Decoding Solah Shringar For Modern Brides

A radiance born of balance, tradition, and self-care, ayurveda offers a pathway to timeless beauty. Through the centuries, these rituals have enhanced bridal preparations, blending natural ingredients that align the body, mind, and soul. From the calming touch of abhyanga (self-oil massage) to the purifying prowess of turmeric and saffron, every step speaks to the bride’s journey of self-love. These are not just remedies but whispers of nature, working in harmony with one’s doshas to reveal our most luminous self.

This guide, put together by Manifest’s beauty experts, marries these ancient teachings with a collection of meticulously chosen products that offer a fresh take on the solah shringar. Think skin-quenching elixirs of rose water, potent masks infused with neem and sandalwood, and nourishing oils that promise to soothe, detoxify, and illuminate. Together, they form a bridal arsenal designed to prepare an Indian bride for her big day — inside and out, naturally and beautifully.

Step-By-Step Procedure of Solah Sringaar 

Kesha thailam 

Hair oiling has been practised for thousands of years, with concoctions made from herbs

like brahmi and bhringraj. It nourishes the scalp and balances the body’s energy.

Holi roots pre-wash hair oil by Fable & Mane

“This formula contains ingredients like ashwagandha and dashmool, which are known for their strengthening and revitalising properties. They nurture the scalp, promote hair strength, and help reduce breakage, which is crucial for those preparing for a special occasion like a wedding.”

-Nikita Mehta, Co-Founder & Creative Director

Bringadi Thailam Intensive Hair Oil By Kama Ayurveda

“Powered by 13 ayurvedic botanicals including bhringraj, this oil is rich in phytoactive molecules such as flavonoids and phytosterols that help balance and reinvigorate the scalp for stronger and glossier hair. This traditional recipe consists of potent herbs extracted into pure sesame oil and milk.”

— Vivek Sahni, Founder & Chairman

Chambal Sacred Hair Oil by Abhati Suisse 

“Inspired by champi, the ayurvedic ritual of hair oiling, this versatile product nourishes, strengthens, and revitalises hair with a blend of ingredients such as Himalayan wild cherry

oil and potent antioxidants. It can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, mixed with conditioner for a luxurious hair mask or as a smoothing serum for luxurious bridal hair.”

— Shirin Doerig, Co-Founder

Ubtan

This traditional herbal paste is used for skin purification, often as part of pre-wedding ceremonies to enhance radiance.

Kumkumadi Brightening Face Scrub BY Kama Ayurveda

“Chemical exfoliators are on the rise, but they often dry out the skin. This nourishing formula was designed to exfoliate without stripping away the skin’s moisture. Blended with the finest saffron from Kashmir, it helps brighten and hydrate the skin naturally. Finely ground walnut powder and sweet almond oil — rich in vitamins D and E — nurture skin while lifting away pollutants and impurities.”

— Vivek Sahni, Founder & Chairman

Mitti Raw Honey Face Masque by Purearth

“This transformative concoction is made using raw honey sourced from ethical beekeepers, licorice, renowned in ayurveda as varnya, and fuller’s earth, a natural clay that absorbs

excess oil and impurities.”

— Kavita Khosa, Founder

Abhyanga 

The ancient practice of full-body self-massage is considered a form of therapy that promotes relaxation and improves circulation.

Soundarya Luminous Body Oil by Forest Essentials

“An exceptionally rich, cold pressed, and unprocessed formulation that has highly rejuvenating properties, this oil is the perfect answer to this oil is the perfect answer to: ‘How can I get glowing skin overnight?’Brides can use it to seal moisture and add lustre to the skin. It can also be used as a body highlighter.”

— Mira Kulkarni, Founder

Vata Body Oil by Rasasara Skinfood

“This oil deeply nourishes the skin while balancing vata dosha. The practice of applying the warm oil to cover the entire body, then submerging into a warm scented bath for at least 30 minutes is recommended for a pre-bridal beauty routine.”

— Sonia Lloyd, Founder

Snanam

Bathing rituals are considered sacred, involving the use of herbal water, oils, and fragrant pastes to cleanse the body and purify the mind.

Tridoshic Body Cleanser by Rasasara Skinfood 

“A sublime body cleanser that elevates the act of bathing into a spiritual experience, owing to aromatherapy oils of vetiver, cedar wood, tulsi, orange, frankincense, and patchouli. It leaves the skin soft and hydrated and is not at all drying.”

— Sonia Lloyd, Founder

Hydrating Sea Salt Crystal Rose Body by Forest Essentials 

“Mineral-rich salts saturated with the sensual oil of Indian rose are blended in a nourishing base of apricot kernel, almond, and sunflower oil to create the perfect scrub to soften the skin. Use on wet skin in the shower after cleansing to remove surface dead cells and polish the skin. Rinse well with water.”

— Mira Kulkarni, Founder

Champo 

The act of shampooing originated as a hair-cleansing ritual in ancient India, with natural ingredients like shikakai, reetha, and hibiscus.

Volumizing Shampoo And Conditioner by Fable & Mane

“Our ashwagandha, a cornerstone of our formulas, is sourced from India to uphold its authentic ayurvedic benefits. Additionally, the guar gum used in our shampoo and conditioner also comes from India and is sourced through a supplier dedicated to sustainable women’s development, reflecting our commitment to both high-quality ingredients and community support.”

— Nikita Mehta, Co-Founder & Creative Director

Saranda High-Performance Conditioner by Abhati Suisse

“This creamy conditioner hydrates, repairs, and fortifies hair, ensuring a smooth, lightweight finish. It tames frizz and enhances shine, making it ideal for brides seeking sleek, photo-ready hair.”

— Shirin Doerig, Co-Founder

Yamuna Nourishing Shampoo BY Abhati Suisse

“This detoxifying formula is infused with herbs such as Indian gooseberry and Swiss alpine

botanicals like edelweiss. It gently cleanses the scalp while balancing oils and restoring

hydration, creating a solid foundation for healthy, strong and radiant hair.”

— Shirin Doerig, Co-Founder

Pushpadravah

Rose water is a cooling and soothing remedy that rejuvenates the skin and enhances emotional well-being through its calming fragrance.

Pure Rose Hydrosol by Subtle Energies

“As a toner within the beauty regime it works to balance the pH of the skin, while also providing

a wonderful calming and cooling effect, including for tired eyes. Rose is very much an ingredient that activates the heart and brings in happiness for the big day. Also spray on the back of your neck if you’re having an outdoor summer wedding.”

— Nick Irani, Director of Operations & Brand Development

Pure Rose Water by Dearist

“Traditionally, rose water has been cherished for its cooling and soothing properties, often

incorporated into rituals and remedies to balance internal heat and calm the skin. It's natural 

ability to hydrate, refresh, and pacify inflammation has made it a cornerstone of Ayurvedic beauty. Dearist Pure Rose Water, which is edible, extends its benefits beyond skincare — helping to ease indigestion, reduce acidity, soothe inflammation, and even balance

one’s mood.”

— Meher Jadwani, Founder

Soundarya

Skincare has been practised for over 5,000 years using ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, and neem, and treatments designed to balance the body’s doshas and promote glowing skin.

Sunrise Glow Serum by Inde Wild

“There are more than 12 potent actives and super-herbs in this serum, with hero ingredients being vitamin C, turmeric, and ashwagandha. They fight free radicals and boost your skin’s natural glow. It is ideal before your moisturiser or makeup. Start using it a few months before the big day.”

— Diipa Büller-Khosla, Founder

Facial Blend by Subtle Energies

“This is my mother’s (our founder) favourite product. It’s simply called Facial Blend because in the ’90s, that’s what she used to write on the label. It’s a powerful serum for rejuvenation, cell renewal, and collagen support but is also recommended for stress, anxiety, and hormonal imbalance, making it an invaluable tool for a bride-to-be.  The key active ingredients include mogra, which is great for cell renewal, and pigmentation but also known as the oil of joy, it has been used in Ayurveda for its euphoric qualities and its great promoter of sensuality and empowerment.”

— Nick Irani, Director of Operations & Brand Development

Supreme Skin Face Serum by Mauli Rituals

“Feed and plump parched skin with a nutrient-rich blend of 16 brightening vitamins, balancing minerals, nourishing omegas, and strengthening adaptogens combined to diminish oxidative damage, stimulate cell renewal, and leave skin looking supple, petal-soft, and glowing with vitality. Our lightweight oil serum is deeply nourishing, without any heaviness and it sinks into the skin with ease.”

— Anita Kaushal, Co-Founder Face Creams 

Tejasvi Brightening Ghee Cream by Forest Essentials

“For a beautiful nikhaar in the days closer to your wedding, start using this cream weekly.

It is specially formulated by combining pure cow’s ghee, which is aged with selected

potent ayurvedic herbs, to provide smoothness, suppleness, and radiance to the skin. Apply on clean and damp skin for a minimum of 15-20 minutes. Dab off excess with damp cotton or tissue and cleanse with warm water. Use a chilled toner or splash cold water to finish.”

water. 

— Mira Kulkarni, Founder

Mogra Rejuvenating Gold Cream by Subtle Energies

“Suvarna (gold) has been used in ayurvedic medicines for aeons, as a great rasayana (rejuvenator), providing essential revitalisation, conservation, and rejuvenation to the skin and senses, creating a happy harmonious state of being. Gold also stimulates the mitochondria, boosting its function to give boosting its function to give collagen support and promoting healthy skin cells. We use the gold leaf broken up so that combined with the fats in the cream it can reach the inner dermal layers to then react with the cells.”

— Nick Irani, Director of Operations & Brand Development

Precious Saffron Oil by Dearist

“Saffron and ayurveda go hand-in-hand — it’s pretty much ayurveda’s gold-standard ingredient for glowing skin. The idea behind our formula was to give people the benefits of kumkumadi thailam (one of ayurveda’s best concoctions for bridal glow), with a lightweight texture that delivers even-toned skin without the heaviness of traditional oils. What sets this oil apart is the meticulous four-day process involving soaking, boiling, extraction, and filtration, all rooted in ancient recipes. The traditional recipe uses goat’s milk as it is naturally rich in lactic acid, which helps reduce the pore-clogging effects typically associated with facial oils.”

— Meher Jadwani, Founder

Miracle Velvet Facial Oil by Dimple Amani

“This botanical formula blends seven powerful herbs, including saffron, ashwagandha, rosehip, pomegranate, geranium, and turmeric, each chosen for their remarkable properties.Its

lightweight consistency makes it perfect for both day and night use, ensuring deep hydration that leaves the skin soft and supple.”

— Dimple Amani, Founder

Kesara Brightening Aloe Vera Gel by Anahata Organic

“The aloe in this gel comes from organic farmers in Gujarat. Our Himalayan ingredients including saffron are sourced from Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, where we have handpicked vendors on our treks to the Panch Kailash.”

-Radhika Iyer Talati, Founder

Nayana ikshana

Eye creams formulated with ingredients like almond oil, rose water, and saffron nourish the

delicate skin around the eyes, and support vision health.

Aloe Vera by Dearist

“Restore firmness to the delicate under-eye area with our nurturing eye balm. Nourishing fatty

acids in ghee combine with the collagen-boosting benefits of gotu kola (brahmi) to help visibly

strengthen fragile skin. It fights signs of fatigue, while rose oil combats the look of redness

caused by dryness.”

— Lisa Mattam, Founder

Oshta Lepa 

In ancient India, lip balms were crafted from ghee, coconut oil, and rose petals, used to moisturise and protect the lips from dryness.

Dewy Lip Treatment by Inde Wild

“The hero ingredient is linoleic acid that is a constituent of ghee, which is a natural ayurvedic

moisturiser, fortifying the skin barrier and retaining moisture. As we’ve mimicked vegan

ghee with notes of rose, a bride can expect dewy and hydrated lips during her celebrations.”

— Diipa Büller-Khosla, Founder

Sitara Creme Strobelighter by Pureearth

“Nourishing for the skin, Sitara offers a natural, radiant glow, ideal for bridal makeup. It can be used as a highlighter or mixed with foundation or moisturiser for an all-over lit-from-within glow. Key ingredients include raw organic, non-deodorised, unrefined cacao butter, and organic cold-pressed castor oil.

— Kavita Khosa, Founder

Pratikarmana 

Make-up was traditionally made from natural ingredients like herbs, minerals, and pigmented plant extracts such as turmeric and beetroot.

Sugandha 

Perfumes are used not only for their fragrant qualities but also for their therapeutic properties to balance the doshas, uplift the mind, and promote spiritual well-being.

Sacred Union Scent And Dry Oil by Mauli Rituals

“A blend of 12 therapeutic oils cosseted in a quartet of nourishing base oils, laced with a

dusting of powdered rose quarts combines to awaken the senses, nourish the body, and open

the heart to love. This formula is crafted to leave your skin with a veil of whisper-light scent. Tied

with mauli and three little bells, serving as gentle reminders to value the past, live fully in the

present, and with faith for the future.”

— Anita Kaushal, Co-Founder

Calm Balm by Mauli Rituals

“A soul-soothing, deeply nourishing balm with therapeutic oils and adaptogenic extracts of ashwagandha, brahmi, and chamomile, with a sacred trio of clarifying clary sage, uplifting

bergamot, and soothing jasmine to help diminish fatigue and relax an over-active mind. Adaptogens are scientific and relax an overactive mind. Weddings are a time of love

and joy, but equally, the bride may feel heightened emotions. Applying the Calm Balm during

ceremonial moments help soften skin and acts as a sensory pick-me-up.”

— Anita Kaushal, Co-Founder

Nirvyakulata 

Calming rituals with techniques such as abhyanga, shirodhara and meditation, all designed to

reduce stress and promote mental clarity.

Miracle Tea by Dimple Amani

“This exceptional blend combines ancient ayurvedic wisdom with modern herbal science, delivering a transformative experience for both body and mind. Packed with powerful ingredients like ginger and fennel, this tea aids digestion, alleviates bloating, and supports healthy weight loss, helping you feel light and confident as you prepare for your special day. Ashwagandha works to destress and calm the mind, ensuring serenity amidst the wedding planning frenzy. The refreshing notes of lemongrass and lemon peel not only brighten your skin but also flush out toxins, leaving you with a radiant complexion. Plus, calendula petals reduce puffiness and inflammation, giving you that flawless glow.”

— Dimple Amani, Founder

Nabhira Therapeutic Navel Oil by Anahata Organic

“Rooted in the ancient science of nabhi chikitsa, this oil serves as the bridge between mind, body, and cosmos. It supports hormonal harmony, restful sleep, and gut health — essential for grounding the bride amidst the transformational wedding rituals. The navel oil boosts skin glow, reduces bloating, enhances gut balance, and helps hair growth. ”

— Radhika Iyer Talati, Founder

This has been adapted for the web from an article published in Manifest’s December 2024-January 2025 issue that is now on stands. For more stories like this, subscribe here!