Indian Bridal Hairstyles

An Indian bride traditionally is associated with long hair and most of the hairstyles of the bride will keep the hair away from the neck. The practical reason for this is so that it doesn’t come in the way when the groom ties a mangalsutra around the bride’s neck during the wedding ceremony. You will find many Indian brides beginning to grow their hair once they have decided to get married. It is also not unusual to find false hair being used. If the bride’s hair isn’t long enough to be tied up in a bun, usually false hair is used to give length and volume to the hair.
 
Usually the hairstyle is decided well in advance keeping in mind the general personality of the bride, the shape of her face, her height and her outfit. Sometimes even the height of the groom is taken into consideration. When the groom is very tall in comparison to the bride a hairstyle that adds height is normally chosen. Different types of buns, French knots and braids are generally the hairstyle chosen. The bun can put high up or at the middle of the head or near the nape depending on what suits the bride. Also, a common trend that is seen is little wisps of hair is left around the face giving a soft look. These days you will also find the bride experimenting with not just the hairstyle but also colour of the hair. But the colours chosen are sober.
 
Flowers are an integral part of an Indian wedding and it is normal to find the bride’s head decorated with flowers. The flower normally used is jasmine. Sometimes when flowers are used the hair is braided into a plait. The plait is then decorated completely with flowers.

Some brides prefer not to use flowers. In such situations the hairstyle will include beads and sequins matching the bridal outfit. Accessories like diamante clips, hair pins, and hair stick on are also used. A piece of jewelry called a maangtika is generally worn by the bride on the head. It is a chain with a locket. The locket touches the forehead and chain is clipped across the center parting of the head.
 
The bride usually has a trial run the before the wedding. The hair if needs to be cut or coloured is done at least a week before the wedding day. It is common practice in India to get the beautician home who will help the bride get ready on the wedding day.