15 Stunning Indian Women Hairstyles You Must Try

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Flat Hair Brush (India's No. 1* Hair Brush Brand) for Men & Women (R4-FBS)

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When it comes to Indian women hairstyles, we're talking about centuries of hair artistry that's both timeless and totally Instagram-worthy. From intricate braided Indian hair designs that tell stories to modern Bollywood inspired hairstyles that steal the spotlight, there's a whole world of gorgeous options waiting for you. Whether you're prepping for wedding season, want to switch up your daily look, or simply fancy channelling some serious traditional vibes, these 15 stunning styles will give you all the hair inspiration you need. Real talk, your hair is about to become your favourite accessory.

The Beauty and Versatility of Indian Women Hairstyles

Indian hairstyles aren't just about looking good—they're woven into our culture, traditions, and celebrations. Each style carries its own significance, from the protective braids that keep long hair healthy to the elaborate updos that complete bridal looks. The best part? These styles work with every hair texture, length, and face shape.

15 Must-Try Indian Hairstyles for Women

Ready to discover your next hair obsession? These traditional Indian hairstyles and modern twists will give you options for every mood and occasion. Each one brings its own charm and works beautifully with different hair types.

1. Classic Braided Plait

The ultimate traditional Indian hairstyle that never goes out of style. This simple three-strand braid keeps your hair neat while protecting it from damage. Start with slightly damp hair, divide into three sections, and braid loosely for a casual day look or tightly for a sleek finish. Perfect for work, college, or when you want that effortless traditional vibe.

2. Elegant Bun with Gajra

Nothing says classic Indian elegance like a low bun adorned with fresh jasmine flowers. This timeless style works for festivals, weddings, or any special occasion. Twist your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck, secure with bobby pins, then wrap the gajra around the base. The floral fragrance is just a lovely bonus.

3. Bollywood-Inspired Waves

Channel your inner film star with these glamorous waves that scream old-school Bollywood charm. Use a large barrel curling iron to create soft, voluminous waves, then gently brush them out for that signature bouncy look. This style works brilliantly for parties and gives you that leading lady energy.

4. Intricate Juda

The juda is basically the sophisticated cousin of the regular bun. This twisted updo sits higher on the head and often features decorative pins or flowers. Perfect for Indian wedding hairstyles, it keeps your hair secure while looking absolutely regal. Twist sections of hair before pinning them up for extra texture.

5. Side-Swept Curls

This romantic style works wonders for oval and heart-shaped faces. Create soft curls using rollers or a curling iron, then sweep everything to one side and secure with bobby pins behind one ear. It's your go-to for date nights or when you want to feel a bit more glamorous than usual.

6. Traditional South Indian Braid

This stunning style often features intricate braiding patterns and beautiful Indian hair accessories like gold ribbons or temple jewellery. The hair is typically braided with flowers or decorative threads woven through. It's particularly gorgeous for cultural celebrations and adds such an authentic traditional touch.

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Flat Hair Brush (India's No. 1* Hair Brush Brand) for Men & Women (R8-FB)

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7. Modern Pixie Cut

Who says Indian women can't rock short hair? A well-cut pixie is chic, practical, and surprisingly versatile. Style it sleek for work or tousle it for weekend vibes. It's perfect for busy mornings and works beautifully with statement earrings or bold makeup.

8. Layered Long Hair with Centre Part

Layers add movement and life to long hair, making it easier to style and manage. A centre part creates symmetry and works with most face shapes. This cut is brilliant for everyday wear and gives you the foundation for numerous styling options. Regular trims keep the layers looking fresh.

9. Bouffant with Saree

This retro-inspired style adds instant glamour to your saree look. Tease the crown section gently for volume, smooth the top layer, and pin it back. The height created at the crown balances beautifully with the drape of a saree and works particularly well for formal events.

10. Messy Fishtail Braid

A relaxed take on braided Indian hair that's perfect for casual outings. The fishtail technique creates an intricate-looking braid that's actually quite simple. Gently tug at the braid after securing to create that perfectly imperfect messy texture. It's Instagram-ready without looking too try-hard.

11. Sleek and Straight

Sometimes simplicity wins. Pin-straight hair with a middle or side part looks incredibly chic and modern. Use a heat protectant before straightening and finish with a shine serum. This style pairs beautifully with both Indian and Western outfits and gives you that polished, put-together look.

12. Half-Up, Half-Down with Flowers

This style beautifully bridges traditional and contemporary looks. Pull the top half of your hair back and secure with a clip or hair tie, leaving the rest flowing. Add small flowers or decorative pins for that Indian touch. It's perfect for festivals when you want to look dressed up but not too formal.

13. Voluminous Curly Updo

Celebrate your natural texture with this gorgeous updo that works beautifully for special occasions. Scrunch your curls with mousse, then loosely pin sections up, leaving some tendrils to frame your face. This style looks effortlessly elegant and suits medium to long curly hair perfectly.

14. Side Braid with Bangs

Bangs instantly update any hairstyle, and when paired with a side braid, they create a fresh, youthful look. The braid can be loose and bohemian or tight and sleek, depending on your mood. This combination works particularly well for round and oval face shapes.

15. Retro-Inspired Beehive

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Flat Hair Brush (India's No. 1* Hair Brush Brand) for Men & Women (R16-FB)

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Bring back the drama with this vintage style that's making a comeback. The beehive creates height and volume at the crown while keeping the rest of the hair smooth. It's perfect for special events when you want to make a statement and pairs beautifully with traditional Indian outfits.

Essential Hair Care Tips for Indian Hair

Let's be real—gorgeous hairstyles start with healthy hair. Indian hair has its own unique characteristics and needs, from dealing with humidity to maintaining length. The right Indian hair care routine makes all the difference in how your styles look and last.

Oiling Techniques for Hair

Hair oiling is basically the OG Indian hair treatment that actually works. Coconut oil strengthens, while argan oil adds shine. Massage warm oil into your scalp and hair, leave for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better), then shampoo out. Do this once or twice a week for stronger, healthier hair that styles beautifully.

Natural Hair Treatments for Growth and Shine

DIY hair masks using ingredients like fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and aloe vera have been hair growth remedies for generations. Mix fenugreek powder with yoghurt for a protein-rich mask, or blend curry leaves with coconut oil for a growth-boosting treatment. These natural treatments work gently but effectively.

Long Hair Care Tips

Long hair needs extra TLC to stay healthy and manageable. Trim every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends, use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction while sleeping, and always detangle gently starting from the ends. A balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins also supports healthy hair growth from within.

Choosing the Right Hairstyle for Your Face Shape

The secret to looking amazing in any hairstyle is picking one that complements your face shape. Different cuts and styles can highlight your best features while balancing your overall proportions.

Hairstyles for Round Faces

If you have a round face, styles that add height and create angles work beautifully. Try layered cuts, side parts, or styles with volume at the crown like the bouffant. Avoid blunt cuts or styles that add width at the sides—instead, go for looks that elongate your face shape.

Hairstyles for Oval Faces

You've basically won the genetic lottery with an oval face shape—almost every style suits you! From pixie cuts to long layers, centre parts to side sweeps, you can experiment freely. Just avoid covering too much of your face with heavy bangs, as your balanced proportions are your best feature.

Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces

With a wider forehead and narrower chin, you'll want styles that balance these proportions. Side-swept bangs soften a broad forehead, while styles with volume at the jawline help balance your features. Avoid too much height at the crown, and instead focus on width at the jaw level.

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Cushioned Hair Brush (India's No.1* Hair Brush Brand)with Steel Pin for Men & Women, All Hair Types (R2-CB)

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Indian Hair Accessories to Complete Your Look

The right accessories can transform a simple hairstyle into something spectacular. Indian hair accessories aren't just decorative—they're part of our cultural heritage and add meaning to your look.

Traditional Accessories and Their Significance

Gajra represents purity and is believed to have a calming effect. Maang tikka traditionally signifies marital status and adds elegance to centre-parted styles. Juda pins keep buns secure while adding sparkle. Hair chains and passa work beautifully with braided styles and are perfect for festivals and weddings.

Modern Hair Accessories for Everyday Wear

For daily styling, try sleek hair clips, textured scrunchies, or subtle headbands. These work with both Indian and Western outfits and add interest without being too formal. Mix traditional elements like small flowers with modern clips for a contemporary twist that's uniquely you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my Indian hairstyle last longer?

Use the right products for your hair type—mousse for volume, serum for shine, and hairspray for hold. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction, and touch up with dry shampoo between washes. Also, protect your styles from humidity with anti-frizz products.

What are some quick Indian hairstyles for busy mornings?

Try a simple low bun secured with decorative pins, a side braid, or the classic plait. Half-up styles with a decorative clip take under two minutes and look put-together. Keep a few hair accessories handy to instantly dress up any simple style.

How often should I oil my hair for optimal health?

For most hair types, oiling once or twice a week works well. If your hair is very dry or damaged, you might benefit from more frequent treatments. Those with oily scalps should oil less frequently—perhaps once a week or every ten days.

Can I achieve these hairstyles with short hair?

Absolutely! While some elaborate braided styles need length, many looks work beautifully on shorter hair. Pixie cuts, short bobs with accessories, and textured styles can be just as stunning. Use hair accessories creatively to add traditional elements to shorter styles.

What are the best products for maintaining Indian hairstyles?

Invest in a good heat protectant if you use styling tools, a lightweight hair oil for daily use, and bobby pins that match your hair colour. Dry shampoo extends styles between washes, while a shine serum adds that glossy finish that makes any style look more polished.

Final Thoughts

Indian women hairstyles offer an incredible range of options, from deeply traditional looks to modern interpretations that work for today's lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to intricate braids, elegant updos, or contemporary cuts, there's a style that will make you feel confident and beautiful. The key is finding what works for your hair type, face shape, and personal style. Remember, great hairstyles start with healthy hair, so don't skip the oiling treatments and regular trims. Experiment with different looks, try new accessories, and most importantly, have fun with your hair journey. When it comes to discovering the perfect haircare products to maintain these gorgeous styles, Smytten offers curated trial packs from trusted brands, letting you explore different products before committing to full sizes. With haircare minis available through their Trial Order system, you can find your perfect styling products and treatments without the guesswork. After all, why settle for maybe when you can try it all and find what truly works for your hair?

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