Looking for an easy way to make a simple hairstyle feel more festive? Ghungroo hair accessories could be the answer. The traditional tinkling bells, once closely associated with classic Indian hairstyles, are making their way back into contemporary beauty looks—and this time, they are being styled with a much more relaxed approach.
Actor Shanaya Kapoor recently offered a striking example during Ganpati celebrations, wearing numerous ghungroos woven through her hair. The look added movement, texture and a distinctly Indian festive touch without requiring an elaborate hairstyle.
The trend is also gaining traction on social media. Videos using the #ghungroo hashtag have crossed 1.5 million views, with beauty creators experimenting with everything from braids and buns to open hairstyles.
And with Navratri, Garba nights and the wedding season approaching, the tiny bells are perfectly placed to become a festive hair favourite.
Why Ghungroos Work So Well With Festive Hairstyles
According to makeup and hair artist Tejasvini Chander Kapoor, the appeal goes beyond their visual impact.
“That subtle jingle every time you move brings such a fun, energetic vibe to your look—it’s practically made for Dandiya nights,” she says.
Ghungroo accessories can also transform an otherwise basic hairstyle without requiring advanced styling skills.
“You can easily snag these accessories online for super cheap or even whip them up at home. They add instant movement, texture, and a touch of drama to a simple messy bun or classic braid,” Kapoor explains.
The result is a quick way to elevate a five-minute hairstyle while keeping the overall look playful and festive.
The Retro Hair Detail Gets a Modern Update
Ghungroo hair accessories aren’t exactly new. Their popularity in Indian wedding styling goes back several decades.
Hair and makeup expert Harveen Kathuria recalls their strong presence in 1980s bridal and bridesmaid looks.
“Ghungroo hairpins were huge in ’80s wedding styling—brides and bridesmaids always wore them as fixed borders around their judas and buns,” Kathuria says.
What has changed is how they are positioned.
Instead of arranging the bells in a perfectly defined border around a bun, contemporary styling often scatters them through open hair, braids and half-up hairstyles.
Kathuria says this makes the accessory feel “lighter, younger, and less predictable.”
The look can work particularly well for Mehendi, Haldi and Sangeet celebrations, although she recommends choosing delicate pieces so the hairstyle doesn’t become visually overwhelming.
How to Style Ghungroo Hair Accessories at Home
The trend is relatively easy to recreate, even if you’re not particularly confident with hairstyling.
1. Choose Your Base Hairstyle
Start with the hairstyle you want to wear. A sleek braid, classic bun or half-up waves can all work as a base for ghungroo detailing.
2. Anchor the Ghungroos
Take small sections of ghungroo strings or individual bell charms and position them close to the roots. Secure them with bobby pins or U-pins.
3. Weave or Wrap Them Into Your Hair
For a braid, incorporate a ghungroo strand into one of the sections as you plait.
If you’re wearing a bun, wrap a ghungroo parandi or decorative chain around its base.
4. Secure Everything Properly
Add a few extra pins where necessary so that the accessory stays in place and its weight is distributed evenly. A light-hold hairspray can help finish the look without making the hair feel stiff.
Ghungroo Hair Accessories You Can Buy
If you want to experiment with the trend without making the accessories yourself, there are several options available at different price points.
| Product | Price | Available From |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Hairpins Paired with Ghungroos | ₹250 | Amazon |
| Ghungroo Parandi Chain Hair Extension Tassel | ₹399 | Pearls and Twirls on Amazon |
| Ghungroo Hair Accessory | ₹77 | Lufii |
| Ghungroo Silver Oxidised Bun Stick | ₹1,359* | Teej |
| Ghungroo Glam Mirror Parandi (Black & Multi) | ₹2,100 | Taana Baana |
*Price mentioned in the supplied listing and may change.
How to Keep the Look Modern
The easiest way to make ghungroo accessories work with contemporary festive fashion is to avoid overloading the hairstyle.
If your outfit already features heavy embroidery, sequins or elaborate jewellery, a few strategically placed bells can provide enough detail. With a simpler outfit, you can experiment with a more prominent ghungroo braid, parandi or bun accessory.
The key is balance. Whether you’re heading to a Garba night, wedding function or festive gathering, ghungroos can add movement and traditional character to even the simplest hairstyle.
