Before stylish hair accessories became commonplace, Indian women had their own sophisticated terminology for hairstyles as grooming options. Any hairstyle could indicate the wearer’s community or region, marital status, social class, or the occasion. From fragrant flowers to stunning gold decorations worn as hair adornments, traditional Indian accessories shaped how women styled their hair. Most of these accessories were worn only on special occasions or wedding ceremonies, while some have left the fashion scene forever. Here are some Indian hairstyles that we need to know more about.
If the gajra symbolises modesty, the jadai promises to be a true exponent of extravagance tied to South Indian marriage styles. Commonly worn in Tamil Nadu, jadai features large ornaments that adorn the long hair braid, and it consists of various elements such as round pieces placed on the braid and a larger ornament at the end. One of the most well-known elements is the jadai nagam, inspired by snakes, which embodies the style of South Indian bridal jewellery.