What on earth are... DNA braids?

We've had it all when it comes to hair trends this summer, but it seems the creativity popping up on Instagram and going viral on our news feeds is far from over. Next to take the spot as the hottest trend of the time is none other than DNA hair braids.

Why DNA, you ask? Well, it does what it says on the tin- DNA hair braids literally look like a magnified DNA molecule (high school science lesson throwback, anyone?). According to Bustle, the woman behind this mesmerising invention is hairstylist Alexandra Wilson of Rhode Island, who has been posting the hairstyles on her Instagram account. It turns out there are endless options on how to style the braid, which is pretty obvious from all of the styles she's shown off so far. 

Alexandra told Bustle: "I have actually seen the DNA braid done before, but it’s just not a popular braid. 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." 

So, how do you do them? It might have taken Alexandra- with all her years of braiding experience- only 45 minutes to master, but it's quite obvious to see that DNA hair braids aren't for the faint hearted. They're not exactly your average plait, being incredibly intricate, and requiring a lot of skill and patience to pull off. But luckily for us, Alexandrea has created a tutorial on how to achieve the DNA braids so we can all master the hairdo... hopefully, anyway. 

Apparently, according to Alexandra, mastering the braid is time consuming, but once you're used to its pattern, it's not to difficult to get the hang of. So, as long as you can follow her tutorial, you might just be able to replicate the gorgeous look yourself. 

The caption of the video explains that you begin the braid with three strands, with the middle strand being smaller than the others. In order to braid, take a strand from the left and cross it over that section, then under the middle section, then add it to the right section of the hair. Next, do the same- but opposite- with a strand from the right section. This should, apparently, naturally twist towards the left as you go down.

Confused? Us too. But it makes a lot more sense when you watch the video, trust us. Now to try and master the style ourselves...