In India, where the majority of the year is dominated by summer and rain, devising a bridal hairstyle presents a considerable challenge. Irrespective of your hair type, brides must account for humidity and frizz to ensure their hair remains impeccable throughout the ceremonies. So, what defines the ideal wedding hair that complements your lehenga and withstands the unpredictable natural elements? The criteria are straightforward: something timeless, exquisite, and, most importantly, one that guarantees a worry-free experience on what is meant to be the happiest day of your life.
Bollywood's luminaries and hairstylists have given their nod to a range of bridal hairstyles, from Athiya Shetty's enchanting crown braids to Masaba Gupta's effortlessly chic natural textured hair bun. These styles, endorsed by celebrities and expert hairstylists, embody the epitome of bridal elegance in the realm of Indian cinema, offering a diverse array of choices for brides-to-be.
Brides, it's noteworthy that braids offer versatile styling options tailored to your preferences and event theme. Athiya Shetty elegantly embraced a half-up and half-down hairstyle with crown braids during her haldi ceremony, radiating a romantic allure. Alternatively, for a more classic braid throughout, draw inspiration from Radhika Merchant's mehendi ceremony, adorned with micro-white flowers for a touch of tradition.
For daytime festivities like mehendi or pheras, the timeless appeal of a plait is unbeatable. Consider the choices of celebrity brides Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Deepika Padukone. Sonam adorned a gajra-clad plait for her mehendi, while Deepika embraced a bohemian Frida Kahlo look with a braided crown. Janhvi Kapoor's artfully messy double-braid is ideal for those who want a chic look without overshadowing the blouse. These styles are also excellent for brides with fine hair, easily enhanced with additional hair extensions.
Updos serve as an ideal choice for open-air weddings, ensuring a graceful appearance while allowing the outfit to take center stage by keeping the hair off the back. Athiya Shetty's modest mid-rise bun adorned with ornate flowers made a memorable statement, showcasing a blend of simplicity and tradition. Opting for a low-rise pulled-back bun on her wedding day, the actress embraced a hassle-free yet elegant look. Designer Masaba Gupta echoed this timeless trend, selecting a natural textured hair bun with a middle part for her union with Satyadeep Misra.
Priyanka Chopra embraced the allure of raked-back hair throughout her wedding festivities in December 2018, spanning mehendi, the wedding ceremony, and receptions in New Delhi. For those inclined towards a classic aesthetic, Anushka Sharma's sleek bun, paired with a red Sabyasachi Benarasi sari during her December 2017 reception, stands out as a winning choice.
Messy staples dominate the scene, perfect for dancing the night away at your sangeet or embracing a fuss-free style for your mehendi day. Athiya Shetty chose a partial ponytail, combining a half-up and half-down look. Alia Bhatt's unfussy ponytail at a friend's wedding exudes comfort, while Karisma Kapoor and Shloka Ambani opt for a high-textured version, allowing their outfits to shine. When using extensions for added length or volume, it's advisable to test their comfort and weight beforehand. Follow Kiara Advani's lead by adorning your hair with pearls for that extra touch of elegance.
Opting to keep your hair down during hot weather? Look to Sonam Kapoor Ahuja's recent wedding guest ensemble for inspiration. Securely pin back the front-parted locks, allowing the back to flow effortlessly. Combat frizz with a post-styling application of serum and spray. Emulate Shilpa Shetty Kundra by using strategic pins to sweep hair away from the face, especially when pulled to the side. Before styling, shield against humidity with a suitable product. For an unexpected twist, experiment with texture—curl or crimp sections, volumize or introduce braids. Whether it's Kareena Kapoor Khan's crown braids or woven lengths, infuse a touch of surprise.
