5 Days, 5 Ways: How to Wear Side Braids

Easy ways to create different braided hair looks

It's easy to slump on hair styling. Without hours to primp in front of the mirror, fiddling with hair can be a major time suck that many of us can't afford in the AM rush. But seeing the inventive side braid looks worn by a particularly cute Barden Bellas newcomer in Pitch Perfect 2 (which hits theaters nationwide on May 15), we were inspired to rock the look ourselves. 

With that in mind, we challenge you to rise above and create a different side-braid look for every day of the week. And because that pesky not-enough-time factor remains, we tapped Nicole Blanco, a hairstylist and makeup artist who preps celebs for red carpet events, to show us how to get complicated looking plaits in just a few breezy minutes.

Start your week with a side braid look that appears tricky but takes just a few minutes to complete: the fishtail. After applying dry shampoo to the roots, brush hair to one side to distribute the product and position hair for the braid. Split hair vertically into two sections, then grab small 1/8-inch strands from the outside of either section and weave them to the center, alternating sides as you go. "It's important to concentrate on the beginning of the braid because there's more hair to handle at this stage," Blanco suggested.

After securing with a rubber band, Blanco tucked any wayward pieces into the braid and sprayed with Pantene Shaping Extra Strong Hold Hairspray for extra hold and finish.

To build from yesterday's look and create a ‘do even more tricky (don't worry, it only appears that way), create the same side fishtail braid as completed on Monday. Then, twist the braided tail into a side-chignon at the nape of the neck by wrapping the tail in a circular motion. After securing with bobby pins, create lift at the roots by sliding the end of a pointed-handle comb into the hair near—but not on—the part.

Guess what? While everyone else is settling for their default, mid-week hairdo (or don't) of shower-and-go, you're going to make them ask, "How does she do it?" when you appear with a reverse crown braid—the beauty equivalent of a mic drop.

Here's how: Complete Monday's fishtail side braid (which, by now, you're a total pro at doing). Next, take the tail and lay it backward so it spans the nape of the neck. Use bobby pins to secure the braid by inserting them so they make X patterns under the hair and across the nape. Tuck the end of the braid under the fishtail and spray with strong-hold hairspray for security.

OK—time to switch it up and let your loose locks flow. (After three days of braided updos, it's probably time for a good hair wash anyway.)

Create a deep part. Use the side of the head with less hair to create a small French braid, starting from the roots and pulling strands tight so it lies close to the scalp. Braid to the tip and pin under free-flowing hair at the nape of the neck. Once finished, use a wide-barrel curling iron to create loose waves on the opposite side for maximum volume.

It's the end of the (work)week and time to wrap it up—literally. Divide your hair horizontally into two sections. Use the top section to French braid the hair from the roots to mid-shaft working toward the ear. Now take all the remaining hair and sweep it around to meet your braid. Continue to French braid, folding the lower section of your hair to the outer ends into the braid. Braid to the tip and tie with an elastic. Near the part you created, take a few hairs down to frame the face and lightly spray the look for extra hold.

Hair styling by Nicole Blanco; modeling by Natalie Perez.