Vintage-Inspired Bollywood Hairstyles for Women

From gorgeous curls to iconic beehives, these vintage-inspired Bollywood hairstyles add the old-world glamour, with a flavour of contemporary panache.


To pull off this twist and coil look, divide your hair into two sections with a middle parting.

Elegant and royal, vintage-inspired Bollywood hairstyles are timeless.

Voluminous in their appearance, and sleek in their styles, these hairdos have re-invented themselves time after time.

From glossy waves to retro side buns, and glamorous braids to rolled back twists, these charming approaches are graceful.

Creating the old-world charm, Bollywood divas are not only known for their acting but, for also rocking ultra-glam hairdos.

Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Ashwariya Rai, are amongst some of the queens who have flaunted them with utmost sophistication.

Want to try these looks for yourself? Then why not get glammed up and be inspired by these stars.

Curlers, rollers, grips,and holding spray, get your hair gear ready!

Anushka Sharma ~ Bombay Velvet

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From bob flicks to feather hair accessories, Anushka Sharma looks adorable in Bombay Velvet, as a jazz singer from the 60’s.

Plus, it is her dark lips and cat eyeliner, which smoulder outstandingly.

Thanks to the retro tones and lights, the Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi star, shimmers from the flowers of her head to the matching jewels of her neck.

To score her vintage-inspired Bollywood hairstyles, and to perfectly frame the face, you can create bob flicks at the ends of your hair, by using straightening irons.

In addition, to match her hair accessories, you can purchase vintage headbands, decorations, and pins from the High street.

Yet, it is her glossy and extravagantly beaded costumes that punch up her entire look. Snag this look on the cheap! And discover your sparkly and jewelled dresses online!

Karishma Kapoor ~ Zubeida

Karishma Kapoor 2

A visual of Indian Rajput royalty, Karishma Kapoor looks stunning throughout the film Zubeida, in her various avatars.

The dreamy-eyed girl, recalling the 40’s high-society glamour, with meticulously styled hair, rocks the middle parted curls and twists.

With smooth rolls, perfectly sectioned puffs, she represents the epitome of vintage-inspired Bollywood hairstyles.

By framing the hair at the forehead, away from the face, will truly present your best features. So use heated rollers to recreate these bouncy curls and a tail comb for the ideal mid-division.

Lastly, add a pair of ethnic Jhumkas to further enhance this retro look!

Ashwariya Rai ~ Action Replay

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Ashwariya Rai looks vibrantly retro in the 70’s style, with outsized sunglasses and polka dots, in Action Replay.

The always glam actress, draws attention to her striking features in a centre-parted fringe, with a puffed up partition.

While her iconic beehive and wavy fringe sit like a crown.

So, simply backcomb your hair and tease up a storm!

Deepika Padukone ~ Om Shanti Om

Vintage Image 333

Deepika Padukone wows the audiences in Om Shanti Om, with her glossy 70’s and 80’s bouffant updos.

The ‘Dream Girl’ balances her sahara chain earrings, with a backcombed, voluminous small beehive.

Certainly, fabulous accessories, paired with vintage-inspired Bollywood hairstyles, are a sure way to create a classic timeless look.

Meanwhile, the side-parted sleek fringe, placed on the tip of the ears, and the loose hanging strands, create that extra detail.

To take this beautiful hairstyle to the next level, why not consider pinning fresh flowers on the side.

Don’t forget the perfect winged eyeliner, highlighting the dramatic golden era.

Sonam Kapoor ~ Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Vintage-inspired Bollywood Hairstyles for Women

Proving that she always deserves to be called the style goddess, Sonam Kapoor looks a true Indian royal princess in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.

Her divided Maang-Tikka hairdo gives an overall proportioned appearance. While her complementing Maharani jewellery draws attention to her traditional avatar.

Although tastefully simple, these vintage-inspired Bollywood hairstyles are graceful. To pull off this twist and coil look, follow the steps below:

Step 1:

Divide your hair into two sections with a middle parting.

Step 2:

Now, take a few strands and keep twisting till you reach the ends.

Step 3:

Once done, just pin up the coils on the backside of your head.

Step 4:

Repeat the same for the other side and finally pull them all together into a braid or a bun.

For the perfect parted face-framing styles, add a piece of glittering jewellery in the centre.

But, to pull off these looks, just remember to start with clean hair!

Particularly emphasised by sprayed strands, curls, and off-the-neck updos, these vintage-inspired Bollywood hairstyles may seem complicated. Yet, with a little practice, they are quite easy to master.

Whatever your style, there are plenty of looks to try from the queens of Bollywood.



Anam has studied English Language & Literature and Law. She has a creative eye for colour and a passion for design. She is a British-German Pakistani "Wandering Between Two Worlds."

Images Courtesy of: NDTV and Yogen Shah India.com.





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