Festival season is finally upon us, and with it comes the chance to unleash your most creative, carefree and show-stopping looks. From beachy waves to beaded braids, 2025’s hair trends are all about celebrating individuality while keeping practicality in mind. Festivals aren’t just about the music anymore—they’re a runway, a canvas, and a place to express yourself from head to toe. With the right products and a little prep, these trending styles can last through all the dancing, camping, and sun-soaked days. Here’s our guide to the top five festival hair styles for 2025, plus expert advice on how to recreate them at home using our favourite styling tools, mousse, hairspray, and accessories.
A returning favourite for festival season: mermaid waves. This style continues to reign supreme thanks to its dreamy, ethereal charm and effortless vibe. Achieving the perfect mermaid wave starts with a good heat protectant, followed by a large-barrel curling wand or waver to create soft, flowing bends throughout the hair. We recommend the GHD Hair Wave Triple Barrel Waver to get the perfect look.
Once styled, break up the waves with your fingers to add movement, then mist a sea salt or texturising spray to enhance the tousled finish. This look is all about natural volume and texture, so steer clear of heavy creams and opt instead for a lightweight mousse to provide body without weighing the hair down. Mermaid waves pair beautifully with tiny accent braids or a sprinkle of glitter at the roots for a touch of sparkle. Whether you’re pairing it with a fringe or keeping it all one length, this look works best when slightly imperfect, just like the best festival memories.
Next on the list is the loose boho braid, a festival staple that never goes out of style. It’s relaxed, romantic and perfect for controlling your hair while still making a statement. To get the look, start by prepping the hair with a volumising mousse to add grip and fullness. Then, loosely braid the hair to one side or down the back, keeping the tension light for that undone aesthetic. Add small flower clips or metallic charms throughout the braid to elevate the look and introduce a playful element. It’s a perfect blend of function and fashion that’s ideal for long days under the sun.
If your hair struggles to hold a braid, try prepping with R+Co Rodeo Star or a light texturising spray; it gives just enough grip for styles to stay in place. Don’t worry about perfection; embracing a few flyaways and stray strands is key to nailing the boho vibe. After braiding, gently tug at the loops of the braid to give it that lived-in texture and secure with a clear elastic. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray that will keep everything in place while still allowing for movement.
Third on our trend list is all about the detail: beaded braids and twists. This look is a true celebration of individuality and adds instant flair to any festival outfit. Start by sectioning the hair and creating multiple small braids or twists around the crown and face. These can be left loose or integrated into a half-up, half-down style. Then, it’s time to get creative, thread in metallic beads, cuffs, or charms along the braids to add shine and movement. Using a smoothing serum or hair oil beforehand can help eliminate frizz and give the braids a polished finish. For those who want to take it further, consider incorporating brightly coloured thread or UV-reactive elements for a truly standout style when the lights go down. Lock everything in with a lightweight styling mist that adds hold without stiffness. This style is perfect for those who want a look that’s both low-maintenance and high-impact, lasting from day one to the closing set.
If you’re looking for a bold alternative to traditional braids or buns, bubble braids are having a major moment in 2025. This playful style is both eye-catching and functional, making it ideal for multi-day festivals. To create bubble braids, gather your hair into one or two high ponytails using a smoothing mousse or styling product to slick back the roots and eliminate frizz. Once the ponytail is secured, place clear elastics every two to three inches down the length of the hair. Our tip? Loosen the bubbles from the bottom up to keep the shape balanced and avoid over-puffing near the crown. Then, gently tug at each section to create the “bubbles.” The result is a voluminous, sculptural effect that’s as fun to wear as it is to style. To maintain the look throughout the day, apply a strong-hold hairspray that won’t flake or become sticky. Accessorise with colourful elastics, ribbon, or even weave in strands of glitter to add a little extra magic. It’s a great way to look stylish and keep your hair out of the way while you dance your heart out.
Finally, we can’t forget the ultimate festival staple: the power ponytail. Far from boring, this high-impact style is sleek, chic, and endlessly customisable. Start by applying a small amount of mousse or gel to damp hair to smooth and control. Blow-dry straight or use hair straighteners for a sleek finish, then pull the hair up into a high ponytail, making sure to secure it tightly. Wrap a small section of hair around the base to conceal the elastic and add a polished touch. This look is the perfect canvas for accessories, think oversized clips, scarves, or even braids integrated into the ponytail for added dimension. Finish with a shine spray to give your pony that high-gloss finish that catches the light with every turn.
We love using ColorWow Extra Shine Spray for this, it adds instant gloss and keeps everything in place without weighing it down. It’s an effortlessly cool look that works on all hair types and holds up beautifully in heat and humidity, making it ideal for festival conditions.
Before you head out, don’t forget to pack your festival hair survival kit. Travel-sized versions of your favourite mousse, hairspray, dry shampoo and texturising spray are essential, along with a few trusty tools like a curling wand and a detangling brush. And of course, no festival look is complete without a selection of fun accessories, beads, clips, scarves, and glitter galore. Whether you’re rocking mermaid waves or beaded braids, the right products make all the difference in achieving a look that lasts from the first act to the encore.
Not sure which products are best for your hair type? Pop into the salon or drop us a message, we’re always happy to recommend the perfect festival essentials.
Festival hair in 2025 is all about expressing yourself and having fun with your look. From soft, whimsical waves to bold, statement braids, there’s a style for everyone. So grab your favourite styling essentials, get creative, and let your hair be as unforgettable as the music.
Get in touch with our expert team in Welwyn Garden City for luxury, in-salon hair services.
