Hair has always been more than just a part of beauty. It is culture, identity, and self-expression woven into everyday life. The year 2025 has been no different, and Indian hair trends are making their mark on global runways and social feeds alike. From sculptural twists that look like art to retro updos inspired by old Bollywood films, there is a sense of nostalgia mixed with modern experimentation.

Scrolling through Instagram today feels like entering a time capsule. One reel shows a hairstylist creating a sculptural bun shaped almost like folded fabric, while another shows a college student trying her own retro updos tutorial before a wedding. Both belong to the same movement bringing bold hair back into daily style.

Sculptural Hair Goes Mainstream

Sculptural hair is not new, but its entry into mainstream Indian beauty in 2025 has been quick and loud. Influencers like Komal Pandey and Sakshi Sindwani have been spotted wearing dramatic twisted buns and elevated ponytails in recent shoots. Designers at Lakmé Fashion Week leaned heavily into these styles, using hair not just as an accessory but as a statement piece.

The look is defined by:

What is interesting is how young women in India are adapting this. Instead of hiring stylists, many are learning DIY versions. Social media tutorials now break down complex sculptural buns into three-step guides. This shift shows how hair trends no longer stay exclusive to the runway.

Retro Updos: A Nostalgic Revival

Parallel to sculptural hair, retro updos are having their comeback. Think of hairstyles from the sixties with pinned curls, side rolls, and puffed crowns. In India, the inspiration often comes from classic Bollywood heroines like Sharmila Tagore or Mumtaz, whose updos defined an entire era of glamour.

On TikTok and Instagram, the retro wave is everywhere. Creators post “retro updos tutorial” videos specifically for Indian hair types, knowing that thicker textures need different techniques than Western tutorials suggest. These videos highlight quick fixes for everyday use, like:

The beauty of these retro styles lies in their versatility. They work just as well for a wedding sangeet as they do for a Saturday dinner with friends.

Indian Hair Trends 2025: What’s Driving the Buzz

Indian hair trends 2025 reflect a mix of global and local energy. Sculptural hair might have its roots in international fashion, but its popularity here is tied to cultural context. Festivals, weddings, and even influencer-driven “get ready with me” videos fuel its rise.

Retro updos, on the other hand, thrive because they tap into nostalgia. Platforms like Threads and Instagram are filled with comments like “this reminds me of my mom’s old pictures” or “I feel like a vintage starlet with this puff.” Community reactions keep these trends alive and visible.

Easy Tutorials That Actually Work

The best part of these trends is how approachable they have become. Step-by-step reels and short tutorials ensure that sculptural or retro hair is not intimidating anymore. A few of the most shared tips across platforms include:

Creators often remind viewers that perfection is not the goal texture and individuality make each version unique. This mindset is partly why these tutorials trend so easily.

The Bigger Picture

Hair trends often act as reflections of cultural mood. The rise of sculptural hair signals a growing appetite for bold, fashion-forward statements, while retro updos reveal a softer longing for connection with the past. Together, they create a balance of future and nostalgia.

For Indian women, these styles are more than fleeting trends. They represent a shift toward experimenting fearlessly, blending tradition with global inspiration. Indian hair trends 2025 show that beauty here is no longer about following but about creating something relatable, modern, and uniquely ours.