From space buns to baby braids & an edgy slicked-back look, here are the festival hair styles to try this year…
So, your outfits are packed and you’ve got your headline make-up looks all planned out. But what about your festival hair? Not just a supporting act, a festival-worthy hairstyle is the finishing touch to any showstopping look. It’s also the perfect chance to have fun experimenting with a hairdo you wouldn’t normally wear day-to-day.
Whether you’re heading to a one-day extravaganza, you’re lucky enough to have Glastonbury tickets or you’re jetting off to the likes of Coachella, here’s our lineup of quick and easy festival hair ideas to make you stand out in the crowd. Plus, we’ve rounded up some tips for festival-proofing your locks and reviving them again afterwards.
How to prep your hair for a festival
Nailing your hairstyle all starts in the prep before you even set off for festival fun. When you’re out in the field, your hair’s going to be exposed to the elements – we’re talking sun, wind and most likely rain (if you’re festivalling in the UK, that is!). To give your locks the best start possible, show your strands some extra love with an elevated wash and conditioning routine before you go.
We recommend using a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build-up and make your hair feel super clean and fresh. Follow with a hair mask to nourish and restore your locks, then finish with your favourite conditioner to leave your hair soft and tangle-free, ready for any style.
You may want to schedule in a hair trim the week before you go, so your tresses are in the best condition with no dry or split ends.
How to look after your hair at a festival
Depending on how long you’re at the festival and whether you’re camping or glamping, you might be going a few more days than usual in between hair washes. That’s why a dry shampoo is an absolute must-have for keeping your locks looking fresh. A quick spritz each morning can help banish grease and add the volume back into your roots.
If you do have access to a shower, then don’t forget to pack your travel-sized shampoo and conditioner to revive your hair mid-festival. A microfibre towel can help you dry your locks quickly without the help of your usual hair dryer and styling tools.
Another festival hair staple to add to your packing list is a UV-protecting spray to help fight off damage from the sun’s rays. After all, you’re most likely going to be outside all day and UV rays can even get through clouds. You could also pack a stylish hat for extra coverage if it’s really hot.
Six festival hair trends to try
When it comes to festival hair, we’re sure you’ll want a style that’ll steal the show! Here are some of our favourite festival hair ideas for long and short hair to express your personality.
Ideas for long hair
With long hair, the options are endless and you can really go to town with unleashing your creativity.
Space buns
For a look that’s out of this world, try the oh-so 90s space buns trend. It’s fun, fabulous and a firm festival favourite.
Step 1: Use a comb to create a middle parting
Step 2: Tie your hair into two high ponytails – one on either side of your parting
Step 3: Wrap your hair around the base of each ponytail to create two buns and secure with bobbles
Step 4: Use bobby pins to neaten up any stray hairs
Face framing baby braids
Take your look from the 90s to Y2K-inspired baby braids. We love using braids to frame the face, leaving the rest of your locks loose, but they’re just as cute dotted throughout any area of your hair or incorporated into other styles like half-up half-down dos.
Step 1: Part your hair in the centre
Step 2: Take two small sections of hair from the front – one on each side of your parting (this look is also great for framing a fringe!)
Step 3: Plait each one and secure with bobbles
Step 4: Tease out sections of each plait to create body and texture (top tip: tease the end a bit more to help disguise the bobble)
Beachy waves
A classic festival style (and for good reason!), beachy waves are one of the easiest dos to create and bring on instant summer vibes.
Step 1: Before you go to sleep, create two plaits in your hair (go for regular plaits for a loose and relaxed look, and try French plaiting your hair for an extra wavy effect)
Step 2: Take out your plaits the next morning, and voila! Beachy waves with minimal effort
Step 3: Spray in some sea salt spray to add body and hold
Ideas for short hair
Whether you go for an edgier look or brighten up your barnet with accessories, here are some popular festival hair trends for shorter styles.
Wet-look hair
For an effortlessly chic vibe, why not try a sleek and slicked-back look? It’s great for keeping your hair off your face, all while highlighting your gorgeous bone structure.
Step 1: Use a travel spray bottle filled with water to dampen hair
Step 2: Apply a hair pomade, focusing on the top and sides (this will give it the shiny, wet look)
Step 3: Comb the pomade through your hair starting from the forehead and sweeping back to the crown of your head. Then comb back each side until you have the desired shape (top tip: you can also part your hair wherever you like and comb backwards in the direction of the part)
Step 4: Spray on some hairspray to set the style in place
Colourful hair
The best thing about the colourful hair trend is that there are no rules! Depending on how bold you want to go, you could add a bright pop of colour or opt for a more subtle hue. Here are some of our favourite ways to wear this trend.
Idea 1: Experiment with a temporary hair dye (either dye your whole hair a few days before the festival for a really bold transformation or just dye one or two sections to create accent streaks. Just remember to do a patch test first!)
Idea 2: Try braiding sections of your hair and tying them up with colourful statement bobbles
Idea 3: Accessorise your style with a brightly coloured headband or scrunchie (bonus points if it matches your outfit)
Idea 4: Use multicoloured clips to pin your hair back and add a fun splash of colour
Double braids with bandana
If you’re rocking a bob or shoulder length short hair and your locks are long enough to braid, then this is a great option for bringing the fun whilst also hiding any greasiness on the last few days of the festival.
Step 1: Separate your hair into two sections as if you’re going to create two low ponytails on each side of your head
Step 2: Either plait each section or do fishtail braids (there are plenty of tutorials on TikTok and Youtube showing how to do these, if you’re not sure)
Step 3: Secure the ends with colourful bobbles
Step 4: Fold a bandana in half horizontally and place on the crown of your head with the triangular section pointing backwards
Step 5: Tie the ends of the bandana together, making sure they’re tied underneath your two braids to keep it secure
Step 6: Pull out two face framing strands in front of your bandana to finish off the look
How to maintain your hairstyle during a festival
There’ll be no time for touch-ups whilst you’re dancing away. To help your festival hairstyles go the distance, don’t forget to pack staples like hairspray, styling tools and sprays, a detangling brush or comb, plenty of hair accessories and a travel mirror so you can see what you’re doing when creating your looks.
How to care for your hair post-festival
After all that festival fun, your hair will likely need some extra TLC. Post-festival, we recommend reaching for that clarifying shampoo again to remove any build-up from your festival styling products and dry shampoo.
Also try adding a leave-in conditioner or an overnight serum or mask to help repair and restore your locks.
That completes our round-up of festival hair trends to try this year! For more styling tips and advice, head to our hair care inspiration hub or shop our full range of hair care to level up your routine.
