/3 min read
Punjabi Parandi Guide: Styles and How to Wear One
What a Punjabi parandi is, where it comes from, the main styles and a simple way to braid one into your hair for jaago or mehndi night.
By Neha Parihar, founder
A parandi is a hair accessory from Punjab. It is a length of thread that is braided into the hair, ending in decorative tassels called phumman. It makes a braid look longer and fuller, and the tassels swing when you move.
You will also see it spelled paranda or prandi. In Punjabi weddings it is most often worn to the mehndi and the jaago.
A short history
In Punjab, women have long worn long braided hair, and the parandi was part of everyday dress. The traditional parandi is black, so it blends with the hair, with bright coloured tassels at the end. Parandis were often made at home or bought at local markets.
The parandi also appears in Punjabi folk songs and in giddha, the women's folk dance. Today, many Punjabi women wear one mostly at weddings and festivals rather than every day. It has become a way to add a Punjabi touch to a modern outfit.
The main styles
Traditional
- Black threads with bright silk tassels.
- Blends into dark hair, so only the tassels stand out.
- The classic choice for a jaago or giddha performance.
Coloured
- Threads dyed to match an outfit, such as red, pink or green.
- Shows clearly against the hair.
- Good for mehndi outfits in bright colours.
Beaded and mirror
- Tassels decorated with beads, small mirrors or sequins.
- Catches the light at night events.
Gota and embroidered
- Tassels or panels with gota or thread work.
- Matches gota jewellery for mehndi night.
Pearl and kundan
- Tassels finished with pearls or kundan style pieces.
- Dressier, and can work for a sangeet or reception.
How to wear a parandi
You need a parandi, a hair tie and a few minutes. It is easier with a friend.
Step by step
- Brush your hair and gather it at the nape of your neck, or a little higher.
- Split your hair into three sections, as you would for a normal braid.
- Lay the parandi on top so its threads split into the same three sections.
- Braid as normal, keeping the parandi threads with your hair in each section.
- Keep braiding past the end of your hair, using only the parandi threads.
- Tie off at the end, just above the tassels.
Tips
- If your hair is very silky, braid a few inches first, then add the parandi.
- A little hairspray keeps flyaways down.
- For short hair, start the parandi near the top of the braid so it carries the length.
- Pick a length that suits your height. The tassels look best near the waist or hips.
Parandi for jaago and mehndi
The jaago is a night of singing and dancing. A parandi suits it because it moves with you and does not need careful handling. Traditional black parandis with bright tassels are the most common choice.
For mehndi night, many brides and guests pick a parandi that matches their outfit, or one with gota tassels that match their jewellery. It also keeps hair off your face while your mehndi is applied.
Some families order matching parandis for sisters, cousins and close friends, so the group looks coordinated in photos. It is an easy group gift.
Choosing the right parandi
- Match the colour to your outfit, or go black if you want it to blend.
- Check the length. Longer is more dramatic, shorter is easier to dance in.
- Look at the tassels. Heavier tassels swing more but pull on the braid.
- Think about reuse. Plain styles can be worn at many functions.
Caring for your parandi
- Untangle the threads gently with your fingers after wearing.
- Store it flat or loosely coiled.
- Keep the tassels away from water and oil.
- If a tassel comes loose, a few stitches with matching thread will fix it.
How Outbox House can help
- Shipping is free across Canada on orders over $150, and across the US over US$200.
- Book a free appointment, in studio or on video, to see pieces up close and ask about sizing.
- Our studio is at 47 Humberstone Crescent, Brampton. See how to reach us.
We can show you parandi lengths and tassel styles on a video call, so you can pick one that suits your hair and your outfit.