Festive Hairstyles to Pair With Sarees For a Contemporary Twist

Countless women don the garment every day. What breathes new life into it is the way it's worn. This festive season, contemporise this classic by experimenting with new hairstyles for sarees. Whether you're a bridesmaid or the bride herself, there are about a million ways to style this eternal silhouette. We asked Chandani Malik, a renowned professional makeup artist who has created beauty looks for the likes of Kalyani Saha from the hit Netflix series 'Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives' season 3, about contemporary hairdos to pair with a sari. From messy buns and fishtail braids, to textured ponytails ideal for a fresh yet festive vibe, here's what we found. Deciding on a hairdo requires a lot to be taken into account. The theme of the event, sari drape, body shape, and even the height are all to be considered. "When narrowing down on festive hairstyles for sarees, it matters what jewellery you're going to wear, what's the neckline of the sari and even the shape of the face", adds Malik. "For instance if someone has a square or round shaped face, half-up curls work the best for them. It tends to give a little dimension to the face without adding too much volume." Hair updos like a bun usually look great on all face shapes. We've broken it down further for you. Expert-Approved Hairstyles You Can Ace With a Sari

While the hairstyle, complete with loose tendrils, looks like something you can pull off on your own, the messy bun haristyle is intentional. I like to think it's a power move in itself as it's a sort of nod to tradition but then there comes a slight subversion with it. It's great for backless blouses as it lets the eyeballs run through your outfit without distraction. "This is the safest hairdo to style with a sari and goes well with every face shape. You can keep some side locks out in this hairstyle depending on the dimension you want to add to the face", adds Chandani.

Super chic and classic, this one is loved by countless women. The sleek low bun is an elegant and timeless choice that pairs beautifully with the sari. "This works the best for someone with a heart shaped face", shares Chandani. Case in point: it's also Deepika Padukone's go-to for when she's wearing a sari. To achieve a sleek low-rise bun, start by straightening your hair. Gather it at the nape of your neck, securing it in a smooth, low bun. You can inject glamour in your hairstyle by wrapping the bun with a decorative accessory like a brooch or flowers.

Also called half-up, half-down hairstyle, this one is a slightly modern, undone style and is perfect for creating an effortlessly chic look. It balances the structured nature of the sari with a touch of casual flair. As Chandani mentioned, this style complements all face shapes too. You can accessorise it further with loose flowers, pearls, and a variety of hair accessories.

Soft, bouncy curls or waves create a beautiful contrast with the elegance of the sari. For someone with an oblong or oval face shape, this style works well. "Centre parting tends to add a sophisticated and graceful persona to the traditional sari." It adds volume and texture, making it ideal for lighter fabrics like chiffon or georgette. Think Sushmita Sen as seen in some gorgeous sari looks in the film 'Main Hoon Na'. To achieve these soft waves, style it properly with Toni&Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray Beach Locks & Natural Waves that adds definition and texture to your hair.

Braided hairstyles are easy-to-put-together and can easily be done without fuss. I like to think of it as a sleek option ideal for times even when you're having a bad hair day. Don't limit yourself to thinking of just one kind of fishtail – you can incorporate the braid in a ponytail, updo or even a bun. The side fishtail braid in particular is a stylish rendition. Chandani adds, "If you're going for a maang tikka, this hairstyle adds a fresh and youthful touch to the look. I'd recommend this when you're aiming to look more traditional than modern." No matter what hairstyle you choose, use a good heat protectant before styling your hair so that no heat damage can penetrate. Toni&Guy Heat Protection Mist is a game changer. It reduces frizz and leaves your hair looking smooth, glossy and healthy. Once styled, run your fingers lightly through the hair with Tresemme Gloss Ultimate Hair Serum With Macadamia Oil . This will add that extra shine to the hair. Once styled, end with a hair spray to make them stay in place. Remember to keep in mind these pro-tips while deciding on festive hairstyles and what would look the best on you. When thinking of occasions, for instance a wedding or formal event, go for elegant and structured styles like a sleek low bun or retro waves. For casual gatherings, softer, more relaxed styles like beachy waves or a low ponytail work best. You can also think of which hairdo would balance your sari style. If you're wearing a heavily embellished sari, you may want to choose a simpler hairstyle that doesn't compete with the fabric. On the contrary, if your sari is simpler or lighter, you can experiment with more voluminous or intricate hairstyles. Lastly, don't forget to accessorise with decorative pins, fresh flowers, or a headband to enhance your hairstyle, tailoring it further to your personality and vibe. Try them out this festive season be sure to stand out!