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There’s nothing quite like the energy of an outdoor music festival—the live music, vibrant atmosphere, and the chance to express yourself through bold fashion and creative hairstyles. Whether you’re dancing in the desert at Coachella, rocking out at Lollapalooza, or embracing indie vibes at a local summer fest, your festival hairstyle is just as important as your outfit. The right festival hair can keep you comfortable all day while making a stylish statement in the crowd.
From boho braids to space buns with glitter, the best festival hairstyles balance creativity, practicality, and durability. Whether you’re opting for mermaid waves, bubble braids, or a messy top knot, these looks are designed to withstand long hours in the sun, wild dancing, and even unpredictable weather.
Hairstyles for Outdoor Music Festivals
1. Boho Braided Crown
A boho braided crown is the ultimate festival-ready look, blending elegance with a carefree vibe. This style keeps your hair off your face while adding a romantic, fairy-tale touch. Braiding two thick sections of hair and wrapping them around your head creates a halo effect, perfect for festival photos. Add tiny flowers, golden rings, or delicate beads to enhance the ethereal feel. Whether paired with flowy dresses or edgy festival outfits, this hairstyle complements any look.
- Keeps hair secure while dancing all day
- Works well with natural waves or straight hair
- Pairs beautifully with bohemian accessories
2. Space Buns with Glitter Roots
For a playful and bold festival hairstyle, space buns with glitter roots are an eye-catching choice. This energetic look features two high buns, often twisted or braided, while the roots shimmer with festival-friendly glitter. It’s a fun way to add a futuristic edge while keeping your hair out of your face. Go for holographic or neon glitter to make the look even more striking. Pair it with statement sunglasses and metallic face gems for an out-of-this-world festival vibe.
- Adds a fun, youthful energy to any outfit
- Keeps hair secure while dancing and moving
- Works on all hair textures and lengths
3. Wavy Mermaid Hair with Temporary Color Streaks
Long, flowing mermaid waves with temporary color streaks give a dreamy, beachy feel perfect for outdoor festivals. Soft waves catch the sunlight, creating a laid-back, effortless aesthetic. Temporary pastel streaks—think pink, lavender, or blue—let you experiment with color without long-term commitment. This style works best with a bit of texture, so a sea salt spray can help achieve the perfect tousled effect.
- Adds festival-ready color without damaging hair
- Works beautifully with natural waves or curled hair
- Complements both boho and edgy festival outfits
4. Messy Half-Up Top Knot
A messy half-up top knot is the definition of effortless cool, perfect for long festival days. The top section of hair is twisted into a loose bun, while the rest cascades in soft waves or natural texture. This style keeps hair out of your face while still allowing movement. Whether paired with oversized sunglasses or a boho kimono, it delivers the ultimate relaxed festival aesthetic.
- Keeps hair secure without looking over-styled
- Works on short, medium, and long hair
- Pairs well with minimal effort makeup and accessories
5. Bubble Braids with Colorful Bands
Bubble braids are a fun, easy way to add volume and dimension to a festival hairstyle. This look involves securing sections of a high or low ponytail with small elastics, creating a bubble effect. Adding colorful bands elevates the look, making it playful and vibrant. This low-maintenance style holds up well in hot weather, making it ideal for all-day festival fun.
- Super easy to create with just a few hair ties
- Stays in place through dancing and sweating
- Perfect for adding a pop of color with bright elastics
6. Loose Beach Waves with a Wide-Brim Hat
Nothing says effortless festival chic like loose beach waves paired with a wide-brim hat. This style is ideal for sunny festivals, offering both style and sun protection. Soft, natural waves give off a relaxed, carefree vibe that pairs well with boho-inspired outfits. Adding a hat not only elevates the look but also keeps hair from getting tangled in the wind.
- Protects hair from sun exposure
- Easy to style and maintain throughout the day
- Looks great with oversized sunglasses and layered jewelry
7. Fishtail Braid with Tiny Beads
For a boho-inspired festival hairstyle, a fishtail braid with tiny beads is a go-to look. The intricately woven braid adds texture and dimension, while tiny metallic or wooden beads enhance the free-spirited vibe. Whether worn over one shoulder or down the back, this style is perfect for adding a handcrafted touch to any festival outfit.
- Adds artistic detail to a simple braid
- Stays secure throughout the festival
- Works best with medium to long hair
8. Sleek Ponytail with Neon Hair Extensions
For a bold, futuristic festival look, a sleek ponytail with neon hair extensions is a head-turner. A polished, high ponytail creates a clean, modern base, while bright-colored extensions—think electric blue, neon pink, or vibrant green—add a striking contrast. This style is perfect for EDM festivals, where neon colors and bold aesthetics dominate the scene.
- High ponytail keeps hair neat and off the neck
- Neon extensions add a dramatic, high-energy look
- Ideal for pairing with edgy festival outfits and face gems
9. Braided Pigtails with Hair Rings
Braided pigtails are a playful, festival-friendly hairstyle that works for all hair types. Adding metallic hair rings and tiny chains transforms simple braids into a standout look. This style exudes both boho and rocker vibes, making it versatile for different festival styles. It’s practical, stylish, and effortlessly cool.
- Keeps hair secure and tangle-free
- Easy to accessorize with rings, chains, or beads
- Works well for both short and long hair
10. High Messy Bun with Scarf Wrap
A high messy bun wrapped with a patterned scarf is a stylish yet functional festival hairstyle. The bun keeps hair off your shoulders, while the scarf adds color and personality. Opt for bold prints, florals, or tie-dye scarves to match your festival outfit. This look is great for beating the heat while still looking effortlessly put together.
- Scarf adds a fun, boho touch
- Keeps hair up and out of the way
- Works on all hair types and textures
11. Cornrow Braids into a High Ponytail
For a sleek and structured festival hairstyle, cornrow braids into a high ponytail offer the perfect mix of edgy and practical. This style starts with tight, neatly woven cornrows along the scalp, leading into a high, voluminous ponytail. The ponytail can be left straight, curled, or even styled with extensions for added drama. This look works well for hot weather festivals, keeping hair off the neck while staying stylish.
- Keeps hair protected and secure all day
- Can be accessorized with beads, rings, or metallic thread
- Ideal for pairing with sporty or futuristic festival outfits
12. Soft Curly Afro with Floral Clips
A soft curly afro with floral clips is a stunning way to celebrate natural texture while adding a festival-ready twist. Defined curls create volume and movement, while small floral clips add a whimsical, bohemian touch. Whether worn with large hoop earrings or a simple sundress, this look is effortlessly beautiful. The floral accents can match your outfit or contrast for a vibrant statement.
- Enhances natural curls with minimal effort
- Floral clips add a romantic, festival-friendly touch
- Works for both short and long natural hair
13. Waterfall Braid with Subtle Highlights
A waterfall braid is a delicate, intricate hairstyle that allows strands to cascade like a gentle stream. Adding subtle highlights enhances the visual effect, creating a soft contrast that looks especially beautiful in sunlight. This braid pairs well with both straight and wavy hair, offering a timeless, ethereal festival look.
- Works beautifully with natural or highlighted hair
- Looks elegant without being overly structured
- Complements boho and vintage-inspired festival outfits
14. Mohawk Braid with Undercut Design
For those who want a bold, edgy festival hairstyle, a mohawk braid with an undercut design is a show-stopping choice. The central braid adds height and texture, while the shaved or slicked-back sides create a striking contrast. Some festival-goers opt for a temporary undercut design using hair gel or accessories for an added artistic element.
- High-impact, fashion-forward look
- Stays secure even in active festival settings
- Great for pairing with edgy outfits and bold makeup
15. Twisted Halo Braid with Pearl Accents
A twisted halo braid with pearl accents offers a soft, romantic feel perfect for folk or indie music festivals. The twisted sections create a halo-like effect around the head, with small pearl pins adding an elegant touch. This style works well with long, flowing dresses and minimalist accessories, making it a great option for a dreamy, whimsical aesthetic.
- Elegant yet easy to maintain throughout the day
- Pearl accents add a unique, ethereal vibe
- Works best with medium to long hair
16. Side-Swept Waves with Braided Detail
For a relaxed yet polished look, side-swept waves with a braided detail combine the best of both worlds. One side of the hair is pulled back into a small, intricate braid while the rest falls in soft, voluminous waves. This style is ideal for those who want a natural, effortless feel while still adding a unique touch to their festival hair.
- Keeps hair out of the face while maintaining volume
- Works well with both natural waves and heat-styled curls
- Complements boho, casual, and vintage festival outfits
17. Festival Faux Hawk with Glitter Spray
A festival faux hawk with glitter spray is a rebellious and fun festival hairstyle that makes a statement. By teasing sections of hair upward and securing them with pins, the look mimics a mohawk without the commitment of shaving. Adding glitter spray along the center makes it even more eye-catching. This style is perfect for those looking to bring a punk-rock edge to their festival look.
- Creates a high-impact look with minimal effort
- Glitter spray adds a festive and playful touch
- Ideal for pairing with bold, statement festival outfits
18. Tousled Shag Cut with Feather Hair Clips
A tousled shag cut is perfect for those who love effortless, rock-and-roll-inspired hair. The choppy layers add movement and volume, while feather hair clips introduce a bohemian, nature-inspired element. This look is perfect for those who prefer an undone, casual vibe that still feels styled.
- Ideal for short to medium-length hair
- Feather accessories add a rustic, earthy charm
- Works well for rock, folk, or indie music festivals
19. Low Boho Ponytail with Leather Wrap
A low boho ponytail wrapped in thin leather cord is a minimalist yet stylish festival hairstyle. This look is all about subtle details—wrapping the leather around the ponytail creates a unique, handcrafted feel. The ponytail itself is left soft and textured for a relaxed finish.
- Simple yet stylish for all-day wear
- Leather wrap adds an earthy, boho touch
- Works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair
20. Dutch Braids into Bubble Ponytail
Combining two popular festival trends, Dutch braids into a bubble ponytail create a dynamic, multi-textured look. The braids add structure, while the bubble ponytail brings a playful, youthful vibe. This hairstyle is great for staying secure all day while looking stylish and fun.
- Combines braiding and volume for a unique effect
- Keeps hair neat and tangle-free
- Works on medium to long hair
21. Short Choppy Bob with Colorful Hair Tinsel
A short choppy bob with colorful hair tinsel is a stylish, modern take on festival hairstyles. The choppy texture adds movement, while the shimmering tinsel reflects light, creating a playful, eye-catching effect. This look is ideal for those who love short hair but still want to experiment with color and shine.
- Tinsel adds a touch of sparkle in the sun
- Works perfectly for short haircuts
- Great for mixing casual and bold festival styles
