So, you’ve always admired those effortlessly cool and boho-chic messy side braids, but you’re not quite sure how to achieve the look yourself? Well, fear not! This article is here to guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a beautiful and undone side braid that will have heads turning wherever you go. Say goodbye to bad hair days and hello to the perfect messy side braid that will add a touch of effortless elegance to your everyday style. Let’s get started, shall we?
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Preparation
Before you begin creating your messy side braid, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. You will need a brush or comb to detangle your hair, a clip or hair tie to secure sections of your hair, and any styling products you prefer, such as hairspray and texturizing spray. Once you have everything ready, start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles that could hinder the braiding process.
Once your hair is tangle-free, the next step is to choose which side you want to create your messy side braid on. This decision will determine how you part your hair and on which side you will focus the majority of the braid. Consider your personal preference and which side you feel most comfortable with for the best results.
Sectioning the Hair
To start the braiding process, you’ll need to divide your hair into two sections. Use your comb or fingers to create a clean part in the middle of your head, separating your hair into a left and right section. Take one of the sections, either the left or right, and securely clip or tie it away to prevent it from interfering with the braiding process.
After securing one section, it’s time to start adding some flair to your messy side braid. Leave a few strands of hair loose around your face to frame it and give a more effortless and natural look to your final hairstyle. These loose strands will soften the appearance of your braid and add a touch of softness to the overall style.
Starting the Braid
With your hair sectioned and the loose strands framing your face, it’s time to begin the actual braiding process. Start by taking a small section of hair from the front of the unsecured side. This section will become the first part of your braid.
Once you have your small section of hair, split it into three equal strands. Hold the right strand and cross it over the middle strand, bringing it towards the center. This creates the first step in the braiding process and lays the foundation for your messy side braid.
Adding Hair to the Braid
To achieve that messy and effortless look, you’ll want to add small sections of hair to your braid as you go along. The next step is to pick up a small section of hair from the loose strands near your face. Take this section and add it to the right strand of your braid. This action adds volume and texture to your braid, making it look fuller and more interesting.
Once you have added the section of hair to the right strand, cross the left strand over the new middle strand, just as you did in the previous step. This crossing motion locks in the added hair and continues the braiding process.
Continuing the Braid
Now that you have the basic steps down, it’s time to repeat them and continue the braiding process. Alternate between adding small sections of hair to each side of the braid, working your way down towards the ends of your hair. This alternating pattern ensures that your braid remains balanced and consistent throughout its length.
Continue braiding until you reach the ends of your hair. As you near the end, make sure to secure the braid with a hair tie. This prevents your hard work from unraveling and keeps your messy side braid intact. The hair tie should be hidden within the braid, so it doesn’t distract from the overall look.
Loosening the Braid
To achieve that effortlessly messy appearance, it’s important to loosen the braid tactfully. Gently tug on the sections of the braid, starting from the top and slowly working your way down to the ends. This loosening process gives your braid a more relaxed and bohemian vibe, perfect for casual outings or even special occasions.
For an even messier look, pull out a few face-framing strands from the loose hair left around your face. These loose strands add softness and dimension to your messy side braid, enhancing its overall charm and appeal. Feel free to adjust the braid as desired, pulling on sections to create a looser or tighter appearance, depending on your preferences.
Setting the Braid
To ensure that your messy side braid stays in place, it’s essential to apply some finishing touches. Start by spritzing hairspray over the braid, holding it in place and preventing any unwanted frizz or flyaways. This step helps to maintain the overall structure and longevity of your braid throughout the day.
Should you find any loose parts or flyaways that need taming, don’t hesitate to use bobby pins to secure them. Just gently tuck them into the braid, hiding them discreetly and making sure they blend in seamlessly. This attention to detail ensures that your messy side braid looks polished and put together, even if it’s intentionally messy.
If you desire extra volume and texture in your braid, consider using a texturizing spray. This product adds the perfect amount of grit to your braid, making it appear fuller and more texturized. Spritz the texturizing spray lightly over your braid and use your fingers to scrunch and tousle it for that effortlessly chic look.
Variations
While the messy side braid itself is already a versatile and stylish hairstyle, there are a few variations that you can try to switch things up and add a unique touch to your look.
For a boho vibe, consider adding a headband to your messy side braid. Choose a headband that complements your outfit and personal style. When positioning the headband, place it right behind the loose strands framing your face, allowing them to blend harmoniously with your braid. This addition adds a bohemian flair to your messy side braid, perfect for festivals or casual day-to-day wear.
If you want to experiment further, go for multiple small braids instead of one large braid. This variation adds a more intricate and detailed look to your hairstyle. Divide your unsecured hair into several smaller sections and create individual braids within each section. This creates a more playful and unique appearance, allowing you to showcase your creativity and personal style.
If you’re feeling bold and want to add a pop of color to your messy side braid, consider incorporating colored hair extensions. These extensions come in a variety of shades and can be easily clipped onto your natural hair. Choose a color that complements your hair and outfit, and add the extensions strategically throughout your braid for an eye-catching and vibrant effect.
Tips for Success
As with any new hairstyle, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt at a messy side braid isn’t exactly what you envisioned. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the braiding process and experiment with different techniques and variations. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become, and the better your messy side braid will turn out.
To make the braiding process easier, start with slightly damp hair. Wet or damp hair tends to hold the braid better and allows for smoother manipulation. If you have dry hair, consider spritzing it with a water mist or applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner before you begin styling. This creates a more workable texture, making it easier to braid your hair neatly and evenly.
To ensure that you achieve the desired outcome, use a mirror to check the progress of your braid regularly. This way, you can make any necessary adjustments and ensure that your braid remains balanced and symmetrical. The mirror also allows you to see how the messy side braid complements your overall look, giving you the opportunity to make any final tweaks before stepping out with confidence.
Styling Options
Once you’ve mastered the art of creating a messy side braid, it’s time to explore different styling options that allow you to change up your look effortlessly.
One popular styling option is wearing the messy side braid over one shoulder. Simply sweep the braid to your preferred side, allowing it to drape beautifully over your shoulder. This look exudes elegance and works well for both casual and more formal occasions. Pair it with a flowy dress or a tailored pantsuit to embrace the versatility of this hairstyle.
For a more playful and relaxed look, transform your messy side braid into a half-up hairstyle. Gather the top half of your hair and secure it into a ponytail or bun. Then, continue the braiding process with the remaining loose hair, creating a messy side braid with the added dimension of the half-up style. This look can be customized to suit your personal style and the occasion, whether it’s a brunch date or a day at the beach.
If you’re looking for an elegant updo, consider twisting your messy side braid into a low bun. Start by securing your messy side braid into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. Then, twist the braid into a bun shape, tucking the ends under and securing them discreetly with bobby pins. This sophisticated hairstyle is perfect for weddings, formal events, or any time you want to elevate your look with minimal effort.
In conclusion, the messy side braid is a versatile and effortlessly chic hairstyle that can be achieved with a little practice and creativity. Whether you’re going for a boho vibe with a headband or experimenting with colorful hair extensions, there are endless variations to suit your personal style. Remember to gather all the necessary materials and prepare your hair properly before starting the braiding process. With the right techniques and some finishing touches, you’ll be able to create a beautiful messy side braid that will turn heads and leave you feeling confident and stylish. So embrace the messy side braid trend and have fun experimenting with different styles and variations that accentuate your unique beauty.
