Few TV series inspired as much braid experimentation as Game of Thrones. Its costume and hair teams used plaits, twists and loops to signal a character’s status and origins, and fans have been recreating them for weddings, festivals and costume parties ever since. This gallery gathers nineteen interpretations: Daenerys-inspired silvery triple braids and tousled Dutch plaits, Cersei’s looped half-up hair and romantic twists, a criss-cross warrior updo, Sansa-style braids, a Red Wedding rope braid, an Arya rope-braid bun for short hair and Missandei’s natural curls with a twisted headband.
Most styles start with long hair, but there are options for medium lengths and even short cuts. Clip-in extensions help create the thick, dramatic braids seen on screen, while icy or platinum colour is optional rather than essential. Pale hair shows the braid pattern more clearly, though darker shades look equally striking.
Many looks combine loose waves with a few defined braids, which makes them easier to achieve than they appear. Second-day hair or texture spray gives better grip.
1. Tousled Curls and Braids
Daenerys-inspired white-blonde curls are paired with thick Dutch plaits that hang down the back. Curl the ends, then run your fingers through them for an effortless texture fit for a queen. A texture spray before braiding helps the Dutch plaits grip and stay chunky.
Inspiration: @hairstylingbyhh
2. Seven Kingdom-Worthy Plaits
Romantic twists and braided sections inspired by Cersei Lannister would suit a beach day or a maxi dress. It’s mostly straight hair with a few long braids and one thick French braid pancaked through the centre.
Inspiration: @cosmosarah13
3. Cross-Sectioned Braided Updo
No collection of Westeros styles would be complete without an updo. Though it looks complex, it’s simply hair tucked into a faux bob with braids crossing around the head, ready for battle. Plenty of bobby pins hold the faux bob in place through a long event.
Inspiration: @best_hairday_ever
4. Pretty Princess Plait
An oversized, twisted plait on pearl blonde hair suits a princess as much as a prom or wedding guest. The pale shade highlights every twist of the chunky downdo. Pull the twists apart gently with your fingers to exaggerate their size.
Inspiration: @cassielizhair
5. Silvery-White Targaryen Braids
Silvery-white triple braids are pure Daenerys Targaryen. The icy tone and stacked plaits recall her signature look and make an eye-catching choice for themed events. Start each braid high near the temple and secure the ends together at the back.
Inspiration: @queenofhairstyles
6. Looped Half-Up, Half-Down Locks
Cersei Lannister may divide viewers, but her hairstyles are undeniably memorable. This looped half-up, half-down style is elegant and surprisingly easy to adapt for everyday wear. Secure the loops with small pins hidden beneath the top layer.
Inspiration: @urbanfringesalon
7. Fit-For-A-Princess Hairstyle
Crowns, flowers and headbands appear throughout the series as hair adornments. Adding them to a half updo creates a regal finish that feels worthy of a princess. Choose lightweight accessories so they don’t drag down the half updo over time.
Inspiration: @hairbysarahe
8. Sansa-Style Braids
A braided half updo inspired by Sansa suits weddings, parties and other special events. Watching a couple of tutorials helps clarify the technique, which is achievable with a little practice. Practise on second-day hair, which holds braids better than freshly washed strands.
Inspiration: @capelli_drazenka_marelja
9. Red Wedding Rope Braid
Loose curls and a horizontal French rope braid make a look elegant enough for any wedding, red or otherwise. It also works on medium and shorter hair lengths. Pin the rope braid across the back of the head so it sits level from ear to ear.
Inspiration: @style.daze
10. Triple Twist Braid
Icy blonde hair with tousled curls is pulled into a half-up style anchored by a thick triple twist braid. It’s one of the most recognisable looks inspired by the show and is fun to recreate step by step.
Inspiration: @hairbyjoannam
11. Long Ringlets
Brunette hair curled all over with a wand forms goddess-like ringlets. Two twisted braids pinned back add a princess touch, and the whole look is simple to achieve. Brush the curls out lightly with your fingers for a softer, fuller finish.
Inspiration: @hairbybells
12. Platinum Plaits
Mother of Dragons-inspired plaits look intricate, but you don’t need platinum hair to copy them, only bold braids. Video tutorials make the process far less daunting. Clip-in extensions in a matching shade help add thickness to the plaits.
Inspiration: @mirandahedman
13. Widowed Cat Updo
Catelyn Tully, Ned Stark’s wife, often wore simple tucked braided updos early in the series. They’re easy to reinterpret for modern occasions and keep hair neat all day. Tuck the braid ends under and secure them with pins for a neat finish.
Inspiration: @silvousplaits_hairstyling
14. Auburn Dutch Braids
Four auburn Dutch braids are joined into a low ponytail, an easy and symmetrical look. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic to hide it for a cleaner finish. Part the hair evenly before starting so the four braids look balanced.
Inspiration: @annie_nanners1999
15. Arya Rope Braid Buns
Short hair is rare in Westeros, so Arya’s rope-braid buns are a welcome option. Twisted braids are wound into small buns, perfect for shorter lengths. Secure the buns with small pins and a light hairspray to keep shorter layers in.
Inspiration: @silvousplaits_hairstyling
16. Multiple Fishtail Braids
Several fishtail braids of different sizes are pinned together into a romantic side style. If you can already braid a fishtail, this look is straightforward and adds mystery to any outfit. Loosen each fishtail gently once it’s pinned to make it look fuller.
Inspiration: @hair_by_pelerossi
17. Elegant Updo
Loose and tight elements combine in an elegant updo inspired by the show’s women, who are feminine yet always ready for adventure. Have fun experimenting with your own braided variations. Mix a few tight plaits with looser twisted sections for the same contrast.
Inspiration: @annette_updo_artist
18. Missandei Twisted Headband Hairstyle
Missandei, Daenerys’ trusted adviser, wears her natural curly afro with a golden headband. The twisted band frames the curls and adds a regal accent to natural texture. A leave-in conditioner and a pick help keep the afro full and soft.
Inspiration: @styledbykami
19. Princess French Braid
A thick silver French braid worn to the side or pulled back is popular among the show’s princesses and maidens. Adding extensions helps achieve the necessary fullness and length. Pancake the braid by gently pulling at its edges to make it look wider.
Inspiration: @mirandahedman
Building the foundation for Westeros-worthy braids
Most of these styles mix three techniques. Get comfortable with each separately before combining them:
- Dutch braid: strands cross under rather than over, so the plait sits on top of the hair, as in the Targaryen looks.
- Rope braid: two sections twisted in one direction, then wrapped around each other in the opposite direction to lock.
- Fishtail: two sections with small pieces passed from the outside of one to the other.
Pull the loops gently after braiding to make them look fuller and more dramatic.
Making costume braids last through an event
Curl the hair with a wand before braiding if you want waves around the plaits, then mist with a flexible hairspray. Use clear elastics and bobby pins that match your hair colour, and hide elastics by wrapping a small strand around them. For extra thickness, add clip-in wefts beneath the section being braided. Accessories such as metal cuffs, small chains or headbands add an authentic finishing touch.