7 Interesting Choties (Chotis) – Traditional Indian Braided Hairstyles • Chick About Town

In Indian culture, choti (plural: choties or chotis) refers to braids or plaits—a common and traditional way of styling long hair.

It has been a staple hairstyle for centuries, worn by women, young girls, and even some men in specific cultural or religious contexts.

Types of Choties

Single Choti (Ek Choti) – The most traditional style, where all the hair is gathered and braided into one long plait, often adorned with flowers, ribbons, or accessories. This is commonly seen in weddings and festive occasions.
Double Choti (Do Choti) – Two braids, typically parted at the center, commonly worn by schoolgirls. This style is practical and helps keep hair neatly in place.
Parandi Choti – A Punjabi-style braid where a parandi (a decorative thread or tassel) is woven into the braid, adding color and style. This is popular in folk dances like Bhangra and Giddha.
Khajoor Choti (Date Braid) – A three-strand braid with a woven pattern resembling a date fruit, often worn by brides or during traditional events.
Nagini Choti (Snake Braid) – A long, tight braid that is designed to look sleek and smooth, resembling a snake’s movement.
French & Dutch Braids (Modern Choti Styles) – While traditional Indian chotis are simple, many women now incorporate French braids, Dutch braids, and fishtail braids into their hairstyles, blending Indian and Western influences.

Cultural & Religious Significance

In Hindu traditions, long, well-maintained hair is considered a sign of beauty and femininity. Married women often braid their hair with mogra (jasmine flowers) or gold accessories.
In South Indian temples, women offer their long braids in devotion (hair tonsuring) as a religious sacrifice.
In Sikhism, men and women both keep their hair long as part of their faith. Sikh women sometimes braid their hair before tying it into a bun.

Modern Influence & Trends

While chotis remain popular in schools and rural areas, urban women often prefer ponytails, buns, or open hair for convenience.

However, braided hairstyles are still widely used for festivals, weddings, and dance performances.

Hairstyles Choti: French Choti Style/Franch Choti/Sagar Choti Hair Style/Frech Choti/Sagar Braid

“French choti” typically refers to a braided hairstyle that combines elements of a French braid with a traditional choti, which is a long, often sleek braid common in South Asian hairstyles.

This style usually starts as a French braid at the crown and transitions into a simple or thick plait down the back. It’s popular for its elegant, structured look while keeping hair neatly secured.

Some variations may include a double French braid merging into a single choti or the addition of accessories like flowers or hair jewelry.

Soharten Style Hair

If you would like to know more about Soharten style hair, click here.

Loose Choti: Side Choti/Side Sagar Hairstyle

Front Sagar Hairstyle Tutorials & More

Hair Plait Styles #1: French Braid

choties: loose French choti on blonde hair — Hair plaiting styles: a side French braid

Photo Credits: StyleCraze

7 Interesting Choties (Chotis) – Traditional Indian Braided Hairstyles

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