We’ll admit — we kind of zoned out during that DNA lesson in our high school science class. But all of the sudden, thanks to this incredible hair trend, we’re obsessed with all things double helix. On July 10th, Rhode Island-based hairstylist Alexandra Wilson posted a DNA braid how-to on Instagram, and it’s something you need to see in order to believe.
Think of the DNA braid like a souped-up fishtail braid, but it uses three sections of hair instead of two. Like a fishtail, to do the DNA braid, you’ll steal bits from each outside section, weaving them over and under the middle section. It’s a bit wonky to explain, so pay close attention to Wilson’s tutorial if you’re looking to rock a DNA braid to your next summer event.
This isn’t something a beginner would want to tackle. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, which is exactly why Wilson wanted to share it with her followers.
“I have actually seen the DNA braid done before, but it’s just not a popular braid,” Wilson told Bustle on July 18th. “I wanted to recreate 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.”
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Once you get the hang of the hand motions, the process seems fairly manageable. Bonus points if you have rainbow hair — those colors make the DNA braid look that much cooler.
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Other Instagram hairstylists have been trying their hand at DNA braiding, too. Just look at all of these gorgeous styles:
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“The feedback [on the DNA braid] has been insane. It’s the most liked picture and video that I have on my page,” Wilson continued to tell Bustle. “I was hoping people would think it was cool and different, so I’m very happy people loved it!”
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Oh, we love it alright. Our hair might currently be in knots after trying to tackle it, but we’re determined to DNA braid our way to stardom.