Festival Hair Ideas: Easy Styles for Camping & Unpredictable Weather

festival crowd

With festival season upon us, I thought it would be a good idea to share some ideas on how you can style your hair and take care of it if you’re camping. In this blog, I’m also going to talk about the easiest ways to style your hair if you struggle with hairstyles, or if you’re unsure what to do with your hair outdoors (because the UK weather can be very unpredictable!).

Dry Shampoo

If you can’t wash your hair, dry shampoo is a lifesaver. I recommend applying it to freshly washed hair. This helps it act more like a deodorant, keeping your hair fresher for longer and stopping it from getting greasy too quickly.

Then, on your next hair wash day  (if you’re still at the festival), you can reapply. You can also get dry shampoos for both dark and light hair, so you don’t have to worry about any visible residue.

Take sections around the crown and hairline and apply it at the roots this will give your hair a bit of lift so it doesn’t fall flat.

Face-Framing Braids

girl with 2 braids at the front of hair

If you love braids but find it tricky to do the back of your hair, this is a great option. It adds something different while still being easy to manage. You can leave the rest of your hair straight or add a soft curl for extra texture. YouTube video here

How to do face-framing braids

Space Buns

space buns

This style is basically two buns like pigtails. You can slick all your hair back or leave some face-framing pieces out. It’s perfect if you like your hair off your face but still want something fun!

You can wear the buns high or low, and it’s especially great for day two or three when you want to tie your hair back. YouTube video here

How to do space buns

Beach Waves

waves

Use straighteners or a curling wand to create soft waves. If your curls feel too tight, run a wide-tooth comb through them to create that more relaxed, beachy, lived-in look. YouTube video here

How to do beach waves

Half Up, Half Down

lady with half up half down hair

This is such a versatile style you can go for a ponytail, bun, or even a braid. It works well for all hair types and textures, and you can really make it your own. YouTube video here

How to half-up, half-down hair

Slicked-Back Ponytail or Bun

sleek ponytail

This is a great hairstyle if you just want to forget about your hair and know it’s staying in place. You can keep everything sleek and off your face, or leave a few pieces out at the front.

It’s also perfect for slightly dirty hair when washing isn’t an option. YouTube video here

How to do a slicked back ponytail

Wet Look

lady with wetlook hair

If you want something a bit different without using loads of clips or hair ties, the wet look is a great option. I’d recommend this more for a day festival rather than camping. YouTube video here

How to style wet look hair

Double Bubble Pigtails

girl with pigtails

Think normal pigtails, but with extra detail! Add hair elastic every 1–2 inches down each ponytail, then gently pull and fluff the sections in between to create a “bubble” effect.

It’s a great option if you’re not confident with braiding but still want something eye-catching. YouTube video here

How to do double bubble pigtails

Flicked-Out Bob

girl with flicked out bob

If you have a bob and want to switch it up, try flicking the ends out with straighteners instead of curling it. It’s a simple way to add a bit of personality and a nod to that ‘90s vibe. YouTube video here

How to style a flicked out bob

Messy Top Knot

girl with bun on top of head

If neat hairstyles aren’t your thing, this is perfect. A messy top knot keeps your hair up while adding texture and a relaxed feel ideal for festivals. YouTube video here

How to do a messy top knot

Hair Accessories for Festivals

  • Hair glitter
  • Headbands
  • Bandanas
  • Flower crowns
  • Hair rings and beads
  • Clips