A hint of red tint on a woman’s forehead is enough to bring about that radiant marital glow. A mark of marital bliss, sindoor was considered a staple in the ancient wisdom of solah sringar. Sindoor, or vermillion, is a red or orange-coloured powder worn by married women. It’s a symbol of marital status. Small as it may appear, sindoor creates a breathtaking traditional appearance.
Even the minutest details can make or break your entire look, and so does sindoor. Well, obviously, it’s only for the married beauties. So, if you’re in this bandwagon, you should definitely try wearing sindoor with your sarees. Classic, traditional, and oh-so-desi, you’ll definitely win hearts. Vermillion adornment styles have evolved with time. From the classic deep red streak to a modern minimal dot, there is a style for every diva. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to wear sindoor for your saree ensemble.
The Importance of Sindoor in Indian Culture
Sindoor is more than just a cosmetic. For a married woman, sindoor or vermillion is the most significant shringar. Married women apply it along the parting of their hair. It’s a sign of their marital status and is considered very auspicious. Often applied during weddings and religious ceremonies, sindoor reflects love and devotion.
Goddess Parvati: In Hindu mythology, sindoor is associated with Goddess Parvati, who is considered the epitome of love and devotion for Lord Shiva.
If you are married and wearing a saree, wear sindoor to complete your look and add that beautiful touch of tradition and spirituality. Modern women experiment with different sindoor trends to suit their fashion choices. Some prefer a minimalistic approach, while others embrace bold and dramatic styles. Wondering what your sindoor style is? Let’s get you sorted!
Choosing the Right Sindoor for Your Saree
While, traditionally, the orange-colored sindoor was considered auspicious, with time, as trends evolved, women started wearing shades of red and maroon to enhance their appearance. Later, with designers and stylists getting interested in this beautiful mark, different colored sindoors became trendy, like pink, green, and purple, to match the attire’s color. Yet, red and maroon remained the most popular and loved ones. The shade and style of sindoor should complement your saree. Here’s how to choose the right sindoor for different saree colors:
- Bright Red Sindoor: This one’s a classic and goes with all saree colors. You just need to choose the style of application. Applied properly, it will definitely add that charm to your look. It’s a bridal favorite too—best for newlyweds.
- Muted or Darker Sindoor: Perfect for pastel, beige, or soft-hued sarees. It creates a sophisticated look without overpowering the outfit.
- Orange Sindoor: The most authentic and traditional colour, yet less common, it pairs beautifully with earthy tones like mustard, rust, or coral sarees. It’s a must for Bihari brides and in some North Indian Hindu wedding rituals. If you like this colour, do give it a try. Less common, you can style it to add that unique twist to your appearance. Just watch your saree color and make sure the color enhances your complexion. You’ll definitely stand out.
Sindoor also comes in different textures such as powder, liquid, and matte finishes. Experiment to know your best fit.
Different Ways to Apply Sindoor
Ah, so let’s move on to the most important factor in determining your sindoor look—the application style! There are numerous styles you can try. For a modern appeal, go minimalistic, and for that traditional vibe, just go for a rich and very pigmented streak. Let’s dive into the different styles of sindoor application.
The Classic Middle Parting
This is the most traditional style of applying sindoor. Try filling your middle hair parting with a rich, pigmented vermillion for an elegant and traditional look. Wearing a classic red saree with gold or kundan jewelry? This style will look absolutely regal. Anushka Sharma created an unforgettable, classic, and evergreen sindoor look paired with a beautiful red Banarasi saree and a classic red bindi for her wedding reception. We’re still going gaga over her beautiful style.
The Royal Bengali Streak
The entire hair parting is filled with sindoor but with a twist—this style features a thick, smudged sindoor streak along the parting. It is often paired with kumkum and chandan designs on the forehead. It beautifully complements a traditional Bengali saree, making for a striking bridal look.
the delicate line
For the modern bride who doesn’t want the very traditional deep streak of sindoor, there is a style for minimal application. You can go for a small sindoor line near the hairline. It creates a subtle yet impactful look. Shilpa Shetty and many other celebrities flaunt this style for casual occasions. This modern sindoor style works for both traditional and contemporary sarees.
The whisper of Sindoor
Not a fan of bold sindoor looks? Want it to be there without being too obvious? There is a simple style for you. A tiny dot of sindoor at the start of the hairline is a minimalistic yet very elegant choice. It is perfect for those who want to maintain tradition while keeping it low-key. Yami Gautam recently beautifully flaunted this style.
The Modern Sindoor Bindi Look
Perfect for the modern bride, you can try a thin sindoor line with a bold red or stone-studded bindi. This works for both traditional and Indo-western saree styles. Take inspiration from Sonakshi Sinha’s sindoor looks.
The Ombre Sindoor
This style starts with a bold application at the hairline and fades as it moves back. It is a great balance between dramatic and subtle, making it perfect for both sarees and fusion wear. Beautifully flaunted by Sonam Kapoor, this style won hearts.
The Triangle Sindoor
Talking of sindoor, how can we forget Komolika? Urvashi Dholakia flaunted so many beautiful sindoor and bindi styles, making them popular among young and old alike. One trendy style was the triangle-shaped sindoor, where she wore sindoor in the shape of an inverted triangle near the hairline. Bold and beautiful, this was signature Komolika style and did create waves. It’s still popular. Try it and create a bold statement.
Hairstyles That Complement Sindoor and Sarees
There are no rules for sindoor-appropriate hairstyles, as it was mandatory for married women, and they had to wear it no matter what. So, it looks good with almost every hairstyle, but some hairstyles flatter the sindoor look the most. Let’s explore!
- Braided Bun: Ideal for grand occasions. This hairstyle adds a regal touch to heavy sarees. Adorn with flowers, and you’re ready to bloom.
- Low Bun with Flowers: Perfect for traditional sarees like Banarasi or Kanjeevaram. A center-parted sindoor line looks best with traditional sarees.
- Sleek Ponytail: A great choice for minimal sindoor looks, working well with modern silk sarees.
- Side-Parted Waves: Wavy hair creates waves with a soft sindoor dot or thin line along the hairline. This creates a contemporary yet ethnic look.
Makeup Tips For Your Sindoor Look
There are no strict rules—just experiment with your makeup style! If you’re opting for a bold sindoor application, go minimal with the makeup to keep the look balanced. A few tips:
- Bold Lips: A deep red sindoor pairs beautifully with red or maroon lip shades.
- Soft Eye Makeup: Keep the eyes subtle with kohl or neutral shades to let the sindoor and saree shine.
- Blush for Balance: A hint of blush enhances your complexion and prevents a washed-out look
- Minimal Sindoor, Dramatic Makeup: If you’re going for a barely-there sindoor, you can experiment with a bolder makeup look. It all depends on your style and the occasion.
Sindoor Experiments
Looking to experiment with your sindoor? Try these creative ideas!
- Use Lipstick: In a hurry and don’t have your regular sindoor handy? A red or maroon lipstick works as a great substitute!
- Try Different Shades: Don’t want the usual red? Experiment with maroon, orange, pink, or even purple sindoor to match your outfit.
- Experiment with Textures: Matte, liquid, or powder sindoor gives different finishes. Pick the one that suits your style best.
Pro Tips for Applying Sindoor the Right Way
- Steady Hands: Ensure a precise application to avoid smudging.
- Use a Sindoor Stick: If applying with fingers is tricky, a sindoor stick offers better control.
- Choose the Right Length: Sindoor should complement your hairstyle without overwhelming your look. Decide on the length and apply accordingly.
- Remove It Properly: To avoid staining, use a makeup remover or a damp cloth before washing your hair.
Wear you sindoor in style
Sindoor application instantly lights up your face and gives that much-needed glow. Gone are the days when sindoor was a fashion faux pas—it’s in vogue! So, don it proudly and look your best. A bright sindoor, radiant smile, and confidence to top it all—you’re ready to slay!
