65 stunning festival hair ideas for every vibe
Whatever your plans are, whether you're heading to a big festival, a laid-back gig or are just blasting bops with your mates, festival hair can help raise your game and make you feel the part.
That's because festival hair is synonymous with summer, sunshine and good vibes. We may not always have the time or occasion to put together an adorable lil embellished pigtail situation, or next-level graphic space buns, but festivals are the perfect excuse to get a little more creative.
This season, hair accessories are back in a big way. We've spotted teensy butterfly clips scattered through hair, cool-girl bandanas keeping everything in place, hair gems and glitter adding glitz and hair stickers to make things interesting. Likewise, experimental braids and fresh twists on twists, continue to prove popular, as do space buns to keep your hair off your face, topknots sprinkled in glitter and plaits laced with loops like their own mini piercings.
"It's all about the accessories this year," says hair stylist Patrick Wilson, GHD creative artist. “I'm really into using decorative slides, silk scarfs and rings to elevate a style, whether that be something simple like loose waves, or an architectural updo.”
One style to definitely have on your radar is simple braids, but this season, they've been supersized into XXL lengths. They're super duper easy to achieve, take no time at all to create and look cool, laid back and sleek. We've seen them dominate the red carpet this year and we reckon they'll claim this summer's social gatherings too. Also on top are knotless braids, which look just as effective, but place way less stress on scalps.
Protective styling but keep it cute.
Plus check out our guides to more braids, ponytails and messy buns.
Here's some of our favourite ways to style your hair for festival season...
Instagram content
These cute flower clips can level-up a festival look in literal seconds.
Instagram content
A gorgeous and statement way to keep coils safe and in place over a festival weekend.
Instagram content
These doubled-up bubble pigtails are everything.
Instagram content
We love this twist on the baby braids trend. Instead of just two plaits framing the face, there's a second set through the middle to add extra interest. And to keep it feeling relaxed the braids have only been plaited halfway.
Instagram content
It wouldn't be a festival without some face stickers, but take the trend to your hair too and add some bedazzled detail to tendrils.
Instagram content
The bandana, the beads, the braids, it's one stunning festival trifecta.
Instagram content
How to take pigtail braids to the next level? Add 3D ethereal butterfly clips.
Instagram content
Wet-look hair is a major trend right now and this braided and crimped detailing is pure cool-girl festival vibes.
Instagram content
We love these relaxed boho and baby braids. It's all in the detail and the thread-wrapped ends are giving us modern Woodstock.
Instagram content
How to lock your hair in place and still add interest? This slick plait with intricate edges is a 10/10.
Instagram content
Looks cute and covers greasy roots, there's a reason a bandana should be part of your festival kit.
Instagram content
We're obsessed with steggy buns (named after the back of a stegosaurus). They're cute, they're fun and they're great on straight, wavy or afro hair.
Instagram content
These simple baby braids make a cute statement that's so easy to do yourself.
Instagram content
This platinum buzzcut is the perfect base to go off with artwork and these hot pink stencil hearts are the moment.
Instagram content
These ultra long, ultra slick pigtails make a statement.
Instagram content
Super cute and so easy to create.
Instagram content
These space buns are equal parts cool and cute.
Instagram content
A throwback fave of the 2010s, we reckon the glitter parting will always be a vibe.
Instagram content
Keep your tendrils loose, then scatter baby braids throughout the lengths.
Instagram content
These high bunches are a pretty way to remix loose waves.
Instagram content
Crystal butterlies
Hair crystals, Y2K butterflies and a pastel pop? This hairstyle couldn't be more festival if it tried.
Instagram content
Embellish coils and curls with flower confetti.
Instagram content
Channel rock chick energy with a favourite rocker chop.
Instagram content
Clear the way for a good view with a fierce spiky bun that claims space.
Instagram content
Wet-look hair works whatever the weather, just load up on the hair gel.
Instagram content
Make a statement with a stand-out warm copper colour.
Instagram content
Peach pigtails is a whole adorable vibe.
Instagram content
Lock wavy tendrils into place with a wet-look gel.
Instagram content
Healthy, glossy, defined curls are a stunning call to whip your hair back and forth.
Instagram content
Low-key mussy texture should not be underestimated.
Instagram content
The precision and detail on these rope knot pigtails are mesmerising.
Instagram content
Level-up your buzz with a statement pastel shade.
Instagram content
These sunshine highlights and loose waves are perfect for a summer festival.
Instagram content
These retro flower hair clips are serving up '70s festival vibes.
Instagram content
Bring the volume with teased waves.
Instagram content
Stand out with a neon bold hair colour.
For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
@sofiaelhaj / InstagramPile curls up top then embellish the back of your hair to add an interesting twist.
@sienree / InstagramGem scattered updos are an easy way to stand out.
@thequeenofthegarden / InstagramThese '70s Farrah Fawcett flicks are bag in a big way this summer.
@lifewithjazz / InstagramThese looped braids work perfectly on second or third day hair. Stick them in, stack them up with hair rings and they'll stay looking good until you take them out.
- @amaka.hamelijnck / Instagram
The half-up top knot combines two gorgeous summer styles, the high bun and loose braids.
@josephineskriver / InstagramTop model Josephine Skriver throws it back to the Nineties with these Britney-esque bunches, with chokers to finish the look.
@cesar4styles / InstagramFace framing braids are a cool detail, plus you can add beads or embellishments for a nostalgic '90s throwback.
@chadwoodhair / InstagramWe love these half up space buns with flicky ends. The neat finish feels ultra modern.
@sienree / InstagramThis thigh-length plait is fierce (and perfect for swishing to your favourite tunes).
@cecilialaulanne / InstagramIf understated isn't your bag, decorate your hair with statement slides to make a, erm, statement.
@gracemahary / InstagramThis sculptural show-stopper is beautiful, intricate and perfect for festivals.
@isabelamerced / InstagramWe love these cute face-framing baby braids.
@hayley_bui / InstagramA cool twist on bubble braids and baby braids.
@iwanacristal / InstagramThese embellished buns are super cute, bright and feel-good.
@laurapolko / InstagramWe love this splash of pinky-peach and the dinky face-framing braids.
@jourdandunn / InstagramThese decorated bob braids look cool and laidback.
Crafted by hair dresser, Patrick Wilson, "the key is getting the hair super sleek and straight so it's in line with chains," he says.
- @kersti.pitre / Instagram
XXL hair is one of this summer's biggest trends and these waist-length braids are killer.
@jhair_stylist / InstagramThis icy mint shade is fresh and fun.
@jourdandunn / InstagramJourdan Dunn's Albaso braids are pretty and intricate.
@kathleen_hair / InstagramA messy topknot will never not be chic.
A few, perfectly placed beads may be all you need to rock your festival season look.
Pair a punkish rope braid with classic waves.
Corn rows are a great way to ensure you hair stays on fleek for the whole festival, as well as keeping it off your face for any dancing queens among us. To add a bit of edge, intertwine the braids with colourful threads - think cat's cradle, but beauty.
Maya Jama's Nineties vibe was made all the more major with a touch of hair tinsel.
@sophiehannah / InstagramThe bolder the better, as far as we're concerned, which is what makes us such fans of Sophie Hannah's multi-coloured bubble braids. Zebra hot pants and tube top optional.
@shelleygregoryhair / InstagramFestival hair isn't just about the styling. There's a rainbow of possibilities when it comes to colour, too. Not looking to go too crazy? Then why not just dip the ends in...
@ccclarkebeauty / InstagramHeadscarfs are hot. Especially when worn with extra long and extra sleek hair a la influencers CC Clarke and Sophie Hannah.
