Star Summer Style: The Sexy Side Braid!

Starting with a clean part is a key first step to the loose side braid, agree beauty pros. The freewheeling style also needs pretty makeup and well groomed brows to pull off the tousled-yet-polished effect seen on red carpets. Banish frizz and flyaways with a styling spray, but don’t worry about a few tendrils coming loose—that’s part of the look!

To create most of these side braid (see all pics below), simply part hair, pull to the side and braid loosely. But for a trendy twist, try a fishtail-style braid like Minka Kelly’s. Nackie Karcher, owner/stylist at The Parlour Brooklyn in NYC, says the fishtail is making a comeback since it’s an eye-catching alternative to the traditional braid, with a finer weave that has more intricate-looking detail (although it’s as easy to do as a French braid, she promises!). Here are Nackie’s tips for a fabulous fishtail:

1. Part hair as desired and pull hair back into a ponytail. Split pony in half; then take one piece from the outside of the right-hand section, and cross it over and around to the left-hand section. Repeat on other side: Take one piece from the outside of the left-hand section, and cross it over and around to the right-hand section. Continue until the end, and secure braid with elastic.

2. Be careful to take pieces of hair from the outside of each section. You’ll start to notice a crisscross effect as you wrap these small pieces around the thicker sections of hair.

3. Keep hair pulled tight as you crisscross; if it’s too loose, the braid will start to slide down. To further prevent hair from slipping, spray hair with a styling product, such as Davines Sea Salt Primer (Karcher’s pick).

4. For a more casual effect, pull finished fishtail braid apart slightly with hands so a few wisps will escape.

Our favorite sexy side braids:

Karolina Kurkova’s bold lipstick and off-the-shoulder gown balance out the soft wisps from her loose side braid.

Diane Kruger’s wavy tendrils are smoothed with styling cream so there are no flyways, making for a polished side braid style.

Brooklyn Decker’s deep side part and glam makeup add sophisticated dazzle to her carefree summer braid.

Minka Kelly takes the side braid to a new level with a loose fishtail-style braid chic enough for the red carpet.

Jessica Lowndes’ long, thick hair is well suited to a side braid; the style shows off her subtle summer highlights as well.