Indian weddings are a grand celebration of love, tradition, and cultural heritage. Every detail, from the attire to the jewellery, plays a significant role in making the bride look stunning on her big day. One of the key aspects of a bride’s appearance is her hairstyle. Choosing the perfect hairstyle that complements the traditional Indian bridal look is essential to ensure she looks and feels her best. This article explores a range of beautiful Indian wedding hairstyles that cater to different preferences and styles.
Summary
Indian wedding hairstyles are designed to complement traditional bridal looks while making the bride feel beautiful. Popular styles include the crisscross flower-accented bun for elegance, the side-parted ringlet bun for timeless appeal, and bumped-up curls for added volume. Brides can also opt for the sophisticated twisted side bun, the dramatic curly tendrils updo, or the regal centre-parted bun. Other options include loose, romantic braids, intricate floral updos, and the classic gajra-covered bun. These hairstyles range from traditional to modern, ensuring every bride finds the perfect look for her big day.
Criss Cross Flower Accented Bun
One of the most classic and elegant hairstyles for an Indian wedding is the crisscross flower-accented bun. This hairstyle keeps the hair neatly in place and adds a touch of traditional charm with flowers.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Preparation: Start with clean, detangled hair. Apply a smoothing serum to eliminate frizz and add shine.
- Sectioning: Divide the hair into two sections, one on the left and one on the right.
- Forming the Bun: Gather the remaining hair at the back into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Use a hair doughnut to create a bun by rolling the ponytail around the doughnut until it is completely covered.
- Criss-Cross Detail: Take sections from the front and cross them over the bun, securing them with pins.
- Flower Accents: Decorate the bun with small flowers, securing them with U pins for a delicate, traditional look.
- Finishing Touches: Apply a strong-hold hairspray to ensure the hairstyle stays intact throughout the ceremony.
Side Parted Ringlet Bun
The side-parted ringlet bun is a sophisticated choice that exudes timeless appeal. It is perfect for brides looking to balance tradition with elegance.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Preparation: Begin by straightening the hair and applying heat protectant.
- Creating the Bun: Pull the hair into a ponytail and create small ringlets using a curling iron. Secure these ringlets around the base of the ponytail to form a bun.
- Side Parting: Mix the hair’s front section to one side, then smooth it back and pin it above the bun.
- Embellishments: For a natural, earthy touch, add a decorative comb with leaf motifs to one side of the bun.
- Hold: Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.
Bumped Up Curls
Bumped-up curls are excellent for brides who prefer a more voluminous hairstyle. This style adds height and drama to the overall look, making it ideal for those who want to stand out.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Curling: After applying heat protectant, curl the lower half of the hair with a curling iron.
- Adding Volume: Place a bumpit at the crown of the head to create volume, then smooth the top layer of hair over the bumpit.
- Final Touches: Secure the look with a light-hold hairspray to keep the curls soft and natural.
Elegant Twisted Side Bun
The elegant twisted side bun is perfect for brides who prefer a subtle yet stylish updo. This versatile hairstyle pairs well with both traditional and modern bridal outfits.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Straighten: Start by straightening the hair and applying a heat protectant.
- Forming the Bun: Gather the hair into a low-side ponytail, leaving a few strands loose at the front. Twist sections of the ponytail and pin them to form a loose bun.
- Twisted Sections: Take the loose strands from the front, twist them, and pin them around the bun.
- Hold: Apply a high-hold hairspray to keep the hairstyle in place.
Curly Tendrils Updo
The curly tendrils updo is a fantastic choice for a more dramatic look. This hairstyle allows the curls to cascade elegantly, drawing attention to the bride’s earrings and neckline.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Curling: Begin by curling the entire head of hair with a curling iron.
- Creating the Updo: Gather the hair into a high ponytail and use a hair doughnut to form a bun, leaving the ends of the curls loose to create tendrils.
- Framing the Face: Pull a few strands from the front to frame the face.
- Finishing Touches: Secure with hairspray to hold the curls in place while maintaining a soft, romantic look.
Dramatic Center Parted Bun
The dramatic centre-parted bun is for brides who envision themselves as princesses on their wedding day. This hairstyle is a refined take on the traditional bun, offering a majestic and royal appearance.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Texturising: Apply a texturising spray to give the hair a grip.
- Center Parting: Create a clean centre part and gather the hair into a high ponytail.
- Forming the Bun: Use a hair doughnut to create a bun, securing it with U pins.
- Adding Height: Use a fine-toothed comb to add height to the front sections.
- Final Touches: Smooth the front hair with a calming serum and finish with a strong-hold hairspray.
Loose Romantic Braid
A loose, romantic braid is ideal for brides who prefer a simpler, more relaxed look. This hairstyle beautifully complements traditional South Indian attire.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Texturising: Start by applying a texturising spray to the hair.
- Braiding: Part the hair to one side and create a French twist braid that leads into a loose braid down the back.
- Loosening: Gently loosen the braid for a softer, more romantic feel.
- Accessorising: Add a maang teeka to enhance the traditional look.
Bouquet Bun
The bouquet bun is a modern take on the traditional gajra-adorned hairstyle. Instead of a full garland, a small bouquet is used to decorate a low bun, making this hairstyle both contemporary and traditional.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Preparation: Backcomb the hair to add volume, then gather it into a low ponytail.
- Creating the Bun: Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins.
- Floral Decoration: Attach a small bouquet to the top of the bun.
- Hold: Finish with hairspray to keep the style secure.
Intricate Floral Updo
The intricate floral updo is perfect if you love floral embellishments but prefer artificial flowers.
This style is especially great for matching your hairstyle to your outfit’s colour scheme.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Texturising: Apply texturising spray for added grip.
- Bun Formation: Create a bun using a hair doughnut, pinning sections of hair around it.
- Floral Embellishments: Add faux flowers to the updo using U pins.
- Finishing Touches: Secure with hairspray for a polished look.
Dutch Braids Bun
Dutch braids add an element of complexity and elegance to a bridal updo. This hairstyle suits brides with thinner hair, as the braids and bun create the illusion of volume.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Preparation: Apply texturising spray and part the hair in the middle.
- Braiding: Create two Dutch braids on either side of the part, leading into a low ponytail.
- Forming the Bun: Wrap a faux Juda around the ponytail to create a full bun.
- Securing: Finish with a strong-hold hairspray.
Fancy Clip Curly Bun
Short-haired brides can achieve an exquisite look with the fancy clip curly bun. This style is simple yet elegant, perfect for those with shorter hair.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Curling: Curl the lower half of the hair and create a side part.
- Bun Formation: Use a bumpit for added volume at the crown, then gather the hair into a bun and secure it with pins.
- Decoration: Add a fancy hair clip to the bun for elegance.
- Hold: Apply hairspray to keep the curls intact.
Ponytail With A Veil
The ponytail with a veil is a striking option for a modern and bold bridal look. This hairstyle is unconventional yet stylish, perfect for brides looking to make a statement.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Curling: Curl the bottom half of the hair and create a middle part.
- Ponytail Formation: Secure the hair into a low ponytail and add a bumpit for volume at the crown.
- Veil and Accessories: Attach the veil just above the ponytail and accessorise with a jhumar and maang teeka.
- Finishing Touches: Use hairspray to keep the style in place.
Simple Floral Braid
The simple floral braid is an embodiment of the traditional Indian wedding aesthetic. This straightforward yet elegant hairstyle is a timeless choice for brides.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Preparation: Apply heat protectant and curl the hair.
- Braiding: Create a loose side braid and secure it with a hair tie.
- Floral Decoration: Attach faux flowers along the length of the braid.
- Final Touches: Loosen the braid slightly for a more relaxed appearance.
Elaborate Poola Jada Braid
The poola jada braid is a traditional South Indian bridal hairstyle that is both intricate and regal. This style is perfect for brides looking to embrace their cultural heritage.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Preparation: Backcomb the hair for volume and start a three-part braid.
- Adding Extensions: Incorporate hair extensions halfway through the braid for added length and volume.
- Decorating: Add the poola jada (floral accessory) from the top to the bottom of the braid.
- Securing: Finish with a strong-hold hairspray.
Traditional Gajra Braid
The traditional gajra braid is an excellent choice for a classic and timeless look. This hairstyle features a long braid adorned with a jasmine garland, perfect for a traditional Indian bride.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Texturising: Apply texturising spray and create a middle part.
- Braiding: Start a simple three-strand braid and secure it with a hair tie.
- Floral Embellishment: Weave the gajra through the braid for a traditional touch.
- Finishing Touches: Use U pins to secure the flowers and finish with hairspray.
Side Swept Curls
Side-swept curls are a simple yet elegant choice for brides who want to understate their hairstyle. This look is perfect for highlighting the bride’s dress and accessories.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Curling: Curl the hair using a large curling iron.
- Side Parting: Create a deep side part and pin the hair behind the ear on one side.
- Final Touches: Sweep the curls to one side and secure them with a decorative pin.
- Hold: Apply a light-hold hairspray to keep the curls in place.
Rosy Ringlet Bun
The rosy ringlet bun is an elegant hairstyle that exudes sophistication. This look is perfect for brides who want to achieve a classic, timeless appearance on their wedding day.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Texturising: Apply texturising spray and create a low ponytail.
- Forming the Bun: Use a hair doughnut to create a bun, pinning the curls around it to form ringlets.
- Floral Accents: Add small artificial roses to the bun.
- Finishing Touches: Secure with hairspray for a polished look.
Mermaid Braid
The mermaid braid is a whimsical and ethereal hairstyle perfect for a bride who wants to channel a fairytale look. This intricate and stunning style makes it ideal for a memorable wedding day.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Preparation: Straighten the hair slightly to remove frizz and apply texturising spray.
- Braiding: Create a deep side part and braid the hair loosely to one side.
- Finishing Touches: Loosen the braid for a voluminous look and secure it with a hair tie.
- Hold: Use hairspray to keep the style in place.
Gajra Covered Bun
The gajra-covered bun is a nod to traditional Indian bridal hairstyles. This look is perfect for brides honouring their heritage with a classic, timeless style.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Preparation: Apply smoothing serum and create a low bun at the back of the head.
- Adding the Gajra: Cover the bun with a jasmine gajra and secure it with U pins.
- Final Touches: Smooth the hair with a fine-toothed comb and finish with hairspray.
Messy Tiara Braid
The messy tiara braid is a beautiful choice for a more relaxed, bohemian bridal look. This hairstyle is perfect for brides who want to feel like princesses on their special day.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Curling: Curl the hair and create a side part.
- Braiding: Create a loose side braid and secure it with a hair tie.
- Tiara Placement: Add a tiara on top and pin it in place.
- Floral Accents: Decorate the braid with small flowers and secure them with pins.
- Final Touches: Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style intact.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hairstyle for an Indian wedding is crucial in creating a look that complements the bride’s outfit and overall theme. There is a wide variety of styles, from classic buns and intricate braids to modern ponytails and loose curls. Each hairstyle can be personalised with accessories like flowers, jewellery, and decorative pins to reflect the bride’s unique style and cultural background. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary look, these hairstyles offer something for every bride on her special day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Wedding
How should I wear my hair to an Indian wedding?
Hairstyles for Indian Wedding Guests: For Open Hair
- Natural Waves for an Elegant Look.
- Side-Swept Tresses.
- Luscious Curls with a Maang tikka.
- Waterfall Braids for a Half Up Half Down Hairstyle.
- Crown Braids with Glamorous Curls.
- A Simple Yet Elegant Blow Dry.
- Play Around With Side Braids.
- Classic bun With Fresh Flowers.
How do Indian brides wear their hair?
Traditional Twist
For the most traditional Indian brides, a thick braid with jasmine woven through it is the look that never fails.
Can you wear black to an Indian wedding?
Black is another colour best avoided at an official ceremony as it is considered very inauspicious in India. Although many like this colour for its sensual appeal, it will also make you stick out in a crowd dressed in vibrant festive colours, which won’t help you blend with other guests.
What should you not wear to an Indian wedding?
Just like you wouldn’t wear white to a Western Wedding, you should avoid wearing black and white at an Indian wedding. These colours are disrespectful since they are common when attending a funeral. Also, it’s polite to avoid wearing shades of red because the bride typically wears red.
What colour do you wear to an Indian wedding?
As a guest at an Indian wedding, you are encouraged to wear bright and colourful clothes. Vibrant blue, mint green, orange, and bright pink are good choices. The only colour you should avoid is red since the bride will wear red at one of the main events.