Hair has always been more than just a frame for your face—it’s a weapon. A statement. A blank canvas of potential. At a music festival, it’s a symbol of freedom, expression, and sometimes, a bit of rebellion. Let’s dive into the wild world of festival hair styles, where the beats are as loud as your locks, and every strand tells a story.
A brief history of hair
We could start with ancient Rome, where women used their hair to flaunt power and wealth. Think towering curls, gold threads, and jewels shining like the empire itself. Fast forward to the roaring ’60s and ’70s, when the free-spirited counterculture began using hair to break out of the social norm. A hair was a revolution. It was wild, untamed, and above all, free. This was the moment when hair went from something societal to something personal. Today, festival hairstyles continue this legacy—no rules, just raw expression.
But we’re not here to give you a history lesson; we’re here to talk about real festival hair. You know the kind—the styles that can withstand hours of dancing, crowds of sweaty bodies, and probably a few rain showers, too. Because, let’s face it, when you’re at a festival, your hair needs to not only look good, but also survive the chaos. So, buckle up, because I’m about to take you through a range of festival-friendly looks—from the classic to the wild, and everything in between.
Braided Hairstyles: The Ultimate Festival Hair Go-To

Braids are the MVP of festival hair—they look stunning, are surprisingly low-maintenance, and hold up through hours of dancing. Whether you’re channeling a boho-chic vibe or going for something edgy, there’s a braid for every festival mood.
- Fishtail Braid: This braid offers a soft, romantic vibe. Pull out a few face-framing strands for a relaxed look. For added drama, try hair chalk or spray to add a pop of color to the strands.
- Bubble Braids: For a playful, bold look, bubble braids are perfect. Add some hair rings or clips to make them stand out even more. These are great for all-day comfort while still looking stylish.
Ponytails: The Classic Rave Power Move

When in doubt, a ponytail is always the right choice—sleek, practical, and endlessly versatile. Whether you go high or low, ponytails can be adapted to fit any vibe.
- High Ponytail: Channel your inner festival queen with a snatched high ponytail. For a bit of edge, let a few loose strands frame your face or add glitter spray for that extra shimmer.
- Braided Ponytail: This hybrid style combines the best of both worlds—braids and ponytails. Finish off the look with metallic hair ties or ribbons to give it some extra flair.
- Sectioned Ponytail: For a sleek, futuristic vibe, section your ponytail into smaller parts and secure each with elastic bands for a structured, trendy look.
Waves That Wow: Effortlessly Beachy

Sometimes, keeping it simple is the boldest choice. If you’re not into intricate styles, embrace your natural texture or create beachy waves that are easy to maintain and look fantastic.
- Use a sea salt spray and diffuser to bring out those soft, effortless waves. A personal favorite of mine is Kevin Murphy’s Resort Spray, which is perfect for beachy waves and a flexible, light hold.
- For extra drama, you can experiment with glitter roots or use fun, colorful clips to add personality to your waves.
More Festival-Ready Hairstyle Ideas
Let your hair down.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Hair Accents: Light up the night with glow-in-the-dark clips or strands. These will look amazing under festival lights.
- Bandanas: From bohemian floral crowns to edgy leather bandanas, these accessories can instantly elevate your hairstyle and make you stand out even more.
- Scarves: As made famous by Keinemusik, the scarf can be considered a legitimate rave trend
Your Festival Hair Kit: Must-Have Accessories
Here’s a cheat sheet for taking your hairstyle from cute to unforgettable:
- STONEFANS Rhinestone Head Chain Jewelry – Add a touch of sparkle with a rhinestone headpiece.
- Glow-in-the-Dark LED Hair Clips – For a fun, rave-ready look, add LED hair extensions that light up the night.
- Mermaid Scrunchies with LED Lights – Keep your ponytail game strong with a cute, light-up scrunchie. These colorful additions make every style look more fun and festive.
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