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30 Best Coachella Hairstyles: Trendy Looks to Steal for Festival Season

Get inspired by these top Coachella hairstyles, from braids and buns to statement accessories, for your next festival adventure.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 3, 2025

Get inspired by these top Coachella hairstyles, from braids and buns to statement accessories, for your next festival adventure.

Festival season means bold beauty, next-level creativity, and boundary-pushing hair. Coachella, the annual desert music pilgrimage, is a playground for experimental hair that brings together new trends, playful nostalgia, and plenty of Insta-worthy moments. Whether you’re planning your trip to Indio or just seeking fresh styling ideas, these Coachella hairstyles are sure to help you stand out in the crowd.

Why Coachella Hair Is the Ultimate Trendsetter

Coachella isn’t just about music or fashion—it’s a launchpad for the creativity that soon hits the mainstream. Festival hair trends thrive here because attendees embrace boldness, flash, and comfort. This pivotal event inspires both street style and celebrity looks, making it the perfect barometer for what’s next in hair for the season ahead.

1. Bohemian Braids

Braids are a festival classic, fuelled by their versatility and lasting power. At Coachella 2025, we saw:

Cornrows: Sleek, sculpted, and ideal for hot desert days.
Boxer Braids: Sporty, symmetrical, and perfect for all hair types.
Loose Boho Braids: Wispy, undone plaits add effortless chic to any look.
Braided Crowns: Regal and romantic—South African star Tyla stunned with a dramatic braided crown adorned with gold thread, blending tradition and editorial edge.
Braids with Accessories: Feathers, beads, and metallic threads were woven for gypsy- and Viking-inspired flair.

2. Space Buns

Quirky, playful, and always a festival favourite, space buns came in many varieties this year:

Classic Twin Buns: Fun and functional, perfect for dancing for hours.
Braided Space Buns: Adds texture and volume for a cosmic look.
Messy Space Buns: Soft, undone buns for a carefree, boho feel.
Innovative Placement: Think Millie Bobby Brown’s asymmetric take with one bun on the crown and the other by her ear.

3. Glitter Roots and Sparkles

What says “festival” louder than glitter? This year, bold, sparkling accents turned heads everywhere:

Glitter Roots: Vibrant roots dusted with glitter, especially on parted styles.
Sparkly Eyes and Partings: Shimmery cut-crease eyeshadow, rhinestones dotting hairlines, and jewels were everywhere.

Pro tip: Use a strong-hold gel to apply cosmetic glitter for mess-free sparkles that last all day.

4. Jellyfish Haircuts

A newcomer, the jellyfish haircut served serious edge at Coachella 2025:

Three blunt layers: bangs above the brow, a jawline bob, and longer lengths below.
Shaggy, multi-textured, and perfect for making a statement.
Lady Gaga embodied the look on stage with a dramatic black bob and precise fringe.

5. Bouncy Blowouts

Big, soft, and ultra-glamorous, bouncy blowouts were spotted on both celebs and festivalgoers:

Curtain Bangs: Softly parting the face, inspired by Sabrina Carpenter’s now-iconic look.
Full-Volume Length: Think retro bombshell style with movement and shine.

Stylists recommend prepping with rollers hours before styling to nail this look.

6. Accessories: From Bows to Beads

When in doubt, accessories are your best festival friends. This year’s must-haves:

Ribboned bows and oversized scrunchies—add a playful pop to ponytails and buns.
Headbands, scarves, or turbans—protect from sun and amp up your outfit.
Bejeweled clips and rhinestones—position along braids or partings for instant glam.
Flowers and feathers—tuck into braids or buns for a nature-inspired boho vibe.

7. Effortless Messy Updos

Sometimes, less is more. The messy updo trend reigns thanks to its breezy, put-together-but-undone aesthetic:

Soft tendrils frame the face for a romantic finish.
Add a statement scrunchie, scarf, or hardware for maximum impact.

8. Slicked-Back Buns and Ponytails

For a touch of sophistication with edge, slicked-back styles remain festival staples:

Super smooth, high-shine buns using gel.
Ponytails—worn ultra-high, low, or at the nape, for a sleek alternative to loose hair.

Add face-framing swirls or sculptural edges for extra character.

9. Bold Colored Waves

Tousled waves with a punch of color—think pinks, blues, or sunset ombré—bring festival-ready energy:

Loose, beachy texture keeps the look relaxed.
Temporary hair colors or tints make these noncommittal and easy to swap out for every day.

10. Dutch Braids with Rhinestones

For those who like sparkle without going full-glitter, Dutch braids with rhinestones deliver elegance and shine:

Cross hair strands underneath for a raised, defined plait.
Pin rhinestones or pearls along the braid for whimsical flair.

Pair with minimal makeup to keep the look fresh and modern.

11. The Priscilla Presley Bouffant

Volume chasers, rejoice! Jessie Murph’s sky-high bouffant, inspired by Priscilla Presley, brought 60s drama to the desert:

Tall, teased crown with a retro twist.
Add a Bumpit or clip-in volume insert for gravity-defying height.

12. No-Makeup (Makeup) Hair Pairings

The no-makeup makeup movement took hold, influencing hair:

Soft, barely-there finishes with natural textures.
Loose, air-dried waves, easy ponytails, or undone buns suit a minimal beauty aesthetic.
Stars like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber leaned into light blush and neutral looks paired with understated hair.

13. Face Gyms: Paint, Studs, and Transfers

Body art crossed over into hair with face paint, gems, and temporary color transferring seamlessly into styles:

Face and hair gems aligned with braids and partings.
Metal studs punctuate buns and plaits for futuristic flair.

14. Statement Hair Colors

From icy platinum to peachy coral, bold color choices dominated the polo fields. Try:

Pastel shades – pink, lilac, mint.
Jewel tones – emerald, sapphire, or hot red inspired by Dua Lipa’s grunge waves.
Temporary spray colors for a commitment-free vibe.

15. Faux Locs and Twists

Channel goddess energy with faux locs, chunky twists, or marley braids:

Durable and protective styles for long weekends outdoors.
Embellish with beads, shells, or cuffs for that extra sparkle.

Bonus Table: Quick-Reference – Top Coachella Hair Trends 2025

Hairstyle	Key Features	Accessories/Enhancements
Braids	Classic, crown, boxer, boho	Beads, feathers, metallic thread
Space Buns	Twin, braided, messy	Ribbons, glitter
Glitter Roots	Shiny partings, root shimmer	Cosmetic glitter
Jellyfish Haircut	Layered, blunt-edged	Bold color, textured styling
Bouncy Blowout	Full, soft, voluminous	Curtain bangs
Messy Updo	Undone, face-framing	Scrunchies, scarves, hardware

How to Make Your Coachella Hairstyle Last

Desert heat and non-stop dancing can put your style to the test. Here are pro tips for festival hair longevity:

Use a strong-hold spray or gel, especially for braids, buns, and glitter roots.
Pack travel-sized dry shampoo to refresh and volumize on the go.
Choose styles that keep hair off your face and neck for all-day comfort.
Secure accessories with extra bobby pins—wind can be unforgiving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most popular Coachella hairstyle for 2025?

The jellyfish haircut, braided crowns, and space buns are among the most popular and TikTok-viral styles, with glitter roots and rhinestones also making a major comeback this year.

How do I keep my festival hairstyle in place all day?

Invest in strong-hold products and secure all accessories with extra pins. Prep the hair with texture spray for grip before braiding or styling.

Can I use temporary color for Coachella hair?

Yes, temporary hair tints and sprays are festival must-haves. They allow quick color changes without damaging your strands.

What if I have short hair?

Short hair can rock statement clips, glitter roots, and micro braids. The jellyfish haircut is also especially suited for shorter lengths.

How do I remove glitter and rhinestones from my hair?

Use oil-based makeup removers or conditioner to help loosen adhesive and gently comb out sparkles and gems. Always wash thoroughly after the event.

Get Inspired and Experiment

Coachella is all about self-expression—there are no limits except your imagination. Whether you go for show-stopping braids, playful buns, sparkling details, or wild colors, let the festival vibe inspire your boldest hair yet. Ask your stylist, save this list, and get ready to create your ultimate look for festival season.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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