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Fashion has a cyclical nature, and in 2025, we see a resurgence of some of the most iconic traditional hairstyles. From saree-friendly Indian styles to glamorous retro waves, these timeless looks are making a comeback, blending tradition with modern flair. Are you ready to revisit some of the most elegant and easy-to-style hairdos that complement both modern and ethnic wear, like a saree for long hair or short hair? In this article, we’ll explore 25 timeless hairstyles, starting with these 10, and discuss how you can embrace them in 2025 while keeping your look modern, fashionable, and versatile.
Classic French Twist
The Classic French Twist is a timeless updo that exudes elegance and sophistication. This sleek hairstyle works beautifully for formal occasions, especially for saree styles, and is suitable for women with long hair or medium-length hair. This polished look elongates the neck and creates a regal silhouette, perfect for formal events or bridal attire. The French Twist is ideal for women with fine to thick hair and can be styled to suit Indian saree looks, pairing well with traditional accessories like necklaces and earrings. For thin hair, consider using volumizing products to give the twist more structure.
For styling, use a strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray and a teasing brush to add volume at the crown. A setting spray will ensure the twist holds throughout the day, making it an excellent choice for weddings or long events.
Retro Finger Waves
Retro Finger Waves, reminiscent of the 1920s, are the epitome of vintage glamour. This style is characterized by its sculpted, S-shaped waves that hug the scalp, offering a polished and artistic look. Ideal for medium-length hair curly or straight hair, Finger Waves are perfect for women looking to channel old-school glamour with a modern twist. This look is also easy to pair with saree simple or bridal attire, enhancing your traditional outfit with a dash of vintage chic.
For hair care, use Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel to keep the waves intact while preventing frizz. If your hair is naturally straight, use a curling iron to create soft waves before applying the gel to set the style.
Traditional Chignon Bun
The Traditional Chignon Bun is a versatile, classic updo that works wonderfully with saree attire, especially for saree South Indian front styles. This bun is often placed low at the nape of the neck, providing a refined, polished look. It’s perfect for both casual and formal events, whether you’re attending a wedding or celebrating Onam saree traditions. The Chignon Bun is best suited for medium-length to long hair and can be accessorized with hairpins or flowers to add a touch of elegance.
To maintain a sleek finish, apply Kerastase Discipline Fluidissime Anti-Frizz Spray before styling. This will keep flyaways in check, ensuring your bun remains sleek and smooth throughout the day.
Pin-Up Curls
Pin-Up Curls are another retro-inspired look from the 1950s, characterized by soft, voluminous curls that are pinned back for a chic, polished finish. These curls work exceptionally well with short hair or medium-length hair and are ideal for creating a playful, yet sophisticated look. Pin-Up Curls pair beautifully with a saree for short hair or saree for thin hair, adding a touch of glamour to your ensemble. This style is great for both casual and formal events, whether you’re attending a party or a wedding.
To keep the curls defined and long-lasting, apply MOROCCANOIL Curl Defining Cream before setting the style with a light-hold hairspray.
Sleek Beehive
The Sleek Beehive is a towering hairstyle that became popular in the 1960s and is making a strong comeback. This voluminous style adds height and drama to your overall look and pairs perfectly with a traditional Indian saree. Suitable for women with medium-length or long hair, the Beehive works well for formal events like weddings or parties. The sleekness of the hairstyle creates a sharp contrast to the volume, giving it a modern and sophisticated touch.
To achieve this look, use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Soft Mousse to build volume at the crown and a smoothing serum to keep the rest of the hair sleek.
Old Hollywood Glamour Waves
Old Hollywood Glamour Waves are timeless and sophisticated, evoking the charm of the 1940s silver screen. This style features soft, sculpted waves that cascade elegantly, making it perfect for long hair or medium-length hair. It suits both saree and bridal wear, especially for glamorous evening events. These waves are ideal for women with naturally wavy or straight hair, as they enhance the natural texture while creating a polished, red-carpet-worthy look.
To maintain the shine and hold of these waves, use Redken Shine Flash spray for a glossy finish and Kenra Volume Spray to keep the waves in place.
Vintage Marcel Waves
The Vintage Marcel Waves, known for their structured, deep waves, were a favorite in the 1920s and are making a glamorous return in 2025. These waves are ideal for short hair Indian or medium-length hair, offering a polished, sculpted look that pairs well with saree for thin hair or bridal outfits. Marcel Waves are perfect for women looking to create a timeless, classic appearance.
For this style, apply Kevin Murphy Motion Lotion Curl Enhancing Lotion to keep the waves defined and frizz-free.
Traditional Gibson Tuck
The Traditional Gibson Tuck is a timeless, elegant updo that is ideal for formal occasions and pairs beautifully with saree simple styles. This low, tucked bun is both chic and sophisticated, making it a popular choice for bridal events and festive gatherings. Suitable for medium-length hair or long hair, the Gibson Tuck creates a refined silhouette, adding elegance to your overall look. This style is best for those with thick hair, as it requires volume to create the tucked effect, but thin hair can benefit from texturizing sprays.
For added hold and smoothness, use Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Crème before creating the tuck. Secure the hairstyle with bobby pins and set it with Oribe Superfine Hair Spray.
Classic Slicked-Back Pompadour
The Classic Slicked-Back Pompadour, popularized in the 1950s, is a bold and structured hairstyle that adds volume and height to the front while keeping the sides sleek. Perfect for both casual and formal settings, the pompadour works well with short hair or medium-length hair. This look complements a modern or traditional outfit like a saree or bridal wear, and it is ideal for women looking to make a statement with their hairstyle.
For a polished finish, use Layrite Superhold Pomade to smooth back the hair and add volume to the front, keeping the style sleek and controlled throughout the day.
Victory Roll with Ponytail
The Victory Roll with Ponytail is a modern twist on the 1940s Victory Rolls, combining the iconic rolled front with a sleek or wavy ponytail at the back. This style suits medium-length hair or long hair and adds a retro vibe to any outfit, whether it’s a saree for thin hair or bridal attire. Victory Rolls add height and drama, while the ponytail keeps the look fun and youthful, making it a versatile choice for various events.
To add texture and hold, apply OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray before creating the rolls and ponytail. Use Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Sculpting Foam to keep the hair smooth and frizz-free.
Renaissance Braids
Renaissance Braids are intricate, woven braids inspired by the Renaissance era, featuring multiple sections of hair braided into one unified, regal look. This style suits long hair and medium-length hair curly or straight, making it ideal for both formal occasions and casual outings. It’s a perfect choice for those who love the romantic, ethereal look, especially when paired with Indian saree or bridal attire.
Use Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Spray to add texture to the hair before braiding. Secure the braids with clear elastics and finish with Verb Ghost Oil to add shine.
Edwardian Updo
The Edwardian Updo is a high-volume, elegant style that became popular in the early 1900s and is now making a chic comeback. This style involves teasing the hair to create volume at the crown and gathering the rest into a soft, elegant bun. Suitable for medium-length hair or long hair, this updo is ideal for weddings, formal events, or traditional celebrations in Indian saree or bridal wear.
To create the perfect Edwardian Updo, use Ouai Volume Spray for added lift at the roots and finish with Redken Control Addict 28 Hairspray for all-day hold.
Loose 1970s Waves
Loose 1970s Waves are soft, flowing waves that evoke a bohemian, carefree vibe. This hairstyle suits long hair or medium-length hair and works well with a variety of outfits, from modern to traditional saree styles. These waves are perfect for casual outings or formal events, providing a laid-back yet stylish look. It’s also a great option for women with naturally wavy or curly hair.
To achieve these waves, use Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray before styling with a large-barrel curling iron. Finish with IGK Beach Club Texture Spray to give the hair a beachy, tousled finish.
Traditional Low Bun
The Traditional Low Bun is a classic, timeless hairstyle that suits any formal or traditional occasion. Ideal for saree South Indian front styles, this low bun is placed at the nape of the neck, offering a simple yet elegant look. It’s perfect for bridal wear or any traditional Indian celebration. This style works best for medium-length hair or long hair, and adding flowers or hairpins can elevate the look.
For a sleek finish, apply Moroccanoil Treatment to damp hair before styling, and secure the bun with bobby pins. Use TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray for long-lasting hold.
1920s Flapper Bob
The 1920s Flapper Bob is a short, sleek hairstyle that exudes vintage glamour. This sharp, chin-length bob with subtle finger waves is perfect for women with short hair or short hair Indian and pairs beautifully with saree for short hair styles. It’s a bold and chic look, ideal for women who love vintage-inspired fashion but want to keep things modern and relevant in 2025.
To keep the bob sleek and shiny, use Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream and finish with Sebastian Shaper Zero Gravity Hairspray for light hold.
Half-Up Bouffant
The Half-Up Bouffant is a beautiful blend of volume and simplicity, drawing inspiration from the iconic bouffants of the 1960s while offering a modern twist. The top half of the hair is teased and lifted, creating height and drama, while the lower half flows naturally. This hairstyle works perfectly for medium-length or long hair and is a great choice for both casual and formal occasions. The Half-Up Bouffant is especially flattering for women with thin hair, as the teased top adds volume, making it ideal for pairing with a saree or bridal attire.
To achieve this look, use Batiste XXL Volume Spray to add texture and volume at the roots before teasing the top section. Secure with bobby pins and finish with TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Hairspray for a lasting hold.
Sleek Finger Coil Bun
The Sleek Finger Coil Bun is an intricate, modernized version of a traditional bun, featuring smooth, coiled sections of hair elegantly gathered at the nape of the neck. This look is sleek, polished, and perfect for formal occasions, especially when paired with an Indian saree or bridal wear. Best suited for medium-length or long hair, this style highlights a woman’s facial features and adds an air of sophistication to her look. The finger-coiled sections create texture while maintaining an overall sleek finish.
For a smooth look, apply Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to damp hair before coiling and securing the bun. Use Living Proof Flex Hairspray to hold the style in place and maintain shine.
Classic Pageboy Cut
The Classic Pageboy Cut is a sleek, structured haircut popularized in the 1950s, characterized by its sharp, straight lines and under-curled ends. This chin-length style is perfect for women with short hair or medium-length hair and offers a modern take on a timeless cut. Ideal for pairing with a saree for short hair, the Pageboy cut frames the face beautifully and works well for those with straight hair textures. It’s a versatile look, equally suitable for casual wear or more formal events.
To keep the cut sleek and shiny, apply CHI Silk Infusion serum to damp hair and use a flat iron to maintain the structure. Finish with John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum for added shine and frizz control.
Braided Updo with Vintage Pins
The Braided Updo with Vintage Pins is a romantic and elegant hairstyle that brings together intricate braids and vintage accessories. Perfect for medium-length to long hair, this updo involves creating multiple braids that are then gathered and pinned into a soft bun at the back of the head. This look is ideal for women attending formal events, especially bridal or festive celebrations, and pairs beautifully with a traditional saree. The vintage hairpins add a touch of old-world charm, making this style timeless and graceful.
To create this look, use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray to add volume and texture before braiding. Secure the braids with clear elastics and finish with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray to keep everything in place.
Soft 1960s Curls with Headband
Soft 1960s Curls with a Headband bring back the glamorous, feminine curls of the 1960s, paired with a playful headband to add a modern twist. This style works beautifully with long hair or medium-length hair, offering soft, voluminous curls that cascade down the shoulders. The headband adds a youthful and fun element, making this hairstyle ideal for casual occasions or daytime events. It’s perfect for pairing with a saree simple for a relaxed yet stylish look.
To create these soft curls, use ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong and apply Ouai Memory Mist before styling for heat protection and long-lasting curls. Finish with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to keep the curls bouncy and soft.
Traditional hairstyles are making a major comeback in 2025, with retro and classic looks gaining popularity among modern women. Whether you’re dressing up for a wedding or simply embracing a more elegant everyday look, these hairstyles are versatile enough to suit any occasion. Leave a comment below with your favorite style and share how you plan to incorporate these timeless looks into your wardrobe!
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