Onam is the time for tradition. It celebrates the harvest and the legendary return of King Mahabali to Kerala.
The cream-and-gold Kasavu saree is iconic. However, no festive look is complete without the intoxicating scent of fresh jasmine flowers.
Jasmine strings, known as Gajras or Mulla Poo, add a divine touch. They elevate your hairstyle and symbolize purity and grace.
Explore these 18 stunning hairstyles for women. Shine bright and feel beautiful during this year’s festive celebrations.
1. The Classic Low Bun with Veni
The classic low bun is a timeless choice for any Malayali woman. It provides a sophisticated silhouette that pairs beautifully with heavy gold jewelry and a traditional cream saree.
To achieve this, gather your hair at the nape and secure it tightly. Wrap a thick string of fresh jasmine around the base to create a “Veni” effect that radiates elegance.
This style keeps your hair secure during long festivities. It ensures you look polished from the morning Pookalam rituals until the evening prayers without any stray strands.
2. The Traditional Long Braid (Nadan Mala)
A long, thick braid is the quintessential Onam look for women. It showcases the length and health of your hair while providing a canvas for floral decoration.
Braid your hair tightly and wrap jasmine strings in a spiral motion from top to bottom. This creates a continuous flow of white flowers against dark hair.
For a truly authentic touch, add a gold “Jadan” or hair ornament at the tip. This style is perfect for women who want to embrace their cultural heritage fully.
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This style focuses on creating concentric circles of jasmine around a mid-height bun. It is an excellent choice for women with medium to thick hair textures.
After securing your hair in a neat bun, pin the jasmine strings starting from the center outward. Use U-pins to ensure the flowers stay flush against your head.
The result is a halo-like effect that looks stunning from the back. It is a favorite for Onam photography and festive family gatherings.
4. Half-Up Half-Down with Jasmine Crown
If you prefer leaving your hair open, the half-up style is a perfect compromise. It offers a youthful and feminine vibe suitable for younger women and girls.
Secure the top half of your hair with a clip and pin a short jasmine string across the seam. Let the rest of your tresses flow naturally.
This hairstyle is ideal for those who want to show off their hair length while still incorporating the mandatory festive florals. It feels light and comfortable for all-day wear.
5. The Twisted Jasmine Rope Braid
The rope braid offers a modern twist on the traditional three-strand plait. It involves twisting two sections of hair together to create a textured, cord-like appearance.
Intertwine a thin string of jasmine into the twists as you go. The white buds will peek out from the hair, creating a delicate and intricate floral pattern.
This look is perfect for the modern woman who wants to stand out. It is unique, stylish, and keeps the hair very secure during Onam dances like Thiruvathira.
6. Side-Swept Curls with Floral Tucking
For a more glamorous and contemporary Onam look, try side-swept curls. This style frames the face beautifully and highlights your jewelry, especially your earrings.
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Sweep all your hair to one shoulder and secure it behind the ear with pins. Tuck a small, dense cluster of jasmine strings right behind the ear.
This asymmetrical look is very flattering for most face shapes. It provides a romantic and soft aesthetic that works perfectly with a modern designer Kasavu saree.
7. The Bubble Braid with Jasmine Accents
Bubble braids are trendy and fun, making them a great choice for women looking for something different. This style adds volume and a playful spirit to the Onam attire.
Create a ponytail and place elastics every few inches, pulling the hair out to create “bubbles.” Tie a small jasmine string around each elastic band.
This look is incredibly secure and won’t budge during active celebrations. It is a fantastic way to merge contemporary hair trends with traditional floral requirements.
8. The Double Veni Low Bun
The double Veni uses two different layers of flowers to create a rich, textured look. Typically, this involves a layer of jasmine and a layer of colorful blossoms.
Wrap a string of jasmine around the bun first, followed by a string of orange marigolds or red roses. The contrast against the white jasmine is striking.
This style is particularly popular for the main Thiruonam day. It adds a pop of color that complements the vibrant Pookalam flower carpets found in every home.
9. The Messy Bun with Cascading Jasmine
A messy bun provides a relaxed and effortless look for women who prefer a “boho-chic” vibe. It is perfect for casual Onam lunches with friends and family.
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Gather your hair into a loose bun, allowing some tendrils to frame your face. Drape a jasmine string loosely over the bun, letting the ends hang down.
This style doesn’t require perfection, making it easy to achieve at home. The cascading flowers add a touch of whimsy to the traditional Kerala ensemble.
10. The Fishtail Braid with Floral Interweaving
The fishtail braid is known for its intricate, woven appearance. It is a sophisticated choice for women who enjoy more detailed and time-consuming hairstyles.
As you cross the small sections of hair, incorporate a thin string of jasmine. The flowers will appear deeply embedded within the braid’s structure.
This creates a very high-end, boutique look that is sure to garner compliments. It is a beautiful way to showcase the contrast between dark hair and white buds.
11. High Donut Bun with Jasmine Base
A high bun creates an elongated silhouette and gives a very regal appearance. It is an excellent choice for women who want to look taller and more statuesque.
Use a donut hair former to create a large, smooth bun at the crown of your head. Wrap multiple layers of jasmine strings around the very base.
This hairstyle keeps the hair completely off the neck, which is ideal for the humid Kerala weather. It looks clean, professional, and very festive.
12. Braided Headband with Jasmine
This style uses your own hair to create a natural headband. It is a practical and beautiful way to keep hair out of your face during Onam chores.
Create a French braid along your hairline from one ear to the other. Pin a thin string of jasmine directly onto the braid to highlight its path.
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The remaining hair can be left open or tied into a ponytail. This look is functional yet festive, ensuring you stay comfortable while serving the Onam Sadya.
13. The Multiple Mini-Bun Bouquet
For a truly unique look, divide your hair into three or four small buns at the back. This creates a “bouquet” effect that is visually interesting and modern.
Wrap each small bun with a short string of jasmine. This distributes the flowers across the back of the head rather than concentrating them in one spot.
This style is perfect for women with shorter hair who struggle to make one large bun. It is creative and adds a youthful energy to the traditional look.
14. Criss-Cross Jasmine on a Plait
This technique involves “lacing” the jasmine string over a standard braid. It mimics the look of ribbons or corset lacing, providing a structured floral design.
Braid your hair normally and then use hair pins to secure a jasmine string in a zig-zag pattern down the length of the plait.
It is a very secure method of wearing flowers and ensures they don’t fall off during movement. The geometric pattern is modern and very photogenic.
15. The French Twist with Side Jasmine
The French twist is the height of elegance and works wonderfully for formal Onam events. It offers a smooth, tucked-in look that is very polished.
Once the twist is secured, pin a long string of jasmine along the vertical seam of the fold. This highlights the unique shape of the hairstyle.
This look is best for women with medium-length hair. It provides a clean canvas for showing off the back of a beautifully embroidered blouse.
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16. Loose Waves with Jasmine Clips
If you have naturally wavy hair, embrace it for Onam. This relaxed style is perfect for the modern woman who values comfort and natural beauty.
Style your hair in loose, beachy waves and use small segments of jasmine strings as “clips” to pin back one side. This keeps the look intentional and festive.
It is a low-maintenance style that can be easily refreshed throughout the day. The scent of the jasmine will follow you as your hair moves naturally.
17. The Braided Bun (Juda)
The braided bun involves braiding a ponytail and then wrapping that braid into a bun. It provides much more texture than a standard smooth bun.
Once the braided bun is formed, wrap jasmine strings between the ridges of the braid. This gives the bun a multi-dimensional, floral-encrusted appearance.
This style is very sturdy and can hold a large volume of flowers. It is a traditional favorite for Kerala weddings and major festivals like Onam.
18. Jasmine Enveloped Low Ponytail
For the woman who wants a quick yet festive solution, the low ponytail is the answer. It is simple, effective, and takes only minutes to style.
Secure your hair at the nape of your neck with a sturdy elastic. Completely cover the elastic by wrapping several layers of jasmine strings around it.
For extra flair, let the ends of the jasmine strings hang down alongside the ponytail. It is a chic, minimalist approach to traditional festive hair styling.
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How do I keep the jasmine strings fresh for the whole day?
To keep jasmine fresh, lightly mist the strings with cold water before pinning them. Store them in a banana leaf or a damp cloth in the refrigerator until the very moment you are ready to style your hair.
What is the best way to secure Gajra strings so they don’t slip?
Always use U-pins or bobby pins that match your hair color. Hook the pin through the thread of the jasmine string and then push it deeply into the bun or braid to ensure it stays anchored during movement.
Can I use jasmine strings if I have very short hair?
Yes, women with short hair can use jasmine. You can pin small segments of the string behind your ears, or create a small half-ponytail and wrap the jasmine around the base to add a festive touch.
Should I use real jasmine or synthetic strings for Onam?
Real jasmine is preferred for the traditional Onam experience because of its natural fragrance and ivory color. However, if you have allergies or want a reusable option, high-quality silk or fabric jasmine strings can look very realistic.
How many jasmine strings do I need for a full bun look?
For a standard circular bun, two to three medium-length strings are usually sufficient. If you want a “heavy” or “Veni” look with multiple layers, you may need four or five strings to achieve that thick, lush appearance.
Will the jasmine strings damage my hair?
Jasmine strings are generally safe for hair. However, avoid using excessive hairspray directly on the flowers as the chemicals can cause the petals to brown quickly. Always pin the string to the hair, not the scalp, to avoid tension.