9 side-swept hairstyles to sweep you off your feet

Want to know the quickest way to nail the A-list look? From movie premieres to awards ceremonies, we all know that no red carpet is complete without an array of side-swept hairstyles.

But while side haistyles might be the perfect for formal occasions like proms, graduations and weddings that doesn’t mean they can’t be tweaked to transform them into more of an everyday look.

So, if you are looking for a quick hair update with almost zero faff, but plenty of style points, simply scroll on.

9 side-swept hairstyles (the A-list way)

1. Emma Stone’s undone bun

We will love this side-swept hairstyle for many reasons: not only was it the style actress Emma Stone wore when she won her first Golden Globes Award, but it’s also just so effortlessly chic.

Thinking of creating this look at home? Follow in Emma’s footsteps by sweeping your tresses to one side, creating a low bun and simply pinning in place. The key is to not have the look too perfect, so leave any loose tendrils to fall naturally.

Editor’s tip: Ensure your tresses look picture-perfect from every angle with VO5 Tame & Shine Spray. Not only will your tresses look incredibly glossy, this gem will tame frizz and offers heat protection!

2. Emmy Rossum’s ethereal braid

If a standard side braid is a little too ‘gym hair’ for you, why not up your mane game with an ethereal braid like Emmy Rossum. Wearing her brown tresses in a loose French braid, Emmy keeps her side-swept hairstyle undone and romantic by finishing the braid halfway and showing off her tousled wavy ends.

Hair hack: Cover any telltale signs of your hairband by wrapping a section of hair around your band and securing with a bobby pin.

3. Ashley Graham’s ’80s updo

Side-swept hairstyles tend to give most of us retro flashbacks but who said that was a bad thing? Ashley Graham’s curly ’80s-inspired updo is proof that vintage is cool.

Smoothing her brown tresses back into a classic French twist, model Ashley added Madonna-circa-1980s curls at the front, which she allowed to fall forward like a side fringe.

4. Freida Pinto’s flapper waves

Whether it be for a The Great Gatsby themed event or vintage-inspired wedding, 1920s hairstyles are pretty much always a hair hit. And actress Freida Pinto agrees too!

Freida wore her chocolate brown tresses in a side-parted, low updo sitting at the nape of her neck with soft and subtle finger waves which completed her Gatsby-esque look.

5. Lauren Conrad’s side ponytail

Lauren Conrad has been our hair hero ever since Laguna Beach and even now, she always features heavily on our Pinterest board.

Lauren’s smooth and sleek ponytail is perhaps the simplest of our side-swept hairstyles, and can be created in only a matter of minutes.

Hair hack: This hairstyle looks great on day 2 (or even day 3!) hair. Just backcomb tresses at the roots before smoothing into a side ponytail for added volume and height.

6. Katherine Langford’s side braid

The leading lady of the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why, has definitely won to us over this side-swept hairstyle! In our opinion, Katherine Langford’s simple side braid and faux side-fringe is perfect if you’re looking an romantic, (yet easy) hairstyle.

Editor’s tip: Plump up fine locks by sprinkling your braid with the VO5 Instant Volume Powder. Then simply rub the powder into the plait to create instant texture.

7. Christian Serratos’ sleek low bun

Going from the office straight to the bar? This sleek side-swept hairstyle on Walking Dead actress Christian Serratos is screaming date night hair to us! Perfect for ladies with straight hair, this sleek low bun works a treat on unwashed and even post-gym tresses. Nice.

8. Jessica Lowndes’ cornrows

Ditching the classic and ethereal red carpet updos, 90210 actress Jessica Lowndes updated her simple hairstyle by adding cornrows to the side of her long raven tresses.

Not a braiding master? Then you can simply pin back the side of your tresses with one of this season’s hottest hair accessories (we’re fans of snap clips or barrettes, FYI).

9. Rita Ora’s bombshell waves

If our selection of updos didn’t quite make your cut, Rita Ora’s modern day, Marilyn Monroe hairstyle is sure to tempt you to try a side-swept hairstyle!

Not one to shy away from show-stopping hair (did you see her short platinum number at the Met Gala?), this time, Rita Ora decided to opt for a classic look on the red carpet by sweeping her bouncy waves over one shoulder. Stylish and stunning.