The 34 most astounding hair moments in

Princess Leia has arguably lost her crown in the Sci-Fi hairdo stakes. And it's all thanks to the ladies (and quite a few gents) of Game of Thrones. Set across the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos (a sort of cross between Medieval England and Middle Earth), several noble houses are engaged in civil war in a bid for the Iron Throne, with many Machiavellian schemes, swordfighting and backstabbing (quite literally) aplenty. The cunning women sport deceptively innocent long flowing Lady of Shallot-style tresses, together with tumbling Pre-Raphelite crimson curls, ice-blonde beach waves and braids more complex than a Rubik's cube. Whatever hardships befall these characters (and there are plenty) they barely seem to have a bad hair day - even the guys can emerge from a battle in a blizzard with their oh-so-ruffable locks unscathed.

So sit back with a cup of wine and click the gallery to embark on an epic journey through the 34 greatest hair moments in Game of Thrones.

1 Season 1, Episode 1

Living a fairly cosseted life up in rural Winterfell, sweet, naive Sansa is seen rocking some feudal-fierce braids as she gazes upon her crush, Prince Joffrey.

2 Season 1, Episode 1

Unlike Sansa, Daenerys has had less of an easy time of it – being exiled with her brother, she is now a pawn in his ruthless quest for the iron throne. But on the upside, with those au naturelle silver-blonde locks, she never has to worry about getting her roots done.

3 Season 1, Episode 1

As a busy scheming queen and mum of three, Cersei has a lot on her plate. She makes sure her sought-after crown stays firmly in place by securing it with a braided basket on top of her head (from which it looks like a serpent might emerge at any minute).

4 Season 1, Episode 1 This isn’t your standard wedding ‘up do’. Yet this is no ordinary wedding - this is a Dothraki wedding, where in place of the traditional best man's speech, there's at least three deaths and a mini-orgy. Mazeltov.

5 Season 1, Episode 1

Following their wedding, the 'happy' couple departs for their honeymoon. Dothraki warriors have to cut off their hair when defeated in battle, yet formidable warlord Khal Drogo’s long ponytail (with mini ‘beard ponytail’ to match) cements his status as fearsome, mythical motherf*cker #1.

Was Khal Drogo's hair the inspiration for Chanel's latest show, we wonder?

6 Season 1, Episode 3

He might be going a little thin up top, but Ser Rodrik Cassel isn't about to let all the girls have all the fun when it comes to braiding. Although not a major character, he steals every scene with quite frankly, the most impressive side-burns we've ever beheld.

7 Season 1, Episode 3

Little sword-fighting scamp Arya ensures her hair doesn't inhibit her fighting skills, by tying it up in a bun (with two loose braids, presumably to slay her enemies by whipping her hair back and forth Willow Smith-style).

8 Series One, Episode 4

As the series progresses, the hairstyles get even more impressively complicated (those talented handmaidens should really have their own version of Great British Hairdresser.) Cersei's 'Patsy from Ab Fab-meets- Medusa' braided hive is certainly a sight to behold.

9 Season One, Episode Four

At the jousting match, Sansa comes a cropper in the pretty-damsel- waiting-to-be-swept-off-her-feet stakes with this classic half-up do, complete with mini braided headband at the back.

10 Season One Episode Six

Having consumed a raw stallion's heart for the good of her unborn son (folic acid is for wimps apparently), Daenerys makes sure her hair doesn't get in the way of her equine organ-munching activities by securing it in a low ponytail - with a few braids thrown in for good measure.

11 Season 1, Episode 6

Imprisoned in one of the Eyrie's sky-cells, dungeons (simply, a ledge with a thousand-foot drop) Tyrion Lannister's lustrous blonde locks take on a rather fetching windswept allure.

12 Series 1, Episode 7

Ned Stark goes to confront Cersai about her shady dealings, a pivotal moment in the series. Yet we’re more distracted by how good Cersai's hair would look with Ray Bans and a kaftan on the beach.

13 Series 1, Episode 10

Since arriving at King's Landing, Sansa ditches her sweet French braids and adopts the more flamboyant styles of the South. By the looks of it, she’s a teacup away from Lady Gaga.

14 Series 1, Episode 10

Now a fugitive following her father's alleged treachery, Arya disguises herself as a boy by chopping her hair into a pixie cut, J-Law style.

15 Season 1, Episode 10

Emerging unharmed from a fire, Daenerys proves she is a True Dragon – with one of the little fellas perched on her shoulder to prove it. Covered in ashes, her dirty blonde hair is SO Glastonbury-chic.

16 Season 2 Episode 1

It's not just the ladies who sport seductive hair dos in GoT. Jon Snow's oh- so-ruffable curls could so easily veer into 80s Glenn Hoddle territory, yet they manage to retain their lustrous bounce despite the Arctic conditions our Man of the Night’s Watch now finds himself in.

17 Series 2, Episode 3

Ballsy blonde Brienne has no time to faff about with any of that braiding nonsense. Instead she adopts a choppy drenched locks most notably spotted at Alexander Wang S/S12. Helmet hair never looked so good. 18 Season 2, Episode 5

Daenerys scrubs up well at the reception held for her by Qartheen dignitary Xaro Xhoan Daxos. He presents her with a smart new frock for the occasion, which she styles with Malibu Barbie hair.

19 Series 2, Episode 5

Jaqen H’ghar is a man of mystery, promising Aryia three killings of her choice after she helps save his life. Even more mysterious is how he's apparently managed to steal Caitlin Moran's hair (it does seem to suit him).

20 Season 2, Episode 9

Doreah seems remarkably chipper and fresh-faced for someone who grew up in a whore house. As a member of Daenerys's khaleesar, she opts for a more subdued style, her chestnut locks pulled back in two skinny braids to showoff her sunkissed complexion.

21 Season 3, Episode 1

Best known for her role as Sasha in , actress Nathalie Emmanuel swaps Chester for the mythical continent of Essos as the polyglot slave Messendei - her single braid cementing her status as a GoT Girl (definitely a step-up from Hollyoaks Hottie).

22 Season 3, Episode 1

Don't be fooled by those innocent-looking Rapunzelesque locks, cunning Margaery Tyrell doesn't miss a trick - overthrowing Sansa to become King Joffrey's new betrothed. (Although she must go through quite a few sachets of hair masque to keep those waist-length, wavy tresses in check).

23 Season 3, Episode 4

Ok, so not strictly a hairstyle as such, but we couldn't not give a mention to Lady Oleanna (Lady Margaery's formidable nana) and her elaborate headscarf origami, seen here accompanying Master of Whisperers Varys for a pleasant afternoon's strolling and scheming.

24 Season 3, Episode 7

A former prostitute who captures the heart of Tyrion Lannister and worms her way into becoming Sansa's handmaiden, Shae has some impressive survival instincts. She makes sure to always carry a knife strapped to her thigh (and by the looks of it, a Babyliss Curling Wand).

Season 3, Episode 8

We're quite intrigued as to what the ladies of Game of Thrones use instead of styling putty to keep their hair in place (beeswax? resin?). Whatever Cersei (left) is using, it's definitely effective at keeping those giant loose twists in place. (As twisted as her soul is sadly...)