Think heritage meets hygge: classic Indian buns reimagined with texture and ease; sculptural braids softened into romantic rope and mermaid styles; and glossy, breathable waves that move on camera. Minimal, luxe hair jewellery, fresh-flower gajras and delicate pearl pins are what stylists are using to finish looks that read modern yet rooted. These three families — buns, braids and waves — are the most bookmarked bridal looks for 2024–25.
1) The Chic Bun — why it works & who should wear it
Why: Buns are versatile (ceremony, pheras, reception), keep your dupatta and jewelry sitting perfectly, and photograph beautifully from every angle. Add texture or loosen for a modern, more relaxed silhouette.
Quick looks to try:
- Sleek low bun with centre part — perfect with heavy matha-patti and temple jewelry.
- Textured low messy bun + loose tendrils — soft, romantic, ideal with lehengas and lighter jewellery.
- Braided wrapped bun — intricate but surprisingly wearable; great for adding weightless drama.
How to build a fail-safe low bun (mini how-to)
- Prep with light volumizing mousse at damp roots; blow-dry for lift.
- Create a soft middle or side part.
- Backcomb crown lightly for volume, smooth the top section.
- Twist hair into a low bun; pin securely with U-pins.
- Pull out a few face-framing strands; mist with flexible hold hairspray.
- Embellish with gajra, pearl pins or a delicate hair vine.
Stylist tip: practise the bun with your bridal dupatta pinned as you would on the day — it changes the silhouette.
2) Braids — the new heirloom
Why: Braids have graduated from “traditional” to editorial — think mermaid braids threaded with pearls, loose fishtails, and reverse crown braids that carry the maang tikka. They’re also ideal if you want a look that lasts through dancing.
Top braid styles
- Mermaid / waterfall braid with pearl pins — modern, wearable, and photogenic.
- Textured fishtail pulled apart for volume — looks more luxe than it sounds.
- Braid + bun hybrid — braid the crown into a low bun for a regal finish.
How to build a soft, editorial fishtail
- Prep hair with dry texturizer or sea-salt spray for grip.
- Part where you like; take three sections at crown and begin a loose fishtail, pulling gently to pancake (widen) the braid.
- Secure with small clear elastic; wrap a few strands around the elastic to hide.
- Add pearl or floral pins intermittently for a luxe, bridal finish.
Accessory note: braid jewellery (jadai billai / braid pins) and hair chains are especially popular across South Indian and pan-Indian looks — they turn a simple braid into a statement.
3) Waves — the dreamy reception hero
Why: “Beachy” is out; “glossy and touchable” is in. Soft, S-shaped waves give movement for reception gowns and cocktail looks and look spectacular in evening light. Many brides now choose waves for pre-wedding shoots and reception nights.
How to get camera-ready waves
- Start with a smoothing balm on damp hair for shine and frizz control.
- Use a large-barrel curling iron (1.25–1.5 inches) and curl away from the face in alternating sections.
- Pin each curl to cool for long hold.
- Release, brush gently with a wide tooth or paddle brush to soften into waves.
- Finish with a light mist of flexible hold spray — you want motion, not a helmet.
Stylist tweak: Add a side clip with pearls or a miniature veil for Indo-western reception drama.
Hair accessories to elevate every look
This season’s accessory language is refined: micro-pearls, slim hair vines, tiny floral clusters (fresh or silk), minimalist metal combs and traditional gajra reworked in pastel palettes. For brides who want couture flair, hair chains and jadai embellishments threaded into braids are having a moment. Shop from artisanal Indian hair-jewellery makers or bespoke stylists for pieces that match your bridal set.
Prep plan (4–6 weeks out)
- Trim ends and get a conditioning treatment 2–3 weeks before the wedding.
- Trial with your hairstyle, jewellery and dupatta — do at least one full run-through.
- If adding extensions, do a colour-match test so they blend seamlessly.
- Scalp care: gentle oiling or a hydrating mask weekly if your hair is dry; consult your stylist if you colour.
Why trials matter: colour, volume, dupatta placement and veil pins alter silhouette. A trial avoids surprises and lets your stylist fine-tune details like face-framing tendrils and jewellery placement.
Namika Kant, Technical Expert at Envi Salons says,
The festive-wedding season is here, and every bride deserves a hairstyle that feels as special as her big day. At Envi Salons, we believe your hair should not only complement your outfit but also enhance your natural beauty while lasting through the endless celebrations. From elegant buns to romantic braids and dreamy waves, our experts bring you the ultimate bridal hair inspiration.
Chic Buns are the go-to for brides who want timeless elegance. Whether it’s a sleek low bun accentuated with fresh flowers or a voluminous textured bun with jeweled accessories, our stylists ensure you look effortlessly graceful.
Braids add a modern yet traditional touch. From fishtails to waterfall braids, we craft looks with delicate embellishments like pearls or florals that pair beautifully with lehengas and sarees.
For brides who prefer a natural glow, Waves are the perfect pick. Soft curls or cascading beachy waves look effortlessly chic while pairing seamlessly with veils or traditional jewelry.
At Envi Salons, we personalize every look to suit your personality, outfit, and comfort. Step into this wedding season with confidence because your bridal journey deserves nothing less than perfection.
Final notes — photography & cultural cues
- If your ceremony will involve a lot of close-up ritual shots (e.g., tilak, pheras), opt for a secured bun or braid so jewellery and dupatta don’t disturb the hair.
- For reception and candid shots, waves and looser braids give movement and feel more editorial.
- Work with a stylist who understands the cultural needs of your ceremony (dupatta/veil placements, temple jewellery weight) and can secure styles for energetic dancing.
The post Bridal Hairstyling Guide: Chic Buns, Braids & Waves for the Festive-Wedding Season appeared first on Wedding Vows.