The Braid Diaries: Nina Dobrev's Best Plaits, Ponies, and Updos

We think we've found Nina Dobrev's hidden talent — she is the master of done-up hair. From swinging ponytails to waterfall braids to intricate chignons, there is no hairstyle that she hasn't rocked with ease on the red carpet. Nina recently announced that she's leaving the cast of The Vampire Diaries, and while we're heartbroken to see Elena go, we're pumped to see Nina kick up her hair game. Take a look back at some of her best styles, and don't blame us if you are tempted to pin more than one of them onto an inspiration board of your own.

Hidden Bohemian Braid
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Hidden Bohemian Braid

At the screening of Final Girls, Nina walked the red carpet with a small, subtle plait that peeked out from her mermaid waves.

Big Ballerina Bun
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Big Ballerina Bun

At the launch of her friend Riawna Capri's Nine Zero One salon, Nina piled her hair on top of her head in a huge topknot that gave off a Grecian goddess vibe.

Tousled Rope Braid
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Tousled Rope Braid

At the 2014 Teen Choice Awards, Nina smoldered with smudgy chocolate liner and an intricate, textured rope braid.

Sneaky Headband Braid
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Sneaky Headband Braid

At the premiere of Let's Be Cops, Nina showed off her glowing skin and her edgy sense of style with a tiny headband plait.

Darling Bow
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Darling Bow

Not everyone could pull off this cute hair bow, but Nina made it look pretty (not prissy) at PaleyFest 2014.

Knot-Hawk
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Knot-Hawk

For the 2014 People's Choice Awards, stylist Riawna Capri created a "knot-hawk" that contained 100 knots in her updo!

Looped-Up Bun
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Looped-Up Bun

For the 2013 SAG Awards, Nina set off her dangling diamond earrings with a messy, high bun.

Tousled Ponytail
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Tousled Ponytail

It was a rocker-chic moment at the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards with a teased-up, high ponytail.

Wrapped Ponytail
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Wrapped Ponytail

With a plunging back, what could look better than a long, sleek ponytail with a wrapped top?

Hairline Braid
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Hairline Braid

Back in 2011, Nina played off the sweetness of her dress with a tight braid coiled around her hairline.

Wavy Ponytail
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Wavy Ponytail

Nina added texture to her long hair, pulling it back into a low ponytail.

High Bun
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High Bun

All the better to show off her toned shoulders, Dobrev added height to her bun.

Bunched-Up Ponytail
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Bunched-Up Ponytail

At a magazine party, Nina went for high drama with a bunched-up ponytail.

Sideswept
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Sideswept

It was a retro 'do for Dobrev when she paired her sideswept bangs with a high ponytail with plenty of bend.

Low Chignon
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Low Chignon

As if her intricate chignon wasn't enough, Dobrev added sweet curls near her cheekbones.

Fishtail Braid
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Fishtail Braid

Take that, Pinterest! Nina showed off a perfectly plaited fishtail braid at a Golden Globes bash in 2012.

Side Bun
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Side Bun

Nina gathered her long locks into a perfect side bun with a deep part.

Sleek Pompadour
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Sleek Pompadour

Nina added height to her hair and kept it smooth on top for her 2012 Met Gala appearance.

Waterfall Braid
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Waterfall Braid

Back in 2012, Nina was already rocking the braid that we keep loving into 2014.

Romantic Updo
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Romantic Updo

This cried out to be a bridal updo! This softly romantic updo with loose tendrils was the ultimate in femininity.

High Ponytail
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High Ponytail

A ponytail got extra bounce with loose curls at a Toronto event.

Messy Updo
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Messy Updo

Not for the faint of heart (or untalented with hairpins), this messy updo was supersexy at a 2012 premiere.

Top Ponytail
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Top Ponytail

Another open-back dress, another perfectly sleek and straight ponytail for the star.

Mid Ponytail
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Mid Ponytail

We'd be smiling too if our ponytails had such perfect highlights and crown volume.

Braided Topknot
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Braided Topknot

Yup, there is a braid going up the back of Nina's head, ending in that perfectly undone topknot.