10 Traditional hairstyles for Indian women

Girls and women are always on the lookout for much needed inspiration to create new and interesting traditional hairstyles in the festive and wedding seasons. The next time you are wearing a pretty, traditional outfit look no further than this post on Hairstyle Monkey

Here are some amazing traditional hairstyles for Indian women

#1: Bridal double braid with puff and flowers

In the picture below the bride has two braids – obviously quite nontraditional – yet fits as traditional. You can make one braid with your own hair and one braid with fake hair, both with your own hair if you have thick-as-a-snake-hair or both with fake if you have short or medium or thin hair. What we like is her poofy and slightly messy crown. Try this look if you feel young at heart (and who doesn’t?) and want a less conformative look for your own or a cousin’s wedding. The braid can be regular like most traditional hairstyles but you can fishtail braid it for a more modern look.


#2: Classic low bun with twisted front

This look is elegant and chic. Wear it with a georgette or flowy saree or anarkali. To achieve the style, part the crown portion of your hair in the center, tease it by backcombing slightly and twist outwards and pin to the back of your head before making a bun with the rest of your hair. Make sure you blow dry your hair, use a smoothing serum and a finishing spray to hold the look.

 


#3: Loose curls with head jewelry

If you are planning to wear a lehenga with a solid coloured or simple choli, you should dress it up with a nice piece of head jewelry and loose hair – we recommend curls like Amisha Patel in this image. Ensure your hair is loose and flowing i.e. not greasy or too stiff (happens to me when my hair is very freshly washed.). Read this post to learn how to create loose curls with no heat. Spray on some heat and humidity resistant hairspray and pick out a lovely piece of jewelry for your hair.

 


#4: Side braid with soft bangs

For girls who have medium to long hair lengths looking for traditional hairstyles to wear with your chudidar, salwar or patiala, try a side braid with . This particular style works for girls with straight hair that is in layers as the top portion of the hair is left loose and not included in the braid. No pesky hair pins necessary for this look! For an interesting twist, just fishtail braid it.

 

 


#5: Side parted and blow dried

You can never go wrong with this classic style. This is the most common go to option of all hairstyles. When you do decide to wear it – ensure your hair is freshly washed and blow dried. Tease the top of your crown for height and pair with a saree, salwar or any traditional outfit with jhumkas and a big bindi! Part your hair in a way that suits you and don’t forget an anti humidity hairspray.

 

 


#6: Side braid with braided crown

For a look inspired by Aditi Rao Hydari, try this side braid which begins on the crown of your head.  Try this if you have medium to long hair that isn’t in too many choppy layers. After you create a rough parting in your crown, either twist back or French braid your hair, gather all your hair at your nape and braid it all together in one long braid on the side. Use bobby pins or slides to hold hair in place.

 


#7: Beehive hairstyle

The beehive ala Amy Winehouse or Helen ji was a hairstyle originally made popular in the 60s. It is very unlike most Indian traditional hairstyles but it works amazingly today as a match for a pretty customary outfit. Use a large bumpit, backcombing and lots of hairspray to achieve this look. Exaggerate the height as you wish and are comfortable with!

 


#8: Low bun traditional hairstyle for medium hair

Kareena looks fabulous in this traditional hairstyle. She was honored for her contribution to the global entertainment industry. A simple and classy hairstyle. Sometimes less is more. Girls with fine hair try this style next time you need inspiration when wearing a fancy Indian outfit. Also, we think this look is great for salwars with broad, boat necks. When you pin your embroidered dupatta up neatly and have your hair like this, you’re sure to have heads turning. Back comb the front a bit to add a little volume and use a small amount of hair wax or gel for separation. The separation will accentuate highlighted hair.

 


#9: Traditional high bun

The high bun is oh so glamorous and fun to wear around. It makes you look and feel special! Add head jewelry to make is more interesting. Try this on long hair or add hair extensions if you have short hair.

 


#10: Twisted flower garland traditional hairstyle

How many South Indian hairstyles do you know whose muhurtham did not involve a braid and jasmine flowers? Yes, this is the most classic traditional hairstyles and should remain so. You can opt to use the hair accessories or just let the flowers do the honors.

 

Next check out some of more traditional South Indian bridal hairstyles or our post on Indian bridal hairstyles.