Best Hairstyles to enhance your Saree Appearance

A saree on its own is graceful, but the right hairstyle can make all the difference. It is not just an accessory - it completes the look. Whether you are dressing up for a wedding, a festive occasion, or even a formal event, your hairstyle should enhance your saree rather than clash with it. A well-chosen style frames your face, highlights your jewellery and adds an extra layer of elegance.

Just imagine, a sleek low bun paired with a traditional silk saree exudes timeless charm, while soft waves with a lightweight georgette saree create a more effortless, modern feel. If your saree has heavy embroidery or a high neckline, an updo keeps the focus on the outfit. On the other hand, an open hairstyle with voluminous curls can add drama to a simple saree. It is all about balance. Your hairstyle also says a lot about your personality. A messy bun looks effortless yet stylish, perfect for someone who loves a mix of tradition and modernity. A side braid can add a touch of femininity, while a high ponytail brings a bold, confident vibe. The best part is that you do not need to spend hours styling your hair. With a few simple techniques, you can find a hairstyle that looks great with your saree, occasion and personal style.

Let us explore some of the most flattering and easy-to-achieve hairstyles that will enhance your saree look effortlessly...

Classic Bun Hairstyles

There is something timeless about a neatly done bun. It is the kind of hairstyle that effortlessly enhances a saree, bringing out a refined and polished look. Whether you are attending a wedding, a festive gathering, or just want to add a traditional touch to your ensemble, bun hairstyles are a go-to choice. They are easy to style, keep your hair in place all day, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Here are some classic bun styles that will beautifully complement your saree and add an extra touch of elegance...

Traditional Low Bun - A sleek low bun at the nape of your neck gives a neat and polished look. It works well with both middle and side partings, making it ideal for formal events and simple gatherings. Use hairspray to keep it smooth, and add a few pearls or flowers for a refined touch.
Gajra-Adorned Bun - A traditional favourite, this bun is wrapped with fresh jasmine (gajra) for a classic South Indian look. Perfect for weddings and festive occasions, the floral garland adds beauty and fragrance. Secure the bun with pins before wrapping the gajra for a neat finish.
Braided Bun - For a more intricate look, weave a braid into your bun. A fishtail or regular braid wrapped around the bun adds texture and elegance, making it a great choice for embroidered sarees or festive events. Add hairpins or small gold accents for a stylish finish.

Traditional Low Bun

Gajra Adorned Bun

Braided Bun

Braided Hairstyles

Braided hairstyles are a great way to enhance your saree look while keeping your hair stylish and manageable. Whether you prefer a sleek finish or a soft, romantic touch, braids can add elegance and sophistication. Here are three gorgeous braided hairstyles that perfectly complement a saree.

Fishtail Braid - A fishtail braid creates a chic and intricate look, adding volume and texture to your hair. To achieve this style, divide your hair into two sections and take small strands from one side, crossing them over to the other until you reach the end. Secure it with a hair tie and gently loosen the braid for a fuller effect. Adding small floral pins or pearl accessories can elevate the look, making it ideal for weddings and festive occasions.
Side-Swept Braid - A side-swept braid offers a relaxed yet polished look, perfect for both casual outings and formal events. Brush your hair to one side and create a loose braid, allowing a few strands to frame your face for a soft, effortless appearance. To enhance the style, tuck in small decorative clips or fresh flowers. This braid works beautifully with lightweight sarees like chiffon and georgette, maintaining an elegant and airy vibe.
Crown Braid - A crown braid wraps around the head, giving a regal and sophisticated look. Start by braiding two sections from either side of your head and secure them at the back with bobby pins. Leave a few loose strands for a softer effect. This hairstyle is perfect for grand celebrations, as it keeps the hair neatly in place while highlighting the saree's details. Adding delicate hairpins or decorative chains can further enhance the look.

Fishtail Braid

Side-Swept Braid

Crown Braid

Modern Updos

Updos are a go-to choice when styling your hair with a saree. They keep the focus on your outfit while adding elegance to your overall look. But traditional buns are not the only option anymore. Modern updos blend sophistication with effortless charm, making them perfect for weddings, festivals, or casual gatherings. Here are three trendy updos that work beautifully with sarees.

Messy Bun with Loose Strands - A messy bun gives a relaxed yet stylish look. Gather your hair into a loose bun at the nape of your neck and let a few strands fall around your face for a soft, effortless effect. This style works best with lightweight sarees like chiffon and georgette, adding a breezy touch. Use a texturizing spray for volume and secure it with bobby pins. A light-hold hairspray will keep it in place without making it stiff.
Top Knot Bun - For a sleek, modern look, a top knot bun is the way to go. It adds height and structure, making it perfect for contemporary saree drapes like pre-stitched or dhoti-style sarees. Start with a high ponytail, twist it and wrap it into a bun. Secure it with pins and smooth any flyaways with gel. Tug at sections of the bun for a slightly relaxed look. This style pairs well with bold makeup and statement jewellery.
Twisted Bun - A twisted bun adds texture and dimension while keeping things neat and polished. It works best with silk sarees or embroidered outfits. Simply divide your hair into two sections, twist them individually, then wrap them into a bun. Secure with pins and accessorise with floral pins or a delicate maang tikka for an elegant finish.

Messy Bun with Loose Strands

Top Knot Bun

Twisted Bun

Half-Up, Half-Down Styles

The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a great choice when you want a polished yet effortless look with a saree. It keeps the hair off your face while allowing soft waves or curls to add volume and movement. This style looks good for all face shapes and hair types, making it a go-to option for weddings, festive occasions, or even everyday wear.

Half-Up with Soft Curls - This style is simple yet elegant. The top section of the hair is pulled back and secured, while the rest is left in soft curls. It works beautifully with silk sarees and adds a touch of romance to the overall look. Enhance it with a decorative hairpin or fresh flowers for a refined finish.
Braided Half-Updo - For a more detailed look, try adding small braids to the half-up section. You can braid two sections from either side and secure them at the back with a clip. This style pairs well with lightweight sarees like chiffon or georgette and adds a bit of texture and charm. A fishtail or waterfall braid can make it look even more intricate and stylish.

Half-Up with Soft Curls

Braided Half Updo

Open Hair Styles

Open hairstyles can add effortless charm to your saree look. Whether you prefer soft waves or sleek straight hair, these styles enhance your appearance without much effort. Here are two simple yet stylish options.

Soft Waves - Soft waves bring volume and movement, making them perfect for lightweight sarees like chiffon and georgette. Use a curling iron or flat iron to create loose waves, then run your fingers through for a natural finish. A light texturising spray helps keep the waves in place. This easy style works well for daytime events and casual gatherings.
Sleek Straight Hair - Straight hair with a center or side parting offers a sleek, modern look that looks great with structured sarees like silk and crepe. Apply a heat protectant before straightening and finish with a serum for shine. Tucking one side behind the ear and adding statement earrings can elevate the style. This polished look is ideal for formal events and evening occasions.

Soft Waves

Sleek Straight

Ponytail Styles

A ponytail is one of the easiest hairstyles to pull off, but when styled right, it can completely transform your saree look. Whether you prefer a sleek and elegant vibe or something more youthful and voluminous, here are two ponytail styles that work beautifully with a saree.

Low Ponytail - A low ponytail is the definition of effortless elegance. It keeps the hair neatly in place while giving a refined and polished look. Ideal for silk, cotton, or organza sarees, this style works for both formal and casual occasions. For a sleek look, part your hair in the centre or to the side and smooth it down with a serum. Wrapping a small section of hair around the hair tie adds a clean, polished finish. If you prefer a softer style, opt for a loose low ponytail with light waves. This adds a touch of romance and works well with pastel or flowy sarees.
High Ponytail - A high ponytail is perfect for a more modern and bold saree look. It lifts the face, adds volume and creates a sharp, confident appearance. This style works best with trendy draped sarees, ruffled designs or fusion outfits. To get that lifted effect, tease the crown slightly before tying your hair up. You can keep it sleek for a bold look or curl the ends for added movement. Accessorise with a jewelled hair tie or even a fresh gajra for a stylish Indo-western touch.

Low Ponytail

High Ponytail

Top 10 Trending Hairstyles for Sarees in 2025

Waterfall Braid with Floral Accents

The waterfall braid with floral accents creates a romantic look that perfectly complements vibrant sarees. The delicate flowers woven through the braid add a touch of nature's beauty while keeping hair neatly arranged, allowing the saree's design to shine.

Twisted Bun with Pearls & Flowers

The twisted classic bun adorned with pearls and flowers creates a sophisticated look that perfectly complements elegant sarees. The intricate hairstyle adds a touch of traditional beauty while keeping focus on the saree's details.

Saree-Perfect Colored Wave Style

The ombre curls create a modern contrast with the lavender saree's delicate embroidery. The halfway colored hairstyle adds dimension while keeping focus on the saree's intricate gold details.

Chic Low Ponytail with Floral Accent

The chic low ponytail with curls creates perfect harmony with the yellow saree. The flower accessory adds traditional elegance while the loose waves bring romantic movement.

Soft Curls with Floral Touch

The soft loose curls create a romantic look that perfectly complements intricate saree designs. The minimal flower accessories add delicate decoration without overwhelming the outfit.

Saree-Perfect Messy Ponytail Style

The messy textured ponytail creates a balanced look with the light-colored embroidered saree. The loose, natural style adds movement while keeping focus on the saree's intricate details.

Saree-Perfect Juda Updo Style

The juda updo creates perfect harmony with the white saree. The intricate hairstyle adds traditional elegance while keeping focus on the saree's delicate details and gold jewellery.

Half Braid with Floral Touch

The half braid hairstyle creates perfect harmony with the vibrant saree. The decorative elements in the braid add traditional elegance while keeping focus on the saree's intricate details.

Braided Bun with Pearl Elegance

The braided bun adorned with pearls creates perfect harmony with the colorful saree. The intricate hairstyle adds traditional elegance while keeping focus on the saree's vibrant colors and gold details.

Wavy Half-Updo with Butterfly Accents

The wavy half-updo adorned with butterflies creates perfect harmony with the light-colored saree. The decorative elements add a touch of nature's beauty while keeping focus on the saree's intricate details.

2025's Hottest Saree Hairstyles - Inspired by Celebrities

Ananya Pandey's Sleek Ponytail

Ananya Pandey's sleek ponytail perfectly complements her floral saree, creating a balance between modern simplicity and traditional elegance. The smooth style draws attention to her gold jewellery while keeping the focus on the saree's intricate details.

Madhuri Dixit's Half Updo Perfection

Madhuri Dixit's half-updo with subtle pouf creates perfect balance with her light blue saree. The hairstyle adds volume while keeping focus on her intricate sequined design and sparkling jewellery. This timeless look enhances traditional attire with sophisticated simplicity.

Messy Bun with Loose Curls

Inspired by Rashmika's stylish look, this hairstyle combines a carefree messy bun with loose waves that frame the face beautifully. The bun provides structure and height, while the loose curls add movement and softness that contrast perfectly with the drape.

Hina Khan's Sleek Top Knot

Hina Khan shows how a simple hairstyle can elevate traditional wear, this sleek top knot adds instant glamour to any saree ensemble. The height of the knot creates dimension while the smooth finish allows the saree's design to take center stage.

Trisha's Saree-Perfect Side Bun

The side bun has become a staple for saree wearers looking for a balance between tradition and modernity. This particular style involves creating a neat bun on one side of the head, which elongates the neck and face while drawing attention to elegant jewellery.

Aishwarya's Simple & Classic Hairstyle

This understated hairstyle achieves maximum impact through minimalism. The clean mid-partition adds symmetry to the face while hair pinned back creates a sophisticated look that doesn't compete with the saree's design.

Nargis's Saree-Perfect Ponytail

Nargis Fakhri demonstrates how a simple ponytail can elevate traditional fashion. This chic low ponytail hairstyle maintains a clean appearance while drawing attention to the neckline and shoulders, allowing intricate blouse details to shine.

Classic Bun - Saree's Timeless Partner

Kajol shows how a perfectly executed classic bun can elevate traditional Indian fashion. The hairstyle's technique involves gathering hair smoothly at the nape of the neck, creating a compact bun that adds a touch of timeless elegance.

Nivetha's Saree-Perfect Classic Bob

Nivetha Thomas shows how a well-executed short bob can elevate traditional looks. The neat, classic cut hairstyle proves that shorter hair can work beautifully with traditional attire, creating a contemporary look that still respects cultural aesthetics.

Kangana's Natural Roller-Set Ringlets

Kangana shows how heat-free styling can achieve stunning results. These perfect ringlet curls, created with rollers, add a touch of old-world glamour to a saree. The technique provides body and bounce without damaging hair while achieving voluminous and romantic curls.

Nayanthara's One-Sided Beehive Braid

This hairstyle combines the volume of a beehive with the texture of a braid. The swept-to-one-side design adds movement while keeping hair securely in place. The technique involves creating a base of volume at the crown, then incorporating a braid that's swept asymmetrically.

Kareena's Side-Swept Waves

Kareena Kapoor demonstrates how side-swept waves can transform traditional Indian fashion. The technique involves creating loose, natural-looking waves that are then carefully swept to one side to create asymmetrical movement.

Mrunal Thakur's Classic Gajra Bun

Mrunal Thakur's classic bun adorned with gajra creates perfect harmony with her yellow saree with red borders. The traditional hairstyle highlights her floral jewellery while keeping focus on the saree's vibrant colours and intricate borders.

Janhvi Kapoor's Loose Summer Waves

Janhvi Kapoor's loose waves create a relaxed, bohemian look that perfectly complements her golden saree. The natural movement of her hair adds a modern touch while keeping focus on the saree's subtle texture and elegant drape.

Shraddha Kapoor's Half-Updo Ponytail

Shraddha's half-updo with ponytail creates perfect balance with her vibrant multicolor saree. The hairstyle adds a modern touch while keeping focus on the saree's bold colours and intricate border details.

Alia Bhatt's Fishtail Braid Style

Alia's fishtail braid creates perfect harmony with her black polka-dotted saree. The intricate hairstyle adds a touch of sophistication while keeping focus on the saree's subtle pattern. This versatile look enhances traditional attire with contemporary charm.

Madhuri Dixit's Voluminous Waves

Madhuri Dixit's voluminous waves create perfect harmony with her red saree with gold embroidery. The full-bodied hairstyle adds dimension while keeping focus on the saree's rich color and intricate details.

Priyanka Chopra's Chic Short Hair

Priyanka Chopra's shoulder-length waves create a modern contrast with her elegant white saree. The short hairstyle adds a contemporary edge while complementing the saree's intricate embroidery.

Sharvari Wagh's Sleek Sock Bun

Sharvari Wagh's sleek sock bun creates perfect harmony with her vibrant red saree. The smooth, minimalist hairstyle draws attention to her intricate choker necklace while keeping focus on the bralette blouse and saree.

Kiara Advani's High Ponytail

Kiara Advani's high ponytail creates a modern contrast with her vibrant pink saree. The sleek hairstyle adds a contemporary edge while keeping focus on the sleeveless blouse and saree's bold color.

Sanya Malhotra's Messy Curls

Sanya Malhotra's messy curls create perfect harmony with her white saree and green embroidered blouse. The natural waves add movement while keeping focus on the saree's intricate details.

Priyanka Chopra's Face-Framing Bun

Priyanka Chopra's loose raised bun with face-framing bangs creates perfect harmony with her magenta saree. The hairstyle adds modern sophistication while keeping focus on the saree's intricate embroidery and her sparkling jewellery.

Rakul Preet's Mid-Parted Bun

Rakul Preet Singh's mid-parted tight bun creates perfect harmony with her red saree with gold details. The sleek hairstyle adds sophistication while keeping focus on the saree's intricate embroidery and her statement gold jewellery.

Your saree is incomplete without the right hairstyle. It's not just about looking good - it's about feeling confident and putting together a look that enhances your features, outfit and personality. A neatly tied bun can bring elegance, a classic braid adds tradition, and soft curls give a modern touch. The key is to choose a style that complements your saree. Whether it's a wedding, a festival, or a casual day out, the right hairstyle can elevate your entire look effortlessly.

So, the next time you wear a saree, don't overlook your hair. Experiment, find what works best for you, and carry your look with confidence. After all, the perfect hairstyle isn't just an accessory - it's the finishing touch that makes all the difference.