Every bride-to-be starts planning their look for the D-day at least a few weeks or months ahead. But, too many options, particularly with regard to hairstyles, leave them spoilt for choice. Do I leave my hair loose? Or do I opt for an updo? How will it look in the wedding album? These are just a few of the many questions that start running through your mind as the wedding day draws near. Don’t worry! We are here to help you choose the best one for your special day and make everyone go gaga over it. In this article, we have come up with a list of the 40 best hairstyles for Indian brides, a step-by-step guide on how to do them, and much more. So, let’s get started!
42 Best Indian Bridal Hairstyles
1. Messy Bun With Front-French braids
This updo will complement your look perfectly on your special day. The woven floral accents highlight the intricate patterns of the messy bun. This hairstyle has an organic vibe and is ideal for spring weddings. What You Need
Texturizing spray Hair tie Hair donut Bobby pins U pins Small wildflowers Setting Spray
How To Style
2. Twisted Knot With Floral Curls
The loveliest things in life are the simplest. This simple twisted hairstyle with floral accents enhances your outfit without drawing undue attention. The cascading dark hair and tiny creamy buds tucked here and there give an enchanted forest vibe, isn’t it? What You Need Heat protectant spray
Curling iron Bobby pins Small jasmine flowers Setting hairspray
How To Style
3. Criss Cross Flower Accented Bun
When it comes to a traditional Indian wedding, you can never go wrong with a simple and sleek bun. This elegant donut bun style is perfect to be worn under a ghungat because it will keep your hair neatly in place. The simple individual flowers add a touch of prettiness to the look.
Wide-toothed comb Smoothening serum Fine-toothed comb Hair elastic Hair donut (big) U pins Small flowers Strong hold hairspray
4. Side Parted Ringlet Bun
Come wedding season, and every inch of it – from the decor to the bride’s dress – is covered in floral motifs. It’s a pity that leaf-themed designs are so underrated. This elegant ringlet bun has been accessorized with a gold comb in a beautiful leaf design to create a look inspired by nature.
Hairbrush Heat protectant Straightening iron 3/4th inch curling iron Hair elastic Texturizing spray Bobby pins Fancy hair comb Strong hold hairspray
5. Bumped Up Curls
It’s amazing how a simple bumpit can transform the most basic of hairstyles into something incredible. This gorgeous curly hairstyle has been elevated to the next level (figuratively and literally) with the help of a bumpit inserted at the crown of her head.
Heat protectant 1 inch curling iron Bumpit Fine-toothed comb Bobby pins Light hold hairspray
6. Elegant Twisted Side Bun
Not everyone wants to go for the traditional red lehenga for their wedding. If you would like to go for some classy neutral tones, here’s an updo that will go wonderfully with it. This elegant twisted updo keeps things simple and chic and directs all the attention to your designer dress.
Heat protectant Straightening iron Hair elastic Bobby pins Strong hold hairspray
7. Curly Tendrils Updo
So you want to go full dramatic on your wedding day, huh? Well, then there is no hairstyle that will suit you better than this beautiful updo. This stunning hairstyle makes your curls flow down in beautiful tendrils down your neck and accentuates your earrings.
Heat protectant 1 inch curling iron Hair donut U pins Bobby pins Strong hold hairspray
8. Dramatic Center Parted Bun
Every bride wants to look like a princess on her wedding day. Her dress, hair, and makeup are styled to make that dream come true. This opulent donut bun adds a graceful twist to the basic donut bun.
Texturizing spray Hair elastic Hair donut (big) U pins Bobby pins Fine-toothed comb Smoothening serum Strong hold hairspray
9. Loose Romantic Braid
Girl, if the thought of curling irons and hairsprays makes you want to run away, I’ve got your back. Not only is this simple twisted braid style oh-so-beautiful, but it also pairs gorgeously with heavy silk sarees to create the perfect South Indian bride.
Texturizing spray Hair elastic Maang teeka
10. Bouquet Bun
Gajra (jasmine hair garland) is an intrinsic part of all Indian weddings. Nobody’s outfit at a wedding is complete without a string of jasmine adorning the hair. This bouquet bun is a modern take on the traditional gajra and uses the flowers in the form of a small bouquet to accessorize the simple low bun.
Fine-toothed comb Smoothening serum Hair elastics Bobby pins Juda net Fresh flowers
11. Intricate Floral Updo
If you are allergic to flowers – or simply don’t like them – here’s an alternative that you can try out. This intricate high updo has been adorned with artificial flowers to add a celebratory feel to the whole look. The plus point of using faux flowers is that you can get them in colors that match your outfit exactly.
Texturizing spray Hair elastic Bumpit (small) Hair donut Bobby pins U pins Artificial flowers Strong hold hairspray
12. Dutch Braids Bun
Dutch braids have that quality of making any simple hairdo look super intricate and pretty. This stunning updo starts off with double Dutch braids in the front and ends with a fake juda in the back. A fake juda is the perfect way to get a full-bodied bun in case your hair lacks volume.
Texturizing spray Bumpit (medium) Hair elastics Bobby pins Fake juda Strong hold hairspray
13. Fancy Clip Curly Bun
All you short haired girls out there, listen up! If you are looking for the best Indian wedding hairstyles for short hair, then here it is. You didn’t think we forgot about you, now, did you? Don’t think of styling your short hair for your wedding as a challenge. Just curling them and pinning them up with a jewel encrusted clip can give you a truly elegant hairdo.
Heat protectant Straightening iron 1 inch curling iron Bumpit (medium) Fine-toothed comb Bobby pins Fancy hair clip
14. Ponytail With A Veil
Not gonna lie, I did a double take when I saw this bridal look. This. Style. Is. So. Badass. Not only has this uber cool bride gone for an all black ensemble, she has also opted for a totally unconventional style for her hair. With a curled up ponytail and a black veil, there’s no denying how awesome this bride looks.
Heat protectant 2 inch curling iron Bumpit Bobby pins Hair elastic Veil Jhumar Maang teeka Hair elastic
15. Simple Floral Braid
When it comes to the Big Fat Indian Wedding, flowers play a pivotal role in its every aspect. This beautiful floral hairstyle is testament to that. With just a few curls and some artificial flowers in pastel colors, this simple braid has been transformed into a thing of beauty.
Heat protectant 2 inch curling iron Bobby pins Hair elastic Artificial flowers U pins
16. Elaborate Poola Jada Braid
No South Indian bridal outfit is complete without a traditional poola jada. A poola jada is basically a two-piece floral accessory that goes like a crown around the base of the braid and all along the length of the braid. Once adorned, the bride looks nothing less than a queen.
Smoothening serum Fine-toothed comb Bobby pins U pins Hair elastics Savaram (hair extensions) Poola jada (floral hair accessory) Jadagantalu (hanging braid accessory)
17. Traditional Gajra Braid
Look like a mind blowingly beautiful Tollywood actress on your wedding day by adding a simple twist to your braid. Intertwine a long gajra around your braid to add a floral touch to your traditional bridal look.
Texturizing spray Bumpit (small) Bobby pins Long gajra (jasmine garland) Hair elastic
18. Side Swept Curls
The simple things in life are the ones that are the most beautiful. And when you have the best designer outfit and jewelry in place for your wedding, you kind of want to retain everyone’s focus on that. So, these simple side swept curls work wonders to complement your ensemble without taking too much attention away from it.
Heat protectant 2 inch curling iron Bobby pins Fancy juda pin Light hold hairspray
19. Rosy Ringlet Bun
What image minds to mind when you think of a classy Indian lady? For me, it definitely has to be a saree clad woman with her hair in a classy bun. This updo does justice to exactly that image. For someone having a simple wedding, a saree paired with a gorgeous ringlet bun accessorized with roses will be a perfect fit.
Texturizing spray Hair elastic Hair donut Bobby pins U pins Small artificial roses Strong hold hairspray
20. Mermaid Braid
I don’t know about you, but every time I see an Indian bride, it feels like I’m gazing at a mythical creature that does not belong on this plane of existence. This mermaid braid look takes inspiration from just that thought. It doesn’t get more magical than this.
Heat protectant Straightening iron Texturizing spray Bobby pins Hair elastic
21. Gajra Covered Bun
Every woman aspires to be like her mother in every aspect. I’m sure, as a kid, you also picked up your mum’s discarded gajras and put them in your own hair to look just like her. This gajra adorned bun will let you carry a piece of your mom on the most important day of your life.
Smoothening serum Fine-toothed comb Hair elastic Bobby pins Juda net Jasmine gajra U pins
22. Messy Tiara Braid
Who doesn’t want to look like a Disney princess on their wedding day? I know I would! And of course, the only Disney princess that would fit an Indian bride is Princess Jasmine. This tiara and loose side braid look will have all the wedding guests gasping with awe when they look at you.
Heat protectant 2 inch curling iron Hair elastic Fresh flowers Tiara Bobby pins Light hold hairspray
23. Shaggy Faux Bob
From being an ace tennis player to being the most stunning bride, is there anything that Sania Mirza can’t do? Here, she has gone a more unconventional route by styling her hair in this faux shaggy bob for her wedding.
Heat protectant 1 inch curling iron Texturizing spray Hair elastic Light hold hairspray
24. Royal Phoola Billalu Braid
A quintessential part of any South Indian bridal ensemble is the long braid embellished with gold hair accessories. Give your braid a royal touch with the help of awe-inspiring phoola jada, phoola billalu, and jada gantalu.
Smoothening serum Fine-toothed comb Bobby pins Hair elastic U pins Phoola jada (floral accessory) Phoola billalu (jewel encrusted accessories) Jada gantalu (hanging braid accessory) Light hold hairspray
25. Pull Through Gajra Braid
Why go for a simple braid when there are so many new and gorgeous styles to try out? This pull through braid imitates the look of the regular braid but it has a more beautiful full-bodied dimension to it. Adorn it with a gajra to perfect this pretty look.
Smoothening serum Fine-toothed comb Bobby pins Hair elastics Gajra
26. Casual Straight Hair
Let your inner bridal glow shine through by going for a minimally styled look when it comes to your hair. Roughly straighten your hair and leave it loose to go for a cool, casual, and effortless bridal look.
Heat protectant Straightening iron Hairbrush
27. Senorita Bun
What is marriage if not a fusion of two minds, hearts, and souls? Celebrate this union of love with a fusion look by going for a braided bun accessorized with a couple of red roses, much like the gorgeous senoritas of Spain.
Hair styling gel Fine-toothed comb Hair elastics Bobby pins U pins Maang patti Roses
28. Feathered Hair With Jhumar
There’s no piece of jewelry that is more representative of the Indian bride than the jhumar. Give your hair a feathered effect with a blowdryer, and simply put on a jhumar and maang teeka to complete your bridal look.
Smoothening serum Round brush Blowdryer Maang teeka Jhumar
29. Simple Basic Curls
OK, it’s a given that you’ll be decked out in the heaviest outfit and jewelry on your wedding day. So, when it comes to your hair, it would be good if you followed the “less is more” principle. Go for some simple relaxed curls and loosely pin them back to go for a casually elegant vibe.
Heat protectant 1.5 inch curling iron Bobby pins Light hold hairspray Maang teeka Jhumar
30. Floral Curly Fishtail Braid
Let out your inner flower child on your wedding day with this spectacular hairstyle that’s one for the ages. Accessorize your bumped up fishtail with some gorgeous flowers and stems of Baby’s breath to achieve this magical look.
Heat protectant 1.5 inch curling iron Texturizing spray Bumpit Bobby pins Hair elastics Fresh flowers U pins Strong hold hairspray
31. Dramatic Loose Braid
Add some drama to your wedding ensemble with a swooping hairdo that is as gorgeous as it gets. Just add volume to your bangs and pin them back in dramatic swoops before braiding your hair to achieve this stunning look.
Heat protectant 2 inch curling iron Bobby pins Hair elastic Light hold hairspray
32. French Twist Bun
Go the super soft and romantic way on your wedding day with this cute bun hairstyle. This curly French twisted bun looks oh-so-sweet and adorable, thanks to the delicate flowers lining it at the top.
Heat protectant 3/4th inch curling iron Texturizing spray Bobby pins Hair elastic Fresh flowers U pins Strong hold hairspray
33. Flicked Out Ends
When it comes to bridal hairstyles, sometimes it feels like you’ve seen it all and you’ve seen it again and again. So it’s exciting when you come across a unique hairstyle. This half up hairdo with flicked out ends adds some dimension and movement to her grand wedding outfit.
Smoothening serum Round brush Blowdryer Volumizing mousse Bobby pins Strong hold hairspray
34. Simple Half Up Curls
When it comes to taking wedding inspiration from Bollywood, who better to look at than our very own Kareena Kapoor Khan? Here, she has gone for a simple half updo that makes her look elegant, mature, and like someone who knows exactly what she wants in life.
Heat protectant Straightening iron 2 inch curling iron Fine-toothed comb Bobby pins
35. Center Parted Curls
Every girl dreams of looking like a princess straight out of a fairytale on her wedding day. Fulfill that dream of yours with this hairstyle. These gorgeous curls that have been pinned away from her face to accentuate her jewelry and dress.
Heat protectant 1.5 inch curling iron Bobby pins Light hold hairspray Maang teeka
36. Dutch Fishtail Braid
No traditional Punjabi bridal look is complete without her luscious long hair done up in a beautiful braid. This combo braid that starts off with Dutch braids at the top and ends in a fishtail can be perfectly paired with your yellow salwar kurta for your haldi ceremony.
Texturizing spray Bobby pins Hair elastics Fancy juda pins Light hold hairspray
37. Crown Braid Side Bun
Want to go for an elaborately intricate style on your wedding day but are worried that your fine textured hair won’t be able to do it justice? Well, the sevaram (hair extensions) is here to save you! You can always add more elements into your hairdos by braiding a sevaram and attaching it to your hair with some U pins.
Texturizing spray Bumpit Sevaram (hair extensions) Hair donut Hair elastic Bobby pins U pins Strong hold hairspray
38. Loose Waves Half Updo
Are you a lover of all things boho and wants to show off the same on your wedding day? Then infuse a boho chic vibe into your wedding ensemble with some relaxed beachy waves done up in a half up style.
Heat protectant 2 inch curling iron Hairbrush Bobby pins Sea salt spray
39. Pearl Studded Curls
Indians brides tend to look like ethereal beings that have descended straight down from the heavens above. To look like an angel on your wedding day, go for some simple curls studded with some beautifully delicate pearls.
Heat protectant 1.5 inch curling iron Strong hold hairspray Pearls Hair glue
40. Messy Side Bun
Look like a Rajput warrior princess on your wedding day with this hairdo topped with a Rajasthani maang teeka. This voluminous and messy side bun looks effortlessly chic and goes perfectly with antique gold jewelry and a gotta patti embroidered ensemble.
Volumizing mousse Texturizing spray Fine-toothed comb Bobby pins Hair elastic Rajasthani Maang patti Light hold hairspray
41. Gold Floral Bun
Flowers possess the unique quality of infusing a breath of freshness to any look that they are incorporated in. This simple traditional bun has been decked up with a fancy juda net and some gorgeous flowers.
Smoothening serum Fine-toothed comb Hair elastic Bobby pins Fancy golden juda net Artificial flowers U pins Strong hold hairspray
42. Blowdried Curls
You don’t have to go for the quintessential Indian dulhan look if you don’t want to. Add a touch of modernity to your wedding look with these blowdried curls that are sure to make you look like you just walked off of a Manish Malhotra runway.
Volumizing mousse Round brush Blowdryer Light hold hairspray Maang teeka
Why do Indian brides wear buns? So, check out our infographic below and learn these tips. Buns are a fun and versatile hairstyle that will make you stand out from the crowd on your special day. You can add different types of flowers or jewelry to add volume and complete your look. When should I wash my hair before the wedding? Wash your hair the night before the wedding. This will make it easy for you to style your hair and add accessories, a veil, or jewelry without them slipping.
