25 Trending Hairstyles For Walima Functions This Year

The morning of my cousin’s walima last summer, she called me in tears. Not because she wasn’t happy — but because she’d tried on three different hairstyles and none of them felt right. “I look like I’m trying too hard,” she kept saying, pulling at the elaborate updo her stylist had created. That’s the walima dilemma in one sentence: you want to look beautiful and put-together, but not like you’re competing with your own barat look.

I’ve watched too many brides get this wrong. They either go so minimal they disappear into the background of their own reception, or they recreate their barat hair and end up looking overdone. The walima sits in this unique space — it’s your first event as a married woman, often more relaxed than the barat, but still formal enough that your mother-in-law’s aunties will be taking photos.

After styling hair for dozens of walima functions, I’ve learned that the best looks have one thing in common: they complement your lehenga without competing with it. The hair should frame your face beautifully but let your outfit and jewellery do the heavy lifting.

What Hairstyle To Choose For Walima?

Master the half-up, half-down with volume

This style gives you the best of both worlds — the sophistication of an updo with the romance of loose curls. The key is getting the right amount of volume at the crown without making it look like a helmet. I always tease the hair gently at the roots before pinning back the top section, then curl the loose pieces in different directions so they don’t look too uniform. It works perfectly with both heavy lehengas and lighter anarkalis because it adds height without overwhelming your face or neckline.

Dos & Don’ts

Do this

Test your hairstyle with your dupatta — Pin your dupatta exactly how you plan to wear it during the trial. What looks perfect without a dupatta can become a mess once you add that extra fabric weight.

Choose styles that photograph well from all angles — Unlike the barat where most photos are from the front, walima photos capture you mingling, dancing, and turning. Your hair needs to look good from the back and sides too.

Consider your neckline when picking height — High necklines work beautifully with updos, but if you’re wearing a deep-back blouse, you want some hair length to soften the transition.

Factor in the weather and venue — Outdoor walimas in humidity will destroy delicate curls. Indoor air conditioning can make hair static. Choose styles that can handle your specific conditions.

Avoid this

Don’t recreate your barat hair exactly — Your guests will notice, and it looks like you ran out of ideas. The walima calls for something related but distinctly different.

Don’t ignore your face shape for trends — That sleek middle-part bun might be everywhere on Instagram, but if you have a round face, it’s going to make you look like your head is sitting on your shoulders.

Don’t overload with accessories — Your walima jewellery is already doing the talking. Too many hair accessories plus heavy earrings plus a statement necklace creates visual chaos.

Don’t book your trial too early — Hair trends move fast, and what looked current three months ago might feel dated by your wedding. Book your trial 2-4 weeks before the event.

Trending Walima Hairstyles That Complete Your Look

Voluminous High Bun with Statement Accessories

This dramatic high bun creates incredible height and presence, perfect for brides who want to showcase heavy jhumkas and statement necklaces. The structured volume works beautifully with heavily embellished outfits because it doesn’t compete with the neckline details. Best suited for brides with strong facial features who can carry bold styling.