face shapes like square, heart, and diamond. This style works well with all hair lengths and types, including long, short, medium, thick, thin, and afro-textured hair. There are endless ways to personalize side part braids.

To create this look, start by using a tail comb or your fingers to divide your hair on either side of your head. For a subtle part, start at the arch of your brows; for a more dramatic look, part closer to your ears. Then, use the comb to make a clean part from the crown of your head to the back of your neck. Here are 29 amazing ways to style side part braids, from relaxed tribal looks to sleek ponytails.

BRAIDED BUN WITH SIDE PART

The braided bun with a side part is a flexible hairstyle that works for any hair type and occasion. The deep side part gives a fresh twist to a classic look. To create it, use a comb to make a clean side part, then braid your hair and form a bun on the opposite side to keep everything balanced.

SIDE PART FEED-IN PONYTAIL BRAIDS

If you’re looking for a simple yet stylish braided ponytail, try the side part feed-in ponytail. This trendy protective style is stunning and turns a basic braided ponytail into an elegant, sleek look that’s perfect for any event.

SIDE PART BRAIDED WIG

A neatly braided wig with a natural-looking side part is always a great choice. While some braided wigs come with a center part, you can easily adjust them to show a side part instead. If you want the side part braided look without spending hours on getting braids done, a side part braided wig is the perfect solution.

SIDE PART SPACE BUNS

Side part space buns are a fun and playful updo for a cute, feminine look. To achieve this style, start with a side part and divide your hair into two sections. Create a ponytail braid with each section, twist the braids, and then wrap them around the base of the ponytail to form buns. Secure each bun with hairpins, bands, and hairspray.

SIDE PART FAUX LOCS

Faux locs allow you to try out different dreadlock styles, textures, lengths, and colors without actually locking your natural hair. You can choose a bold deep side part or a subtle off-center part with your faux locs. A side part with faux locs adds a stylish asymmetry that beautifully highlights your features.

SIDE PART KNOTLESS BRAIDS WITH CURLY ENDS

Side part knotless braids with curly ends combine the classic side part with knotless braids that have curly tips. The side part adds a soft, bohemian touch to this style. To keep the curls looking great and lasting longer, use hairspray for extra hold.

SIDE PART CROCHET

The crochet hairstyle starts with braiding the natural hair into cornrows and then crocheting extensions into these braids. For side part crochet, use the side part sew-in braid pattern as your base. Make sure the part is exactly as you want it—whether subtle or deep—since it sets the foundation for the style. This method allows for quick installation of extensions without requiring a long time in the chair.

SIDE PART BOHO BRAIDS

Side part boho braids offer a sleek and natural way to wear bohemian braids, exuding effortless beauty. The side part adds a chic touch to the style. To achieve this look, start by creating a side part, then style your hair with bohemian box braids, knotless braids, or cornrows.

SIDE PART SCALP BRAIDS

Scalp braids or cornrows can enhance your look with just the right amount of flair. They’re becoming more popular because they work well for all ages, hair lengths, and types. Adding a side part to scalp braids adds definition and makes your style more noticeable. Just part your hair to one side and braid it into scalp braids.

SIDE PART GODDESS BRAIDS

Goddess braids are a stunning, feminine protective style that offers great versatility. They can be customized in different ways to suit your preferences and enhance your face shape. Adding a side part to your goddess braids can help balance your features and add a soft touch. Side part goddess braids are a fantastic way to showcase this beautiful style.

SIDE PART JUMBO KNOTLESS BRAIDS

Unlike box braids, knotless braids don’t have a knot at the base of each braid. Instead, they’re created using a feed-in technique, which gives them a more natural look and reduces tension on the scalp. To create stunning side-parted knotless braids, start by parting your hair on one side, then braid into large (jumbo) knotless braids.

SIDE PART WITH FISHTAIL BRAID

The fishtail braid looks intricate but is beautifully simple, making it perfect for both casual and formal events. For a unique take on the classic fishtail, start by creating a deep side part to add texture and volume. Then, braid it as a side braid, and for a fairy-tale touch, loosely weave the fishtail braid.

SIDE PART UPDO

A side part with hair gathered at the nape of the neck and styled into an updo is a timeless choice for brides with classic tastes. This style also offers a charming nod to the 1990s. For a more relaxed, bohemian look, use your fingers to loosen the braid. Be sure to finish with hairspray for added hold.

SIDE PART POP SMOKE BRAIDS

Pop Smoke braids are cornrow stitch-in braids created in sections on each side of the head using the stitch and feed-in technique. Adding a side part gives a fresh twist to this style, which is typically done with a center part. The side part divides the hair to one side instead of the middle.

SIDE PART STITCH BRAIDS

For a dramatic and eye-catching look, consider the side part stitch braid hairstyle. Stitch braiding involves using your fingers or a rat-tail comb to create a stitched effect with precise parts. Adding a side part gives this style an extra unique flair. You can use the side part and stitch technique to create ponytail braids, cornrows, or even braided buns.

SIDE PART HALO BRAID

The side part halo braid puts a modern spin on the classic halo braid style. Unlike traditional halo braids, which tuck all the hair into the braid, this version uses a side part to frame your face and add a touch of asymmetry. To create this look, start with a side part, braid your hair into a ponytail, and then wrap it around your head to form the halo effect.

SIDE PART DUTCH BRAIDS

Side part Dutch braids use the reverse braiding method instead of the French braiding technique. To achieve this style, start by creating a side part and then divide your hair into sections based on the number of braids you want. Begin braiding by crossing the strands underneath the center, rather than over it like in a regular braid. This simple side part braided hairstyle keeps hair neatly out of your face and is suitable for both formal events and parties.

SIDE PART DOUBLE BRAIDS

Side part double braids are easy to create and perfect for hot, humid days. They keep every strand in place and help you stay neat even when you’re sweating. To achieve this look, part your hair on the side, then divide it into two sections. Braid each section with a simple three-strand braid, and you’re good to go.

SIDE PART FEED IN BRAIDS

The feed-in braiding technique involves gradually adding hair extensions into the natural hair at the root as you braid. The braids start off small and gradually get wider as more hair is incorporated towards the end. Side part feed-in braids are created by parting the hair to one side and then braiding it into cornrows using this technique. This hairstyle is perfect for formal events, dinner dates, and other special occasions.

SIDE PART FULANI BRAIDS

To make your Fulani braids really pop, try side part Fulani braids. This style blends the elegant side part with the distinctive cultural flair of Fulani braids. Start by creating a side part, then braid your hair in the Fulani style. Add beads and ornaments to enhance the look and complete your hairstyle.

SIDE PART SEW IN BRAID PATTERN

For adding luxurious length with a sew-in weave, consider pairing it with a striking deep side part. The braid pattern for a side part sew-in weave should resemble the one shown in the picture. This approach ensures that your weave is perfectly suited for experimenting with deep side part hairstyles.

SIDE PART FRENCH BRAIDS

To showcase your new hairstyle, try combining a deep side part with French braids. This will accentuate the added shape and volume from the French braids along the sides of your head. For an extra touch, consider adding colorful beads, glitter, or hair rings to the braids.

SIDE PART SEW-IN WEAVE

The side part sew-in weave is fairly simple to create. Begin by making a clean side part, then braid your natural hair into small cornrows and gather them at the back of your head. This method flattens your hair to help the weave blend in naturally. Sew the weave onto the cornrows, brush it through, and apply some hair oil for added shine.

SIDE PART BRAIDED PONYTAIL

The side part braided ponytail is a timeless classic with enduring appeal. The sleek side part adds a distinctive touch and enhances its visual charm. To create this look, use the tail end of a comb to make a clean side part. Then, secure your hair into a braided ponytail and finish with a spritz of hairspray.

SIDE PART TWO BRAIDS WITH WEAVE

The side part two braids with weave is a chic hairstyle that can elevate your look. It’s not only a stylish way to protect your hair but also a popular choice for a fashionable appearance. To achieve this look, start by creating side part double braids, then sew in some weave hair extensions at the ends of the braids.

SIDE PART TWO GODDESS BRAIDS

Goddess braids are both unique and stunning, allowing for various styles that enhance their messy, curly texture. For a goddess-themed look, a deep side part adds extra dimension to the style. You can also embellish this hairstyle with hair accessories for an added touch.

SIDE PART TWO FEED IN BRAIDS

Side part two feed-in braids offer a chic and versatile look that suits any face shape. Although the side part might seem subtle, it adds a fresh dimension to the feed-in braids. You can enhance the style with hair accessories or curly strands for an extra touch of flair.

SIDE PART BOX BRAIDS

The side part box braids style is perfect for those who use box braids as a protective hairstyle. It adds an extra layer of visual appeal to an already stunning look and allows you to refresh your style with each new set of braids. Just create a side part and style your braids to your liking.

SIDE PART TRIBAL BRAIDS

Sometimes less is more, and the side part tribal braids hairstyle highlights the cultural charm of tribal braids with a simple yet distinctive side-part pattern. You can braid the tribal braids in various directions, adding creative asymmetry to the look. For more definition, try combining tribal braids with box braids and styling them with a side part.

CONCLUSION

Braided side parts have remained a popular hairstyle choice for centuries due to their versatility, elegance, and ability to suit various hair lengths and textures. So, embrace the timeless appeal of braided side parts and experiment with different styles to find your perfect look.

30 STYLISH TAPERED HAIRCUTS TO ENHANCE NATURAL CURLS

Natural hair offers a wealth of stunning styling options. There’s a vast array of protective styles, creative ways to enhance and volumize curls, and numerous methods to rock shorter lengths. Additionally, you can explore various undercuts, mohawk-inspired designs, and sleek looks. Among these, tapered haircuts stand out as a favorite for styling natural hair.

Tapered haircuts feature varying lengths that create a distinctive gradation, ranging from low fade buzz cuts to asymmetrical bobs and long curly layers. The beauty of tapered haircuts lies in their versatility; they can be tailored to match your hair type, curl pattern, length, and face shape, resulting in a personalized style that suits you perfectly.

To spark inspiration for your next salon visit, we consulted two professional hairstylists who have curated a list of the 30 best tapered haircuts for natural hair, along with expert styling tips. From Amandla Stenberg’s tapered box braids and Angela Bassett’s layered curls to Danai Gurira’s buzzcut styles and Zendaya’s modern pixie, explore these top looks to find the perfect tapered haircut for you.

CLASSIC POMPADOUR

A modern twist on the pompadour focuses on achieving maximum volume. You can replicate a tapered cut by pinning the hair to the sides or keep the hair trimmed or buzzed everywhere except the top. This approach allows you to maintain a striking, voluminous style with a contemporary edge.

SIMPLE SALT & PEPPER

Simplicity has its own charm, especially in the natural hair world. You don’t need elaborate designs, complex dye jobs, or long lengths to make a statement. Embrace a chic, peppery short ‘do and let your unique features shine through effortlessly.

SHORT POMPADOUR

The timeless pompadour consistently enhances one’s style, as perfectly exemplified by model Maria Borges.

ASYMMETRICAL SIDE

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your haircut. For example, this asymmetrical cut features soft edges on both sides, forming a striking geometric look that showcases inventive styling.

CONVENTIONAL CUT

If you’re not keen on getting too close with the clippers, consider a long, layered pixie tapered haircut. This classic and timeless style complements curly textures and beautifully frames the face. It’s also a great option for naturals with fine hair who want to add more volume and depth to their look.

PIXIE WITH BANGS

Add a boyish-glam touch to your pixie cut by incorporating sweeping bangs. Finish off the style with a shine spray to enhance the sleek, polished effect.

FRIZZY FRO

Embrace the humidity and its natural frizz. Your curls will appear even more voluminous, creating a halo-like effect around your face.

ACCESSORIZED WITH A HAT

Choosing a tapered haircut doesn’t mean you have to forgo dressing up your natural curls. In fact, you can experiment with colors and accessories to enhance your look. A wide-brimmed hat is a chic way to complement your tapered style and add an extra touch of flair.

CURLY FADE

We adore Cynthia Erivo’s subtle, curly fade haircut. It adds texture and dimension to her look, striking the perfect balance between laid-back elegance and high glamour.

GROWN OUT TAPERED CUT

A tapered cut is stylish, but it also looks fantastic as it grows out. When your curls lengthen, you can use techniques like finger coils and twist-outs to define and enhance your hair’s shape and texture.

DIP-DYE FRO

While fro-hawks are popular, this dip-dyed tapered haircut offers a fresh twist. Shave your sides and create a large “Z” pattern for a unique look. When you’re heading out, style your hair to the front and pin or tie it in place to showcase your lightened curly ends.

COMB-OVER FRO-HAWK

Make a statement like Rihanna with this dynamic haircut. “I love seeing women rock a fro-hawk,” says Bailey. “The fro-hawk is a daring style with versatile options. With the sides typically faded, tapered, or closely trimmed, the real drama happens at the top or along the center of the head.”

SOFT CUT

Channel Rihanna’s bold style with this striking haircut. “I love seeing women embrace a fro-hawk,” says Bailey. “The fro-hawk is a fearless choice with lots of versatility. While the sides are usually faded, tapered, or closely trimmed, the real impact is made at the top or along the center of the head.”

TAPERED BOX BRAIDS

Elevate your protective style with a touch of tapered length for a subtle yet eye-catching detail that adds a hint of flair.

VOLUMINOUS BOB WITH BANGS

Boost the volume of your curls for a tapered, stylish look. Simply apply a curl-defining product to your strands to achieve a well-coiffed and controlled style, reminiscent of Solange’s signature flair.

TAPERED AFRO

For naturals in stage two of their hair journey, joining the tapered haircut trend is easy by keeping the hair shorter at the back. This creates a choppy, medium-sized afro that retains definition while adding style. To enhance the look, fluff up the front and pull a few strands to achieve wispy curls, making your cut truly stand out.

CURLY COIFFURE

Keep your curls voluminous at the top of your head while tapering the rest to a shorter length, drawing attention to your crown. If you love this style but prefer not to commit to a tapered cut, achieve a similar effect by gathering your hair into a high puff.

PEEKABOO CUT

Surprise and captivate with a hidden undercut design. Style your box braids into a high bun to showcase your shaved sides, creating a visually striking contrast. Pulling your hair up will reveal the tapered cut, offering a stylish and attention-grabbing twist.

ASYMMETRICAL CURLS

An asymmetrical cut is a timeless choice, and you can personalize it by embracing your natural texture. This style remains stylish and allows you to highlight the unique qualities of your curls or waves, making the look distinctly your own.

AUBURN WAVES

Naturalistas looking to enjoy the benefits of short hair without a drastic chop can enhance their look with a teeny weeny afro. The key to this style is to keep your hair short enough to stay manageable while long enough to showcase your natural texture.

Use a boar bristle brush to smooth baby hairs or create soft waves, and consider a monthly (or weekly) auburn rinse for a touch of color. The Mason Pearson Handy Mixture Bristle Hair Brush is ideal for achieving the perfect finish.

ASYMMETRICAL BUZZCUT

Embrace a punk-inspired look by shaving one side of your hair, while letting the other side showcase your curls or featuring box braids for a stylish protective option. This contrast creates a bold and versatile style that combines edgy flair with practical hair care.

HIGH FADE

A high fade allows you to achieve the flat-top look without the hassle of maintaining height. Simply buzz the sides of your head for a clean finish. The contrast between the shorter sides and the longer top creates a striking, gender-neutral style that’s both sleek and sophisticated.

BOLD FRO-HAWK

If daring is your style, you’ll love the idea of a colorful frohawk. Ask your stylist to buzz the sides, create a distinctive shape—like a shaved lightning bolt—and add some bleach for extra impact. Choose any color you like, but a vibrant shade adds personality and pairs well with neutral outfits. The standout feature is the playful shape, which adds a fun, bold touch without taking itself too seriously.

LONG, TAPERED CURL

Anyone with curls knows that each bend can create a trompe l’œil effect, but you can enhance this illusion by adding real layers for even more shape and dimension. This approach not only emphasizes the natural texture but also adds depth and movement to your curls, making your hairstyle even more striking.

BUZZ CUT WITH DESIGNS

Keep your style sharp and eye-catching with a buzzcut that incorporates unique designs. Whether you opt for various sizes, shapes, or personal messages, your scalp becomes a canvas for creativity. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make a bold statement with your haircut.

GINGER SNAP

No matter which tapered haircut you choose, adding a ginger hue can give your style an edgy, alternative vibe. This vibrant color enhances the look, providing a fresh and eye-catching twist to your tapered cut.

ICY TRAIL

If you’re ready to transition from long natural hair to a vibrant fashion color, this clean fade is the perfect choice. Opt for a close shave on the sides to let the deep side steal the spotlight, and add an icy, gunmetal blue for a striking, contemporary look.

TAPERED PIXIE

Pair a pixie cut with tapered sides for a wispy, stylish look that’s both cute and easy to maintain—just remember regular touch-ups with clippers or your stylist. For an extra touch, sweep the top into a soft mohawk for added flair and versatility.

ARTSY COLORS

“Tapered cuts are like blank canvases, offering clients the chance to get creative and express their style almost artistically,” says Dent. “You can opt for cut designs that reflect your personality or mood, incorporating clean lines, swirls, or even shaved artwork. Plus, you can style it with curls, twists, faux locs, and coils—or, in this case, with vibrant dye.”

CURLY FRO-HAWK

For a timeless yet edgy look, sweep the sides of your hair up and style them into a curly faux frohawk. To add even more impact, stretch out your curls to enhance their volume and create a bold, standout style.

FAQ

1.How can I maintain a natural tapered cut?

One key aspect of tapered cuts is their tendency to grow out quickly. To keep your style looking sharp and fresh, aim to schedule a barber appointment every 2 to 3 weeks.

2.How can I fake a tapered cut?

If you’re drawn to the tapered sides but hesitant to fully commit, try creating a faux hawk. Divide your hair into 2 or 3 vertical sections, slick up the sides to form ponytails, and fluff each ponytail to achieve a cohesive, uniform look.