Mehndi Hairstyles: 12 Looks with Flowers, Pins and Clips

Mehndi is the one wedding event where the hair can be as colourful and playful as the outfit. Flowers, parandas, bright pins, a bit of sparkle. The only rule is that it has to survive the dancing.

So when you’re choosing, ask yourself three things: will I be dancing, where will my dupatta sit, and do I want fresh flowers or accessories that last all night? Braids and low buns are the safest bets for dancing. Half-up styles and open waves look gorgeous if you want to show off your length. Whatever you pick, criss-crossed bobby pins underneath are what keep it all together.

Braids

1. Side fishtail with flowers

Sweep your hair over one shoulder and braid a loose fishtail. Gently tug the edges to make it look fuller, then tuck small flowers or floral pins along it. It frames your face beautifully in photos.

2. The classic paranda braid

Nothing says mehndi quite like it. Braid a simple three-strand plait and weave the paranda in from the nape. A few bright pins near the crown add extra sparkle.

3. Crown braid

Braid a section from each side and pin them across the top of your head like a crown. Your hair stays completely off your face, which is exactly what you want on the dance floor. Secure the ends with bobby pins.

4. Puff with a side braid

Tease a little volume at the crown, pin it back, then braid the rest over one shoulder. Height and practicality in one.

Buns

5. Messy low bun with gajra

Twist your hair into a loose low bun, pin it with U-pins, and wrap a gajra around it. It’s quick, smells lovely and sits neatly under a dupatta.

6. Braided bun

Braid first, then coil the braid into a bun and pin it. You get lots of texture for very little effort.

7. The ten-minute claw clip twist

Running late? Twist your hair up and clamp it with a decorative catcher. A gold floral clip turns a basic twist into something festive. Here’s how to do the twist properly.

Half-up and open styles

8. Half-up twist with decorative pins

Take two sections from the front, twist them back and pin them together. Hide the join with a pretty pin or a small bow.

9. Open waves, pinned to one side

Wave or curl your hair, then pin one side back above the ear with two or three decorative pins. Effortless and very pretty with a shoulder dupatta.

10. Half-up bun

Gather the top half into a small bun and leave the rest open. Circle the bun with tiny flowers or pins.

11. Braided half-up

Braid two thin sections from the front and join them at the back. Off your face, but still showing your length.

12. Sleek middle part

A clean middle parting with a low ponytail or open hair, finished with matching pins on both sides. Simple, modern, and it lets heavy jewellery do the talking.

Accessories that work for mehndi

You’ll find decorative hair pins and metal catchers in our shop. Dressing the bride as well? Our bridal hair accessories guide covers every event.

Making it last until the last dance

• Start with a firm base: a tight elastic or a secure braid before you add volume.
• Cross your bobby pins in an X. It really does hold better.
• Pin heavy flowers into the base of the bun, not into loose strands.
• Slip a few spare pins and a small catcher into your clutch.

Questions people often ask