Digital Cover hfm© Gonzalo Marroquin

Festival hairstyles: 15 striking looks to try this summer

Gain some festival beauty inspo with these stylish hair ideas

Content Writer
Updated: July 3, 2024

Irrespective of whether you have just hung up the wellies for Glasto, are picking out the perfect bucket for Wireless or updating your shades game for Primavera, getting in the festival spirit by looking the part is essential for maximum enjoyment.

Festival beauty is always a tricky beast – with limited access to running water, your usual skincare (and indeed possibly personal hygiene) routine may well fall by the wayside.

MORE: Hairstyle ideas: 9 looks to beg your hairdresser to recreate in 2023

Festival makeup, on the other hand, is a total cinch. Daub on the glitter, sprinkle a few gems, and you'll be ready to go faster than you can say, "Is this the queue for the portaloo?"

But if you're serious about elevating your look to the next level (think VIP section rather than thronging mosh pit), nailing your festival hairstyle repertoire is key.

READ: 3 London Fashion Week-approved hair trends to try at home

MORE: Clip-in hair extensions: what to expect and how to maintain them – according to an expert

Super elaborate styles may not be on the cards unless you are sharing a tent with an extremely dexterous and time-generous friend, but you can still get creative. 

Take Glasto just gone for example. Dua Lipa opted for fiery crimson locks when hitting the main stage. Anya Taylor-Joy joined festie bestie Cara Delevigne while sporting a Game of Thrones-esque princess 'do. Florence Pugh recreated a Midsommar moment in a floral garland. The celeb moodboard is brimming with playful hairstyle ideas.

Festival hair lends itself perfectly to a pop of colour. Think vibrant threads woven through braids, pastel elastics and cutesy Y2K-inspired accessories. A dash of glitz is the other uber festival-appropriate option and this season we can't get enough of glinting crystal gems and chrome detailing.

Plus, the internet-adored bubble braids are heaps easier to achieve than traditional Dutch styles - ideal if you'd rather get ahead and make a beeline for the front row.

Hello! Fashion shares the festival hairstyles we're longing to try out this summer:

1/15

Coloured thread braids by @beyondtheponytail

Coloured thread braids make for a bohemian babe beauty look.

2/15

Curls and coloured elastics @antestradahair

Look fantastic with a sprinkling of rainbow elastic. 

3/15

© Instagram / @hairwithlinda

Gem embellishment @hairwithlinda

Dazzle with a frosting of gemstones entwined in your luscious locks. 

4/15

© Instagram / @hairbyruslan

Stylised edges @hairbyruslan

Have a whirl while curating a series of delicate curls to frame your face.

5/15

© Instagram / @ameliajanehair

Mermaid half-up half-down @ameliajanehair

Embrace siren style with a cascade of mermaid waves.

6/15

Bubble braid @jessica.valdezz

Opt for an on-trend bubble braid adored by the likes of singer and Simone Rocha poster girl Griff.

7/15

© Instagram / @naturalhair_hope

Bantu knots @naturalhair_hope

We're dotty for knotty festival hairstyles.

8/15

© Instagram / @xtaramartin

Messy bun @xtaramartin

The humble messy bun never ceases to impress with it's curated bedhead-chic look.


9/15

© Instagram / @getalltressedup

Gold hair rings @getalltressedup

All that glitters isn't gold, but we can resist a spattering of metallic accents when it comes to hair adornment. 

10/15

© Instagram / @afro.divino

Curls and fine braids @afro.divino

Curls and fine braids are both practical and pretty.

11/15

Bow stacking @amberrosepeakehair

Radiate coquettecore charm by stacking dainty bows in your hair.

12/15

Metallic hair bangles @fbwgrl

Perfect for thick hair including dreadlocks and coils, the bangle stack is set to be a hit for festival season.

13/15

Hibiscus hype @anisasojka

Lean into the obsession with hibiscus hair clips, perfect for a quick-win 'do.

14/15

The bloom braid @ameliaskating

Pepper your ponytail with dainty blooms in time for festival season. 

15/15

Siren style @tinaprokasbeauty

Feel mermazing with a siren-inspired look complete with pearls and curls. 

Like this story? Sign up to our Hello! Fashion newsletter to get your weekly 'Fashion Fix' delivered straight to your inbox.

Transform your routine with expert advice from our beauty and wellness team

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Hello! Fashion

See more