7. The Side Braid with Loose Ends

The Vibe: Romantic, relaxed, completely beautiful, and specifically designed to photograph well.

The side braid on medium hair is one of summer’s most Pinterest-perfect hairstyles — pulling all the hair to one shoulder and braiding it in a loose, textured, slightly undone style that hangs gracefully over the collarbone. On medium hair, the side braid sits at the perfect length — long enough to look dramatic and intentional, short enough that it does not become unwieldy or too heavy to hold its position.

What Makes It Perfect for Summer Medium Hair:

The side braid contains all of medium hair’s length in a single, cohesive structure that keeps hair from spreading across the back and trapping heat. The side positioning means the braid rests over the front of one shoulder rather than against the neck, which is the most heat-conscious placement possible. The loose, undone quality — achieved by pulling the braid apart after braiding — adds the visual volume that medium hair sometimes needs to make a statement.

How to Create It:

Apply a texturizing spray or light mousse to medium hair and let it dry with natural texture. Gather all the hair and sweep it to one side — left or right, whichever feels more natural. Divide it into three sections at approximately shoulder level. Begin braiding — a standard three-strand braid, a Dutch braid for a raised effect, or a fishtail for the most intricate result. Keep the braid moderately loose rather than tight. Secure at the end with a small elastic that matches the hair color. Now pull: using the thumb and index finger of each hand, gently pull outward on each section of the braid from root to end, loosening and expanding the braid into a fuller, more voluminous shape.

Pro Tips:

  • The pulling step is the most important — do not skip it. A pulled-out braid on medium hair looks full, romantic, and deliberately styled; an unpulled braid looks flat and small
  • A fishtail side braid on medium hair is particularly stunning and photographs extraordinarily well due to the herringbone pattern
  • Leave a few loose pieces at the nape on the opposite side from the braid — these create an asymmetric, romantic quality that makes the whole look more natural and effortless
  • Try adding a thin ribbon or metallic thread to the braid as you go for a summer festival accessory detail

Best For: Medium wavy and straight hair from shoulder to collarbone length. Works on all densities.

Face Shape: The side positioning of the braid is particularly flattering on round face shapes — it creates an asymmetric diagonal line that elongates. Also beautiful on square and oval features.

How Long It Lasts in Summer: 1–2 days — one of the most durable summer hairstyles for medium hair.

Occasion: Beach days, summer weddings as a guest, outdoor concerts, festivals, casual dates.