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25 Effortless Festival Hairstyles to Rock at Coachella

Get inspired with vibrant, on-trend festival hairstyles perfect for expressing your unique style at Coachella and beyond.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Get inspired with vibrant, on-trend festival hairstyles perfect for expressing your unique style at Coachella and beyond.

Festival season is not just about the lineup—your hairstyle is a chance to express personal flair, experiment with trends, and turn heads while you dance from stage to stage. Whether you want boho waves, sparkling accessories, or something bold and vibrant, these easy festival hairstyles are perfect for Coachella and all your summer music adventures.

1. Classic Space Buns

The space buns look mixes fun and nostalgia. Simply part your hair down the middle and twist two buns on either side of your head. Elevate this party-perfect style with glitter at the roots, colored hair extensions, or even mini hair cuffs. Finish with some light-hold spray for all-day festival dancing.

Add hair glitter near the roots for sparkle.
Wrap glow-in-the-dark rings or metallic cuffs around each bun for a unique vibe.
Match your eye makeup with the glitter for a cohesive look.

2. Double Bubble Pigtails

Bubble braids are playful, structured, and easy to achieve. Separate your hair down the center, secure pigtails with elastics, and then add additional elastics along each length, gently pulling each “bubble” to create volume.

For a whimsical twist, wrap small flower charms between bubbles.
Try pastel-colored elastics or ribbons for extra festival flair.
Great style if you want to keep hair tidy without losing creativity.

3. Boho Beach Waves

For a carefree, boho vibe, loose waves are always on-trend. Use a curling wand or overnight braids for soft texture, then tousle with a sea-salt spray.

Enhance with clip-in bangs or extensions for volume or a new face-framing effect.
Pair with forehead jewelry or a daisy crown for a festival-ready finish.
Light hairspray helps keep waves defined but still touchable.

4. Beaded Boho Waves

Take traditional waves to the next level by weaving in colorful beads or metallic threads. This gem-studded look exudes bohemian charm and feels dreamy under festival lights.

Choose pastel or pearl beads for delicate elegance.
Secure them with tiny elastics or pin clips for easy removal afterward.
Works beautifully with long, textured hair and flowing festival outfits.

5. Long Braids

Nothing says festival chic like a sleek, long braid. This look is durable, helps combat frizz, and keeps you cool. Opt for a single statement braid, matching double braids, or try accent fishtail or pull-through variations.

Add colored extensions for extra drama.
Decorate with metallic rings or wrap sections with ribbons.

6. Half-Up Half-Down

Can’t decide between wearing hair up or down? The half-up, half-down style gives you the best of both worlds. Sweep the top section into a mini bun, ponytail, or twists, while the lower layer remains loose and flowing.

Ideal for showcasing natural curls or wavy textures.
Embellish with glitter clips, velvet scrunchies, or a delicate scarf.

7. Colorful Hair

Go bold with vibrant streaks! Temporary hair chalk, colored spray, or pastel clip-ins let you try electric blue, soft lavender, or neon pink without commitment.

Mix-and-match colors for rainbow layers.
Fuse this look with braids or twists to make the hues pop.
Be sure to prep hair with a heat protectant if you use styling tools.

8. Box Braids

Box braids are a top choice for their protective styling, longevity, and effortless cool. They’re perfect for dancing all day without worrying about touch-ups.

Add gold or silver cuffs, colored strings, or beads for extra flair.
Coordinate with bold makeup for standout festival energy.

9. Messy Updo

The messy bun or updo is your go-to for hot festival days. Gather your hair into a high, loose bun, letting face-framing strands fall naturally. Decorate with pearl or beaded pins for an instant glam upgrade.

Use dry texturizing spray for volume and hold.
Secure with bobby pins that match your accessories.

10. Bleached Braids

Channel celebrity-inspired edge with bleached braids. Pair bright platinum or silver-toned braids with bold lipstick and shimmery eye makeup for a glam, eye-catching aesthetic.

Try temporary spray colors to experiment safely.
Combine with intricate fishtail or Dutch braids for depth.

11. Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch braids are edgy, practical, and great for keeping hair out of your face during high-energy sets. Dutch braid each side from your hairline back, and either secure at the ends or weave into buns.

Emphasize the look by pulling at the braid edges for volume.
Add glitter or threads for added dimension.

12. Fishtail Ponytail

Give a ponytail a bohemian twist with a fishtail braid. Gather hair high on your crown, braid into a fishtail, and gently pull pieces loose for fullness.

Accent with flowers or metallic cords woven through the braid.
Secure with a statement scrunchie for a playful finish.

13. Double Twisted Buns

For a twist on classic buns, create two mini buns by twisting and pinning each side of the top half of your hair. Leave the rest of your hair down in waves or curls.

Use shimmering bobby pins to secure for added shine.
Pair with dangling earrings for a festive touch.

14. Waterfall Braids

Waterfall braids cascade elegantly around your head, providing a whimsical, fairy-tale effect ideal for sunset selfies at Coachella. Finish with loose curls for extra romance.

Spritz with light hairspray to maintain the shape.
Add mini flowers for a touch of garden-chic.

15. Faux Hawk Braids

Unleash your inner rockstar with a faux-hawk achieved through strategic braiding. Cornrow the sides and fishtail the center strip for a statement-making silhouette.

Highlight with bold or metallic hair makeup.
Perfect for those who crave high-impact festival flair.

16. Embellished Ponytail

Elevate a simple ponytail by decorating the length with jeweled clips, wrap-around scarves, or stacked rings.

Add glitter hair gel to the roots for sparkle under the sun.
Pair with a high pony for chic, practical style.

17. Rope Braids

With rope braids, you twist two strands together, then secure with elastics—simple yet eye-catching. This technique works well for both pigtails and half-up styles.

Use pastel-pink colored extensions for festival fun.

18. Accent Braids

Accent braids—thin, tiny braids woven randomly throughout loose hair—add texture and playfulness without the commitment of a full braid style.

Gold string or bright beads make the details pop.

19. Crown Braids

For princess-worthy festival hair, braid a crown around your head and tuck the ends under for a seamless look. This elegant upstyle keeps hair secure for a long festival day.

Finish with statement earrings or a delicate headchain.

20. Side-Swept Waves

Pin waves to one side for an old-Hollywood look with a modern festival twist. Add volume at the roots and texture at the ends for effortless glamour.

Secure with glittery barrettes or a floral comb for a romantic feel.

21. Pixie Braids or Mini Braids

For short hair, small pixie braids woven throughout add instant detail and sophistication. Intermingle with colorful clips for festival cheer.

22. Hair Clips Galore

Festivals are the perfect excuse to pile on hair accessories. Barrettes, clips, and pins in metallic, neon, or pearl finishes add instant attitude to any style.

Cluster a few along the side of your head or scatter throughout loose waves.

23. Double Buns with Braids

Start with braids on each side that finish as buns, or create buns with braided sections twisted in. This hybrid is playful and practical.

Use bold, colored elastics or add sparkle spray for extra dimension.

24. Sleek Low Ponytail

A polished, low ponytail is a sophisticated festival statement—smooth down flyaways with serum for mirror-like shine and secure at the nape with a decorative tie.

Wrap a small section of hair around the base to conceal the elastic.
Try metallic wire accents or pins for festival drama.

25. Pastel Braids

Weave pastel-colored extensions into braids or twists for soft, candy-colored bliss—ideal for cotton candy sunrises and dreamy, boho outfits.

Mix in several shades for a full-on unicorn look.
Pair with shimmer body spray for the ultimate festival glow.

Must-Have Festival Hair Accessories

Hair glitter and colored gels
Daisy chains and flower crowns
Metallic or pearl hair pins
Headscarves and wraps
Mini hair rings and cuffs
Temporary hair chalk or spray-on color
Jeweled barrettes and clips

Pro Tips: Keeping Your Festival Hair Fresh

Pack dry shampoo or texturizing powder for volume.
Sunscreen spray for hair protects color-treated tresses.
Hair ties and bobby pins keep emergency fixes easy.
Leave-in conditioner shields hair from desert dryness.
Bring a mini brush or comb for midday touch-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best hairstyle for staying cool at Coachella?

A: Updos like messy buns, space buns, and ponytails help keep your hair off your neck and face, making them great for hot festival days.

Q: How can I make sure my festival hairstyle lasts all day?

A: Use strong-hold hairspray, secure styles with extra pins and hair ties, and start with second-day hair or use texturizing spray for better grip.

Q: Are hair accessories really necessary?

A: While not essential, hair accessories like clips, cuffs, and glitter can take basic hairstyles to the next level and help express your personal style.

Q: What temporary color options are safe for hair?

A: Try hair chalks, spray-on color, or clip-in extensions—these offer bright results without damaging your natural hair, and wash out easily after the event.

Ready to Experiment?

No matter your hair length or type, there’s a festival hairstyle and accessory that will have you feeling cool, confident, and ready for the weekend. Grab some glitter, turn up the tunes, and let your hair do the talking all festival season long!

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.

Read full bio of medha deb