Traditional South Indian Bridal Hair Accessories Beyond Gajra Brides Can Explore

If you’re planning your wedding and don’t know how to make a bridal hairstyle other than using a gajra then worry not! Take a look at these traditional South Indian bridal accessories ranging from Jada Billai, Mathapatti, Chutti, Kunjalam, to various others, and choose the perfect piece to make your day.

Try These 7 Traditional South Indian Bridal Hair Accessories Beyond Gajra

Don’t be confused on how to style your hair for your wedding. Choose from these traditional south Indian bridal accessories apart from gajra. Wear the perfect style on your big day using Kunjalam, Chutti, Rakodi, or others.

1. Jada Billai (Hair Brooch)

Jada Billai is a sequence of circular plates which is traditionally made in 22k temple gold, or using antique kemp stones, or silver that runs down the full length of a braid on a bride.

How To Style: Put the circular plates along a long and thick braid over a classic Kanjeevaram saree to give a traditional bridal look. Keep the braid tight at the nape and then make it look a little flowy and loose so the plates look aesthetically pleasing from the back.

Accessorise your hair with Jada Billai (Image Credits: Instagrtam/divyahairstyles)

2. Kunjalam (Braid Tassels)

Kunjalam is a three piece tassel which is attached at the tail of a long braid on a bride. It features metallic or silk-wrapped covering with pearls, beads, or small bells (ghungroos).

How To Style: Attach the tassels to the last few inches of your braid and lock them in place using hair pins. When you walk wearing it to your wedding stage, it sways beautifully and creates a dramatic flair.

Opt for Kunjalam for a beautiful finish (Image Credits: Instagram/bmsmakeoverstudio)

3. Chutti (Single Hair Maang Tikka )

Chutti is a single big ornament attached to the middle of the hair with long chains covering the whole braid or bun. The whole piece is made up of gold, silver or precious metals.

How To Style: It is ideal for an intimate wedding reception. You can style it on a sharp middle parting which is put in a sleek bun, or you can let it sit on soft hair waves for an effortless wedding look.

Create a picture perfect wedding look using Chutti (Image Credits: Instagram/taravicollections)

4. Mathapatti (Forehead Tiara Band)

Mathapatti features a maximalist bridal jewellery featuring a main tikka in the centre connected to layered bands that run along the sides of the front hairline to hug the face.

How To Style: It is a hero piece for your wedding as it’s big and heavy. You can wear your hair in a clean, polished low bun as a bride, and show off the Mathapatti as your main accessory.

 Elevate your wedding look using a Mathapatti (Image Credits: Instagram/umaartistry)

5. Rakodi (Crown Brooch)

Rakodi is a circular metal brooch featuring motifs of Goddess Lakshmi or the sun, traditionally pinned at the crown where a bridal braid starts.

How To Style: You can use it to turn the back of your bridal updo into the main point. Add the Rakodi directly above a bridal bun. It adds depth to your bridal look when looked at from behind.

 Style your Rakodi as a wedding crown (Image Credits: Instagram/narusmakeup

6. Passa (Jhoomar Or Side Maang Tikka)

Passa is a fan-shaped or chandelier style ornament worn on weddings, always pinned to the left side of the front of the head. They are usually made of gold, pearls, kundan, or beads.

How To Style: It’s a central choice for a royal look at your wedding. You can create a side part and lightly braid your hair to one side or pin open-curled hair to one side and add Passa to your hair to elevate your whole attire.

Look royal with a Passa on your head (Image Credits: Pexels)

7. Veni Pins (Jewelled Floral Clips)

Veni Pins are metallic combs, clips, and screw-in pins crafted to mimic fresh jasmine strings, lotus buds, or delicate floral vines to get that perfect hair updo without worrying about the flowers wilting.

How To Style: You can tuck crystal, pearl, or antique-gold pins through a textured braid or a bun. They pair very well with contemporary lehengas and pastel coloured sarees for a chic wedding look.

Style your hair with flower Veni pins (Image Credits: Pexels)

ALSO READ: How To Style Your Mom’s Vintage Jewellery With Your Diwali Outfit To Create A Modern Look

What To Keep In Mind When Styling Traditional South Indian Hair Accessories:

• You can cross two bobby pins in an X shape under the braid to hold heavy pieces like the Rakodi and Jada Billai.
• You should apply all hair products before attaching ornaments to prevent tarnish and dull stones.
• You should go for a small and lightweight Chutti for smaller foreheads so it looks cleaner.
• You can use ear back supports for heavy pieces that go up to ears so you can wear it for a longer time without much pain during your wedding.

FAQs

How do I prevent a heavy Mathapatti or Chutti from shifting or slipping forward?

Don’t directly attach heavy Mathapatti or Chutti on your soft hair. First add some dry shampoo for texture and backcomb your hair, then attach a black hair elastic to the piece and attach to your hair. Add bobby pins in X shape for a structured stay for longer hours and it won't slip forward. You can also add a little bit of skin-safe eyelash glue and stick it to your forehead.

Are metallic Veni pins better than fresh flowers for a full-day wedding?

If your wedding is happening outside in the sun then it’s better to put Veni pins on your hair as a bride as real flowers on hair will wilt in a couple hours but Veni pins will remain the same for even 10-12 hours. You can do all your wedding photography and rituals without being worried about your hair looking messy.

What is the proper way to safely remove traditional, bridal hair jewellery without ripping out hair strands?

Always try to remove all your bridal jewellery in reverse order of it being attached. Use micellar water on a cotton swab to safely remove eyelash glue and slowly remove all hair pins first and then remove the ornaments. Never pull the ornaments directly from the hair as it can cause breakage.