Styling Long Hair For An Indian Wedding: Traditional Tips And Tricks

how to style long hair for indian wedding

Indian bridal hairstyles are intricate, decorative, and traditional, often involving braids, buns, and accessories such as flowers and jewellery. For those with long hair, there are many modern Indian wedding hairstyles to choose from. For a traditional look, South Indian brides often wear their hair in long, decorative braids, accessorised with gold hair accessories, flowers, and other ornaments. Brides from North India often opt for a decorative bun, known as a juda, which can be adorned with flowers or chains for a traditional feel.

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Long hair with loose curls and floral or jewellery accessories

For a simple and elegant look, loose curls can be left flowing with a few face-framing strands pulled out, or loosely pinned back with a light hold hairspray to keep the curls in place. To add a touch of glamour, consider creating large, full curls with a glamorous red lip to match. A deep side part, paired with volume and loose curls, is another elegant option.

For brides who want to embrace the beauty of natural hair, leaving curls untouched and adding a few floral accessories can create a romantic, bohemian vibe. For a traditional Indian wedding, flowers such as jasmine buds can be tucked into twisted, loose curls, adding a touch of enchantment to the overall look.

If you want to incorporate jewellery into your hairstyle, there are several ways to do so. For a minimalistic look, a simple twisted hairstyle with delicate pearl vines or gold flowers can be a subtle yet elegant choice. For a more contemporary look, a bumped-up fishtail braid with baby's breath flowers and gold jewellery can be a magical combination.

For those who want a bolder statement, a bejewelled headpiece or a gold comb in a leaf design can provide a stunning accent to loose curls. Adding extensions to the sides can also create a fuller, more voluminous look. Ultimately, the choice of hairstyle should reflect the bride's unique style and personality, whether it's a classic updo or loose, flowing curls.

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The half-up, half-down hairstyle

The Classic Half-Up, Half-Down Bun

This style is perfect for brides who want to keep their hair mostly down while adding a touch of elegance with a partial updo. Start by curling your hair into loose waves or textured curls. Then, take two 1-inch sections of hair from each temple, twist them, and pin them at the back of your head. You can add a unique touch by tucking small flowers or jasmine buds into the twisted hair sections. Finish with a setting spray to keep the style in place.

The Braided Half-Updo

If you're looking for something a bit more intricate, try this braided variation. Begin by creating a middle part and curling your hair into loose waves. Take two sections of hair from each temple and braid them separately, securing them at the back of your head with bobby pins. You can leave a few face-framing strands loose for a softer look. Embellish the braids with small flowers or delicate jewellery pieces.

The High Puff Half-Updo

This style is perfect for brides who want a modern twist on traditional Indian wedding hairstyles. Create a high puff in the front by backcombing and pinning the top section of your hair. Then, sweep the rest of your hair into a high bun. You can accessorise with a maang tikka, a traditional Indian forehead ornament. For a more contemporary look, simply leave out a few loose curls around your face.

The Boho Beach Wedding Look

If you're having a beach wedding or want a boho vibe, this style is perfect. Start with loose waves or curls, and then create a half-updo by pinning back the top sections of your hair. Instead of flowers, add a unique touch with seashells of varying sizes and shapes. This look is minimal yet classy and will give you a dreamy beach bride vibe.

Remember, when it comes to Indian bridal hairstyles, you can experiment with different looks and incorporate cultural influences, traditions, and personal touches. Whether you choose a simple or intricate half-up, half-down hairstyle, make sure to prepare your hair by washing it the night before and applying smoothing serum to tame any frizz.

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Braided buns with a centre parting

Indian bridal hairstyles are intricate, decorative, and traditional. They often involve braids, buns, and accessories, such as flowers and jewellery. A braided bun with a centre parting is a unique and elegant hairstyle that complements a bridal look perfectly.

To create a braided bun with a centre parting, start by washing your hair the night before so that it is easier to style. Next, create a middle parting and section off two 2-inch portions of hair from the left and right temples. Comb the rest of your hair with a fine-toothed comb and tie it into a ponytail a few inches above the nape of your neck. Braid the ponytail and wrap it into a bun. You can also add curls to the ends of the braid for a unique look.

To add a decorative touch, adorn your braided bun with flowers, hair accessories, or jewellery. For a simple look, opt for a few small flowers or baby's breath. If you want to make a statement, choose brighter flowers or add accessories such as pearls or gold hair accessories.

For a more intricate hairstyle, experiment with multiple braids or a side-french braid. You can also try a messy bun or a high puff in the front with a high bun. These styles can be paired with a maang tikka or a few loose curls for a perfect look.

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Slicked-back buns to keep dupattas and head jewellery in place

Slicked-back buns are a reliable and versatile hairstyle, perfect for keeping dupattas and head jewellery in place for an Indian wedding. The key to achieving the perfect slicked-back bun is technique. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a sleek and elegant slicked-back bun:

Firstly, decide on your parting. While Gen Z favours a middle part, an asymmetrical slicked-back look can also be very stylish. Next, apply a smoothing and shine-boosting product to your hair, such as hair gel or leave-in conditioner. Brush through your hair to ensure the product is evenly distributed, and then smooth out your hair from roots to tips, following the direction you want your bun to be positioned.

Now, gather your hair into a ponytail, using a small boar bristle brush to guide it into place. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie, pulling it tightly to ensure it stays in place. For a more elegant look, position the ponytail at the nape of your neck, rather than higher on your head.

To create the bun, twist your ponytail and then twist it around the base of the ponytail. Secure it in place with another hair tie, bobby pins, or both. Go back and smooth out any bumps with a brush, using extra water and gel if needed. Finally, set your hair with hairspray to ensure your bun stays sleek and polished throughout the wedding celebrations.

For added glamour, decorate your slicked-back bun with flowers or jewellery, reflecting the traditional and decorative nature of Indian bridal hairstyles.

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Long braids with flowers and ornaments

Indian bridal hairstyles are intricate, decorative, and traditional. They often involve braids, buns, flowers, and jewellery. Long braids with flowers and ornaments are a quintessential part of any South Indian bridal ensemble. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this classic and graceful hairstyle:

Firstly, wash your hair the night before the wedding. This will make it easier to style and accessorize. Next, remove any knots and tangles with a wide-toothed comb, and apply a smoothing serum to get rid of any frizz. You can then begin to braid your hair. For a traditional look, a classic braid is a good choice, but you could also experiment with variations like a French braid, fishtail, or rope braid. If you want to create a crown-like effect, try intertwining multiple braids around your head.

Once you have braided your hair, you can start to add the flowers and ornaments. Fragrant mogra flowers and delicate jasmine buds are a traditional choice, but you could also try baby's breath for a unique, nymph-like quality. Weave the flowers through the braid, or try using ornaments, known as 'billai', for a more elegant look. Gold hair accessories are also popular and can be woven through the braid to give it a royal touch. Finish the style with a setting spray to keep it in place throughout the day and night.

This hairstyle is a beautiful choice for an Indian wedding and is sure to make the bride feel elegant and ethereal.

Frequently asked questions

Traditional Indian bridal hairstyles often involve buns, braids, and accessories such as flowers and jewellery. For example, North Indian brides typically wear a decorative bun called a juda, while South Indian brides usually opt for long decorative braids.

Modern Indian bridal hairstyles for long hair include loose curls held together with floral or jewellery embellishments, high puffs or buns covered with flowers, and braided buns with a centre part.

It is recommended to wash your hair the night before the wedding to make it easier to style and add accessories. You can also apply a smoothing serum to get rid of any frizz and use a wide-toothed comb to remove knots and tangles.

Simple Indian bridal hairstyles for long hair include a half-updo with bouncy curls, a ponytail with a fringe, or loose waves.

Yes, Indian bridal hairstyles can be adapted for short or medium-length hair. For example, you can try a braided side bun with a centre part or a semi-side braided hairstyle with dotted buds.

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