The desert winds are calling, and festival season is practically knocking at our door. Coachella isn’t just about the music anymore – it’s become this massive playground for creative expression, and your hair is basically your canvas. Whether you’re dancing until sunrise or posing for those Instagram shots that’ll make your friends jealous, the right hairstyle can make or break your entire festival vibe.
Gone are the days when a simple ponytail would cut it at Coachella. Today’s festival-goers are pushing boundaries with intricate braids, colorful extensions, and accessories that catch the desert sun just right. The beauty of festival hair lies in it’s temporary nature – you can be as bold and experimental as you want because Monday morning is still days away.
1. Bohemian Goddess Braids
Picture this: cascading waves mixed with loose, romantic braids that look like they were kissed by desert angels. This style screams effortless boho chic while actually requiring some serious prep work. Start with textured, slightly messy hair – think day-two hair that’s got that perfect lived-in feel.
Create loose Dutch braids on either side of your head, but here’s the trick – don’t make them too tight or perfect. You want them to look like you braided them while half-asleep in a dreamy haze. Let some pieces fall naturally around your face, and don’t worry if it gets a bit messy throughout the day.
The magic happens when you add some subtle hair jewelry – maybe some delicate gold rings or small beads woven through the braids. This look photographs beautifully in that golden hour light, and it’ll survive all your dancing without looking completely destroyed by the end of the night.
2. Neon Space Buns
Space buns got a major glow-up, and they’re absolutely perfect for Coachella’s futuristic vibes. We’re talking bright, electric colors that’ll make you visible from across the entire festival grounds. Think hot pink, electric blue, or that gorgeous holographic purple that changes color in different lighting.
The key to nailing this look is placement – your buns should sit high on your head, almost like little alien antennae. Use temporary hair chalk or colored extensions if you don’t want to commit to permanent color. The messier the better with this style; you want them to look slightly undone and effortlessly cool.
Add some glitter around the hairline and maybe some LED lights woven through the buns if you’re planning to stay for the nighttime sets. This hairstyle is pure Instagram gold, and it’s surprisingly practical too – keeps your hair off your neck in the desert heat while making a serious statement.
3. Mermaid Crown Braid
This ethereal style combines the elegance of a crown braid with loose, flowing waves that move like water when you dance. Start by creating a Dutch braid that goes around your head like a halo, but leave the rest of your hair flowing free. The contrast between the structured braid and loose waves creates this gorgeous juxtaposition that’s perfect for festival vibes.
Use sea salt spray to enhance your natural texture and give your hair that beachy, mermaid-like movement. The crown braid keeps hair out of your face during those sweaty dance sessions, while the flowing lengths still give you that romantic, ethereal look that photographs so well.
Consider weaving in some thin ribbon or delicate chain through the crown braid for extra festival flair. Pastel colors work beautifully with this style – think soft pinks, lavenders, or that dreamy mint green that looks amazing against sun-kissed skin.
4. Punk Princess Faux Hawk
Channel your inner rebel with this edgy take on the classic mohawk that won’t require shaving off half your hair. This style is all about creating height and texture down the center of your head while keeping the sides sleek and controlled. It’s punk rock meets festival princess, and it’s absolutely fierce.
Start with damp hair and use a strong-hold mousse to create volume at the roots. Tease the center section of your hair upward and back, creating that signature mohawk shape. The sides can be slicked back with gel or pomade, or you can add small braids for a softer punk aesthetic.
This look pairs perfectly with bold makeup and statement accessories. Think metallic temporary tattoos, dramatic eyeliner, and maybe some face gems scattered around your temples. It’s a high-impact style that’ll make you stand out in any crowd, and it photographs incredibly well against Coachella’s iconic art installations.
5. Flower Power Fishtail
Nothing says festival season quite like flowers in your hair, but this isn’t your grandmother’s flower crown. We’re talking about a loose, romantic fishtail braid adorned with real or high-quality silk flowers that look like they grew there naturally. This style is peak bohemian romance with a modern twist that feels fresh and current.
Create a loose fishtail braid starting at the nape of your neck, but leave it intentionally messy and textured. Pull at the edges of the braid to make it appear fuller and more voluminous. The imperfection is what makes this style so beautiful – it should look effortless even though it took some time to perfect.
Choose flowers that complement your outfit and the desert landscape. White daisies, baby’s breath, or small succulents work beautifully and won’t wilt too quickly in the heat. Secure them with small bobby pins that match your hair color, and don’t be afraid to let some petals fall naturally throughout the day – it just adds to the organic, lived-in beauty of the look.
6. Glitter Root Goddess
This trend takes the concept of grown-out roots and turns it into high fashion. Instead of hiding your regrowth, you’re celebrating it with glitter, gems, or metallic paint that catches the light beautifully. It’s low-maintenance but high-impact, perfect for those who want to look put-together without spending hours on their hair.
Apply body-safe glitter gel or temporary metallic tattoo paint along your part and around your hairline. Gold and silver work with almost everything, but don’t be afraid to experiment with rose gold, copper, or even holographic glitter that shifts colors. The key is blending it seamlessly so it looks intentional and artistic.
This style works with almost any hair length or texture, and it’s incredibly photogenic. The glitter catches festival lights beautifully, creating this gorgeous halo effect that makes every photo look professional. Plus, it’s practical – your hair can be as simple or as complex as you want, because the glitter is doing all the heavy lifting.
7. Twisted Halo Headband
Create your own headband using your hair with this gorgeous twisted technique that looks complicated but is surprisingly simple to achieve. Two twisted sections of hair meet at the back of your head, creating this beautiful crown effect that keeps hair off your face while looking absolutely divine.
Start by sectioning off the front portions of your hair on both sides. Twist each section back toward your ears, then continue twisting as you bring them around to meet at the back of your head. Secure with clear elastic or bobby pins that match your hair color. The rest of your hair can be left down in waves, braided, or even put up in a low bun.
This style is incredibly versatile and works with almost any hair type or length. Add small flowers, beads, or metallic wire woven through the twists for extra festival flair. It’s comfortable enough to wear all day and looks beautiful from every angle, making it perfect for those 360-degree Instagram shots.
8. Rainbow Underlights
Hidden rainbow colors that peek through when you move your hair or put it up – this trend is pure magic and perfect for festival season. The underlights technique involves coloring the underneath layers of your hair while leaving the top layer your natural color, creating this gorgeous surprise element that reveals itself as you dance and move.
Choose colors that complement each other or go full rainbow for maximum impact. Pastels work beautifully for a subtle approach, while bright, saturated colors make a bold statement that’s impossible to ignore. The beauty of this technique is that it’s somewhat hidden, so it won’t interfere with your everyday life after the festival.
Style your hair in loose waves or beachy texture to show off the colors subtly throughout the day. When you put your hair up in a messy bun or high ponytail, the hidden colors become the star of the show. It’s like having multiple hairstyles in one, and it photographs incredibly well in different lighting conditions.
9. Celestial Star Braids
Channel the desert night sky with this ethereal braid pattern that incorporates metallic thread or thin wire to create constellation-like patterns throughout your hair. This style is pure artistry and transforms your hair into a living piece of celestial art that moves and shimmers as you dance.
Create multiple small braids throughout your hair in seemingly random patterns – some tight, some loose, some long, some short. The key is making it look organic and natural, like constellations scattered across the night sky. Weave metallic thread, thin wire, or even LED string lights through the braids to create that starlike twinkle effect.
This look requires some planning and possibly a friend to help with the back sections, but the result is absolutely stunning. It works particularly well with darker hair colors, as the metallic elements really pop against the contrast. The braids help keep your hair controlled in the desert wind while creating this gorgeous textural interest that’s impossible to ignore.
10. Vintage Victory Rolls
Bring back the glamour of the 1940s with modern victory rolls that have been updated for festival life. This classic style gets a contemporary twist with added texture, color, and accessories that make it feel current and fresh rather than costume-like.
Create the signature victory roll shape on both sides of your head, but make them slightly messier and more textured than the original vintage versions. Use texturizing spray and your fingers rather than a brush to create that lived-in, effortless feel that works so well for festivals. The key is making them look polished but not too perfect.
Add modern elements like metallic hair clips, temporary color, or even small LED lights woven through the rolls for nighttime sets. This style works beautifully with vintage-inspired festival outfits but also creates gorgeous contrast with more modern or edgy looks. It’s surprisingly practical too – keeps hair off your face and neck while making a serious style statement.
11. Warrior Princess Cornrows
Embrace your inner warrior with intricate cornrow patterns that are both practical and absolutely stunning. This protective style keeps your hair secure and controlled while creating gorgeous geometric patterns that look like wearable art across your scalp.
Work with a skilled braider to create unique patterns – maybe zigzags, spirals, or even geometric shapes that complement your face shape and personal style. The beauty of cornrows is their versatility; you can go for subtle, close-to-the-scalp braids or add extensions for length and volume that moves beautifully as you dance.
Incorporate colored thread, beads, or small charms throughout the braids for extra festival flair. Gold thread looks particularly stunning and catches the light beautifully, while colored beads add playful movement and sound as you move. This style can last through multiple days of festival activities, making it perfect for those marathon weekend events.
12. Messy Top Knot with Face-Framing Braids
Sometimes the most effortless-looking styles require the most technique, and this perfectly imperfect top knot is no exception. The secret is in the details – small braids that frame your face and a knot that looks casually thrown together but actually has serious staying power.
Create two or three small braids starting from your temples and working back toward your ears. These face-framing braids add interest and keep shorter pieces from falling into your eyes throughout the day. Gather the rest of your hair into a high ponytail, then twist and wrap it into a messy bun that looks effortlessly undone.
The key to this style is embracing the imperfection – let pieces fall naturally, don’t worry if it’s not perfectly symmetrical, and allow your hair’s natural texture to shine through. Add some texturizing spray for grip and movement, and maybe a few bobby pins in a metallic finish that complement your accessories.
13. Desert Rose Twisted Updo
This romantic updo combines multiple twisted sections that come together to create a rose-like pattern at the back of your head. It’s intricate enough to photograph beautifully but structured enough to survive hours of dancing in the desert heat.
Start by creating multiple twisted sections throughout your hair, varying the thickness and direction of each twist. Gradually work these twists toward the back of your head, pinning each one as you go to create a layered, dimensional effect that resembles the petals of a blooming rose.
Leave some face-framing pieces loose and slightly curled for softness, and don’t be afraid to pull a few wisps loose throughout the day – they’ll just add to the romantic, lived-in feel of the style. This updo works beautifully with statement earrings and looks gorgeous from every angle, making it perfect for those festival photos you’ll treasure forever.
Conclusion
Festival season is your chance to experiment with hairstyles you might never try in everyday life, and Coachella provides the perfect backdrop for creative expression. These thirteen styles range from subtle and romantic to bold and edgy, ensuring there’s something for every personality and comfort level. The key to great festival hair isn’t perfection – it’s about choosing a style that makes you feel confident and authentic while being practical enough to survive the demands of outdoor concerts and desert conditions.
