Hairstyle Ideas and Photos for Every Indian Look
Hairstyle designs for women, men and kids, with hair length, best face shape, upkeep and a stylist note on every look
A good hairstyle starts with your hair, not with a photo. Your hair length, your hair type and your face shape decide what will look right and stay in place through a humid Indian day.
This gallery has one strong idea from every part of the site. You will find open hair, buns and choti for girls, saree and lehenga looks, bridal styles, and men's cuts like fades, crops, quiffs and mullets. Every hairstyle photo comes with the hair it needs, the faces it flatters, how long it takes and a short note you can read out to your stylist or barber.
Pick a style you like, then open its full page for more options. Start with hairstyles for girls or hairstyles for men, or check the hairstyle names guide if you are not sure what a style is called.
Hairstyle for Girls: Open Hair and Everyday Looks
These are quick daily styles for college, office and outings. Most take under 10 minutes and need only a comb, a few pins and a soft elastic.
- Hair
- Medium to long, straight
- Best for
- Oval, long faces
- Upkeep
- 5 min, 1 small clip
Two thin twists from the temples meet at the back of the crown. Your face stays clear and your length still shows.
Stylist note: Take a two finger section from each temple, twist it back loosely and fix it with a small claw clip.
- Hair
- Long, straight or wavy
- Best for
- Round, square faces
- Upkeep
- 20 min with a curler
Loose waves from the ear down give open hair body without frizz. A deep side part adds height on one side.
Stylist note: Spray heat protectant, curl 1 inch sections away from the face, then brush the waves out gently with fingers.
- Hair
- Medium to long, any type
- Best for
- Round, heart faces
- Upkeep
- 8 min, 2 bobby pins
This front hairstyle lifts the top with a small puff, then pulls the rest into a smooth low ponytail. Neat for office and interviews.
Stylist note: Backcomb the crown section lightly, smooth the top layer over it and pin, then tie a low ponytail.
- Hair
- Medium, straight
- Best for
- Oval, long faces
- Upkeep
- 7 min, 4 U-pins
A simple two side hairstyle that works on straight hair. Both sides are twisted back and pinned, so the face stays clear on hot days.
Stylist note: Twist each side back toward the centre, cross the ends and hide them under the opposite twist with U-pins.
Bun, Juda and Choti: Traditional Hairstyle Photo Ideas
Buns and braids hold up best in heat and sweat. These four range from a quick everyday juda to a festive braid with a parandi.
- Hair
- Medium to long, thick
- Best for
- Oval, round faces
- Upkeep
- 6 min, 6 U-pins
A loose low bun that looks relaxed but stays put. Good for long days, travel and second day hair.
Stylist note: Tie a low ponytail, twist it loosely, wrap it around the base and push U-pins in toward the scalp.
- Hair
- Long, any type
- Best for
- Long, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 15 min, 10 U-pins
A round khopa or juda set at the crown with a full gajra around it. It is the classic choice for pujas and family functions.
Stylist note: Ask for a firm round bun with a bun donut inside, then a jasmine gajra wrapped and pinned at three points.
- Hair
- Long, straight or wavy
- Best for
- All face shapes
- Upkeep
- 10 min, 1 elastic
A tight French choti from the crown to the ends. It stays neat under a helmet and lasts a full day.
Stylist note: Start with three small sections at the crown and add hair from both sides each time you cross over.
- Hair
- Medium to long, any
- Best for
- Festivals, mehendi
- Upkeep
- 10 min, 1 parandi
A Punjabi parandi or pranda adds length and colour to a plain choti. Great for Lohri, Baisakhi and mehendi.
Stylist note: Braid the parandi threads in with your hair from the nape so the tassels hang at the end.
Saree, Lehenga and South Indian Hairstyle
Ethnic wear needs a style that shows off the back and the neckline. These looks suit a saree, a lehenga and a sharara.
- Hair
- Medium to long, any
- Best for
- Oval, heart faces
- Upkeep
- 15 min, 8 U-pins
A low side bun keeps the blouse back visible and frames one shoulder. One rose is enough for a wedding guest look.
Stylist note: Ask for a soft side part, a puff at the crown and a low bun placed behind the left ear.
- Hair
- Long, straight or wavy
- Best for
- Round, square faces
- Upkeep
- 30 min, curler, pins
All the curls are pinned to one side so they fall over the shoulder. It shows off earrings and a heavy dupatta.
Stylist note: Use heat protectant, curl in large barrel curls, then pin the back section behind one ear so all curls sit forward.
- Hair
- Long, thick
- Best for
- Oval, long faces
- Upkeep
- 20 min, pins, flowers
This south indian hairstyle keeps a centre parting, a long braid and rows of jasmine down the back. It suits silk sarees and temple visits.
Stylist note: Make a tight centre part and plain braid, then pin strings of jasmine down the braid from crown to tip.
- Hair
- Medium to long, wavy
- Best for
- Heart, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 15 min, 1 elastic
A loose fishtail braid over one shoulder matches the flow of a sharara. Small white flowers make it party ready.
Stylist note: Braid a loose fishtail to one side, pull the edges gently for width and tuck tiny flowers into the gaps.
Bridal and Wedding Hairstyle
A bridal style has to last through long rituals, heavy jewellery and dupatta pins. Always book a trial with your stylist.
- Hair
- Long, thick or extended
- Best for
- Brides, all faces
- Upkeep
- 45 min, 20 pins
A low bun covered in roses and jasmine holds the dupatta pins well. The centre parting leaves room for the maang tikka.
Stylist note: Ask for a firm base bun with a donut, flowers pinned in layers and a flat centre part for the tikka.
- Hair
- Long, any type
- Best for
- Brides, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 60 min, pins, jadai
The classic bridal jadai uses a long braid with round gold ornaments and flowers. Extensions are common if your hair is short.
Stylist note: Ask for a centre parted braid with jadai billai pinned down it and a ring of flowers at the crown.
- Hair
- Long, straight or wavy
- Best for
- Round, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 30 min, curler, clip
Half pinned open curls feel lighter for a reception after a heavy wedding day. One jewelled clip is enough.
Stylist note: Curl in large sections with heat protectant, pin the top half back and finish with light hold spray.
Women's Haircuts: U Cut, Layers and Butterfly
A good cut does half the styling for you. Show your stylist the back shape you want and say how much length you are ready to lose.
- Hair
- Long, straight
- Best for
- All face shapes
- Upkeep
- Trim every 8 weeks
A clean U shape at the back keeps length but removes the flat, blunt look. Easy to tie and easy to leave open.
Stylist note: Ask for a soft U shape at the back, light layers only at the ends and no thinning on top.
- Hair
- Medium to long, thick
- Best for
- Square, round faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 6 to 8 wks
Short layers around the face and longer ones at the back give movement. A round brush blow dry shows the shape best.
Stylist note: Ask for butterfly layers starting at the cheekbone and a round brush blow dry to set them.
- Hair
- Long, wavy
- Best for
- Round, oval faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 8 weeks
A sharp V point at the back makes wavy hair look longer and lighter. The step layers stop the ends from puffing out.
Stylist note: Ask for a deep V at the back with step layers from the shoulder down, cut dry to see the wave.
- Hair
- Short to medium, fine
- Best for
- Oval, heart faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 6 weeks
A blunt shoulder length lob is the easiest straight hair hairstyle to keep neat. It suits fine hair because the ends stay thick.
Stylist note: Ask for a one length cut just above the shoulders with a slight bevel at the ends.
Hairstyle for Men: Fade, Quiff, Crop and Side Cut
These are the cuts men ask for most at the barber right now. Each note gives the clipper number and fade height to ask for.
- Hair
- Straight or wavy, thick
- Best for
- Oval, long faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 4 wks
A mid fade with a choppy top and short fringe. It needs almost no styling and works well in sweat and humidity.
Stylist note: Mid fade from #0 to #2, scissor cut 2 to 3 cm on top, point cut texture, fringe just above the brow.
- Hair
- Medium, thick
- Best for
- Round, square faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 5 wks
The front hair of a quiff is lifted up and back for height. It makes a round face look longer and suits parties and weddings.
Stylist note: Low taper with a #2 on the sides, 6 to 8 cm at the front, shorter toward the crown. Blow dry up.
- Hair
- Straight, medium thick
- Best for
- Oval, square faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 4 wks
A neat side part with a shaved line is smart for office and formal days. Comb it with a little cream and it stays put.
Stylist note: Short taper with a #2, 5 cm on top, and a hard part shaved with a trimmer on your natural parting.
- Hair
- Straight, thick top
- Best for
- Oval, round faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 2 to 3 wks
This side cut hairstyle shaves the sides short with no blend, leaving a long top to sweep back or to the side.
Stylist note: Clip the sides and back with a #1, no fade, keep 10 to 12 cm on top and leave a sharp edge.
Boys Hairstyle: Mullet, Wolf Cut and Korean
Young men want more length and texture right now. These cuts need a little more growing time but look relaxed every day.
- Hair
- Wavy or straight, thick
- Best for
- Oval, long faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 3 to 4 wks
A modern mullet keeps the top textured and the back longer, with a burst fade curving round the ear. Bold but easy to style.
Stylist note: Burst fade around the ear from #0, 4 to 5 cm textured top, keep the back at collar length.
- Hair
- Medium, wavy
- Best for
- Oval, square faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 5 to 6 wks
Choppy layers all over and a split fringe give the wolf cut its shaggy shape. Wavy hair makes it look fuller.
Stylist note: Ask for heavy layering on the crown, scissor cut sides, a split fringe and longer back. No clippers.
- Hair
- Straight, thick
- Best for
- Round, long faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 4 to 5 wks
The two block cut keeps short sides hidden under a longer, soft top. The fringe falls straight and covers the forehead.
Stylist note: Two block with a #2 under the top section, 8 to 10 cm on top cut with scissors, soft forward fringe.
- Hair
- Straight, coarse
- Best for
- Oval, square faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 2 to 3 wks
Short spikes at the front with a high fade. It is a bold street style that holds well with a little clay.
Stylist note: High fade from #0 to #1, 4 cm on top, front left slightly longer, point cut so the spikes stand.
Short Hair, Long Hair and Beard Hairstyle for Men
From a navy cut to a man bun, these show the two ends of the length scale. Each one is paired with a beard that matches.
- Hair
- Any type, short
- Best for
- Oval, square faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 2 to 3 wks
The navy cut is short, neat and cool in summer. A short boxed beard keeps the look clean and sharp.
Stylist note: Sides at #1, top at #3 or 1.5 cm with scissors, and a squared neckline. Beard trimmed with a #2.
- Hair
- Any type, thick
- Best for
- Oval, square faces
- Upkeep
- Trim every 2 weeks
A #2 buzz on top with a skin fade. Best with a clean shave or light stubble and almost zero daily effort.
Stylist note: Buzz the top with a #2, mid skin fade from #0, and line up the hairline lightly.
- Hair
- Long, wavy
- Best for
- Long, oval faces
- Upkeep
- 2 min, 1 elastic
Shoulder length hair tied in a half bun stays off the face. A full beard balances the length.
Stylist note: Grow to the shoulders with trims every 8 to 10 weeks for the ends. Tie the top half loosely at the crown.
How to Choose the Right Hairstyle
Choose by four things, in this order.
- Hair type: straight hair shows clean lines, so blunt cuts, sleek ponytails and side parts look sharp. Wavy and curly hair shows texture, so layers, crops and messy buns work better. See curly hairstyles if your hair has curl.
- Length: a bun or choti needs at least shoulder length. A quiff needs 6 cm at the front. A fade can be done on any length.
- Face shape: round faces look good with height on top and a side part. Long faces need width at the sides and a fringe. Square faces soften with layers and waves. Oval faces suit almost everything. Our guides for women's face shapes and men's face shapes go deeper.
- Occasion and weather: for humid days, helmet rides and long commutes, pick tied styles or short cuts. Save open curls for evenings indoors.
What to Tell Your Stylist or Barber
Do not just say "short" or "make it nice". Use clear words and show a hair style pic from the back and the side.
At the barber: say the clipper number for the sides, the fade height and the length on top in centimetres. Clipper guards in millimetres: #0 gives about 0.5, #1 gives 3, #2 gives 6, #3 gives 10 and #4 gives 13. Fade height works by landmarks: low begins just above the ear, mid at the temple, high near the parietal ridge where the head curves. Say if you want the neckline tapered, blocked or natural.
At the salon: say where the shortest layer should start (chin, cheekbone or shoulder), whether you want a U or V shape at the back, and if you want face framing. Say how much length you can lose. Ask the stylist to cut wavy and curly hair dry or check it dry.
What makes it cost more: a senior stylist, blow drying, treatments, extensions and a bridal trial all add to the bill. Ask before you sit down.
How Long Styles Last and How Often to Trim
A cut only looks like the photo for a few weeks. Plan your trims.
- Fades, buzz cuts and other short cuts: back to the barber in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Crops and quiffs: a tidy-up every 3 to 5 weeks.
- Layered women's cuts like the U cut, V cut and butterfly: every 6 to 10 weeks.
- Long hair you are growing: a small dusting of the ends every 8 to 12 weeks.
Daily styles last differently too. A tight choti or juda lasts the full day. Open curls drop in 3 to 5 hours in humid weather. A pinned bun with enough U-pins can survive a full wedding.
Hair Care Basics for Indian Weather
- Heat protection: always spray heat protectant before a straightener, curler or blow dryer. Keep the tool on medium heat.
- Washing: oily scalps and gym days may need a wash every second day. Dry or curly hair can go 3 days. Use conditioner on the lengths, not the scalp.
- Sweat and helmets: wear a thin cotton cloth under the helmet and pick styles with no product that melts, like a light matte clay for men or a low braid for women.
- Gentle styling: avoid very tight pulls on fine hair and on kids' hair. Use soft elastics without metal joins.
- Problems: for heavy hair fall, dandruff that will not clear or bald patches, see a dermatologist.
Quick Table: Popular Men's Cuts and Women's Styles
| Style | Hair needed | Best face shapes | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fade | Any, short sides | Oval, round, square | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Textured crop | Straight or wavy | Oval, long | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Quiff | Thick, 6 cm front | Round, square | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Mullet | Thick, longer back | Oval, long | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Bun or juda | Shoulder length or more | Oval, long | 10 to 15 min |
| Choti | Medium to long | All | 10 min |
| Open hair waves | Long | Round, square | 20 min |
| Layered cut | Medium to long | Round, square | 6 to 10 weeks |
Common hairstyle questions
Which hairstyle suits me best?
Start with your hair type and length, then your face shape. Round faces need height on top, long faces need width at the sides, and square faces soften with layers. If you are unsure, take a hairstyle photo from the back and the side to your stylist and ask if it will work on your hair.
What is a south indian hairstyle for a wedding?
The classic south indian hairstyle is a centre parting, a long braid and strings of jasmine pinned down the back. Brides often add a jadai with gold ornaments. If your hair is short, a stylist can add a braid extension. See more bridal hairstyles.
What is a front hairstyle and how do I do it?
A front hairstyle changes only the front of the hair, such as a puff, a side swept fringe or two twists from the temples. The back can stay open or in a ponytail. A small puff takes 5 minutes with light backcombing and two bobby pins.
What is a chapri hairstyle?
It is a street term for bold, spiky cuts with a high fade and lots of texture on top. You can get the same shape without hair colour by asking for a high fade from #0 and 4 cm spikes on top. Keep it neat with a trim every 2 to 3 weeks.
Which beard hairstyle goes with a short cut?
A short boxed beard trimmed with a #2 suits a navy cut or buzz cut. With a longer quiff or side cut, a fuller beard keeps the face balanced. Keep the beard line on the neck about two fingers above the Adam's apple.
What is the best hairstyle for straight hair?
Straight hair looks best in cuts with clean lines. Women can try a blunt lob, a U cut or a sleek low ponytail. Men can try a side part, a textured crop or a two block cut, using matte clay so the top does not fall flat.
