Once you’ve mastered your festival outfit and festival makeup, your hairstyle is the final piece that ties everything together. The best festival hairstyles for 2026 do more than just look stylish. Whether you’re after festival braids, effortless beach waves, glitter roots or easy festival hair ideas that will last all day, your hairstyle should be the perfect balance of practicality and personality.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the biggest festival hair trends for 2026, from boho-inspired waves and Y2K space buns to protective braids and low-maintenance styles that can withstand a weekend of dancing and summer heat. Whatever your hair type, length or styling ability, you’ll find plenty of festival hair inspiration to suit your personal style and keep your hair looking great all weekend.
Best Festival Hairstyles for 2026
The best looks for 2026 unite creativity, colour and whimsical finishing touches. Elli Yad, Lead Hair Stylist at Beauty Club London, shares her take on the trending hairstyles this season: “Festival hair for 2026 is all about braids, heavily accessorised updos and fun details like hair tinsel. People want hairstyles that feel playful, expressive and easy to personalise, especially for festival season.”
From playful takes on the classic pony to effortlessly glamorous waves, the best hairstyles flow with the trends while still staying personal to your hair and sense of style.
The Bubble Braid Ponytail
The bubble braid ponytail is an easy and low-maintenance way to add a touch of creativity to your look. To achieve it, simply secure your hair into a regular ponytail, then add hair ties at intervals down the length, leaving even spaces between each one. You can adjust the number of ties depending on the effect you want. Use less for a subtle look or more for a bold and more bubbly finish.
You can add a pop of colour by using colourful hair ties or adding hair charms as an extra fun detail. Pull out a few strands at the front for a trendy face-framing look. This is the ideal hairstyle if you’re short on time or looking for something simple yet unique.
Undone Beach Waves
Beach waves are trending this festival season. Elli shares, “I think this summer we’ll see a huge rise in natural balayage tones paired with soft beachy waves. It gives that effortless, boho festival look that always photographs beautifully and works for both day and night.”
To achieve effortless waves, you can use a hairstyling tool such as a curling wand or flat iron, or go heat-free with overnight curls. For a more undone finish, wrap sections loosely and alternate directions so the waves look natural and lived-in. Elli also recommends a strong-hold hairspray to keep the look in place, adding: “My go-to products for festival hair are the Color Wow Style on Steroids hairspray because it gives a firm but flexible hold, alongside the Color Wow Pop & Lock for extra shine and smoothing flyaways.”
Loose and Relaxed Braid
A loose and relaxed braid is a festival staple that feels effortless yet put-together. It’s perfect for keeping hair off your face for those hot summer days, while still looking trendy. The more flowy it looks, the better, making it the ideal style for dancing and high-energy movement.
To create the style, loosely braid your hair without pulling it too tightly. To soften and widen the braid, try gently tugging at the sections. If you prefer, you can leave out a few face-framing strands for added effect. You can experiment with any style of braid you prefer, from a French to a fishtail.
Best Festival Braid Hairstyles
Braids are a festival favourite because they are practical and stylish, typically long-lasting throughout busy festival sets. They can be worn sleek or relaxed, depending on the style you want.
Elli shares her top festival tips for securing your hairstyle, as well as adding a touch of fun to your look: “Make sure styles are either very simple or pinned in securely with extra bobby pins, a strong-hold hairspray and gel where needed. Decorative clips are also great because they add detail while helping keep the hairstyle in place.”
Dutch Braid
A Dutch braid gives a bold, raised effect to the hair. It works well for keeping hair secure while still feeling statement-worthy. You can wear it tight for a neater finish or gently loosen it for a softer and more relaxed look.
French Braid
The French braid is a classic style that feels trendy and timeless. It works for both casual and dressier festival looks. Keep it neat or gently pull the braid apart for added texture and volume.
Skinny Braids
Skinny braids are intricate braids that add texture and playful detail to the hair. Wear two face-framing braids to create a Y2K effect, or wear scattered throughout loose hair for a boho feel. You can add a few for subtle detailing or more for a striking statement look.
Easy Festival Hairstyles Anyone Can Recreate
Festival hair doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for styles that are easy to recreate, maintain and still look the part, these looks are perfect for you.
Elli shared with us some easy, on-trend looks for this season: “For anyone wanting an easy festival hairstyle, I’d recommend two ponytails or space buns with spray-on glitter or glitter gel,” Elli says. “They’re quick to create, super fun, and the glitter also helps add texture and hold to the hair.”
These styles are all quick to recreate and work well for adding a fun festival touch without too much effort.
Two Ponytails
Doubling up on your ponytail is a playful take on a classic hairstyle. These can be worn high on the head for a whimsical, futuristic look, perfect for raves or lively sets. Alternatively, they can be worn low to create a softer, boho style.
To complete the look, you can add a bubble braid effect to bring your look together. Or, add gentle waves for some extra texture.
Fishtail Braid
Braids are a go-to festival style. The fishtail braid appears complex, but is actually simple to recreate. It’s a straightforward hairstyle that looks intricate and put-together.
The braid can be worn tightly for a more sleek look, or pulled apart slightly to create a beachy and softer look. Whatever your preference, this will pair perfectly with all styles, from edgier looks to Western-style outfits.
Glitter Space Buns
Glitter space buns are a bold festival favourite. Split your hair into two sections and twist into buns. You can place these high on the head for dramatic effect. Add your favourite hair glitter along the parting or through the roots for an added touch of festival sparkle.
To secure in place, make sure to use bobby pins and hair spray for extra hold, so your look lasts from day to night.
Festival Hairstyles for Long Hair
Long hair gives plenty of room to play with both practical and statement looks. From sleek to subtle, these are some trending looks for the season.
Hair Tinsel Waves
As Elli notes, festival hair is all about personal expression, fun details and a touch of colour. One trend that’s here to stay is Y2K. Elli notes, “Y2K hairstyles are definitely still trending for festival season 2026,” says Elli. “That whole aesthetic has made such a strong comeback in fashion over the last few years, and people are now matching their hairstyles to those nostalgic early-2000s looks.”
That’s why hair tinsel is the perfect touch for long hair looks, nodding back to early 2000s style. Weave into wavy hair for a whimsical-inspired look and give your hair an ethereal shimmer.
High Ponytail
Timeless and straightforward, the high ponytail always pulls together any look. Perfect for festivals on summer days where it’s just too hot to wear your hair down. You can tailor your ponytail to your look, from a classic and precise slickback to an effortless messy ponytail.
If you’d like to add some extra drama to your look, consider adding hair glitter or accessories, such as hair tinsel or clips. This adds your own personal touch to this classic style.
Festival Hairstyles for Short Hair
Make the most of playful styling and creative details this season. These looks work well for all hair types and textures, so you can embrace your hair while adding fun festival touches.
Half Up Twists
This hairstyle is simple to create but looks effortlessly on trend. To create the look, twist two front sections of your hair away from your face and secure them at the back with a hair clip or tie.
You can wear this in a sleek or looser style, depending on your style and preferences. Let the remainder of your hair flow for a flattering finish.
Mini Upstyles
Mini upstyles tap into Y2K nostalgia and give the illusion of fully styled hair while requiring low effort. Small twisted buns, pinned sections and rolled-up pieces can add texture and detail to short hair.
Finish the look with colourful hair accessories, from clips to statement charms. What’s great about this look is that you can personalise it to fit your own style and outfit.
Heatless Festival Hairstyles
Heatless hair is all about protecting the quality of your hair while still achieving a styled and festival-ready look. These styling techniques will give you an effortlessly glam finish without compromising the health of your hair.
Heatless Rope Twists
Rope twists are a great way to create natural-looking definition without relying on hot tools. Simply divide the hair into sections, twist each one tightly and leave them in place overnight. Once unravelled, the twists reveal soft waves or defined curls, depending on your hair’s natural texture.
Suitable for all hair types, it’s the perfect option for anyone looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle that doesn’t rely on heat styling. Again, make sure to finish with hairspray to set your hair in place.
Overnight Waves
If you’re after that beachy texture, overnight waves are one of the easiest heatless hairstyles to try. Before bed, braid or twist slightly damp hair, or use a heatless curling rod, then leave it to set overnight. In the morning, gently separate the waves with your fingers for an undone finish.
This technique can be adapted to suit every hair type, with tighter braids to create more defined waves and looser styles resulting in a relaxed look. To secure your hairstyle, use a strong-hold hairspray.
Glitter Festival Hair Ideas
Hair glitter is an easy way to add sparkle and dimension to any hairstyle. Whether scattered through the scalp for a light-catching shimmer or tousled through the hair, glitter makes a festival statement.
Glitter Roots
To achieve this look, use a hair glitter gel or spray along your parting. This works particularly well with a middle parting, but also looks great placed along styled side partings.
Wear softly for a subtle sparkle, or use plenty of product to create a vibrant glitter look that stands out in photographs. Perfect for adding an extra finishing touch to simple updos.
Glitter Braids
Glitter braids are a great way to tap into this trend and give plaited hairstyles a festival-ready twist. The glitter can be worked with in many ways. You can apply through sections of your hair, layer it over finished braids or highlight individual plaits for extra dimension.
This style suits all textures and is ideal for creating Y2K and boho-inspired festival hairstyles. Braids also make the perfect long-lasting look.
Boho Waves & Textured Hairstyles
Boho waves and textured hairstyles continue to dominate festival beauty trends. These hairstyles work across all hair types and enhance the hair’s natural texture rather than change it.
Waves with Middle Parting
Waves with a middle parting are a trendy hairstyle this season, framing the face and creating an effortless effect. To recreate this look, part the hair down the centre to form a middle parting, then add your waves.
You can do so using a curling wand, straightener or heatless and protective methods like braids or rope twists. Once styled, gently brush or finger-comb the waves to soften them and create a more natural finish. This look is timeless, and continues to trend for its laid-back yet glamorous festival aesthetic.
Piecey Hairstyle
The piecey textured hairstyle is all about creating definition and separation. It achieves a slightly undone, editorial look as seen across social media this season.
To get this look, apply a light texturising spray or styling cream to damp or dry hair, then scrunch small sections to enhance your natural texture. Instead of blending the hair together, you want to define individual strands and sections. This look is all about embracing your hair’s texture and movement, while leaning into low-maintenance styling.
Space Buns & Y2K Festival Hair
Space buns remain a go-to hairstyle for many festival goers. With the recent shift towards Y2K beauty, space buns and nostalgic updos make perfect choices for this season’s events.
Half-Up Space Buns
Half-up space buns are a less styled alternative to traditional space buns. Rather than tying all of your hair into this style, take two smaller sections and twist them into buns. Let the rest of your hair flow free for a trendy and effortless finish.
You can add more fun to this look by adding small braids throughout your hair, leaning into Y2K trends. For the finishing touch, you can also add a few loose waves to the rest of your hair for added drama
Ponytails with Clips
A simple ponytail styled with clips is a great way to lean into ’90s and 2000s fashion nostalgia, adding playful detailing to an otherwise simple updo. From butterfly clips to stars, flowers and colourful snap clips, accessories are making a big comeback this festival season thanks to the resurgence of Y2K-inspired beauty trends.
Secure your hair into a high or low ponytail, then add your clips throughout the length or around the face. This style suits all hair textures and lengths, making it an easy way to add colour and personality to your festival hairstyle without much effort.
Space Buns & Mini Top Knots
Space buns and mini top knots continue to be festival favourites. They’re a fun and practical style that will keep hair off your face so you can dance freely.
Simply add small space buns or mini top knots across your hair and secure with hair ties or pins. For a softer finish, loosen a few strands or sections around the face to frame your features. Finish with glitter gel, colourful clips or hair accessories to make this look mainstage ready.
Hairstyles That Last All Day at Festivals
The best festival hairstyles look the part, while staying in place all day. If you want to avoid a bad hair day this festival season, these hairstyles are your go-tos.
Half-Up Half-Down
The half-up, half-down look is a statement festival hairstyle that balances trendiness with comfort and long-wear. You can wear this look with a smaller ponytail and free-flowing hair, or even tap into the trends and add micro braids, hair accessories and experiment with your personal style.
Make sure to secure the tied section of your hair with hair gel or hairspray, and complete the look with some hair glitter to bring together this festival look.
Slicked Back Styles
Slick backs are trending, and they make the perfect hairstyle to outlast festival dancing, crowds and heat. What’s great about this style is that you can adjust the look according to your preferences and outfit. You can opt for the classic slick back bun, a trendy style that will keep your hair fully out of your face. Or, if you prefer some movement, go for a ponytail or braid. Whatever style you choose, make sure that it’s locked in place with hair gel and gripping hairspray.
Elli shares some of her favourite products for longevity, and how to bring together your look: “My go-to products for festival hair are the Color Wow Style on Steroids hairspray because it gives a firm but flexible hold, alongside the Color Wow Pop & Lock for extra shine and smoothing flyaways,” Elli explains. “For accessories, I love star clips and butterfly clips because they’re such an easy way to add personality and charm to a hairstyle. Hair can completely pull an outfit together.”
Best Festival Hair Accessories
Hair accessories add the final festival details that truly complete your outfit. We’ve gathered the best hair accessories that need to be on your radar this season.
Hair Cuffs and Rings
Hair cuffs and rings give your hair a beautiful shimmer as they catch the light. These are great for adding intricate detail to braids and waves, leaning into an ethereal summer aesthetic.
Bershka’s gold set will add a subtle metallic accent without overpowering your hairstyle. Simply clip them onto braids, twists or face-framing sections to bring your festival hairstyle together.
Y2K Hair Clips
Patterned hair clips tap into Y2K trends and early 2000s beauty nostalgia. They can give your festival hairstyle an edge, adding extra drama to your look.
The Pixie Hair Clip Set from Minga comes with butterflies and sigilism design, with white stone details and an antique-silver finish. These perfectly complement edgy rave outfits and work well for creating a Y2K hair look. With a snap-shut finish, they easily clip into the hair for all-day wear.
Colourful Hair Clips
Colourful clips are great for providing a splash of colour to your hairstyle. They are a beautiful finishing touch that personalises your look while leaning into the colourful trend this festival season.
These colourful flower mini clips from Accessorize make the perfect addition to any festival hairstyle. Coming in light orange, blue, green and purple, the clips will pull together your look, as well as holding everything in place.
Hair Glitter
Hair glitter is a festival beauty essential that provides sparkle and dimension to any hairstyle. To apply, use a hair gel alongside biodegradable glitter and apply along your parting, through the roots or lightly across the lengths of your hair. Experiment with colour and placement to fully personalise your look.
Barry M’s hair glitter is a great choice for creating this look. Coming in several vibrant shades, from pink Party Time to purple Hypnotic, there’s plenty of room for customisation. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, made from a special film sourced from plant cellulose that degrades in freshwater.
Best Hair Products for Festivals
This festival season, you need these products in your hairstyling kit. From refreshing dry shampoo to strong-hold spray, these essentials will guarantee your hair looks and feels its best for the big day.
Color Wow Style on Steroids Color-Safe Texturizing Spray
Color Wow’s Texturizing Spray provides your hair with a dramatic volume boost without leaving it feeling sticky or stiff. Its long-lasting and enhancing formula ensures that your hairstyle locks in place while also staying hydrated. The spray is suitable for all hair types, particularly colour-treated hair.
The hairspray can be used to create volume by flipping your head upside down and spraying underneath layers. If you’d like to create a more piecey, undone look, spray through the layers and comb with your fingers for a relaxed effect.
Color Wow Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish
A good finishing serum can make all the difference when you’re spending a full day outdoors. Color Wow’s Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish is a festival must-have that will keep your hair looking fresh until the final song. The lightweight oil-serum hybrid helps smooth frizz and add a glossy finish without leaving hair feeling greasy.
It’s ideal for refreshing your hair between acts, as it can be applied to both wet and dry hair. As an added bonus, it offers heat protection and UV protection to help shield hair from styling and sun exposure. It’s a practical addition to your festival beauty bag, also coming in a travel size.
Fenty Hair The Gelly Type Strong Hold Gel
A strong-hold styling gel is a festival hairstyling must-have. Fenty Hair’s The Gelly Type Strong Hold Gel is ideal for creating sleek and long-lasting hairstyles that stay in place all day.
The lightweight, non-flaky formula smooths flyaways and secures the hair without leaving it feeling stiff or crunchy. Perfect for slicked-back buns and sleek ponytails.
It’s also a great base for festival hair glitter. Apply the gel along your parting or hairline to help biodegradable glitter adhere more easily while also keeping everything securely in place.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
No festival hair essentials list is complete without a reliable dry shampoo. Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo is a go-to for keeping your hair feeling fresh. The lightweight formula absorbs excess oil while reviving flat roots. It’s also suitable for a range of hair colours and textures, adding volume to your natural hair.
It’s perfect for refreshing your hairstyle, helping to extend the life of waves, braids and updos without needing to completely restyle your hair. A quick spritz at the roots will boost the body and texture of the hair, making it ideal for second-day festival hairstyles.
How to Protect Your Hair at Festivals
Between heat, styling and long days in the open air, your hair needs some extra TLC throughout a festival. Elli shared with us some expert tips on how to protect your hair during festival season, so it can feel as good as it looks.
Protect Your Scalp
One of her top tips is to always ensure your scalp is protected: “To protect your hair during festivals, don’t forget about your scalp,” warns Elli. “If you wear your hair with a parting, always apply scalp SPF to avoid burning. Malibu and Hawaiian Tropic both make really good scalp sun protection products.”
This is especially important for all-day festivals during the height of summer, where sun exposure is maximal. The most important part of festival hairstyling is maintaining the health of your hair.
Revive Your Hair on the Go
Dry shampoo is your best friend for absorbing any excess oils from sweating and exposure. Refreshing your roots is particularly helpful for camping festivals where hair washing may not be an option.
A travel-sized leave-in conditioner can also help combat dryness from sun, wind and dust. If you’re able to, you can also loosely tie your hair up at night to reduce tangles and breakage after a long festival day.
Minimise Heat and Friction Damage
Between tents and long days in crowds, your hair takes a lot of friction. To help prevent breakage, try using silk or satin scrunchies, which are much gentler than regular elastics.
Protective styles like loose braids or buns can also keep hair contained without constant restyling. Depending on your preferences, it may be worth skipping heat tools where possible to help protect the health of your hair on the day.
Detox Your Hair
Elli also notes the importance of thoroughly cleansing your scalp and hair after exposure to lots of styling products and accessories. She says, “If you’re using lots of styling products over festival season, it’s important to remove product build-up properly afterwards,” Elli adds.
“Use a detox shampoo with a deeply moisturising conditioner or mask to stop the hair becoming dry and brittle. I recommend the Kevin Murphy Detox Wash followed by the Hydrate Me Wash and Hydrate Rinse. For extra hydration and repair, finish with the Night Shift overnight serum.”
Festival Hairstyles FAQs
What are the best festival hairstyles for 2026?
The biggest festival hairstyle trends for 2026 include festival braids, beach waves, bubble braid ponytails, glitter roots, Y2K space buns, skinny braids, half-up styles and slicked-back buns. Hair accessories such as butterfly clips, hair tinsel and glitter are also making a comeback, allowing you to personalise your look while keeping it practical for long days outdoors.
How should I wear my hair to a festival?
The best festival hairstyles combine style with practicality. Braids, ponytails, buns and half-up hairstyles help keep hair secure while dancing and spending long hours outside. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray, styling gel and comfortable accessories to help your hairstyle last all day.
What are the most popular festival hairstyles?
Popular festival hairstyles include Dutch braids, French braids, beach waves, bubble braid ponytails, space buns, glitter roots, slicked-back buns and textured half-up hairstyles. These looks suit a range of hair types and can be customised with clips, hair tinsel or glitter for a festival-ready finish.
What are the festival hair trends for 2026?
Festival hair trends for 2026 are all about effortless texture, Y2K-inspired styling and playful accessories. Boho waves, hair tinsel, colourful clips, skinny braids, glitter roots and heavily accessorised updos are expected to dominate festivals throughout the season.
How do you make festival hairstyles last all day?
To make your festival hairstyle last, start with clean, dry hair and use a strong-hold hairspray or styling gel to lock everything in place. Secure styles with extra bobby pins where needed, avoid touching your hair throughout the day and carry a travel-sized hairspray or dry shampoo for quick touch-ups.
Which festival hairstyle is best for long hair?
Long hair works well with festival braids, beach waves, bubble ponytails, high ponytails and half-up space buns. These hairstyles help keep hair manageable while showing off length and texture.
Which festival hairstyle is best for short hair?
Short hair looks great with half-up twists, mini updos, textured waves, glitter roots and statement hair clips. Accessories are an easy way to create a festival look without needing long hair.
