There’s no denying it. With the oppressive heat and humidity, all we want to do is tie our hair up in a messy bun and leave it there all day long! But that’s really not a pretty option when attending an important work or social event, or much-awaited summer weddings! So, while you’ve probably got your outfits sorted, we decided to get some hair inspiration from our gorgeous Bollywood celebrities who have been slaying with their uber glam summer hair looks recently.
We also chatted with Kajol R Paswwan, Celebrity Makeup & Hair Artist who shares, “During the summer months, pulled back hairstyles can be especially appealing. They help keep the hair off the neck and face, providing a more comfortable and cooling effect. Additionally, these hairstyles are often chosen to showcase the neckline, highlight accessories like statement earrings, or to complement the style of the outfit.”
So, from Alia Bhatt at the Gucci fashion show in Seoul to Janhvi Kapoor at an awards night, see how these stunning women have been flaunting their tresses and start taking notes!
1. Deepika Padukone
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While Deepika flaunted a pretty low bun and an old Hollywood black off-shoulder LV gown at the Oscars in March this year, what got our attention was her vivacious look at the after party! At the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars after party, she chose to wear her hair up in a messy, textured top knot that looked uber glam and paired gorgeously with her feathery pink outfit and blue winged liner. The textured top knot was such a fun, statement hairdo and a great way to ‘let your hair down’ at the end of the day, but not really – chic, but make it Deepika!
2. Priyanka Chopra
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At the Met Gala earlier this month, Priyanka wore a bespoke Bulgari necklace featuring an extraordinary vintage blue diamond, the 1970 Bulgari Laguna Blu, but our eyes were on her unique updo. She flaunted a gelled back bun with a slight poof on the crown. Her intricate bun at the top was intertwined with a jet-black ribbon that stylishly dropped to one side with a portion of her super glossy hair, which brought movement to her hairstyle every time she turned her head and caught the light, not to mention, our full attention!
3. Alia Bhatt
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Alia made her debut at the Gucci Cruise 2024 fashion show in Seoul, Korea very recently and wore a fun but classic LBD number which was a cut-out Gucci dress (obvs!) and paired that with a low slicked back ponytail. In one of her behind-the-scenes videos from the event, as she’s seen getting ready for the evening, she talks about how this is the longest her hair has ever been! The low ponytail was worn with a centre part, and bling Gucci monogram hair accessories on either side. Her overall look, with the 60s style shift dress, Gucci monogram platform heels and low ponytail, gave us timeless retro vibes.
4. Manushi Chillar
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Manushi was a picture of graceful elegance as she donned this slinky backless turquoise slip dress and complemented it with a sleek bun at the Cannes Film Festival a few days ago. The bun, styled with a centre part, showed off her highlights and gorgeous jawline, not to mention it kept her hair up and showed off her well-toned back.
6. Ananya Panday
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Ananya Panday launched the luxury brand’s India-exclusive rani pink Lady Dior bag, which was inspired by Dior’s Fall ‘23 show held in Mumbai earlier this year. The actress sported a Dior white wool and silk long dress and paired it with a neatly pulled-back bun with a side part, as she flaunted the new bag featuring designs of elephants, butterflies, tigers and other Indian motifs. Her classic hairstyle mirrored the clean-cut dress she wore and ensured that the bright pink bag with its gold hardware was front and centre.
6. Rakulpreet
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How do summer temperatures keep soaring? Well, Rakulpreet showed us how it’s done when she arrived at the Elle Sustainability Awards last month in her sexily deep cut black evening gown with a thigh-high slit, long fitted sleeves, bling wrist jewels and a gorgeous slicked back top knot with edgy fanned out tips. Her high bun and smokey eyes complemented her evening look beautifully and ensured all eyes were on her as she was awarded the ELLE Social Responsibility Award 2023.
If these hair looks inspired you, we got some tips that will be helpful when trying to recreate similar sleek pulled-back hairstyles.
MUA Kajol shares that if you’re trying to create glam pulled-back hairstyles, some of the key tools should include a high-quality hair straightener, a shine spray or serum, and hairspray. “A good hair straightener is essential for creating sleek, smooth strands, while a hair serum or shine spray works well for added shine and to control any frizz or flyaways.” She adds that a styling cream or gel can help you create sleek and defined updos, add structure and keep the style in place.”
Kajol advises smoothing out any bumps by taking a moment to double-check the sleekness of your style. “Smooth out any bumps or lumps by using your fingers or a fine-toothed comb. This step will ensure a clean and polished finish. Lastly, set it with lightweight hairspray to lock in your sleek look and maintain its hold. Be sure to hold the hairspray at a distance to avoid creating a stiff or sticky appearance.” Get, set, create!
