5 Ways to Put a Tikka On it

Anyone that knows me personally will be the first to tell you that my favorite way to accessorize for Indian events is with a big, glamorous TIKKA! For those of you that don't know, a tikka is hung centrally on your upper forehead (not the same Tikka as Chicken TIKKA Masala...even though that dish is absolutely mouth watering). A tikka, historically, began as apart of the ensemble worn by a Hindu bride to rest on the sixth chakra on the forehead. This is the position of the "third eye" which in simple terms is a symbol of our intuition. Today, it is still worn by many Hindu brides but has, also, ventured out to become a popular fashion statement for many cultural events and occasions!

How do you get your Tikka to stay in place?

This is the million dollar question!! So many people have asked me how I get my Tikkas to stay in place with all the jumping around and dancing (LOL)! Now everyone has their own way, but this is what I do.

I usually hoop a bobby pin through the chain end of the Tikka and criss cross bobby pins to hold the end in place. Then, eyeball the placement-- I want my central point to sit on my forehead (I tend to wear them higher up). Next, I proceed with applying a very TINY amount of nail glue* on the most prominent edge of the Tikka and gently press the pendant against my skin. After speaking with people in the film and theater industry, I was recommended to try Spirit gum and Telesis 7. I would recommend checking these out as they are used for stage makeup/props! My method usually lasts me the entire night with no movement at all. To remove the Tikka, I gently use a Q-tip dipped in warm water with a little bit of coconut oil. After taking it off, I exfoliate the area and use a hydrating moisturizer!

*Everyone has different strategies and different skin so I would recommend trying eyelash glue first to see if that works for you! I personally have tried eyelash glue--and failed (with my large Tikkas), but I know many people who have said this works for them. Honestly, Tikkas can be pretty heavy and vary in size and shape so you may have to do some trial and error to fit your skin type.

To be honest, I am always dancing the night away in FULL HYPE so I need something stronger. LOL

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On the real though, I think this movie was literally made about me..... a total Bollywood life of the party Physical Therapist. If you haven't, watch Khoobsurat. Sonam Kapoor and her mom, Manju, are quite the hoot!

Here are my favorite ways to put a Tikka on it!

1. Put YO Hair up!

Let's face it, by the time the reception rolls around (that could be around 3-4 events later at an Indian wedding), your hair (if anything like mine) reaches a point where its just EH! It is no longer pliable or cooperative. UGH, what to do? I usually opt to put my hair up and call it a day! Luckily, there are many options for this: you can opt for half up half down, a cute pony with curls, or an updo. LUCKILY, these can ALL be adorned with a TIKKA! To top it off, the attention is officially off your less-than-perfect hairstyle! Win-win!

Here is a picture from one of my favorite reception looks this year styling a Maang Tikka:

2. Pair a TIKKA with a MIDDLE PART!

This had to be my all time favorite look of 2018! When you want to wear your hair loose with some light curls venture out and try to add a TIKKA in your middle part! I, personally, kept my outfit simple and chose not to wear any other jewelry. I let the TIKKA be my statement jewelry piece for the night!

Here is a picture of my reception look at my friend's wedding rocking a middle part adorned with a regal Tikka:

3. BRAID it up with a TIKKA!

This particular Tikka, illustrated below, is much smaller than the previous two, but I love the dangling pearl-white stone aspect of it! It is very elegant and chic! This is the perfect look for a pre-wedding festivity such as a Mendhi night, Pithi, or even Ganesh Pooja. The trick is to part your hair in the middle, use the bobby pin criss cross technique to hold the chain in place. Then, part your hair over to the side (I always have to tease a little for some volume), and proceed to braid your hair! After you have it holstered back, you can use the nail glue technique explained above to prevent it from moving from side to side! This is the perfect way to add some flavor to a simple look!

4. SHORT hair, DON'T CARE with a TWIST!

AH! Garba is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE time of the year! I cannot think of a better way to complete the traditional Gujarati look than with a stately TIKKA! Here I glued the tikka in place along with fastening the chain down with the criss cross bobby pin trick! Then, I pulled my bangs back with a twist to keep them out of my face. I love the pop of color this Tikka added to the traditional, vibrant Chaniya Choli. Illustrated below is a picture of me before performing a traditional Gujarati Garbo that I choreographed in Greenville, SC.

5. TIKKA it UP...LITERALLY!

Pictured below is my look from my brother's wedding reception. I had to have my hair out of my face so I opted with a very simple updo and made it glamorous with this Silver Tikka! It brought life to my simple hairstyle and allowed me to style my outfit with studs! This look can make any sock bun perfect for your next Indian occasion!

Hope this TIKKA INSPO helps for your next Bollywood occasion! Would love to see looks this post inspired! Comment below!

Love,

Kristi Govind, PT, DPT