DNA braids are the cool new hair trend to try for summer

alexandralee1016/Instagram

Whether you’re braiding your child’s hair or your own, these DNA braids are a must-try. The hairstyle is perfect for any age range, and they look as cool as they sound.

These braids got the name “DNA braids” because they look like a double-helix DNA strand. You may see these braids popping up all over your Instagram feed, giving you all sorts of hair inspiration. And we have Rhode Island-based hairstylist Alexandra Wilson to thank for that.

The trend picked up steam after Wilson posted this beautiful photo of rainbow strands twisted into these DNA braids:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk5qVzTh6eu/?utm_source=ig_embed

These plaits are practically magical!

The braids do require a somewhat higher skill level to achieve, but thankfully, Wilson has a tutorial video that you can watch as many times as you need to get the desired look.

This hairstyle seems similar to a fishtail braid, but it involves three sections of hair instead of just two. As you can see in the tutorial, you start with one side and pull strands from the outermost section over to the middle. Then, with the far right side, you pull strands from the outermost section under to the middle. So, it’s the alternating over/under pattern that gives the hair the twisted effect.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlD0R_wh_s_/?utm_source=ig_embed

Wilson told Bustle that the DNA braid isn’t an original creation, but doing sections of three DNA braids in one hairstyle was an updated take on it.

“I have actually seen the DNA braid done before, but it’s just not a popular braid,” she told Bustle. “I wanted to re-create it taking smaller sections so that it really made the braid look intricate. I attempted it because I wanted to try something new and different that a lot of people haven’t seen before.”

RELATED: This dad went to school to learn how to style his daughter’s hair, and now he teaches his skills to other dads!

Lucky for DNA braid fans, plenty of other people have put their own spin on DNA braids and have shared the looks on Instagram.

Instagram user @lorrainecusack created DNA braided pigtails, which are absolutely adorable:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlbZVAKhBT0/?tagged=dnabraid

Meanwhile, @hair.beautybykenzee showed off her skills using a combination of DNA braids, fishtail braids and french braids, all in one look:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlL35j7j9sh/?tagged=dnabraid

Instagram user @n.starck proved that just a simple DNA braid is beautiful all on its own, too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAKzywrAngr/?tagged=dnabraid

If you have multi-colored hair, this braid is a great way to show off each of the hues, as @maryh.ott expertly demonstrates:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlONE6BBiL1/?tagged=dnabraid

Feeling inspired to buff up your braiding skills? You might also want to try an octopus bun, rose braid or even a new, bold color (denim hair, anyone?) because once you master the DNA braid, there’s no stopping you!

Beauty, Fashion & Style
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About the Author
Augusta Statz
I have a B.F.A. in Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design. I’m an avid writer with a genuine sense of curiosity. I feel the best way to absorb the world around you is through fashion, art and food, so that’s what I spend most of my time writing about.

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