Navratri is here — and your hair deserves to celebrate just as much as your outfit does
Navratri & Hair: A Tradition of Beauty
Navratri — nine nights of dance, devotion, colour, and celebration. Whether you're playing garba in Gujarat, doing dandiya in Maharashtra, or celebrating with family across India, your festive look isn't complete without the right hairstyle. And the secret ingredient that elevates every Navratri braid? A vibrant Parandi or a beautiful Kunjalam.
Here are the best Navratri hairstyles for 2026 — complete with accessory tips to make your look truly unforgettable.
1. The Classic Garba Braid with Parandi
The most iconic Navratri hairstyle — a long, thick braid woven with a colourful Parandi, swinging beautifully as you spin through garba rounds. The movement of the tassel perfectly complements the energy of the dance.
How to style: Divide hair into three sections, weave in your Parandi from the nape down, and secure with a matching band. Add a small bindi and jhumkas to complete the look.
Best Parandi colours for Navratri: Red & gold (Day 1 — red), Royal blue & silver (Day 2 — blue), Yellow & green (Day 3 — yellow)
👉 Shop: Peacock Blend - Parandi | Vadamalli - Parandi | Madras Check - Parandi
2. The Double Braid Dandiya Look
Two braids, each adorned with a matching Parandi — perfect for dandiya nights where your hair moves with every stick strike. Playful, energetic, and full of festive spirit.
How to style: Part hair down the middle, create two tight braids, weave a matching Parandi into each, and let the tassels fall freely. Add maang tikka for extra glamour.
Best for: Dandiya nights, Navratri Day 4 (green), Day 5 (grey)
👉 Shop: Vadamalli Multi - Parandi | Blush - Parandi
3. The Kunjalam Braid for South Indian Navratri
In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, Navratri (Golu) is celebrated with equal fervour — and the traditional Kunjalam braid is the go-to hairstyle. Sleek, elegant, and deeply traditional.
How to style: Oil and neatly braid your hair, attach the Kunjalam at the tip, and layer with fresh jasmine or marigold gajra. Pair with a silk pavadai or pattu saree.
Best for: Golu visits, temple celebrations, South Indian Navratri
👉 Shop: Kudamulla - Kunjalam | Kathakali - Kunjalam
4. The Fishtail Braid with Parandi
A modern twist on the classic — the fishtail braid woven with a Parandi creates a stunning textural effect. Great for those who want a contemporary festive look without losing the traditional touch.
How to style: Create a fishtail braid incorporating Parandi threads throughout for a woven, layered effect. Works beautifully with a lehenga or chaniya choli.
Best for: Navratri Day 6 (orange), Day 7 (white), evening garba sessions
👉 Shop: Sunset Blend - Hair Accessory | Spring Blend - Hair Accessory
5. The Half-Up Half-Down Festive Look
Gather the top half of your hair into a small braid with a Parandi or clip it back with a decorative pin, letting the rest flow freely. Modern, effortless, and perfect for longer Navratri evenings when you want comfort without sacrificing style.
How to style: Take the top crown section, braid lightly, secure with a Parandi or embellished clip. Let the rest of your hair fall in soft waves or natural curls.
Best for: Casual garba evenings, daytime Navratri celebrations
6. The Gajra + Parandi Braid — Peak Navratri Energy
This is the hairstyle that stops the garba circle. A thick, long Parandi braid layered with fresh mogra or marigold gajra is the ultimate Navratri look — fragrant, gorgeous, and deeply traditional.
How to style: Weave your Parandi braid first, then pin fresh gajra along the length of the braid from base to mid-way. Let the Parandi tassels peek out at the bottom for maximum drama.
Best for: Main garba nights, Ashtami & Navami celebrations, photos!
👉 Shop: Vadamalli - Parandi | Jamanthi - Hair Accessory
7. The Low Bun with Parandi Peek
Elegant and understated — a low bun at the nape of the neck with a Parandi woven into the base, letting the tassels hang below the bun. Perfect for those who prefer a neater look during garba without losing the festive flair.
How to style: Braid from the nape with a Parandi, coil into a bun, and pin securely. Allow 2–3 inches of tassels to hang freely below.
Best for: Navratri office celebrations, formal puja settings, Day 8 (pink) & Day 9 (purple)
👉 Shop: Bougainvillea - Hair Accessory | Maroon Chocolate - Hair Accessory
Navratri Colour Calendar: Match Your Parandi
Each day of Navratri 2026 has an auspicious colour — match your Parandi or Kunjalam accordingly for a fully coordinated festive look:
- Day 1: Red → Red & gold Parandi
- Day 2: Royal Blue → Blue & silver Parandi
- Day 3: Yellow → Yellow & green Parandi
- Day 4: Green → Green silk Kunjalam or Parandi
- Day 5: Grey → Silver & grey Parandi
- Day 6: Orange → Orange & gold Parandi
- Day 7: White → White & gold Kunjalam
- Day 8: Pink → Pink & rose gold Parandi
- Day 9: Purple → Purple & silver Parandi
Quick Styling Tips for Navratri Hair
- Oil the night before — coconut or castor oil keeps your braid sleek and shiny all night
- Use strong hair ties — garba involves a lot of movement; secure your braid well
- Match Parandi to your chaniya choli border — the most polished Navratri look
- Layer accessories intentionally — maang tikka + jhumkas + Parandi is the golden trio
- Carry a mini hair kit — bobby pins, a small hair spray, and a backup hair tie for long garba nights
Shop Navratri-Ready Parandi & Hair Accessories at KANAV STORE
This Navratri, adorn your braid with something truly special. Our handcrafted Parandi and Kunjalam collection is made for exactly these nine nights — vibrant, festive, and crafted with love.
👉 Peacock Blend - Parandi | Vadamalli - Parandi | Madras Check - Parandi | Vadamalli Multi - Parandi | Blush - Parandi | Kudamulla - Kunjalam | Kathakali - Kunjalam | Jamanthi - Hair Accessory | Bougainvillea - Hair Accessory | Sunset Blend | Spring Blend | Maroon Chocolate
Final Thought
Navratri is the festival of feminine energy — of Shakti, of colour, of joy. Let your hair reflect that energy. Whether you spin through garba with a bold Parandi braid or grace the Golu with a traditional Kunjalam, wear it with pride, wear it with rhythm, and wear it with love.
Happy Navratri from KANAV STORE — may your nine nights be beautiful, your braid be long, and your tassels always swing in joy. 🌼