8 Kerala Hairstyles That Will Make Sure You Look like You're Straight from Heaven

Let us start with addressing what Kerala hairstyle is. If not obvious it is the traditional hairstyle that brides from Kerala are most likely to flaunt on their wedding day and special occasions etc. Now the second question, what is so special about it? Well, to be frank, its beauty and elegance lie in its simplicity. The Kerala hairstyle might look like it takes no effort, but there is a lot of hard work that goes behind making sure it is perfect.

Another thing about Kerala Hairstyles is the innovative use of gajra we see in them. And we are not just talking about the standard gajra style we see now and then. There is a lot of variety in Indian hairstyles with gajra - from using single buds to using the entire gajra string to cover the hair. This element will surely add a little bit of whimsicalness to your hairstyle. Also, let us not forget the fact that gajra has been a huge part of a married women’s life too, so why not start using them now? So here we have 8 Kerala hairstyles for the modern bride for you to take inspiration from.

1. Fully Covered

Starting with one of the most traditional among Kerala hairstyles, let's talk about the fully covered gajra bun. This hairstyle has a bun which is fully covered with beautiful and fragrant gajra. This type of hairstyle can be worn with your traditional clothes if you want to go down the classic route. Or maybe you can wear fully contemporary clothes to show a beautiful clash of new and old.

Since your hair is going to be pinned up, maybe bring out long dangling earrings that you want everyone to admire. You can even wear a matching necklace if you have one, as your neck area would otherwise look bare.

Best Occasion: This type of hairstyle can look heavy, so wait for big functions to whip out this hairstyle, like the marriage day, or the reception. 

2. Flowing Hairstyle

The next best thing after a nice bun is an open hairstyle. Now the thing about this hairstyle is that it is universal and it looks amazing on everyone. You simply can't go wrong with it. And to make it even more of an authentic Kerala hairstyle, you just need to add a few strands of gajra. This hairstyle won’t need specific kinds of clothes, contemporary or traditional it does not clash with anything. You can, maybe add a pair of eye-catching earrings that can shine even with some hair covering it.

Best Occasion: This hairstyle is best suited for small functions and more intimate gatherings. 

3. Bun And Braid

Seeing this hairstyle in Kerala is a very common occurrence. This braid and bun hairstyle can even be called the go-to style for some Kerala brides. It emphasises on the traditional and classic bits of your getup. This hairstyle has a beautiful combination of gajra and jewel decorations; with the gajra covering the bun and the jewel coming down with the braid.

If you can find a suitable enough pairing, then maybe you can match your normal jewellery like earrings and necklace with your hair jewellery.

Best Occasion: Most brides find this Kerala hairstyle the right thing on their wedding day, as it would go suitably with their traditional attire. 

4. Round The Braid

Image Courtesy: Styles by Sha Hair

Taking a similar concept in hand, we look at the braid that boasts a beautiful technique of displaying gajra. The gajra wrapped around the braid is a concept that we have come to love. It is for reasons like that it brings a twist to your very conventional hairstyle with gajra. It gives you a more modern look even with all the conventional get up you have on.

With your hair neatly held back with this stunning braid and gajra, you can maybe try on some more modern jewellery with your heritage jewellery.

Best Occasion: Functions like the engagement or the mehndi are good occasions to wear this Kerala hairstyle. 

5. Go Around The Bun

Though this hairstyle and accessorising are similar to the classic bun and gajra, this hairstyle does not fully cover the bun, but just goes around the bun covering it on the edges. This looks quite elegant and can be your choice of Kerala hairstyle if you want something lighter than full gajra hairstyle. This look is more fashionable than the full covered bun; you could wear comparatively light jewellery with this hairstyle giving it a more up-to-date look.

Best Occasion: This hairstyle can be suited for all occasions in your wedding, as it is a traditional look but still looks à la mode. 

6. Jali Like Cover

If you want to go for something aesthetically pleasing then this Kerala hairstyle is one that you are looking for. With the traditional bun and gajra combo it does sound like the usual hairstyles, but looking at it you will never take it for one. This, with the usual gajra going around the edge, has a beautiful jali (mesh) made from the same flowers; it is striking to the onlooker and is a step above from your usual hairstyles. Pair this hairstyle with a nice contemporary set.

Best Occasion: Try this hairstyle for maybe your reception or marriage. 

7. Nothing But Gajra

This hairstyle will surely turn heads. If you are someone you like to be a little extra then why not try this Kerala hairstyle. This one sports a braid and a lot of gajra, that one is unlikely to miss. With long strings of gajra going down your back with the braid, it forms a beautiful vision. With this braid, one could maybe wear traditional or heritage jewellery, as it would be more in line with this hairstyle.

Best Occasion: This extra a hairstyle deserves an occasion that everyone can see it. So, go for functions like marriage or reception. 

8. Mix It Up

Thinking about going for a braid and your usual beautiful gajra? Well, that could be a good idea or maybe you could mix it up a bit by adding some different flowers in your usual gajra. Add roses maybe so there is some kind of colour in the hairstyle. To add another element, you could even add some hair jewellery to your Kerala hairstyle.

If all these elements are put in equal amounts then nothing will be too overpowering. You could go for your classic jewellery here as it would look amazing with this hairstyle.

Best Occasion: This hairstyle is most suitable for your functions like marriage and reception, where such a heavy hairstyle would look amazing. 

All these Kerala hairstyles look amazing in themselves, but when you add the touch of gajra, they look completely ethereal. And every bride deserves a look like that at her wedding. In addition to that the flowers in a traditional gajra (jasmine) are supposed to signify good luck and who couldn’t use some of that on their wedding day. Using something that is entwined in our history is always a nice gesture.

Decided which Kerala hairstyle you want to go ahead with? Find the right bridal makeup vendor to turn it into a reality.