Messy-Sexy Music Festival Braids: Effortless Boho Hairstyles for Every Look
Achieve the ultimate festival vibe with these boho braid styles—easy, fun, and effortlessly cool for all-day wear.
Music festivals are synonymous with freedom, fun, and fearless style—and hair is no exception. Bohemian braids have become the unofficial uniform, offering a laid-back, slept-in vibe that pairs perfectly with multi-day events where showers are scarce and volume is king. Cosmopolitan’s 2016 guide to music festival braids features three standout styles: the low textured braid, the side fishtail, and the headband braid, all designed to look better the longer you wear them and the more you move. Here’s how to achieve these looks at home, with tips from stylist Meaghan Masterson to ensure your hair stays effortlessly sexy, even after three days in the sun.
Why Boho Braids Are a Festival Must-Have
Boho braids are the hair equivalent of fringe at music festivals—utterly essential. They’re practical, stylish, and forgiving, requiring minimal upkeep as the weekend wears on. The secret? A blend of texture, volume, and a touch of product. These hairstyles are made to be lived-in: the sweat, weather, and movement only add to their appeal, making them the ultimate low-maintenance festival choice.
The Low Textured Braid
This style is all about effortless volume and a touch of messy chic, designed to frame your face and look fresh all weekend.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Prep & Curl
Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a texturizing powder (such as Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder) from roots to ends for added grip and volume. Curl your hair with a 1-inch barrel curling wand, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural, undone look—some away from your face, some toward it. This variation helps create believable body and movement. - Step 2: Add Texture
Emulsify a dime-sized amount of texture paste (like Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Paste Texture Paste) between your palms, then rub it through your hair. This adds separation, hold, and shine—plus, it helps control flyaways and makes styling easier. - Step 3: Sweep Up Your Strands
Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, allowing a few pieces to escape for a relaxed, just-left-untouched effect. - Step 4: Braid Away
Starting at the base of the ponytail, create a classic three-strand braid. The product on your hands will help keep hair from slipping and give the braid a lived-in texture. Secure the end with a small elastic, then gently pull the sides of the braid to loosen and weather it for that true festival feel.
This look is easy to re-create, even if you’re short on time or experience. The more movement and humidity, the better it gets!
The Side Fishtail Braid
For something a bit more intricate—but still easy to master—try the side fishtail. It’s eye-catching, boho, and surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Part & Powder
Create a deep side part and sprinkle texturizing powder at the roots, focusing on the crown for added lift. Massage it in for instant volume. - Step 2: Divide to Conquer
Rub texture paste between your palms and sweep your hair to one side, gathering it at the nape of your neck. Split your hair into two equal sections. - Step 3: Finesse a Fishtail
Take a small section from the outside of the right section and cross it over to the left. Then, take a small section from the outside of the left and cross it over to the right. Repeat this pattern, working with smaller sections for a more intricate look. Continue all the way down, securing with an elastic. - Step 4: Set to Perfect
Loosen the braid by gently pulling at the edges. Finish with a light mist of hairspray (such as Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hair Spray) to lock in place without stiffness. The goal is a soft, tousled braid that looks effortless, not overdone.
This style is ideal for those who want something a little more detailed but still relaxed—perfect for festival-goers who love to stand out.
The Headband Braid
Replace your flower crown with a braided headband this festival season. It’s a fresh, bold take on the traditional festival accessory and keeps hair off your face while looking undeniably cool.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Place Your Part
Divide your hair into a severe side part. Apply texture paste to your hands and smooth it through your hair in the direction of your part. This step helps tame frizz and makes the hair easier to work with. - Step 2: Create the Braid
Starting at your part, begin a three-strand braid across your forehead, adding sections of hair from the hairline as you go. Continue braiding all the way to the opposite side, incorporating hair from the back of your head for a seamless look. Secure the end with an elastic. - Step 3: Finish and Set
Gently pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness. Tuck the end of the braid underneath the rest of your hair and secure with bobby pins. For extra hold and shine, spritz hairspray onto a small coloring brush and lightly brush over the braid. This technique sets the style without making it look stiff or unnatural.
What others are reading
The headband braid is a modern twist on festival hair, offering both practicality and style in one.
Why These Braids Work for Festivals (and Beyond)
All three braid styles share a few key features that make them perfect for music festivals and everyday wear:
- Low Maintenance: Once styled, these braids hold up over days, requiring little more than the occasional finger-comb or mist of hairspray.
- Volume & Texture: The combination of texturizing powder, curling, and paste gives each look a lived-in, voluminous finish—perfect for hiding roots or second-day hair.
- Effortless Cool: These styles are meant to look a little undone, as if you just rolled out of bed and headed straight to the festival. The more you move, the better they look.
- Adaptability: Whether you have fine, thick, curly, or straight hair, these braids can be adapted to suit your texture and desired level of polish.
Plus, with the right products, you can ensure your hair stays frizz-free, shiny, and easy to manage, no matter the weather or the time of day.
Essential Products for Messy-Sexy Festival Braids
Having the right products can make or break your festival hair. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:
| Product | Purpose | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Texturizing Powder (e.g., Big Sexy Hair Powder Play) | Adds volume and grip | Helps create lift at the roots and makes braiding easier |
| Texture Paste (e.g., Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Paste) | Adds separation, shine, and hold | Tames flyaways, adds definition, and prevents hair from slipping |
| Hairspray (e.g., Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play) | Sets the style | Keeps your look in place without stiffness or crunch |
Applying these products correctly is key. For best results, start with a small amount—you can always add more if needed.
Braids for Different Hair Types
These styles aren’t just for one hair type—here’s how to adapt them for different textures:
- Fine Hair: Use texturizing powder and curl your hair for extra volume. Braid tightly at first, then gently pull apart for a fuller look.
- Thick Hair: Skip the root powder if you already have a lot of volume. Focus on separation and shine with the texture paste.
- Curly Hair: Work with your natural texture. If your hair is very curly, try braiding on slightly damp hair for definition and longevity.
- Straight Hair: Curl before braiding for more movement and texture.
No matter your hair type, these braids can be customized to suit your look.
Festival Hair Maintenance Tips
Keeping your braids fresh over a multi-day festival is easy with a few simple steps:
- Reapply Product: A little more texture paste or dry shampoo can revive your braids between days.
- Finger-Comb: Gently pull at the braids to keep them looking full and lived-in.
- Sleep Smart: Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent frizz and tangles.
- Accessorize: Add a few hairpins, scrunchies, or even a flower crown to switch up your look.
Remember, the beauty of these styles is in their imperfection—don’t worry about keeping them too neat!
FAQ: Festival Braids Explained
Q: How long do these braids last?
A: With the right products and minimal touching, these braids can last several days, making them ideal for festivals and travel.
Q: Do I need to shower every day to keep these styles fresh?
A: Not at all! In fact, these braids get better with time—a little sweat and dust add to the bohemian texture.
Q: Can I sleep in these braids?
A: Yes! Sleeping in these braids helps them look even more natural and lived-in. Just wrap your hair or use a silk pillowcase to prevent frizz.
Q: What if I’m not good at braiding?
A: Practice makes perfect. Start with a simple three-strand braid, then try the fishtail and headband braid once you’re comfortable.
Q: What if my hair is too short for these styles?
A: Short hair can still rock a headband braid or a mini side braid. Just braid what you have and secure with bobby pins.
Final Thoughts
Boho braids are the ultimate festival hairstyle—easy to create, comfortable to wear, and endlessly stylish. Whether you opt for the low textured braid, the side fishtail, or the headband braid, you’ll look effortlessly cool all weekend long. With the right products and a little practice, you’ll be festival-ready in no time. So go ahead, embrace the messy-sexy vibe, and make these braids your festival hair signature!
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
