27 Adorable Side-Swept Hair Inspirations to Experiment With

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Side-swept hairstyles have been popular for some time and only appear to be becoming trendier! From daytime to evening, this stylish look will ensure you maintain a fresh appearance. Unlike other styles that may appear dull, side-swept hair exudes sophistication and allure.

To secure side-swept hair, gather your bobby pins, barrettes, and hairspray. Go on, get carried away with these stunning hairstyle inspirations for any special event!

Prior to your next hair appointment, take a look at these images of side-swept hair ideas.

Photos
Side-Swept Pin Back

#1 Side-Swept Pin Back

This side-swept pin back style is favored among hairstyles with one side styled differently. This technique offers the aesthetic of a shaved side without the need for clippers! Hardwear 16 Super Strong Hair Gel by Redken will effectively keep that side sleek and in place throughout the evening. Side hairstyles suit women with all hair types. Exposing the ear adds width, creating balance for a longer face shape.

How to Style side hair:

1. Apply thermal protectant spray and a medium hold gel to damp hair.

2. Dry hair using a flat brush, pulling hair to the preferred side.

3. Pull and pin back one side, securing it tightly while ensuring comfort.

4. Curl the remaining side with medium sections.

5. Finish with strong hold hairspray and shine serum.

#2: Chic Side-Sweep with Gentle Waves

This side sweep hairstyle is chic and stunning. It’s effortless and complements all hair types. Wash your hair the night before. Freshly washed hair never maintains as well, and sleeping on it can add more texture and body for the following day. This style requires a solid foundation, so depending on your hair’s hold, apply mousse beforehand.

Using L’Oreal Tecni.ART Root Lift Spray and L’Oreal Tecni.ART Final Extra Mousse combined is crucial to ensuring those gentle curls stay in place. Once you’ve applied mousse to your hair, dry it thoroughly, making sure your hair is completely dry before curling.

Stylish Long Wavy Hair Styled to the Side
Instagram @hairbyhatem

#3: Stylish Long Wavy Hair Styled to the Side

Enhance your allure with effortlessly chic long side-swept hairstyles. Secure the sides with hairspray and finish your ends with soft side-swept waves for an elegant look.

#4: Elegant Loose Side Bun

A side hairstyle loose side bun is perfect for a formal event or brunch with friends. Hair is intertwined to showcase texture and dimensions that are brought over to the side and enhances the outfit and the neckline.

#5: Side-Swept Bridesmaid Curls

These bridesmaid curls are styled to the side. Some women with long hair believe it is challenging to style. That’s completely untrue. If you’ve never curled your hair before, go for it, and let go of that bun or braid. Before your appointment, never arrive with wet hair unless your hairstylist has given you the green light beforehand. Additionally, there’s nothing wrong with hair that hasn’t been washed in a day or two, as long as it remains fresh and not greasy.

If you’re opting for a side-swept look with long flowing waves or curls, make sure to ask your stylist to set your hair first. Setting your hair ensures the style endures longer, especially if you’re attending a wedding or an event filled with lots of photos and selfies. Lastly, when showing your hairstylist a reference photo, remember it’s meant for inspiration. Every individual’s features differ in terms of head shape, eye shape, length, color of hair, and more. This is why effective communication is essential.

#6: Elegant Side-Swept Style for Straight Hair

Side-swept hairstyles offer a stylish option for women with straight hair. By sweeping your hair to the side, you can enhance your natural texture while adding volume at the roots. Pro Tip: if your part seems flat, try switching it up! Experiment with sweeping your hair in the opposite direction for added lift and body.

#7: Classic Side-Swept Vintage Elegance

This is a side-swept vintage elegance hairstyle. There’s volume and sophistication to this look. It’s elegant and classic. This side-swept hairstyle is perfect for a wedding, special occasion, or a night out. It’s stylish with a touch of vintage charm.

Display a Chic Deep Side Part for Short and Medium Length Hair
Instagram @diegomarcsant

#8: Display a Chic Deep Side Part for Short and Medium Length Hair

Showcase a chic deep side part when you wish to create the illusion of thicker and more voluminous hair. A deep side-part cut paired with beachy waves is an ideal casual hairstyle that can be appropriate for nearly any occasion. A side part serves as an excellent way to enhance smaller facial features and highlight areas of the face you want to attract attention to.

#9: Elegant Side-Swept Romantic Curls

Choose a side-swept romantic loose curl. This style works wonderfully for women with fine hair as it can create the illusion of fullness and volume. This is a perfect option for brides desiring to wear their hair down while still appearing formal and elegant. To achieve this side-swept curly look, use a 1 1/2-inch Babyliss Pro to form curls, Puff Me volumizing powder for added volume, and Sebastian hairspray to secure everything in place.

Charming Side Sweep Hairstyle
Instagram @jaclyntanhmua

#10: Charming Side Sweep Hairstyle

The side sweep has always been the perfect hairstyle for a hint of playfulness or an air of relaxed elegance. There are delicate waves that are enhanced by the vintage gold hair accessories. Products to utilize for this timeless side-swept hair include Osis+ mattifying hair control powder. If you don’t have any hair powder in your collection, use loose powder sparingly. Also, consider Loretta Make Up Milk and Osis Hairspray no.2. Long hair reaching down to the center of the back is recommended. Thick-haired women will appear even more stunning with luscious curls at the side.

#11: Chic Textured Copper Side-Swept Ponytail

When you have a captivating color that shines beautifully on its own, opting for a simple side hair like a loose braid is preferred. Side-swept hairstyles for long hair like this should tie a ponytail for a distinctive twist to this adorable style.

Beautiful Long hair with a side part
Instagram @kaansayar1

#12: Beautiful Long Hair with a Side Part

Enhance your long hair with a side part to create volume and illuminate your face. This style is ideal for petite face shapes. If your face is smaller, long hair can sometimes overshadow your features. Simply altering the parting can add height and reveal one side of your face. This also stretches your facial contours. Experiment with the parting and switch sides whenever one looks flat to maintain a voluminous appearance.

Effortless Side Swept Hairdo

#13 Effortless Side-Swept Hairdo

This side-swept hairstyle is perfect for a day out running errands and can seamlessly transition into a night out. It’s the ultimate wind-swept look. For a brushable hold that keeps your style intact, try Serious Non-Stick Hairspray by Blowpro. This side-swept style works wonderfully for those with rounder face shapes and medium to fine hair that retains curls beautifully.

How to Style Your Hair to the Side:

1. Apply thermal protectant spray and a light hold mousse to damp hair.

2. Dry hair with a round brush, creating volume while pulling hair to the desired side.

3. Curl in large sections and lightly comb through.

4. Loosely pull hair to the desired side and pin if necessary.

5. Finish with medium hold hairspray.

#14: Chic Mid-Length Side Bun

Achieve the appearance of longer hair with a chic mid-length side bun. This elegant updo is perfect for enhancing a formal look on mid to shorter lengths.

Elegant One-Sided Boho Braids
Instagram @nadiaroseg

#15: Elegant One-Sided Boho Braids

Braided to the side hairstyles like this blend the ideal balance of casualness and precision to create a stunning look. To achieve this side-swept braid hairstyle, start with a thick fishtail braid then tug the pieces outwards for a relaxed appearance. Leave wavy strands of hair in front for an elegant finish.

Charming & Graceful Side Swept Hairdo
Instagram @vkmakeup

#16: Charming & Graceful Side-Swept Hairdo

This is a straightforward, graceful, and enchanting side-swept hairstyle on black hair. It carries a trendy vibe for being relaxed and natural, while also exuding a sense of femininity and glamour. It’s an excellent choice for brides looking to achieve a balance between being effortless and elegant. Maintaining beautiful curls that remain bouncy is crucial for any down/half-down hairdo.

For styling, prep your hair with Kenra Thermal Styling Spray before utilizing any hot tools. It not only offers a robust hold for up to 60 hours, but it also safeguards your hair from heat up to 428 degrees. Additionally, use an effective finishing hairspray to secure your hairstyle once the styling is complete, ensuring it stays in place throughout the day. A top option to consider is Osis+ 3 Extreme Hold Hairspray. It’s quick-drying, non-sticky, and easily brushes out, making it ideal for this type of hairstyle.

#17: Chic Side-Swept Updo Featuring Blonde Highlights

This side-swept updo is elegant and effortless. You’ll need a fair amount of hair to create voluminous hairstyles to the side. If you have fine textured hair, dry in a volumizing product such as Evo Shape Vixon. Also, wash your hair the night before. This will help give your style more hold and will assist in pinning the style into place.

When styling, use a curling tong to curl hair. Don’t be afraid to make your curls tight so you can brush them out before styling. For this, try Evo Miss Malleable and spray before you brush out the curls. Lastly, take sections about an inch thick and twist them into place. Finish with strong-hold hairspray and enjoy.

Side-Swept Rocker Hairstyle

#18 Side-Swept Rocker Hairstyle

Sweep your hair to the side and get ready to jam to your favorite tunes with this hairstyle. Women with fine hair should consider the Full Blown Lightweight Styling Whip by Frederic Fekkai. Round or square face shapes with fine to medium hair will find side-swept hairstyles especially flattering.

#19: Charming Side-Sweep Dutch Braid

This side-sweep dutch braid exudes boho elegance. It’s perfect if you desire a polished updo and can effortlessly transition into a more relaxed look. Dry shampoo and texture spray are your best allies when creating side-swept styles. Finish with a touch of shine for added flair. This Dutch braid works well for various hair types and lengths, although it looks most stunning with long, thick hair (extensions can be a great option too!) and an oval face shape.

Effortlessly Chic Side-Swept Messy Braids
Instagram @hairbyleahnoel

#20: Effortlessly Chic Side-Swept Messy Braids

These are effortlessly chic side-swept messy braids. You can still wear your hair all the way down, but it looks polished and done, making it great for any occasion. This side-swept style works with almost all hair types. If you want a longer, more sophisticated look, your hair should be past shoulder length. This style can be done on shorter hair too, just add more texture with a texture spray or paste. This will create a style that is purposely undone.

If you don’t have bangs,  you can leave the front pieces of your hair out or lightly twist them back so they stay out of your face. This style would also be really fun with straight hair for a sleek side-swept appearance.

Charming Side Pony with Side Swept Bangs

#21 Charming Side Pony with Side-Swept Bangs

This charming side pony with side-swept bangs is an ideal one side hairstyle for a casual date or a picnic with loved ones. Simply Organic Medium Hold Hairspray is a fast-drying, non-aerosol spray that works well for all hair types. These side-sweep bangs are particularly flattering for round face shapes featuring medium to fine hair.

#22: Elegant Side-Swept Braided Down Hairstyle

This side-swept look enhances your elegance for any formal event. The braid beautifully secures your hair to one side, allowing the remainder to fall gracefully, which opens up a variety of styling possibilities.

Elegant Second Day Sweep Hairstyle
Instagram @tarahairbeauty

#23: Elegant Second Day Sweep Hairstyle

A stylish second-day sweep hairstyle can be transformed for a timeless vintage look and gently tousled finish. Brush waves in the same direction and create volume around the fringe. Lightly spritz with Vicious by R+CO and Olaplex No. 7 for added shine.

Chic side-part hairstyle with long, highlighted hair for a sophisticated and professional look.

#24 Chic Side Part for Long Hair

This long, chic side-part hairstyle is perfect for those looking for a sophisticated and professional appearance. The natural highlights add dimension and brightness, making it ideal for medium-density hair. This low-maintenance style is great for fine to medium hair types, providing a face-framing effect that enhances your features. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a versatile, everyday look that can easily transition from day to night.

Vibrant Side Swept Hair Chalk 

#25 Vibrant Side-Swept Hair Chalk

Unconventional pastel shades in your hair are currently trending! Explore this curly style using temporary hair chalk on your side-swept locks. Achieve numerous unique looks with the Sephora Collection Pastel Hair Chalk. The highlight is that it’s temporary and effortlessly washes out with water!

How to Style:

1. Apply thermal protectant spray and a light hold mousse to damp hair.

2. Dry hair using a round brush, creating volume and pulling hair to the desired side.

3. Use hair chalk in desired color and paint various sections of hair according to the directions.

4. Curl hair in medium sections and lightly comb through.

5. Loosely pull hair to the desired side and pin if necessary.

6. Finish with medium hold hairspray.

Copper Swept Long Locks with a Side Part
Instagram @anhcotran

#26: Copper Swept Long Locks with a Side Part

Looking to elevate your long hair on day two with some volume and flair? Don’t mistake slightly flat hair for needing a wash. I recommend my clients experiment with a side part to create some movement. Incorporate the season’s most sought-after color, and when styled swept to the side, it will appear truly breathtaking.

Exhibit Your Deep Side Part for Short and Medium Hair

#27 Exhibit Your Deep Side Part for Short and Medium Hair

This side-swept hairstyle is ideal for showcasing those standout earrings! A hairdo with a deep side part like this enhances both medium and short hair lengths beautifully. It’s always essential to safeguard your hair from the damage that heat styling tools can inflict. Mist damp hair with Aveda’s Brilliant Damage Control daily before styling.

How to Style:

1. Apply thermal protectant spray and a light hold mousse to damp hair.

2. Dry hair, pulling your strands to the desired side.

3. Curl in large sections and lightly comb through.

4. Loosely pull hair to desired side and pin if necessary.

5. Finish with a medium hold hairspray.

6. Don’t forget your favorite earrings!