festival hairstyles · nepal
Dashain and Tihar Hairstylesfor 2027
Dashain and Tihar hairstyles for 2027, from braids with flowers and low buns that keep tika clear to neat festival haircuts for men in Nepal.
Hairover Team
The best festival hairstyles for Dashain and Tihar in Nepal keep your forehead clear for tika, hold up through a long day of visits, and leave room for flowers and jamara. Braids with flowers, low buns, half-up styles with a center part, and sleek ponytails are the easiest options, and a fresh, neat haircut is the usual choice for men. Heading into the 2027 festival season, many people are mixing traditional elements, like marigolds and braids, with softer, modern finishes.
Below are festival hairstyles for different hair lengths, how to wear them with saris, kurtas, and other festival clothes, and tips for keeping them in place through travel, family visits, and evening celebrations.
What to think about for Dashain and Tihar hair
Festival days are long. You may travel to see relatives, sit for tika with several elders, play cards in the evening, or spend time outside in the wind. A good festival hairstyle needs to:
- Keep the forehead clear. Tika is applied to the forehead, so heavy bangs or loose strands can stick to it and smudge it.
- Leave space for jamara. During Dashain, jamara is often placed behind the ear or tucked into the hair, so a style with the ears visible makes that easier.
- Hold up for hours. Braids and buns last much longer than loose waves.
- Work with traditional clothing. Updos show off the neckline and back of a blouse, while a long braid falls nicely over a sari or shawl.
Braided hairstyles for Dashain and Tihar
Classic long braid. A single, smooth braid down the back is the most traditional festival look. It suits long hair of any texture and every face shape, and holds all day. Add a decorative tassel or small clips along the braid for occasions. It takes five minutes and lasts through travel and visits.
Braid with flowers. Pin small marigold flowers, or other festival flowers, along a long braid. It is especially popular for Tihar, when flowers are everywhere. Secure each flower with a U-shaped pin through the braid.
Side braid. A braid worn over one shoulder shows off earrings and jewelry. It suits medium to long hair and oval or heart-shaped faces. Loosen the braid slightly for a softer look.
Fishtail braid. A more detailed braid that looks festive without extra accessories. It suits long, straight or wavy hair. Allow about ten minutes.
Buns and updos for festival days
Low bun with flowers. A neat, low bun at the nape with a small string of flowers wrapped around it. It keeps hair off the face for tika and looks polished with a sari. It suits medium to long hair and most face shapes. About ten minutes with pins.
Braided low bun. Braid your hair, then coil the braid into a low bun and pin. It holds better than a regular bun and adds texture. It suits medium to long hair, including thick and curly hair, which can be hard to fit into a smooth bun. It is a good choice if you are traveling or have a full day of visits.
Sleek center-part bun. A smooth bun with a clean center part. It frames tika neatly and pairs well with a kurta or sari. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces especially, and straight or smoothed hair. Finish with a little hair oil or serum for shine.
Half-up and open hairstyles
Half-up twist with a center part. Twist two sections from the temples back and pin them at the crown, letting the rest fall loose. The forehead stays clear and the ears are visible for jamara. It suits medium to long hair and most face shapes, and takes about five minutes.
Soft waves with a side braid accent. Wear hair open with loose waves, and add a small braid along one side to keep hair off the face. It is a pretty choice for evening gatherings and Bhai Tika, but waves may drop by evening, so set them with a light hairspray.
Sleek open hair. Straight, smooth hair with a center part is simple and elegant. Tuck it behind the ears during tika so it does not stick.
Festival hairstyles for short hair
Short hair works well for festivals. A smooth bob with a center part and a small jeweled clip or flower looks festive. A half-up clip on a lob keeps hair away from tika. A pixie with a little shine serum and a decorative pin at the side is quick and neat. Our bob haircut ideas for 2027 cover short cuts that are easy to dress up.
Men’s haircuts and hairstyles for Dashain and Tihar
Many men get a fresh haircut before the festival. Popular choices are a low taper with a textured top, a classic side part, a short crop, or a neat fade. Book about a week before, since barbers get very busy just before the main days, and a week gives the cut time to settle.
On the day, keep styling simple: a little cream or matte paste, combed neatly. Make sure the fringe is not so long that it covers tika. If you have longer hair on top, comb it back or to the side for the tika itself, then restyle afterward. When you ask your barber, say “a neat, festival-ready cut that still looks tidy in two weeks,” since many families visit relatives across several days. Our men’s haircut trends for 2027 guide covers the cuts in more detail.
Haircuts and hair care before the festival season
If you want a new cut for Dashain and Tihar, book it one to two weeks before the main days. That gives the cut time to settle and leaves room for a small adjustment. A light trim to clean up split ends makes braids and buns look smoother. If you want layers, keep them long, so your hair can still be braided or tied up.
If you are coloring your hair, do it a week or two ahead too, so the shade has time to soften and you are not dealing with a fresh color stain on your forehead during tika. Rich browns and soft highlights photograph well in festival lighting. Our hair color trends for 2027 guide covers shades that work with darker natural hair.
Many families also oil their hair before the festival. A warm oil treatment the night before washing leaves hair soft and shiny, but wash it out well, since heavy oil makes buns slip.
Tips for festival hair that lasts
- Start the day before. Wash your hair the day before so it has a little grip.
- Use plenty of U-shaped pins for buns and flowers.
- Bring a small kit: pins, elastics, a comb, and a small hairspray.
- Protect hair during tika. Pin back loose strands before sitting for tika, especially if you have bangs.
- Oil the ends, not the roots, for shine without flatness.
- Wind and swings: if you are flying kites or on a ping, braids and buns hold up far better than open hair.
Related guides
Try a festival look on your own photo
If you are planning a new haircut before the festival season, it helps to see it first. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get recommendations with a match score, and try hairstyles and hair colors on your own face in Style Studio. Browse our hairstyle guides for more ideas.
FAQ
What hairstyle is best for Dashain tika?
A style that keeps your forehead clear, such as a low bun, a sleek braid, or a half-up style with a center part. Heavy bangs can stick to the tika and smudge it.
How can I wear flowers in my hair for Tihar?
Pin a small string of marigold or other festival flowers around a low bun, along a braid, or across a half-up twist. Secure with U-shaped pins so the flowers stay put.
When should men get a haircut before Dashain?
About a week before the main days usually works. The cut has time to settle, and barbers tend to get very busy just before the festival.
Which festival hairstyle lasts through a long day of visits?
A braided low bun or a sleek braid holds best through travel, visits, and family gatherings. Loose waves are prettier on arrival but usually drop by evening.
