40 Traditional Indian Bridal Hairstyles Perfect for Your Big Day
Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life, and as an Indian bride, your hairstyle plays a crucial role in completing your bridal look. Traditional Indian bridal hairstyles blend elegance, heritage, and cultural significance, often featuring intricate braids, voluminous buns, and exquisite accessories like flowers, maang tikka, and gajra.
Whether you prefer a classic South Indian temple bun, a regal North Indian braid, or a fusion look with modern elements, there are endless options to complement your bridal attire. In this article, we’ve curated 40 traditional Indian bridal hairstyles that are perfect for your big day, ensuring you look nothing less than royalty!
1. Classic South Indian Bridal Bun
A timeless South Indian bridal look, this sleek and voluminous bun is adorned with fresh jasmine flowers (gajra) and gold accessories. Perfect for Kanjeevaram sarees, this hairstyle adds grace and grandeur, making the bride look divine. The neatly parted hair and bun symbolize traditional beauty, elegance, and cultural richness.
2. Maang Tikka Center-Parted Bun
This traditional bridal bun features a sleek center parting accentuated by a maang tikka, adding a royal touch. The bun is secured low at the nape and decorated with gold or pearl embellishments, giving a refined and sophisticated bridal appearance that complements lehengas and sarees beautifully.
3. Floral Braided Bun
A stunning mix of elegance and tradition, this bridal bun is wrapped in an intricate braid and adorned with fresh roses or jasmine. Ideal for both day and evening weddings, this hairstyle gives a regal touch, especially when paired with gold temple jewellery and a heavily embroidered saree.
4. Temple Jewellery Bun
A signature South Indian bridal hairstyle, the temple jewellery bun is an elegant low bun heavily adorned with gold and ruby temple jewellery pieces. Brides typically complete this look with gajra, accentuating the richness of their traditional silk saree and temple-inspired wedding aesthetic.
5. Messy Low Bun with Pearl Pins
For brides who love a soft, romantic look, a messy low bun adorned with pearl pins creates a delicate yet traditional style. This hairstyle is perfect for North Indian and Christian-Indian weddings, beautifully complementing pastel lehengas, ivory sarees, or fusion wedding ensembles.
6. Intricate Fishbone Braid
Inspired by South Indian traditions, the fishbone braid is a long, thick braid woven with gold accessories, flowers, and sometimes even pearls. A perfect match for silk sarees, this hairstyle exudes regal beauty while maintaining a traditional bridal charm.
7. Traditional Long Braid with Gold Accessories
A must-have for Tamil and Telugu brides, this hairstyle features a long braid adorned with gold hairpieces, flowers, and temple jewellery. It adds a majestic touch to the bridal attire, symbolizing prosperity and heritage, and is often paired with a maang tikka and heavy gold jhumkas.
8. North Indian Bridal Puff Bun
This traditional puffed bun adds height and elegance, making it a favourite for North Indian brides. The voluminous puff at the crown gives a regal appearance, while the bun at the back is adorned with roses or gajra. Best paired with a dupatta draped over the head for a royal finish.
9. Royal Rajasthani Braided Bun
Inspired by Rajputana royalty, this hairstyle features a braided bun adorned with traditional borla maang tikka, gold chains, and pearls. The look pairs beautifully with embroidered lehengas and adds a vintage charm, making the bride look like a queen straight out of a historical palace wedding.
10. Marathi Bridal Nath & Gajra Bun
A signature Maharashtrian bridal look, this bun is tightly secured at the back and wrapped in fragrant mogra gajra. Paired with a crescent-shaped maang tikka and a nose ring (nath), this hairstyle reflects the cultural beauty of a traditional Marathi bride.
11. Twisted Low Bun with Matha Patti
This twisted low bun gives a sophisticated yet traditional look, perfect for Indian brides who want elegance with a modern touch. A matha patti beautifully frames the face, enhancing the bride’s features while the bun remains secure with floral accessories. Ideal for lehengas, this style pairs beautifully with a sheer dupatta.
12. Braided Crown with Open Waves
A braided crown with open wavy hair is a gorgeous choice for brides who want a traditional yet relaxed look. The crown braid adds structure, while the loose waves flow naturally. Adorned with small pearls or tiny mogra buds, this hairstyle is perfect for pre-wedding rituals and reception events.
13. Traditional Gujarati Bridal Bun
Gujarati brides typically wear a sleek low bun with a center part, adorned with gold chains, fresh flowers, and a delicate maang tikka. This look complements the Panetar or Gharchola saree, giving the bride a regal aura. A veil or dupatta over the head adds the finishing touch.
14. Braided Mohawk with Side Bun
This bold and elegant hairstyle features a volumized braided mohawk leading into a side bun, creating a dramatic and stylish look. The hairstyle is enhanced with floral arrangements or hairpins, making it a unique blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication, perfect for grand wedding receptions.
15. Bengali Bridal Bun with Shola Crown
A Bengali bridal look isn’t complete without the classic tight low bun decorated with gold accessories and a Shola Mukut (crown made of pith). This style pairs perfectly with red Banarasi sarees, a large maang tikka, and the traditional big red bindi that Bengali brides are known for.
16. Loose Curls with Floral Tiara
For brides who prefer an airy and ethereal look, loose curls paired with a floral tiara add a dreamy touch. This style works beautifully for beach or garden weddings, offering a fresh and radiant look while still incorporating traditional floral elements into the bridal ensemble.
17. Side Swept Waves with Gajra
A blend of tradition and soft romance, side-swept waves adorned with a delicate gajra create an effortlessly chic bridal look. This hairstyle complements both sarees and lehengas and is perfect for brides who want to showcase their long locks without opting for a full updo.
18. Mughal-Inspired Jhoomar Braid
A Mughal-inspired jhoomar braid features a side-swept thick braid, adorned with pearls and a jhoomar (side tikka). This style is ideal for Muslim brides and pairs elegantly with heavily embroidered sharara outfits, offering a royal and sophisticated bridal aura.
19. Traditional Punjabi Paranda Braid
The Punjabi Paranda braid is a vibrant and culturally rich hairstyle where the bride’s long braid is decorated with colourful parandas, gold beads, and flowers. This look pairs beautifully with Patiala suits or Anarkali bridal ensembles, making the bride look festive and regal.
20. Jadau Maang Tikka with High Bun
A high bridal bun adorned with a jadau maang tikka and Kundan hair accessories gives a regal and sophisticated touch. The volume of the bun adds grandeur, making it ideal for brides who wear a dupatta over their head. Best suited for traditional Rajput or Marwari weddings.
21. Fishtail Braid with Roses
A stunning fishtail braid is given an extra touch of romance with red or pink roses woven into the braid. This look is perfect for mehendi or sangeet ceremonies, offering a playful yet elegant bridal charm. It pairs beautifully with pastel lehengas or floral sarees.
22. Half-Up, Half-Down Bridal Look
A perfect blend of tradition and modernity, the half-up, half-down bridal hairstyle adds volume while allowing natural waves to flow freely. A jeweled clip or floral accessory in the center enhances the look, making it a go-to option for contemporary Indian brides who want a softer look.
23. Elegant Braided Chignon
A braided chignon bun offers a timeless bridal look, where the hair is elegantly twisted into a sleek low bun with intricate braiding details. This style is ideal for North and South Indian brides, especially when adorned with a maang tikka and traditional hairpins.
24. Triple Braided Low Bun
This triple-braided low bun is created by weaving three smaller braids into a single bun, giving an intricate and textured appearance. It’s a modern take on classic Indian bridal buns and looks beautiful when combined with pearl hair accessories or a Kundan matha patti.
25. Loose Side Bun with Orchids
A loose side bun decorated with orchids adds a tropical and fresh look to the bridal hairstyle. This is an excellent choice for destination weddings or outdoor ceremonies, where the bride wants a natural yet glamorous aesthetic. The orchids provide an elegant contrast to traditional gold jewellery.
26. Bubble Braid with Pearl Pins
A bubble braid is a unique and trendy bridal hairstyle where sections of the braid are gently pulled apart to create a voluminous, bubble-like effect. Adorned with pearl pins or gold beads, this hairstyle gives a playful yet traditional touch, perfect for Haldi or Mehendi functions.
27. Classic Bridal French Twist
The French twist bun is a refined and sophisticated option for Christian or Indo-Western brides. This sleek and polished bun sits high on the head, offering an elegant bridal look that pairs beautifully with a pearl-studded veil or a diamond-studded maang tikka.
28. Retro Bollywood-Inspired Puff Bun
A retro-style puff bun, inspired by 70s Bollywood fashion, gives a dramatic and voluminous look to the bride’s hair. Paired with winged eyeliner and a statement nath (nose ring), this look is ideal for brides who love vintage elegance with a touch of modern flair.
29. Floral Donut Bun with Gold Accessories
A floral donut bun provides a structured yet beautiful look where fresh flowers like roses, jasmines, or carnations encircle the bun. This style complements both lehengas and sarees and is often chosen by brides for daytime wedding ceremonies due to its fresh and vibrant appeal.
30. Twisted Rope Braid with Gajra
A twisted rope braid creates a unique and textured look, enhanced by delicate jasmine gajra wrapped along its length. This hairstyle is perfect for brides who want a South Indian or Maharashtrian touch, blending tradition with intricate styling.
31. Rolled-Up Bun with Gold Beads
A rolled-up bun creates a polished and structured look, making it a perfect choice for Indian brides. The bun is neatly rolled section by section and secured with gold beads or pearl accessories for a regal touch. This style pairs beautifully with a silk saree or an embroidered lehenga.
32. Low Twisted Bun with Maang Tikka
For brides who love simplicity with elegance, a low twisted bun is an excellent choice. The hair is gently twisted and pinned into a soft, natural bun, complemented by a statement maang tikka. This style is ideal for minimalist brides who prefer a clean and refined look.
33. Side Braided Ponytail with Hair Jewellery
A side braided ponytail combines elegance with ease. The braid starts at the crown and cascades into a full ponytail, decorated with golden or pearl hair jewellery. This look is perfect for wedding receptions or Sangeet nights, adding a touch of glamour to traditional Indian bridal outfits.
34. Sleek Middle-Part Bun with Gold Chain Accessories
A sleek middle-part bun is a classic Indian bridal look, commonly seen in South Indian and Gujarati weddings. The straight parting gives a sharp and sophisticated appeal, while gold chain hair accessories add grandeur. This look is best paired with heavy temple jewellery and Kanjeevaram sarees.
35. Braided High Ponytail with Ribbons
A high ponytail with a braid offers a contemporary yet traditional bridal look. The long, thick braid is accentuated with ribbons, parandas, or pearls for an added decorative touch. This hairstyle is perfect for Mehendi functions, as it allows movement and looks effortlessly stylish with ethnic attire.
36. Guttapusalu-Adorned Classic South Indian Bun
This classic South Indian bridal bun is enriched with Guttapusalu jewellery, a traditional pearl-based hair accessory. The tight bun ensures the bride’s hair stays intact throughout the ceremony, while the pearls and gold accents bring out the elegance of temple jewellery and heavy silk sarees.
37. Side-Swept Loose Curls with Maang Tikka
A side-swept curls look is perfect for brides who prefer a modern yet ethnic touch. The cascading curls create a soft, romantic vibe, while the maang tikka brings in the traditional element. This style works beautifully for receptions and outdoor weddings, enhancing the bridal glow.
38. Waterfall Braid with Floral Clips
A waterfall braid adds a whimsical charm to a bridal look. This intricate braid allows soft curls to flow down like a waterfall, creating a voluminous and graceful appearance. Decorated with tiny floral clips or baby’s breath flowers, this style is an excellent choice for day weddings or engagement ceremonies.
39. Loose Waves with Side Maang Tikka
For brides who want an effortless yet elegant look, loose waves with a side maang tikka provide the perfect balance. The soft waves frame the face beautifully, while the asymmetrical maang tikka adds a bold and unique touch. This hairstyle pairs well with Indo-Western bridal gowns and light lehengas.
40. Floral Mohawk Bun with Heavy Dupatta Draping
A floral mohawk bun is a dramatic yet stunning bridal hairstyle. The top section is teased for height, creating a mohawk effect, while the bun is wrapped with fresh flowers or gold hairpins. This look is ideal for brides wearing a dupatta over their head, as it adds volume and grandeur.
Conclusion
Your bridal hairstyle is more than just a fashion statement—it reflects tradition, culture, and personal style. From elaborate braided updos to stunning floral-adorned buns, Indian bridal hairstyles offer a rich variety of choices for every bride.
No matter which look you choose, adding traditional accessories and a touch of modern elegance will enhance your overall wedding ensemble. We hope this list of 40 traditional Indian bridal hairstyles has inspired you to find the perfect look for your big day. Save your favourites and share them with your hairstylist to bring your dream bridal hairstyle to life!
