Festivals in India are a dazzling interplay of heritage and modernity, and nothing captures this spirit more elegantly than a saree. Yet, even the most exquisite drape finds its true voice only when paired with the right hairstyle. From sculpted buns that echo regal grace to flowing waves that whisper romance, and from traditional chotis adorned with flowers to experimental braids laced with jewels — every look tells a story. This season make heads turn with unique festive hairstyles.
This edit is your ultimate guide to festive hairstyles for sarees. Inspired by timeless rituals and runway-ready trends, it breaks down not just what to wear, but how to do it. Step by step, discover hairstyles that will see you through Diwali nights, Karwa Chauth rituals, glamorous weddings, and every festive celebration in between.
Festive Hairstyles Sorted
The saree frames your entire silhouette, but the hairstyle defines your personality. A bun gives regal grace, loose waves give a modern appeal to your look, while a choti adds vintage grace to your beauty. Accessories like gajra, pearls, or hair jewellery further tie the look together.

The idea is simple: match your hairstyle with the saree fabric, blouse style, and jewellery. Most importantly, sync your hairstyle with the events vibe.
Out Of The box Festive hairstyles To try
1. Choti Hairstyles for Sarees
Heard the song ‘Kaali teri choti hai paranda teri laalni’. The old melody is all about beautiful choti hairstyle. Guess what? Parandas are back in vogue but with a style twist making the choti one of the most iconic festive hairstyles. From temple pujas to weddings, a decorated braid completes the saree look.
Pearl-Wrapped Choti
A sleek braid wrapped with pearls gives a chic royal vibe.

How to do it:
- Make a tight braid.
- Wrap a pearl string around it, spacing evenly.
- Add roses at the base for extra charm.
Best With: White, gold, or pastel sarees.
Designer Choti with Ribbons or Lace
Embellished ribbons tied around the braid create a stylish festive statement.

How to do it:
- Make a sleek ponytail and braid it.
- Criss-cross golden lace or ribbon around it.
- Finish with matching floral pins.
Best With: Heavily embroidered lehenga-style sarees.
Mirror-Work Choti
A braid decorated with reflective appliqué looks glamorous for night functions.

How to do it:
- Tie a braid.
- Clip or stitch mirror-work accessories along its length.
- Add tassels at the end for drama.
Best With: Partywear sarees like tissue or sequin drapes.
Colourful Tassel Choti
A playful hairstyle perfect for haldi or mehendi ceremonies.

How to do it:
- Braid your hair.
- Pin multicolour pom-poms, tassels, and floral patches along it.
- Balance with light jewellery.
Best With: Bright Bandhani or festive printed sarees.
Seashell Choti
Braids decorated with shells are trendy and unique.

How to do it:
- Braid your hair tightly.
- Attach shell accessories at intervals.
- Keep makeup minimal to let the choti shine.
Best With: Coastal-inspired sarees, beach weddings, or fusion events.
Traditional Gajra Choti
A braid wrapped fully in jasmine flowers is evergreen.

How to do it:
- Make a long braid.
- Wrap fresh jasmine strands around it.
- Accessorise with temple jewellery.
Best With: South Indian Kanjeevaram sarees.
2. Classic Bun Hairstyles
Buns are the most versatile hairstyles with sarees. They are neat, long-lasting, and highlight your neck and earrings beautifully.
Low Bun with Flowers
A neat low bun decorated with jasmine or pastel flowers is a festive favourite.

How to do it:
- Straighten your hair for a sleek base.
- Tie a low ponytail and twist it into a bun.
- Secure with bobby pins and wrap with fresh flowers.
- Add hairspray for hold.
Best With: Silk sarees and heavy jewellery.
Designer Bun with Hair Jewellery
A bun decorated with a round bun accessory looks grand and royal.

How to do it:
- Make a low bun with a side or middle parting.
- Place the bun accessory (kundan, pearl, or stonework) over it.
- Secure tightly with U-pins.
Best With: Banarasi sarees or wedding outfits.
Modern Bun with Mini Floral Pins
If you prefer subtle elegance, try a bun with small floral accents.

How to do it:
- Create a smooth bun at the nape of your neck.
- Insert small floral pins or buds across the bun.
- Keep the look polished with a shine serum.
Best With: Organza or pastel sarees.
Side-Decorated Bun
Adding flowers to one side of the bun gives a soft, feminine touch.

How to do it:
- Make a low bun.
- Pin a bunch of flowers on one side only.
- Balance with a pair of jhumkas or chandbalis.
Best With: Mehendi or sangeet sarees.
3. Open Hairstyles with Sarees
Open hairstyles add softness and romance to saree looks. They work well for younger women or for events where you want minimal fuss.
Open Hair with Long Floral Trail
Open hair decorated with gajra strands creates a festive yet effortless look.

How to do it:
- Curl or straighten your open hair.
- Pin jasmine strings at the crown and let them flow with the open hair.
- Accessorise with gold jewellery.
Best With: South Indian silk sarees during weddings.
Soft Curls with Side Parting
Loose curls bring natural volume and elegance.

How to do it:
- Curl the hair with a tong or rollers.
- Side part and pin one side lightly behind the ear.
- Spray for a bouncy finish.
Best With: Georgette and chiffon sarees.
Half-Up Hairstyle with Floral Gajra
Open hair paired with partial up-dos looks trendy.

How to do it:
- Take the crown section of your hair and pin it back.
- Leave the rest of the hair open.
- Wrap a small gajra or use pearl clips on the crown.
Best With: Kota doria, Chanderi, or festive cotton sarees.
Pro Tips to Perfect Your Festive Hairstyles
- Wash and condition hair one day before.
- Always blow-dry or straighten for a neat base.
- Keep U-pins, bobby pins, and hairspray handy.
- Match accessories (pearls, flowers, shells) with saree and jewellery.
- For long festivals, choose secure buns or braids over open hair.

Final Thoughts
From elegant buns to playful chotis and romantic open styles, festive hairstyles for sarees are endless. Each one unique, stunning and uber graceful. These hairstyles are definitely going to take your festive look to another level. A pearl-wrapped braid, a mirror bun, or soft curls, the right hairstyles will add oomph and glamour to your saree look.
So this festive season, don’t just stop at draping your saree. Let your hair be the showstopper.
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