This Mom Gives Her Daughter Incredible Braids Every Morning

By Zoe Donaldson

Photo: Courtesy of Shelley Gifford

Grace Gifford never has a bad hair day. That's because the 6-year-old's mother, Shelley, is a plaiting powerhouse. Every morning before school, the talented mom turns Grace's stands into unbelievable braids (with only 20 minutes to perfect each style) and posts photos of them on Instagram (@prettylittlebraids). Consider your hair game raised.

💙 Half snake braid today inspired by my sweet friend Dani @mybraidedprincess5 into a messy bun. 💙 Pretty white leather bow from @rileahdesign

A photo posted by Braider: Shelley (@prettylittlebraids) on May 17, 2016 at 3:17pm PDT

Fishtail framed with 4 strand lace braids into a #cghdoublefanbun 💚 We are off to see an Aboriginal dance show. 💚

A photo posted by Braider: Shelley (@prettylittlebraids) on May 12, 2016 at 4:12pm PDT

Loving Grace's 4 strand waterfall braid with curls today, so much pretty! 💗

A photo posted by Braider: Shelley (@prettylittlebraids) on May 14, 2016 at 10:00pm PDT

Stacked braid to a messy bun 🌸 I'm twinning today with my great braiding friend Tam over at @ice_braids 🌸 You will have to wait until Tam wakes up on the other side of the world to see her awesome adult version of this style! 🌸

A photo posted by Braider: Shelley (@prettylittlebraids) on Apr 29, 2016 at 6:56pm PDT

❤️❤️❤️ When you go home Tell them of us and say 'For your tomorrow, We gave our today'. ❤️❤️❤️ They shall not grow old, As we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condem. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. xx ❤️❤️❤️ #anzacday #anzacday2016 #lestweforget #wewillrememberthem #love #anzac #anzacs

A photo posted by Braider: Shelley (@prettylittlebraids) on Apr 24, 2016 at 7:55pm PDT

Cartwheels and dance moves in our backyard while the sun is out today! 💜 Wearing her pretty @ashibyenergetiks dancewear. 💜 @ashleighmareeross Frenchbraids inspired by Varpu over at @winterhair @energetiks #ashi #energetiks #ashibyenergetiks #frenchbraid #frenchbraids #pullthrough #pullthroughbraid #ashicollection #ashicollection2016 #dancehair s #braidingmommies #cghphotofeature #industriebeauty #melbournehairstylist #melbournehairdresser #braid #braids #hairinspiration #cutegirlshairstyles #instabraid #instahair #modernsalon #hairdressermagic #braid #braids #pretty

A photo posted by Braider: Shelley (@prettylittlebraids) on Apr 8, 2016 at 9:44pm PDT

This was so much easier than it looks. Two Dutch braids down the back of the head feathered and joined at the bottom and braided back up through the middle collecting the feathers. Tag me if you give it a go! 💛💛 #daffodilsforcancerresearch #braidingforacuretwin #pumpkinpatch #pumpkinpatchdress @pumpkinpatchkids #braidingmommies #cghphotofeature #industriebeauty #melbournehairstylist #melbournehairdresser #braid #braids #hairinspiration #cutegirlshairstyles #instabraid #instahair #modernsalon #hairdressermagic #braid #braids #pretty #dutchbraid #featherbraid #messybun #hairbun

A photo posted by Braider: Shelley (@prettylittlebraids) on Apr 3, 2016 at 4:14pm PDT

From the June 2016 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine