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26 Festival Hairstyles Ideal For Channelling Your Inner Coachella Goddess
Not a flower crown in sight.
If we thought the Coachella FOMO was real pre-pandemic, our longing for overpriced pints, biodegradable glitter and trying to find your mates after coming out of the porta loos has only increased tenfold.
While the green light for the UK festival circuit still hangs in the balance, we're not letting that stop us from channeling the festival vibes through as many outlandish hairstyles as possible. Even if the only outing our fanciful plaits and glitter partings get is sitting in the local park listening to Craig David on a tinny speaker. We'll take any excuse really.
Have you found your Pinterest festival hairspiration board has started to look a little... well... 2017? Has the muscle memory of plaiting a french braid faded completely? Yep, we're officially getting festival withdrawal symptoms.
Luckily for us, Creative Director of Butchers Salon Dominic Roach bestowed his sage advice on how to festival-proof your hair this SS21. 'Bearing in mind electricity and water can be two limiting factors, unless you're opting for the more bouji glamping experience, play to your advantage by focusing on products to revive unwashed hair or styling using braids or updos. Product-wise my go to is the Aveda Foam Reset Rinseless Hydrating Hair Cleanser which conditions and cleanses between washes.
'My top predictions are braids, braids, braids. Boxer braids, braids around the head, accessorised braids, 1990s Clueless style front mini braids, the list is endless. One particular trend that will be prevalent is hair rings on braids or other embellishments to give that festival sparkle. Half up, half-down looks will be popular, as will space buns. Subsection your head into multiple segments, and create multiple buns on the head..think 1990s Björk.
'For the more sparkly ones among us, glitter gel partings will also be strong. To get a look that lasts, pack your glitter and your Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel. These can be intermixed and painted onto partings for that walking mirrorball effect or used to style the hair sleek and off the face for that added wow factor.'
From beaded wigs and rainbow braids and every festival hair idea from this season's runways, we've assembled all the care-free hair inspiration you could need to accompany you on your 2021 festival pilgrimage- whatever that may look like.
Alexa, play our Glastonbury 2021(2???) playlist.
Etro
If you're a fan of braids but can never seem to wrap your head around the technique, pair Etro's understated front plaits with a middle parting. Super quick, super cute.
Ports 1961
Granted, it's not the first style you might think of when it comes to festival hair, but it is practical and pretty chic. Plus, when you've been camping with no shower for three days, this slick backed look really comes into its own.
Ashish
Yep we're calling it, this is officially the most festival-worthy hair of all time. Whether you choose to party till dawn in a multicoloured beaded wig or add in a few strands of holographic foil, we say the more colour, the better.
Simone Rocha
With a gravity-defying use of braiding interwoven with gemstones (or anything shiny you can get your hands on), you might not be headlining but with this look you're sure to be centre stage.
Schiaparelli
The key to this look: Load your hair with clips, and when you think your done, add in some more. Pragmatic for keeping your hair out of your eyes and maximalist in the best way.
Matty Bovan
Take your love of tie-dye to the next level this festival season.
Acne Studios
For festivals à la mer, why not try Acne's slick backed beach waves with a woven-in seashell charm?
Dior
While elegant might not be the exact word you'd use to describe yourself mid-festival, you can still maintain chic hair vibes with a Blair Waldorf inspired headband, with the added benefit of keeping your hair out of your eyes so you can focus on the dancing.
Giambattista Valli
Keep flyaways at bay with this understated reverse braid. Not one for the amateur plaiter but well worth the effort.
Dolce and Gabbana
Flower crowns? So 2012. This season secure your flora of choice with a headscarf - a pretty and practical choice for keeping your head dry when inevitable downpours threaten.
Ashley Williams
Use this year's obsession with hair accessories to let fellow festival-goers know your musical preferences.
Anna Sui
Unicorn horn meets man bun - this is the easiest way to update a half-up half-down 'do.
Collina Strada
Feathery, tie dye clip in extensions are a commitment-free way to try a new shade in your festival hair.
Byblos
Simply clip on a tasselled metallic fringe to a high pony and add the biggest pair of sunglasses you can find.
Area
Festivals are the ideal time to get your bling on. Recreate this look with a collection of necklaces.
Preen
2019s update on the festival braid, Preen's version involves wrapping a small section with black elastic.
Zadig & Voltaire
Part flapper girl, part Glasto costume party, keep your hair undone and messy and finish with a feathered barrette Zadig & Voltaire style.
Tommy Hilfiger
A scattering of skinny plaits makes any hairstyle instantly festival-worthy with little to no effort.
Prabal Gurung
Plastic zig zag hairbands are back, and your three day dirty hair is going to love it. Simply scrape back the front and twist the back into a messy knot for fashion week's greasy hairdo du jour.
Ulla Johnson
Three days into your festival hair, super neat dutch braids might be the only option. Thank goodness they're très chic.
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