Break out your favorite sundress and fringed booties because it’s almost our favorite time of year: festival season. It’s time to happily dance under the sun until your feet go numb and, most importantly, live out your wildest hair dreams. From intricate bohemian hairstyles to simple yet chic festival hair, we got you covered with 46 festival hairstyles to try this year.
This list is a bit lengthy, so we’ll let you get right to it. Be sure to take notes because you’re definitely going to want to stun with one (or two!) of these stunning hairstyles. And while you’re thinking about it, don’t forget the festival accessories, either!
How Should I Do My Hair for a Festival?
If you’re trying to figure out how to do your hair for festivals, we’re positive one of these dreamy festival hairstyle looks will hit the mark. Whether you’re trying to nail the perfect festival hair look or are looking for creative ways to do your hair for Burning Man, or are aiming for unique festival hair for an indie event, scroll on.
Double Braided Bun
This double braided bun is an iconic festival hairstyle that will last through any sort of sweltering heat, whether you’re in the dusty desert or somewhere humid. The combination of braids and bun keeps your hair perfectly tucked away, so you can dance until the sky goes dark without worrying about an unkempt mane.
Purple Pixie with Bobby Pins
You don’t need long strands or braids to serve serious festival hair vibes. Embellish your pixie with metallic bobby pins for a unique style that requires little effort, but offers maximum benefits.
Jeweled Headband
You don’t need to be a masterful braider to rock a cute festival style. Give yourself some beach waves and top it off with a jeweled headband. This style reminds us of everything we love about the hippie era, but with a modern twist.
Wash And Go Curls
Don’t be afraid to unleash your curly strands and rock a wash-and-go. Sure, detailed braids are fun, but there’s something about the natural twists and turns of curly hair that look amazing no matter where you go. For tamed tendrils, use a curl-enhancing product. Kérastase Curl Manifesto Gelee Curl Contour Gel-Cream hydrates your curly, coily, and very curly hair so you can air dry without issue.
Side Fishtail
This fishtail side braid is everything we love about boho hairstyles. It’s effortless and visually stunning, plus it’s way easier to recreate than you might think.
Half-Up Pull-Through French Braid
This Parisian look gives the illusion of braids without requiring too much arm strength. The secret? The style is not actually a braid, but rather a series of ponytails cascading down your mane.
Pink Lemonade
There’s nothing like a tall glass of pink lemonade to satisfy your summer sweet tooth. That’s why we love this duet of pink and yellow hues. The contrast of bright colors is sure to deliver a boost of dopamine, too.
Keep in mind that if you don’t already have blonde hair, your stylist may need to use bleach to create the most vibrant hue. A pro stylist can not only help to minimize and prevent damage, but also make sure you're using haircare products that nourish your strands. The Biolage Color Last Deep Treatment Pack Multi Use Hair Mask is one of our faves.
Bubblegum Dutch Braids
We’re positive Dutch braids will never go out of style. It’s one of the easier braided hairstyles to create, yet still totally chic. If you’re feeling really bold, ask your stylist to color each side of your hair a different hue.
Boho Bun
As the saying goes: suns out, buns out. However, this time we’re talking about boho buns. This look is super chic, especially when you add a braid and pull out a few choice strands for a wispy, “didn’t try too hard” vibe.
Unicorn Braided Pony
Similar to a unicorn, there’s something about festival hair season that makes us feel majestic and free. Embrace those feelings with a cotton candy unicorn ‘do that has a center braid at the top of your head for ultimate festival vibes.
Curly Ponytail
This textured look is perfectly paired with a center twist and looks gorgeous on ladies with a naturally curly mane. Plus, it keeps hair out of your face while still letting you lean into your natural volume and texture.
Hollywood Waves And Headbands
If your style is more glitz and glamor than bohemian chic, don’t worry. You can still rock a festival-inspired ‘do that’s more up your alley. Combining glamorous Hollywood waves with a boho-inspired headband is proof that you can have the best of both worlds.
Double Dutch Pigtails
When we want to dance freely without a care in the world, the last thing we want to worry about is our mane. This Dutch braid meets pigtail style is low maintenance and easy to achieve.
Pull-Through French Ponytail
The French braid dupe can also be made into a beautiful ponytail. Start by styling your hair the same way as you would a pull-through French braid. Once you’ve woven your entire mane, secure a ponytail at the nape of your neck and leave the ends loose.
Sparkling French Braided Buns
This gorgeous look incorporates two of our favorite festival hairstyle staples: sparkles and braided space buns. We have some serious FOMO just looking at this fun ‘do.
Rainbow Fishtail
Embrace all of the beautiful ROYGBIV tones and go all out this season. Don’t forget to add a half-up fishtail braid to ensure everyone sees your vibrant hues.
Crown Braid
In the battle between humid temperatures and loose hair, humidity tends to win. But, don’t be discouraged—simply opt for a festival hair updo. This crown braid wraps around your head and is a perfect boho alternative to keeping your strands out this season.
Pineapple
Flaunt what your mama gave you and let your curls roar with this pineapple style. By bringing all of your hair to the crown of your head, you allow your ringlets to be real the star of the show.
Textured Mini Faux-Hawk
For all the ladies with bobs, lobs, and everything in between, shorter hair does not mean fewer styling options. You can still get in touch with your inner flower child and rock your favorite festival hair look. Try this braided faux-hawk and add some beachy waves to your mane for some extra movement and swing.
Lilac Buns With Accessories
Take your space buns to the next level by adding fun hair accessories. Music festivals are the perfect time to experiment with flower crowns and metallic embellishments.
Three-Braid Pigtails
Show off your braiding skills with this three-braid pigtail look. Pro tip: Create the center cornrow before crafting your two larger cornrows. If you want to elevate your style, use some metallic hair ties to bring it all together.
Glitter Part
Create your own disco ball effect and light up the night sky with an ample dose of sparkle on your part. Whether you’re wearing space buns, a slice pony, or something in between, this look adds instant festival appeal to any style.
Boho Braid
Nothing says “I’m ready for the festival” like a loose, boho braid. To keep things in place, spritz some medium to strong hold hairspray, like Matrix Style Link Style Fixer Finishing Hairspray. It delivers a reliable hold that’ll preserve your style all day and night, but without any stiffness or stickiness.
Half-Up Top Knot
A half-up top knot is a look for those who opt for easy and beautiful. If this look were to take human form, it would be a beach-side, sunkissed Cali girl who always looks gorgeous without trying.
Flower Crown (From Hair!)
Trade-in your store-bought flower crown for this beautifully designed crown made using your very own mane. We admit this style takes a bit of time, but the effort you put in will be so worth it.
Three Tail Pony With Accessories
If you’re looking for a ‘do that won’t budge, this triple-tied ponytail is it! Instead of securing your look with one tail, go for three and a jeweled hair accessory. You’ll be locked in and good to dance all night long.
Beaded Braids
We’re so obsessed with this stunning style. While accessorizing your braids with beads may be tedious, the end result is guaranteed to be divine.
Jumbo Bantu Knots
Go big or go home this festival season. We can’t help but feel drawn to these jumbo Bantu knots as they remind us of a masterful sculpture.
Scarf Wrapped Ponytail
For those who wait until the last minute to get ready (don’t think we don’t know,) throw a colorful scarf around your ponytail and call it a good day. We’re all for lazy styles that look just as gorgeous as intricate updos.
Faux-Hawk Bun
If your mane is anything like ours, humid temperatures, dancing, and loose hair is a recipe for disaster. That’s why we stan pulled back hairstyles, including this faux-hawk bun with a braid down the center. To maximize sleekness, add a touch of Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Anti-Frizz Serum to your strands.
Decorated Bow Tie Bun
Grace other festival-goers with a bow tie bun embellished with a beautiful scarf. You’ll be the gift that keeps on giving.
Messy Bun
Prepare for sweltering temperatures with funky earrings and extra hair ties. When it gets too hot to bear, throw your hair up in a messy bun and let your earrings be the star of the show. Your hair will still look fabulous and effortless.
Scarf Wrapped Top Knot
We may be beauty editors, but messy buns are our go-to look for just about everything. On the days we want to dress it up a bit more, we simply throw on a scarf or headband.
Backward Braided Buns
This fun twist on traditional space buns is one of our favorite looks for festival season. Pro-tip: You may need a friend to ensure your braids are even while you’re upside down.
Chain Braid
If you need some help unleashing your creativity, repurpose your gold neck chain and add it to your braid. Adding this small detail will make a big difference to your hairstyle, offering a long-lasting and gorgeous look. Check out our chain braid tutorial done with Casondra Rolph, Redken educator.
Shaved Head With Design
One of our favorite looks for 2022 is the classic buzzcut. It looks great on its own, but if you want to add an extra festival hair twist, then paint on a design of your choice. The options are limitless.
Max Volume
Festival hair is all about going big, and what better way to do so than to maximize your existing texture. Take it to the next level, babe.
Butterfly Clips
In case you haven’t heard, the ‘90s are back in a big way, and we love all the festival hair opportunities this revival brings with it. How many butterfly clips are too many butterfly clips? The limit does not exist!
Realistic Butterfly Accessories
Put your own spin on the butterfly clip trend by adding realistic butterfly accessories throughout your hair. You can do this on any style, whether you have long, short, curly, or straight hair.
Two-Toned, Two-Textured
Contrasting colors and textures make for a major festival hair statement. This one combines a vibrant blue and splashy pink, then a straight full fringe with wild curls at the back.
Vibrant Mohawk
If you’re most comfortable rocking androgynous haircuts, why not turn up the va-va volume with this electric mohawk look? With such vibrant hues, you’ll be sure to stand out in any mosh.
Trendy Mullet
If you want to keep your length but still want that retro rocker flair, try a mullet instead. There are so many variations to try. Just make sure to add in some edgy chop with the right products. Pureology Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste is a medium-hold styling paste that offers flexible control, soft texture, and shine.
Simple Half-Up Knot
For quick and easy festival hair, style your hair with loose waves (or embrace your natural texture), then pull it half up to create an organic, twisted knot. The two tones here make for a striking look, but this style works with any hair type or hue!
Fishtail Crown Braid
Take your beach waves up a notch and add a fishtail crown braid. For this look, take small sections of hair from either side of your head and weave a fishtail braid that wraps around your head. Once you’ve secured your fishtail with an elastic, pancake your braid to make it appear more voluminous.
Floral Crown
Take your festival hair up a notch on the boho scale by adding some floral embellishments to your mane. If you want to turn heads, choose botanicals that contrast your current strands to create more drama.
Simple Knotted Side Ponytail
If you’re low on time, this simple look is one you can recreate in a matter of minutes. Just pull a side section of hair into a high ponytail, then repeat while making your way down to the ends of your hair.
Keep your festival hairstyle looking chic with high-quality products. We’ve got something for every hair type at hair.com.