Game Of Thrones Hairstyles: How To Pull Off The Most Gorgeous 'Dos

Game of Thrones has been a hot topic for all of us since 2011. As of this writing, the mega hit HBO series has earned six Emmys for outstanding visual effects. Thrones is most certainly a visually stunning show, as evidenced by massive fire-breathing dragons, decaying Wights, and even purposeful pitch black cinematography. Of course, without talented actors like Maisie Williams, Kit Harrington, Lena Headey, and all the many others, fancy camerawork and CGI wouldn't much matter.

These actors have gone above and beyond to stay true to their respective characters as described in author George R.R. Martin's books — from Gwendoline Christie chopping off her beautiful long hair to play Brienne of Tarth to even Sophie Turner's commitment to having Sansa Stark's red hair, despite having to dye it multiple times per week. Thankfully, though, there is a way to pull off some of these character's best looks without having to damage your hair to the point of no return. Here's how.

Jon Snow is hair goals for men and women. Kit Harrington, who portrays Snow, doesn't even have to try to have such great hair. "Luckily, I don't have to do much to it. I don't particularly take care of it. I never wash it. It just does what it does," he explained to Vulture. That said, GoT hair designer Kevin Alexander revealed in an interview with Fashionista that Harrington does have to dye his hair a bit darker for the role. Other than that, though, Alexander agrees that it doesn't take much more than product to get those tight curls. He simply dampens Harrington's hair and then adds in a mix of hair putty and wax while the hair is still wet, which keeps his ringlets frizz-free yet movable.

If you have naturally curly hair, you'll have an easy time pulling off this style — and those of us who can't will be jealous. Because, you know, we all want what we can't have — including Harrington. Although the actor is blessed with near-perfect ringlets, he told Vulture, "If I didn't have to have this, I'd have short hair." You know nothing, Jon Snow.

It takes a lot of work to transform an actor into one of the Children of the Forest. Kae Alexander, who plays Leaf, explained in a behind-the-scenes interview for HBO, saying, "If I were to do a full-body prosthetic, I'll get picked up at midnight and then I'll be on set by 10 a.m." With a laugh, she added, "I didn't realize it was going to result to nine-and-a-half hours of makeup." Although hair is an essential part of the look, coiffing the updos obviously doesn't take nearly as long as the makeup. This is good news because we can easily steal the look.

To get an updo similar to Leaf's, try stylist and braid expert Isabel Guillen's braided crown creation. You'll want to separate your hair into two low pigtails and braid (French or regular) each section. Use clear bands to secure the braids and then pull one braid across your head, pinning in place about an inch back from your hairline. Repeat on the opposite side and place the second braid behind the first one. If you really want to look like Leaf, you could add moss. But, uh, maybe don't do that.

When we were first introduced to Indira Varma's character Ellaria Sand, she had long curly hair. As the series progressed, though, her character transformed and wound up with a tousled bob. Although both looks are great, we can't help but stan this cropped cut. 

If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, reproducing this look will be especially simple. Celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak told Coveteur her secrets to styling a curly bob — and these tips will no doubt get your hair to Ellaria level. First, the expert explained, you should wet your hair thoroughly with a misting spray bottle. Using curl cream, twist your hair into sections. Then, turn your blow dryer to its highest heat and lowest speed settings to dry the twists. Go back in with a curling iron to add more defined curls. Lastly, finish off your 'do with some hairspray, being sure to lift your curls so every area gets locked in place.

In earlier seasons of GoT, Cersei often wore her golden hair down and sometimes worked in a few delicate braids. Although Cersei won't be able to rock this style with her short 'do, there's nothing stopping those of you with long hair from trying it. In fact, celebrity hairstylist Zoë Irwin provided the perfect Cerseilicious hair tutorial to Harper's Bazaar.

She advised first spraying you hair with a light texturizing spray and then loosely curling your hair with a curling iron, making sure to twist each small section of hair around the rod. After you're done adding in some loose waves, you can start on the braids. On either side of your center part, braid a small section of hair beginning at the hairline and working your way back to the crown of your head. Secure the two braids together with an elastic band. Once the hair is secured, wrap one small section of hair around the band — effectively covering it — and secure in place with a bobby pin. This look is ethereal so hairspray might just be a tad heavy. The expert recommends finishing the style with serum instead to give you that Lannister sheen.

Unlike some of her costars, Nathalie Emmanuel, who plays Daenerys' fiercely loyal friend and trusted advisor Missandei, does not don a wig on set. Yet her hair has gone through many transformations. "Because she's a slave, the first few scenes you see we've got material around [her hair] and we kept her bound," Game of Thrones hair designer Kevin Alexander explained to Fashionista. "And then as she becomes Dany's helper, that's when we let it all out. We put a braid through the front and brought it around to the side — it's got a gold thread through it."

You can accomplish a similar look — gold thread optional — in just three easy steps. According to a Shape interview with hairstylist Takashi Ashizawa, you first need to separate your hair from ear to ear and French braid the front section, starting behind one ear and working around to the opposite side. After you braid to the opposite ear, pin the braid in place. Lastly, gently fluff out the braid to add just a tad more volume.

Melisandre isn't the only character to pull off buns. Maisie Williams' character Arya can also rock tight coils like No One else. While you might not be able to picture donning this style in your everyday life, it would be pretty cool to show up to a GoT watching party with this look — just sayin'. 

Shape magazine even recommended trying a variation of the 'do since it makes for a "perfect badass gym hairstyle." They're not wrong. Plus, Arya's playful hairstyle can be accomplished in only three steps. First, part your hair down the middle and divide your hair into four equal sections. "Starting at the crown, French braid your hair on each side and secure with a ponytail elastic," the publication revealed. The next step calls for French braiding each remaining side, beginning at the nape of your neck and ending at the crown. Make sure to secure the hair with elastic bands. Lastly, combine the braids on each side of your head, coiling into a bun. Use bobby pins to make sure the buns stay in place.

Daenerys may just be the queen of Game of Thrones hair. Emilia Clarke is naturally a brunette, so her long, icy locks are possible thanks to a wig. Well, many wigs. According to GoT hair designer Kevin Alexander, she cycles through three.

Dany wears her hair differently throughout the series and has gone on to borrow hair inspo from the Dothraki. Alexander told Fashionista that the Mother of Dragons "goes back to that original Dothraki look" — namely braids — when traveling because "it's all about what she would do to be most comfortable." When Dany isn't on the road, though, you'll see her wearing her hair mostly down and, thankfully, that's one of her best and easiest-to-recreate looks.

To get this effortless style, celebrity hairstylist Zoë Irwin told Harper's Bazaar that you'll want to work curling mousse or spray into your hair first before going in with a curling iron. After curling your hair in sections, brush out your locks using serum to avoid frizz. Then, take a small section of hair from above one ear, twist, and secure back with a clip. Easy peasy and beautiful.