This summer, it felt like every cool girl on your feed was rocking a side part — and not just any side part, but the side-part braids.
Summer 2025 was all about one hairstyle: the side-part. What was once a simple, understated detail has now evolved into a statement of its own. There’s just something about that deep side-part — it changes the way your face looks, gives your braids a fresh vibe, and somehow adds this effortless elegance, and honestly, I can’t stop thinking about them.
So let’s talk about the styles, the ways to play with it, and yes… all the reasons this trend absolutely stole our summer.
Braided bob sew-in
Out of all the side-part hairstyles that had us swooning this season, this one definitely takes the crown. Everywhere you look at celebs like Tyla on social feeds, the girlies could not have enough of this style. Unlike your regular braids with extensions, this style switches things up with a sew-in. Here’s the magic: part your hair down the middle, braid the front with your natural hair, and then the bottom half of the back is where the sew-in comes in. The best part? Since it’s a sew-in and mimics the flow of natural hair, you can get playful with the ends — like chic bobs, flirty dolly ends, or even 90s-style curls. It instantly elevates the look from everyday to runway-ready.
Read also: Your summer hairstyle guide: embrace easy-breezy styles
Side-part Fulani boho braids
You can always spot Fulani braids from a distance; those pretty curves and swoops that flutter across the head are impossible to miss. But throw in a side-part? Suddenly, the whole look levels up. The side part really gives the face this beautiful frame, and the braids just flow. You can make the ends boho style by adding the curls to it, or leave it straight as you would the classic box braids. Pull them into a ponytail, or even wrap them into a bun when you’re feeling fancy and you have the perfect hairstyle.
Deep-part cornrows
Everyone loves the classic cornrows, but cornrows with a deep side-part? Chef’s kiss. The part itself becomes part of the design, giving a strong visual line that’s perfect for bold lines. You can go classic with neat, even rows or mix it up with asymmetrical lines or zig-zag patterns. It’s bold, structured, and very, very cool.
Read also: Long hair, don’t care: 5 heat-friendly braids for women who love their length
Side-part box braids
Box braids are already a full-blown obsession and for good reason. They come in all sizes —from micro to jumbo to knotless — each giving a different kind of energy. Because of the way they are made, you can easily switch things up with side or centre parts, depending on your vibe for the day. Swooping it to the side for a clean side part gives you a look that’s versatile and also fun.
Braided ponytail with side-part
If you’re after a style that’s classy and elegant, the side-part updo is the one. Whether you go for a sleek low bun or even a snatched high bun, that deep side part adds instant structure to your face. You can lay your edges for that clean, polished finish, leave a few braided pieces out to frame your face, and add accessories to really enhance the look.
The side parts that stole the summer
The side-part braids trend may have blown up over the summer, but let’s be honest, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s one of those styles that just works, no matter the season. Beach days, brunch dates, office slay, or night outs — it fits right in. So if you haven’t hopped on the side-part train yet, trust me, it’s worth it.
Read more: These trendy holiday hairstyles are the best for any destination
