Festival hairstyles you need to try in 2023

Just don't forget the dry shampoo


by Emma Hawkins |
Updated on

What do warm beers, wellies, dry shampoo and surviving on four hours sleep a night remind you of? Some of the best festival times of our lives, tbh.

Yep, festival season is officially upon us and as much as we love making mems, we're not going to lie and say we don't care about looking our best, especially when there's so much festival fashion, make-up trends and hair inspoall over our Insta feeds and TikTok FYP. With so much to choose from, it's so easy to get lost, especially when we all have different length and colour hair.

If you're currently planning your hair styles for an upcoming festival, we got you boo, because figuring out ways to make your follicles look fit all festival is a very important bit of beauty prep, especially when you live in England and our festival experience is more three days rolling around in the mud than glamping in the Coachella desert.

Before we start, though, when packing your rucksack make sure you include some festi-hair kit essentials. Things like dry shampoo (obvs), snag-free bands, Kirby grips, fun clips, a Tangle Teezer and hairspray will save you life (too dramatic?).

Festival ponytails

A classic high pony will do you wonders in festival environments, especially when you're dodging rain and beer. You can make it more 'festival' by using colourful scrunchies or by investing in coloured clip in hair extensions to give your ‘tail a spritz to reach full unicorn status.

Braided and bubble ponytails are also an option, especially as you'll also get the added bonus of next day waves. Organisation is a key theme here, folks.

Got shorter hair? Pull into a mid messy ponytail and leave strands loose then scrunch with hairspray. Or you could try the trusted half up half down technique.

Festival bob hairstyles

Bubble ponytails aren't just for the long-haired girlies. For shorter strands, split your hair into two and create two ponytails. Then, using invisible hair elastics, tie down the length of each ponytail to create bubble-like sections.

For an added trick: If you've got greasy day-two hair, leave sections out at the front and braid them. Super cute!

Not to best with hair? No problem. Half-up pigtails are just as cute. Otherwise, jazz your hair up with retro slides.

Festival space buns

Space buns are having a moment, and they're the perfect cute distraction to hair that definitely needs a wash. You know when you just go past the point of dry shampoo?

They also work on long and short hair which is a huge bonus. We're a little obsessed with these half up space buns:

And if that's not your thing, why not try this festival-ready version of the 90s spiky bun. Instead of wearing it at the top of your head, create two low buns and add sparkly hair gems! Prepare to see this look everywhere in summer.

How to create festival spiky buns

    Festival hair gems

    In the past few years, we've seen a switch from chunky glitter to easy-to-use glitter sprays. Ideal for sparkly roots or all over if you're feeling extra, it's never been easier to channel your inner Tinkerbell.

    The best part is glitter spray works on all hair types. If you've got kinks, curls or coils and want to show off your natural texture in all of its glory, look no further! Need a more protective style? Pile your hair up top and spray away.

    Hair gems are also back in town, after TikTok revived hair gems and hair stampers back from the grave. Obsessed.

    Festival hair accessories

    You need one day to show off your gorgeous styled hair, don't you? Whether you're wearing it down or going for a cool up-do, let it shine on the first day and add fun extras like clips, cuffs, hair rings, head chains or butterfly clips.

    Festival plaits

    Want a style that will take you the whole way through? A chic ponytail plait or a rough-up fishtail, french and boxer braids will keep your hair away from your face all weekend. Or you could try the new trend of baby braids, which you can still create, even if you haven't got your trusty hair band on your wrist. Take note:

    Can't decide on one style? Opt for pigtails with braids. Not only is this look super pretty, but it's practical too.

    Or, if you're all out of ideas, take some tinsel with you and braid it in with your hair. You could also use a ponytail extension for this look if your natural hair isn't long enough.

    Whilst we can't promise you good weather this festival season (it's the UK after all), we can guarantee they'll be plenty of hot-girl hairstyles spotted in the crowds. Which one will you be trying?

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