Easy Festival Hairstyles: Quick and Stylish Looks

Festival season is about more than just music and good vibes – it’s also about the looks, and no look is complete without a cute hairstyle! Festival hairstyles present an interesting set of challenges. On one hand, you want to look your best and show off your personal style. On the other hand, these styles have to be low-maintenance, keep your hair off your neck on hot days, and (perhaps most importantly) be easy to style. 

For those with fine or thinning hair who might feel limited in their styling options, there’s exciting news. Toppik’s innovative line of hair enhancement products can help you finish your music festival hair, filling in sparse areas to make hair look naturally thicker and fuller. 

This guide will walk you through the hottest festival hair trends of the season, with step-by-step instructions for creating these looks. Whether you’re headed to Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, or a local music festival, these styles will ensure you look good and feel confident from the opening act to the final encore. 

Why Festival Hairstyles Matter

Your festival hairstyle is far more than a way to keep your locks out of your face while dancing–it’s a key component of your overall festival aesthetic. The right hairstyle can elevate your entire look and help you feel photo-ready. But it’s not just about looking great. Festival hair has to withstand intense heat, sweaty dance sessions, and hours of outdoor exposure. A well-chosen hairstyle stays intact through these conditions while requiring minimum touch-ups, allowing you to focus on the music and memories rather than frequent trips to the bathroom mirror. 

Top Easy Festival Hair Ideas 

Messy Space Buns

Why we love them: Fun, whimsical, and totally heat-free.

How-to:

1. Part hair down the center; create two high ponytails.

2. Twist each ponytail loosely; coil into buns and pin into place.

3. Pull out a few face-framing strands, then mist with a flexible-hold hair spray. 

Festival flair: Dust glitter on the roots, wrap neon scrunchies around each bun, or slip in silver hair rings. 

Pro tip: If this hairstyle leaves your hair looking a little sparse at the temples, try Toppik Hair Filler Volumizing Micro-Fibers. These fibers are made from keratin, the same protein as hair, and have a natural electromagnetic charge that helps them cling to your existing hair. The result? Your hair looks thicker and fuller – instantly!

 

Dutch Braids

Why we love them: This hairstyle is a classic for a reason! Dutch braids look cute and keep your hair secure through hours of dancing so you don’t have to worry about tangles at the end of the night.  

How to braid festival hair:

1. Part your hair down the middle from forehead to nape. 

2. Starting at your hairline, gather three small sections and begin Dutch braiding by crossing strands under the middle strand (this creates the raised effect). 

3. Continue braiding to the ends, adding hair from each side as you work down. 

4. Secure with clear elastics. 

5. Gently tug at the outer edges of each braid to make them look thicker. 

6. Apply Toppik Fill Me in Hairline Filler around your edges and part to create a more polished, fuller look. 

7. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to tame flyaways. 

Festival flair: Weave pink and purple hair extensions into your braids for an extra pop of color. 

 

Bubble Ponytail

Why we love it: This nostalgic ‘90s trend is an easy way to spice up a plain ponytail. 

How-to:

1. Brush hair into a mid-height ponytail; secure with a hair tie. 

2. Every two inches, add a hair elastic. 

3. Between elastics, lightly pull hair outward to create the “bubbles”. 

Festival flair: Use hair ties in colors that match your outfit for extra zhuzh. 

Bubble Pigtails

Why we love them: They’re playful and keep your hair off your neck. 

How-to:

1. Part your hair down the middle. 

2. Gather each side into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic. 

3. Place additional elastics at 1-2 inch intervals down each pigtail. 

4. After placing each elastic, gently tug at the hair between the bands to create the bubble effect. 

5. Finish the look by applying Toppik Hair Filler Volumizing Micro-Fibers along your hairline and part. Gently pat Fibers into place. 

Baby Braids

Why we love them: Micro-braids woven into loose hair give surfer-cool texture with practically zero effort.

How-to:

1. Randomly pick 4-6 pencil-thin sections. 

2. Braid tightly; secure ends with micro elastics. 

3. Leave the rest of your hair natural or pull into a bun or ponytail. 

Messy Updo

Why we love it: Looks stylishly undone even after a 10-hour dance marathon. 

How-to:

1. Flip head upside down; gather hair loosely at the crown. 

2. Twist into a soft knot; pin. 

3. Pull random pieces free around the face and nape. 

Festival flair: Pin butterfly clips throughout the updo for a nostalgic update. 

Braid with Flowers

Why we love it: Romantic, photogenic, and surprisingly practical – flowers are a good distraction from day three hair. 

How-to:

1. French or Dutch braid hair from crown to ends. 

2. Pancake (widen) the braids for extra volume. 

3. Tuck small blossoms or dried baby’s breath into the braids. 

Slicked Back Bun

Why we love it: It looks chic, but it’s also a savior for greasy hair. 

How-to:

1. Apply a pea-size amount of gel from roots to mid-shafts. 

2. Brush hair straight back into a tight ponytail. 

3. Twist pony into a compact bun and pin. 

4. Fill in sparseness around the hairline with Toppik Fill Me In Hairline Filler for a more polished look. 

Messy High Ponytail

Why we love it: It’s the easiest hairstyle, but it’s so cute!

How-to:

1. Flip your head upside down and mist roots with a texturizing spray. 

2. Gather hair at the crown and secure it with a hair tie. 

3. Flip your head right side up. Take two small pieces from the top of the ponytail and gently pull them apart, which will lift the ponytail and add volume. 

4. Pull a few strategic face-framing pieces loose around your temples. 

Festival flair: Tie a colorful scarf around your ponytail. 

Expert Tips for Long-Lasting Festival Hair

How to Keep Hair Fresh All Day

When you’re dancing from sunrise to sunset (or vice versa), keeping your festival hairstyle fresh requires strategic planning and the right arsenal of products. The key is prevention rather than fixing. Start with the right foundation, and you’ll have less to maintain throughout the day. 

Begin your festival day by applying dry shampoo, focusing on the roots. This proactive approach absorbs oil before it becomes visible, extending the life of your style significantly. 

Pack a festival hair emergency kit including:

• Travel-sized dry shampoo

• Mini hairspray with UV protection

• Small foldable brush or wide-tooth comb

• Bobby pins and hair elastics in your hair color

• Toppik Fill Me In for quick touch-ups

For midday refreshes, focus on your hairline and part, which tend to show oil and flatness first. 

Heatless Styling Techniques

Festival season can provide a break from heat damage. After all, what’s the point of curling or straightening your hair if it’s just going to get sweaty anyways? Instead, heatless styling techniques create styles with better longevity (and are better for your hair’s health!). 

Overnight Braids

Overnight braids remain one of the most effective heatless techniques for creating beautiful waves. Before sleep, spray roots with dry shampoo and then slightly dampen the rest of your hair (a spray bottle works great for this). Then create two to four loose braids and secure them with hair elastics. By morning, you’ll have effortless, heat-free waves that last remarkably well in humid festival conditions. 

Sock Curls

For those seeking more defined curls, try sock curls. Wrap small sections of slightly damp hair around each sock (or fabric strips), tie gently, and sleep. The result is bouncy, defined curls without heat damage. 

Twist-Outs

Twist-outs create beautiful texture for those with naturally curly or coily hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner, then create two-twist strands throughout your hair. Allow to dry completely before unraveling for gorgeous, defined curls. 

Protecting Your Hair from Sun and Sweat

Festival season exposes your hair to environmental challenges that can impact both your style’s longevity and your hair’s health. Proactive protection against sun damage and sweat is essential for maintaining your festival look. 

UV protection for hair has become a priority, with experts recommending specially formulated hair sunscreens or styling products with built-in SPF. Apply these products generously before heading out, focusing on your part and the top layers of hair which receive the most sun exposure. 

Strategic accessories provide both style and protection – wide-brimmed hats, bandanas, and scarves shield hair from direct sunlight while adding to your festival aesthetic. 

To manage sweat without sacrificing style, apply dry shampoo strategically throughout the day. This will help absorb excess moisture at the roots, preventing the flat, greasy look that can come from extended time outdoors. 

Festival Hair FAQs

How Should I Do My Hair for a Festival?

Answer: For a festival, opt for hairstyles that are both comfortable and stylish, like braids, messy buns, or up-dos, which will keep your hair out of your face while allowing for freedom of movement. Consider the festival’s duration and expected weather when choosing a style. 

How Long Does Festival Hair Last?

Answer: Festival braids can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on factors like your hair type, maintenance routine, and lifestyle. Tighter braids with smaller sections typically last longer, while looser styles need refreshing sooner. To extend the life of your festival hair, sleep with a silk or satin scarf to prevent frizz from forming. 

What Is the Easiest Hairstyle for Beginners?

Answer: Easy festival hairstyles include braids, buns, ponytails, and waves, often accented with hair accessories like glitter, headbands, or hair rings. For beginners, simple ponytails and braids offer an accessible entry point. The messy bun is particularly forgiving for novices since its deliberately undone appearance means small mistakes become part of the style’s charm.

How to Keep Hair Fresh at Festivals?

Answer: To keep hair fresh at a festival, start with a clean slate before you go, protect your hair from the sun, and embrace dry shampoo and other products to absorb oil. Plan your hairstyles strategically – choose looks that evolve gracefully as they come less pristine, and consider styles that can be easily refreshed or transformed as the days progress. For example, you might start with a blow-out on day one, a ponytail on day two, and a slicked-back bun on day three when hair is its greasiest. 

How to Do My Hair for a Concert?

Answer: For a concert, hairstyles that keep hair out of your face and neck, while still being comfortable and stylish, are ideal. Braids, ponytails, buns, and half-up styles are all good options, as they offer a blend of functionality and aesthetics. Consider the venue when choosing your style: open-air concerts may require styles that withstand wind, while indoor venues might be more forgiving. 

How to Wear Your Hair at a Festival?

Answer: For a festival, practical and stylish hairstyles that keep your hair out of your face are best. Braids, buns, and headbands are great options for keeping hair in place while dancing and enjoying the music. Consider the festival’s duration when planning your hair strategy. Multi-day events (especially if you’re camping) require styles that can easily be refreshed or transformed without washing your hair. You’ll have more flexibility when it comes to one-day events. 

Conclusion

As we head into festival season, one thing is clear: you deserve to have a hairstyle that keeps you comfortable and makes you feel confident. The festival trends we’ve explored today offer both practical durability and creativity, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without constant hair maintenance. 

For those with fine or thinning hair, festival updos no longer mean styling anxiety or limitations. With Toppik Fill Me In Hairline Filler, you can wear your hair up with confidence and style, and not have to worry about sparse areas. 

Remember that the most unforgettable festival moments happen when you’re fully present, not worrying about how your hair looks. By choosing durable styles and enhancing them with Toppik you create space for what truly matters – the music, the connections, and the memories that will last long after the festival ends. So pack your Toppik products alongside your favorite festival essentials and prepare for the season!