Choosing the Perfect Blooms
Not all flowers are created equal when it comes to hairstyling. The key is to choose blooms that are both beautiful and sturdy enough to last through an event. Traditional choices in India, like jasmine (mogra), are beloved for their incredible fragrance
and cultural significance. Roses, especially smaller buds, are another classic option that offers a romantic touch and comes in a variety of colours to match any outfit. For a more delicate and modern look, consider sprigs of baby's breath, which can be scattered throughout a bun for an ethereal effect. Orchids are also an excellent choice as they are surprisingly resilient and add an exotic flair. When making your selection, consider the size of the flower relative to your bun and the overall look you want to achieve—a single, large flower can make a bold statement, while smaller buds create a more intricate design.
Preparation is Key for Freshness
To ensure your floral hairstyle looks vibrant for hours, a little prep work is essential. Once you have your flowers, it’s a good idea to keep them cool for as long as possible before styling. Some experts recommend placing them in a bowl of water in the refrigerator overnight to help them stay fresh and vibrant. When you're ready to use them, give the stems a fresh trim, leaving enough length to anchor them in your hair. A light mist of water can also help them from wilting, but be sure to avoid spraying them with any hair products like hairspray, as this can cause the petals to brown and wilt prematurely. The flowers should be the very last thing you add to your hair, after all styling and sprays are complete.
Creating a Sturdy Base
The foundation of any great floral hairstyle is a secure bun. Whether you prefer a sleek low bun, a trendy messy bun, or a classic top knot, the goal is to create a tight and stable base that can hold the flowers in place. For those with finer hair, washing your hair the day before can add a bit of texture and hold styles better. Creating a donut bun with a bun maker is a great way to achieve a perfectly round and neat shape, providing an ideal canvas for wrapping a gajra around. A simple, twisted bun secured firmly with pins at the nape of the neck is also a timeless and effective option. Once your bun is in place and feels secure, you are ready to start decorating.
Techniques for Securing Your Flowers
The trick to a lasting floral bun is securing the blooms properly. Bobby pins are your best friend for this task. For single flowers, you can often slide a bobby pin through the base of the bloom or around its stem to anchor it into the bun. For garlands like jasmine gajras, you can wrap the strand around the base of the bun and use bobby pins every few inches to hold it securely in place. Some hairstylists recommend having a florist wrap the flower stems with floral wire, which can then be bent and pinned into the hair for extra stability, especially for heavier flowers. This prevents the delicate stems from breaking. For a different look, you can also attach flowers to a comb or clip, which can then be easily inserted into your finished style.
Styling Ideas for Any Occasion
The beauty of using fresh flowers is their versatility. For a traditional and elegant look, fully wrapping a low bun with a fragrant jasmine gajra is a classic choice that pairs beautifully with sarees and lehengas. If you're aiming for something more modern, try a messy bun with a few small rosebuds or sprigs of baby's breath tucked in asymmetrically. Another popular style is the half-moon or crescent gajra, where a string of flowers is pinned just below or above the bun for a subtle yet stunning accent. For a truly dramatic statement, a large, single bloom like a peony or gardenia placed to the side of a sleek chignon can be incredibly chic and eye-catching.
