Hairstyles for Anarkali Suit: 10 Looks for Every Occasion

The quick answer: what suits an anarkali?

Hairstyles for anarkali suits should balance the flare at the hem with some softness at the top. Half-up twists, soft curls, side braids and low textured buns are the best matches because they echo the anarkali's flowing silhouette. High necklines call for hair up, deep necks and sweetheart cuts suit open or side-swept styles, and a dupatta on both shoulders works best with a low bun or braid.

Anarkalis are a favourite for weddings, Eid, Diwali, Karwa Chauth and family functions because they are comfortable and graceful. The ten looks below range from five-minute styles for festivals to more glamorous options for weddings.

Anarkalis come in many fabrics, from cotton and chanderi for daytime to georgette, net, silk and velvet for evening events. The fabric and embroidery level help decide how formal the hair should be. A cotton anarkali for a puja suits a simple braid, while a velvet anarkali at a winter wedding calls for a polished bun or glam curls.

A quick rule of thumb: the heavier the anarkali, the neater the hair. Heavy zari, velvet and silk call for structured buns and tight braids, while light cotton, georgette and chiffon carry loose waves and relaxed buns with ease.

Match the hairstyle to the anarkali neckline

Round and boat necks with heavy yokes look best with hair up in a low bun or a sleek ponytail, so the embroidery shows. V-necks and sweetheart necklines suit open waves or a side braid. Collared or Chinese-collar anarkalis look smart with a sleek low bun or a twisted chignon.

Sleeveless and cold-shoulder anarkalis pair well with side-swept curls that balance the exposed shoulders.

Keyhole and high-neck anarkalis with back buttons or a dori deserve a bun or high ponytail so the back details are visible. Off-shoulder and one-shoulder anarkalis, which have become popular for sangeet nights, look stunning with side-swept waves.

If your anarkali has a heavy, embroidered yoke, keep earrings and hair accessories light so the neckline remains the focus.

Angrakha-style anarkalis with an overlapping front and side tie look best with hair swept to the opposite side of the tie, so the detail is visible.

Anarkali hairstyle for wedding

For weddings, a half-up crown braid with soft curls looks romantic and holds well. A braided low bun with a gajra suits heavy silk or velvet anarkalis. Glam side-swept curls with a jewelled pin suit georgette or net anarkalis with sequin work.

If you are a close family member, add a small maang tikka with a centre parting. Keep the hairstyle secure because you will move around, greet guests and dance.

For Eid celebrations, a low bun under a light dupatta or a soft braid works well with sharara-style anarkalis and keeps you comfortable during visits. For Karwa Chauth, a low bun with a gajra suits red and maroon anarkalis beautifully.

Mehendi functions call for floral side braids, while sangeet nights suit braided ponytails or glam curls that survive dancing.

Velvet anarkalis at winter weddings pair beautifully with a sleek middle-part low bun and statement chandbalis.

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Hairstyle for floor-length anarkali

Floor-length anarkalis create a long vertical line, so balancing volume at the crown helps. A soft puff with a low ponytail, a voluminous half-up style or a high bun with tendrils all work. Avoid very flat, tight styles that can make the head look small compared to the voluminous skirt.

Petite women can add height with a slight crown puff, while tall women can choose lower buns or open waves.

Short anarkali kurtis paired with churidars or palazzos are more casual. They look fresh with a high ponytail, half-up top knot or messy bun, especially for college fests and office festivities.

Petite women in floor-length anarkalis should avoid very long open hair falling below the waist, which visually shortens the frame. A half-up style or a bun keeps the proportions balanced.

Tall women, on the other hand, can let long waves fall freely for a dramatic effect.

Anarkali hairstyle with dupatta

If the dupatta is on both shoulders, choose a low bun or a long braid down the back so the dupatta does not crush curls. If it is on one shoulder, sweep hair to the opposite side. If you wear the dupatta on the head for a puja or nikah, a low bun gives a stable base for pinning.

Heavy dupattas with gota borders snag open hair, so keep hair tied or braided.

When the dupatta is worn cape-style or pinned at the back, a sleek low bun keeps the drape clean. With a dupatta draped across the front in a V, open waves or a side braid looks graceful.

If you plan to cover your head for a nikah, temple visit or gurudwara, keep a few bobby pins in your bag so the dupatta can be pinned into the bun quickly without help.

Simple hairstyle for anarkali

For office Diwali, Eid lunches or family visits, try a sleek low ponytail with a middle parting, a twisted half-up clip or a low messy bun. Each takes under ten minutes. A side French braid adds festive detail with little effort.

Finish with a statement pair of jhumkas or chandbalis to elevate a simple style.

Step-by-step twisted half-up clip: take two sections from the temples, twist them backwards, meet at the back of the crown and secure with a claw clip or barrette. Leave the rest straight or lightly waved. It takes under five minutes and suits almost every anarkali.

For the low messy bun, rough up dry hair with texturiser, tie a loose low ponytail, twist and wrap, then pin. Pull out two tendrils for softness.

For a quick upgrade, wrap a thin section of hair around the base of a low ponytail and pin it underneath; this hides the elastic and instantly looks more polished. Add a small jewelled pin on the side for festive days, and you have a ready look in under seven minutes.

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Anarkali open hairstyle

Open waves with a deep side parting suit lightweight georgette and chiffon anarkalis. Blow-dry for volume, add loose waves from mid-length, then pin a small section back on one side. For straight-haired looks, use a flat iron and shine serum for glossy hair.

Open styles are best for indoor or evening events with air-conditioning; in heat, switch to a half-up style.

Curly hair looks lovely open with an anarkali; define curls with a cream and pin one side back with a jewelled clip.

Short-haired women can add soft waves and tuck one side behind the ear for a festive look, letting statement earrings take centre stage.

To make waves last, curl two-inch sections with a 32 mm tong, let them cool, then brush out with your fingers and mist with a flexible spray.

Care and finishing tips

Prep hair with a heat protectant before styling, and use a light hairspray to finish. Carry a small comb and pins for touch-ups. In humid weather, apply anti-frizz serum to the lengths.

Rest hair the day after a heavy styling session and use a deep conditioner weekly during festive season.

Face shape matters too: round faces suit crown volume and side partings, long faces suit side volume, and square faces benefit from soft tendrils. Check the style in a side-profile photo before you head out.

Finally, coordinate the metal tones of hair accessories with your jewellery and the anarkali's embroidery, gold with zari and silver with mirror work, for a cohesive finish.

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