These Festival Hairstyles Are So Easy To Do
You’ve dusted off your welly boots and planned your outfits to a T - but have you figured out your festival hairstyles yet? Between hot, sticky tents, unpredictable weather and minimal mirror access, festival hair isn’t always easy to nail, but trust us, there’s a knack to it.
Whether you’ve got straight, curly, short or long hair (or extensions), all you need is three easy festival hairstyles that go the distance – ones that hold up in sunshine or rain, take less than 10 minutes to put together, and don’t require hours in a cramped two-man tent.
Equally important, though, is your product choices. The ultimate rucksack beauty arsenal (minimal as it may be) contains a multitasking product, like Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Leave-In Conditioner, £18, to tame frizz and give hair a glossy finish, cleansing wipes to revive oily roots, a perfume mist to fake a freshly-washed scent and a pocket-sized brush for styling.
To help you get concert ready, we've curated a festival hair essentials kit, alongside a three-day hair plan filled with easy-to-follow ideas and styling tips, plus bonus ideas if you feel like switching things up.
Space NK’s Festival Hair Essentials
Festival Hairstyle Ideas for 2025
Day One: Boho Braids
If there’s a time to wear your hair down, it’s day one (aka the freshest your hair will look and feel for the foreseeable), but to jazz things up, add in some baby braids. “Baby braids are thin, small plaits scattered around your root and they’re a great choice for when you want to add a bit of detail at the same time as keeping your hair off your face,” says super stylist and backstage regular, Marc Trinder.
“Blast some dry shampoo through your hair – even if it’s clean – to give it some grit and texture and then take a 1cm triangle section from each side of your parting. Using a classic three-strand plait, tightly braid the section all the way down or stop halfway for a more boho look and secure with a small clear hair elastic.”
Keep it simple with two plaits to frame your face or opt for a more random placement for a scattered effect. You could also go all out and add some festival hair accessories or festival hair glitter for a more creative twist.
The Must-Have: Hair by Sam McKnight Lazy Girl Dry Shampoo, £12.00, adds texture, oomph and grip and mops up any excess oil so there’s no risk of greasy roots.
Day Two: Half Up Half Down
Long or short, straight or Afro – most hair types and textures can work a half up festival hairstyle. Plus, scraping the hair back automatically disguises any greasiness while a bun or plait neatly tucks straggly ends away. “To get the look, spray some hairspray onto a soft brush, section off the top half of your hair and scrape it back into a pony. Then, either plait or twist your hair into a bun and secure it with a few hairpins,” says Marc.
If your hair isn’t behaving - be it frizz or grease - try spritzing some texture spray before styling to make it more malleable. It’ll also create a beachy, undone vibe that feels intentional, rather than reflecting the windswept, rain-soaked reality...
The Must-Have: Not only will Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray, £16.00, add volume and movement, but rice and corn starch in the formula also help to absorb oil so your hair feels fresher when you need it most.
Day Three: Bubble Braid
Okay...it’s day three and the shampoo withdrawals are real. You need a style that’s quick, trendy and guaranteed to make the best of a greasy situation. We know just the thing: a bubble braid, a vamped-up ponytail with fluffed-out ‘bubbles’ spaced down the length.
A great festival hairstyle for long hair, bubble braids are a set to be a major trend this year and very easy to recreate. Just like on day two, scrape your hair back into a high ponytail at the crown of your head and finish with some hairspray to keep your style intact until the closing set. Then, wrap three to four clear elastic bands evenly down the ponytail, gently tugging each section to create the bubble effect. You might even want to add some gold hair cuffs or floral hair accessories to make it extra special.
The Must-Have: Amika Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray, £23, gives hair security, longevity and a fresher scent thanks to a blend of sweet clover, zingy citrus and warm, comforting vanilla.
More 2025 Festival Hair Ideas
Gem Hairstyle
For a minimal effort, maximum impact festival hairstyle, scatter a few self-adhesive gems in the front section of your hair. It’s perfect for any length hair and looks so pretty when it catches the sunlight.
Space Buns
Space buns will never not be a go-to festival hairstyle. Not only are they cool and trendy, but they also keep your hair out of your face and work a treat whether you’re on day one or three.
Plaited Pigtails
All you need to create these cute plaited pigtails are four clear elastics and no more than five minutes of your time.
90s Zig-Zag Hairstyle
This 90s look is the dream lazy girl festival hairstyle...simply take a Zig Zag headband flush to your forehead and push it away from your face. It’s perfect for anyone with short or long hair – and looks especially cool on curly hair.
Dutch Braid
A great option for day two hair on its last legs, these Dutch braided pigtails are so cute and easily disguise weather-worn tresses.
Read More
• Every Festival Beauty Essential You Need• Best Volumising Hair Products • Best Tinted Moisturisers
• The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen
