Navigating ethnic fashion can be challenging, especially when complementing your look with the right accessories, makeup, and, most importantly, the perfect hairstyle. Whether a designer saree, lehenga, or suit, your ethnic ensemble demands a hairdo that complements your style. You don’t need to rely on mundane braids or salon appointments. Achieving a stunning hairstyle that perfectly matches your desi swag may seem daunting, but with the proper guidance, you can master the art. Here’s a guide to effortlessly elegant hairstyles that pair beautifully with traditional Indian outfits, leaving a lasting impression.
What is ‘Hair Type’?
So, before we head towards the hairstyles that will make you look stupendously beautiful in your Indian dresses, it is crucial to identify your hair type so your hair game can look good every time. The hair type is determined by the shape of hair follicles, which again controls the amount and pattern of curl in the hair. If the follicles are round and symmetrical, the hair is straight. The more they become oval and asymmetrical, the curlier the hair strands. However, the basic curl pattern in every individual is primarily influenced by genetics (1). While it gets altered to some extent with heat, chemicals, hormones, or medications, the essential characteristics in DNA are reasserted during each hair growth cycle.
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Different Types of Hair
Hair can be divided into four categories based on the curl pattern. They can further have subtypes, which indicate how loose or tight the curls and coils are. Given below are the details of different hair types (2):
1. Straight Hair
As the name says, this hair type has no natural waves or curls from the root to the tip. However, based on density, the strands can be thin, thick, fine, coarse, etc..
2. Wavy Hair
- 2A: It is straight from the roots to the eyes and has loose, undefined curls from the eyes to the tips. A gentle, tousled texture also characterizes this type of hair.
- 2B: The curls get a better definition and a slight ‘S’-shape as the pattern starts from the midpoint and continues to the tips of the hair.
- 2C: In this wavy hair type, the pattern begins very close to the crown and tumbles downward, creating the most well-defined ‘S’ shape.
3. Curly Hair
- 3A: Here, the ‘S’-shaped curls turn into loose loops, which look even more comprehensive than the large end of a taper candle.
- 3B: It has curls as wide as a marker and springs from the roots to the tips with ample volume.
- 3C: These tight and springy curls are not more comprehensive than a regular straw.
4. Coily or Kinky Hair
- 4A: In this type, the hair strands form thin ‘S’-shaped coils that can be wrapped around a chopstick.
- 4B: The coils here get a zig-zag pattern.
- 4C: It is the tightest and the most fragile type of coil.
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How to Style Different Hair Types?
Your hair could be a combination of different hair types, making it difficult to style. Once you understand the styling needs of every kind of hair, it becomes effortless for you. Here we go:
1. Styling Straight Hair
As straight hair turns oily very quickly, ensure you do not trigger the overproduction of sebum in your scalp by washing it too often. Replace your heavy serums or hair butter with dry shampoos or texture sprays. A chin-length blunt cut goes well with straight hair.
2. Styling Wavy Hair
For type 2A hair, switch to a light gel or mousse from oil- or cream-based products. This will stop the waves from flattening out and add definition to them. Straightening type 2B hair needs extra effort, but you can always spritz a little salt spray to get a perfect beachy look or add dimension from the backside by sporting a balayage trend. Thick and frizz-prone type 2C hair needs anti-humidity products like lightweight mousses and a diffuser attached to the blow dryer. Alternating between daily straightening can damage this type of hair.
3. Styling Curly Hair
Brushing type 3A hair will ruin its definition and induce frizz. Wearing tight ponytails or buns will also deform and thin out natural curls. So, opt for products and styles that define curly hair and enhance its shape. Provide lots of moisture to the distinctive ringlets of type 3B hair. Also, prevent dryness and breakage by avoiding silicone and sulfates in your products. To maintain the type 3C corkscrew curls, apply a leave-in conditioner and run your fingertips through the wet hair. It is also recommended to air-dry this hair instead of blow-drying (3).
4. Styling Coily or Kinky Hair
Be excessively gentle with the delicate type 4A hair. Use deep conditioning treatments like creams, masks, and butter to preserve their health and definition. It would be best to avoid protective styles like weaves and braids. Instead, wear it loose in wash-and-go styles. For type 4B hair, singling is the proper styling technique that not only defines the shape of the hair but also accentuates it. Moisturize and condition each strand intensely with a leave-in conditioner and apply curling cream or gel down the length. You must frequently nourish your type 4C hair with rich conditioners like coconut oil or shea butter. Ditch the shampoo if you wish, and be very careful while combing.
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10 Awe-Inspiring Hairstyles with Indian Traditional Outfits
So, here are some no-salon hairstyle inspirations for you that will appeal the best with Indian traditional outfits:
1. Messy Bun
This messy affair is a favorite of Deepika Padukone. But believe us, you can also rock this chic hairstyle like a pro! It is best paired with a saree and a sassy backless blouse. Moreover, it is suitable for all types of faces.
Style Decoded:
- Create large, soft curls in your hair.
- Part it from the middle and make a small pouf at the crown area.
- Gather all curls at the nape of the neck and tie them into a slightly loose bun.
- Tease the bun a little to create that perfectly messy look.
- Let some of the curls fall on your forehead casually.
- Throw in a jeweled clip or some pins at the back to secure the bun in style.
2. Half-Up Curls
This pinned-back hairstyle is simple, elegant, and almost fuss-free. No wonder that it has been consistently in trend for decades. You can wear the half-up curl hairdo in just minutes, and it will go great with a plethora of ethnic wear.
- Partition your hair at the center or from either side.
- Backcomb at the crown to get some volume.
- Take the front strands in thin sections from both sides and twist them up.
- Secure the twisted hair at the back with a few bobby pins or a lovely hair accessory.
- Curl the rest of your hair softly and let it fall loose on your shoulders.
For a smart and classy look, straighten the rest of your hair and let it rest on your back to flaunt your personality.
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3. Sleek Chignon
While messy hair is in now, a slicked-back low bun never goes out of style. The chignon plays just right and powerfully to accentuate the cheekbones and the forehead while adding royalty to a designer saree or a heavy suit.
Style Decoded:
- Apply serum liberally to the hair to make it smooth, sleek, and shiny.
- Comb it backward to make it super straight.
- Make a tight low bun at the nape of your neck.
- Set with a good spritz of hairspray so that it looks flawless.
- Accessorize the chignon with ‘gajra’ or floral embellishments.
To jazz up your look and be high in swag, go for a low side chignon by making the bun at one side of your nape.
4. Side Fishtail Plait
Ditch the boring regular plait for this quick, no-trick side fishtail. Be it messy or tidy, elaborate fishtail braids are the pure obsession that perfectly fits all less embellished ethnic outfits.
Style Decoded:
- Side-part your hair on either side.
- Backcomb at the crown area to add a little volume.
- Gather all your hair on the shoulder of the side opposite the partition.
- Make a loose fishtail braid and let it rest on the shoulder.
- Pull some hair near your temple area for a casual, chic look.
- Spritz some hair spray to keep the look set in place.
If you are not comfortable with the sleek pleats of the fishtail braid, go for a simple side braid or a side French braid. Both of these will add drama and boldness to your desi look.
5. Side-Swept Locks
When it comes to adding oomph to your stunning saree or intricate lehenga, this hairdo never fails. Side-swept locks are low on fuss and a hot favorite of red-carpet celebrities.
Style Decoded:
- Add soft, large curls to your hair from mid-length to the ends.
- Part it to one side.
- Gather all the curls on the shoulder to the opposite side.
- Set the style with hairspray.
Side loose curls itself will highlight your look enough. So, keep your accessories as minimal as possible.
6. High Ponytail
A ponytail need not be meant only for casual attire. You can go high on a clean-swept high ponytail while wearing ethnic outfits. Please keep the entire look clean and minimalistic, as the ponytail instantly adds a twist and quirkiness.
Style Decoded:
- Iron your hair to give it a straight and sleek look.
- Backcomb some hair into a pouf on the top of your head.
- Pull back the rest of the hair and tie it into a high ponytail.
- Accessorize with a fancy clip or band.
Modify your ponytail in different ways to look drop-dead gorgeous in Indianwear. Some amazing options to choose from are curly ponytail, low side ponytail, bubbly ponytail, etc.
7. Traditional Bun
What else can be more perfect than a traditional attire with a conventional low bun? Adding a stunning ‘gajra’ to the classic bun can add even more elegance to the appearance.
Style Decoded:
- Middle partition your hair.
- Secure it into a low bun at the nape of the neck.
- Tuck in all loose ends with hairpins.
- Hold the look down with a hair mist.
- Loosen a few hair strands here and there near the hairline.
8. Straight Layered Hair
If you have lovely layered hair, you want to flaunt, this is the hottest trend. It takes Indian outfits to a new level with its simple yet classy approach.
Style Decoded:
- Apply smoothening cream to your layers liberally.
- Partition the sleek and straight hair at the center.
- Blowdry it and iron out the ends.
9. Puffed-Up Bun
This puffed-up bun hairstyle is charming and graceful. Try it with your designer dress to add sheer elegance and make your forehead look more striking.
Style Decoded:
- Use a volumizing shampoo on your hair.
- Curl it up slightly.
- Backcomb the hair at the crown to make that pouf.
- Hold it together with some bobby pins.
- Roll up the rest of the hair into a messy bun at the center of your head.
- Secure it with hairpins.
10. Curly Layers
If you have medium-length hair, these curly layers complement your ethnic look the best. Adding a necklace headdress to the hairstyle can even amp up your mane game.
Style Decoded:
- Treat your layers with a volumizing shampoo.
- Add trim and defined curls to them.
- Make a side partition in your hair.
- Let the curls fall on your shoulders, framing your face.
Summary:
It is crucial to identify your hair type to ensure that your hair game is on fleek every time. The type of hair is determined by the shape of hair follicles, which again controls the amount and pattern of curl in the hair. The basic curl pattern in every individual is primarily influenced by genetics and cannot be changed completely. But based on the curl pattern, hair can be divided into four categories – straight, wavy, curly, and coily or kinky. They can further have subtypes, which indicate how loose or tight the curls and coils are. Your hair could be a combination of different types of hair, which makes it difficult to style. Once you understand the styling needs of each type of hair, it becomes effortless for you. Some of the best hairstyles that you can flaunt with your Indian traditional outfits are messy bun, half-up curls, sleek chignon, side fishtail braid, side-swept locks, high ponytail, traditional bun, straight layered hair, puffed-up bun, and curly layers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Healthiest Hairstyle?
Some of the healthiest hairstyles include smooth chignon, braided ponytail bun, twisted ponytail, twisted headband, half braid, crown braid, half bun, etc. However, it would be best if you kept changing your hairstyles to keep your scalp and hair healthy and beautiful.
What is the Easiest Hairstyle?
Braided bun, quick temple twists, scarf braids, knotted ponytails, halo braids, sleek ponytails, pineapples, side braids, etc., are quick and easy hairstyles you can wear in minutes.
What are the Least Damaging Hairstyles?
If you want to protect your hair from damage while styling, opt for hairstyles like braids, low buns, braided buns, low ponytails, slicked-back hair, etc.
References:
- “The Biology and Genetics of Curly Hair,” OnlineLibrary.wiley.com
- “How to Identify and Style Your Hair Type,” Healthline.com
- “How to Stop Damaging Your Hair,” AAD.org
