Braids — they’re perennial on the runway, standard in editorials and, most recently, another reason to love Chris Pratt. Now they’re a social media sensation.
Enter @InstaBraid, an Instagram account dedicated to intricately plaited hair that boasts more than 1 million followers.
Behind the cult account are Boca Raton, Fla., teens Shir Ben-Zikry and Sophie Rose, both 18, who started the page in 2012 to “see what happens,” as Rose told Today.com. “We’ll post this braid photo and see how it goes.”
The pair now enjoys sponsorship profits in the five figures, a collaboration with hair accessories Web site Emi-Jay, and a follower count higher than Jessica Chastain’s.
All this success comes from a simple, well-sourced combination of coiffures: Ben-Zikry and Rose post pictures of their own braids, accept e-mail submissions and regram photos from celeb faves like Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lawrence and Kendall Jenner. Even Elsa and Anna from Disney’s “Frozen” got a shout out.
Because there’s one for every occasion, here are ten twisted creations worth trying yourself … or employing nimble-fingered friends to wreathe for you.
The Fashion Week
This braid is street-style bait — perfectly imperfect and ready to be paired with black fur.
The Chutes and Ladders
And we’re not talking about the game here!
The Rapunzel
You could also call it the Rope — but we’d rather be a princess.
The Cinnabun
The tastiest tresses we’ve ever seen.
The Girl With the Pearl Braid
Eat your heart out, Vermeer.
The Basket Weave
The craftsmanship is superb.
The Pisces
Ideal for artistic twins who can twist a simple fishtail.
The Corset
Finally, a reason to save all those gift ribbons.
The Rose
Touch this and she’ll kill you.
The Best. Braid. Ever.
Need we say more?