Jewellery is extremely significant in Indian culture. Each piece of jewellery has a story, narrative or a believed reason behind it. This relevance becomes even more significant when it comes to bridal jewellery, dressing up for a festival or an occasion.
Maang tikka is one such piece of jewellery, the relevance of which goes up when dressing festive. It is typically an ornament worn on the head and drops on the forehead. It consists of a chain that dresses up the parting on the head and a detailed pendant that drops on the forehead. It is one of those jewellery pieces that instantly get you wedding or festive ready. The tikka rests on the forehead at your third eye chakra, signifies the union of Shiva and Shakti and is adorned by the bride to harness her powers of wisdom, courage and will power.
Maang tikkas are considered auspicious but is also extremely popular as a fashion statement. However, like all other pieces of jewellery and the variety of mean tikka styles available, it is important that you choose the right kind that fits in well with your personality, overall look and most importantly your hair type and style.
The Traditional Significance of Maang Tikka
Maang tikka is a crucial element of the solah shringar. It is believed that it protects the brides from evil eyes and also signifies the holy union of husband and wife. This deep symbolism and visual treat that is, has made brides through the ages retain it as a significant part of their bridal attire. Although, rooted in tradition, the accessory has become extremely popular owing to the strong visual statement it makes. It is hard to miss, looks glamorous and instantly dresses you up by bringing all the attention to your face.
Maang Tikkas for Different Hair Types
Maang tikkas have such a strong visual appeal that it is important that you style it right for it to work for you. It is important that you consider your outfit, your hair type and the hair style that you will be opting for on the special day for it to look as good as it is meant to look. We decode different hair types and the suitable maang tikkas for them.
Straight Hair
Straight hair are usually sleek and make a smooth base for maang tikkas to sit easily. Simple, delicate maang tikkas will look elegant. You can wear your hair open or closed in the bun.
- Centre Parting - If you style your hair in a centre parting, then the chain of the maang tikka will be visible and add to the visual details. Mean tikkas sit very comfortably on centre parted hair.
- Side Parting - If you wear your hair with a side parting, then the maang tikka chain goes under the hair and what is visible is just the pendant portion of the maang tikka.
Curly Hair
- Bohemian Maang Tikkas - Maatha pattis lend a bohemian flair and look every nice with curly voluminous hair.
- Multitiered Maang Tikkas - Multi layered elaborate mang tikkas make a strong statement and are prominent even with curly hair.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair usually have softer curls and look good when styled in layers. The advantage is that you can either opt for elegant maang tikkas or multilayered ones depending on the look you want to achieve.
Short Hair
Maang tikkas look extremely prominent against short hair visually. So one can opt for smaller, daintier ones.
Tips for Styling Maang Tikkas
- Braids or Buns - Since this is a very ethnic accessory, it looks good with traditional braids and hair tied in a bun for a more put together look. One can also opt for open hair
- Floral Accents - Complete the look with floral jasmine string like gajra or add a traditional rose for a lovely traditional look.
- Secure it - Use pins to attach it properly to your head and add a small piece of double sided tape on the back of the pendant for the maang tikka to stay put. An out of place maang tikka looks extremely shabby, is hard to miss and can spoil all your efforts.
- Balance - Consider your face shape, your outfit, hair style and the maang tikka for a visually balanced look and to avoid an overkill.
- Occasion - Avoid an overkill by using the maang tikka for traditional and formal events.
- Other Jewellery - The maang tikka should look cohesive with other jewellery that you are planning to adorn like statement earrings or the necklaces.
Top Maang Tikka Trends for 2024
- Minimal - Traditional Indian jewellery is all about opulence. But if you are looking for a more modern, refreshing approach then choosing a simple, minimal maang tikka is the latest trend.
- Pearl - Pearls are neutral, can be style with a lot of things and look extremely good with gold. So maang tikkas with pearls are all the rage. One doesn’t wear maang tikkas very often so you want to invest in some key pieces that are versatile. Pearl maang tikkas are just that while offering a regal touch.
- Traditional or Heritage Inspired - Maang tikkas are a very traditional piece of jewellery so one gets a lot of wonderful heritage inspired pieces which connect you with your roots with their craft and significance. One such style is the chaand phool maang tikka. These were extremely popular with the queens of Patiala.
- Coloured Stones - Maang tikkas with coloured gemstones impart vibrancy and personality to your look. It’s a wonderful way to coordinate your look or play with contrasts.
- Multilayered - Multilayered maang tikkas are elaborate and statement making. They look gorgeous and can completely transform your look to be festive ready. Perfect option if you want your maang tikka to be the focus of your look.
- Matha Patti - Matha Patti is a more elaborate form which includes a pendant drop that falls on the forehead along with an ornate head band. It’s very bridal and a great accessorising option for brides.
How to Care and Maintain your Maang Tikkas
Maang tikkas are relatively lesser used form of jewellery used mostly during weddings or formal traditional occasions. It helps for you to take care of it and store it properly so that you can use the piece and even pass it down -
- Cleaning - Wipe your maang tikkas clean after every use with a soft cotton cloth to remove any trace of sweat, styling or skin product.
- Storage - Store it in its original packaging or an air tight box or pouch for it to keep its lustre intact.
Conclusion
Take notes from above and plan a cohesive look with your maang tikkas and hairstyles to make the most of the accessory and truly cherish a festive look. Explore the different varieties and choose what appeals to you and adds to your personal style.
