Festival season is upon us, and nothing says Coachella like stunning, eye-catching hairstyles that perfectly complement the desert vibes and boho fashion. We’ve rounded up the most Instagram-worthy hair looks that’ll have you standing out in the crowd—from ethereal braids adorned with flowers to vibrant temporary colors that capture the free-spirited essence of the festival.
10 Trending Coachella Hairstyles to Rock This Festival Season
1. Boho Braided Crown
Boho braided crowns capture the essence of Coachella’s free-spirited atmosphere. Start by creating two Dutch braids on either side of your head, then wrap them around to form a crown. Add small wildflowers or tiny butterfly clips throughout for that ethereal desert princess vibe. This style works exceptionally well for multi-day festivals since it keeps your hair secure while still looking intentionally messy as days pass.
2. Festival Space Buns
Space buns remain a festival staple that perfectly balances playfulness with practicality. Divide your hair into two high ponytails, twist each until it coils around itself, then secure with pins and plenty of hairspray. Elevate this look by adding glitter roots, colorful extensions, or leaving face-framing tendrils loose for a softer effect. Their versatility makes them ideal for dancing from sunrise to sunset.
3. Bedazzled Hair Parting
Bedazzled hair partings offer a quick yet eye-catching festival statement. Create a clean center or side part, then apply hair gel along the part to help adhesives stick. Carefully place rhinestones, temporary metallic tattoos, or biodegradable glitter along your part line. This style requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact, especially when the desert sun hits those sparkly elements.
4. Desert Waves with Accessories
Desert waves embody the carefree Coachella aesthetic while working with your hair’s natural texture. Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch while air-drying for effortless waves. Layer on stacked hair clips, slide in decorative bobby pins, or add a statement headband. This adaptable style transitions seamlessly from daytime performances to nighttime events without needing touch-ups.
5. Half-Up Twisted Knots
Half-up twisted knots provide the perfect balance between wearing your hair down while keeping it off your face during hot festival days. Take two sections from above your ears, twist them away from your face, and secure them at the back of your crown. Enhance this style with colorful silk scarves woven through the twists or delicate flower pins scattered throughout the loose sections.
6. Neon-Tipped Ends
Neon-tipped ends create dramatic dimension without committing to full-head color. Apply temporary color spray, chalk, or clip-in extensions in vibrant hues like electric blue, hot pink, or ultraviolet to just the bottom inch of your hair. This pop of color catches attention with every head movement and photographs brilliantly against the desert backdrop and stage lights.
7. Sleek High Ponytail with Wraps
Sleek high ponytails offer a practical yet fashionable choice for surviving desert heat. Smooth hair back with a strong-hold gel, secure at your crown, then wrap a section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. Take this festival favorite to the next level by adding metallic wire, colorful thread, or leather cord wraps spiraling down the length of your ponytail.
8. Textured Pixie with Temporary Color
Textured pixies with temporary color make a bold statement while being incredibly low-maintenance. Apply a texturizing paste for piece-y definition, then use colored hairspray to create an ombré effect or targeted color pops. Short-haired festival-goers can stand out with this edgy look that requires minimal styling throughout the weekend.
9. Double Dutch Braids with Rings
Double Dutch braids adorned with hair rings combine bohemian style with modern edge. Create two tight reverse braids starting from your neckline and working upward. Slide small metallic rings or cuffs onto sections of the braid as you go. This protective style keeps your hair secure through dusty conditions while the metallic accents catch light during performances.
10. Mermaid Waves with Root Glitter
Mermaid waves topped with glitter roots create the ultimate festival fantasy hair. Use a triple-barrel waver to create defined, crimped waves throughout your hair. Apply hair gel to your roots, then press biodegradable glitter in shades of teal, purple, and silver for a magical effect. This statement style embodies the escapism and artistic expression that Coachella celebrates.
Bohemian Braids and Plaits for Desert Vibes
Festival hairstyles featuring bohemian braids and plaits perfectly capture Coachella’s free-spirited essence while offering practical answers for long days in the desert heat. These versatile styles combine beauty and functionality, allowing you to dance from sunrise to sunset without worrying about your hair.
Dutch Braids with Colorful Threads
Dutch braids are trending at Coachella 2025, offering a stunning textured appearance that stands out in festival crowds. Unlike traditional braids, Dutch braids involve crossing hair strands under instead of over, creating a raised, three-dimensional effect that photographs beautifully for your social feeds. We recommend incorporating vibrant colored threads throughout your braids to add personalized pops of color that complement your festival outfit. Many festival-goers are improving this look with sparkling glitter applied to the roots, creating a magical dimension that catches the light during both daytime performances and evening shows. This style works exceptionally well for multi-day festivals since it keeps hair secure and manageable while maintaining its impressive appearance.
Fishtail Braids with Floral Accessories
Fishtail braids elevate your festival look with their intricate, woven appearance that creates the perfect canvas for botanical embellishments. Weaving tiny flower charms or fresh blooms into your fishtail braid transforms an already beautiful hairstyle into a whimsical, fairytale-inspired creation that embodies Coachella’s artistic spirit. Your fishtail can be further customized with decorative elements like hair rings, mini hair cuffs, or pastel-colored hair ties strategically placed throughout the braid. These accessories not only add visual interest but also help secure your style against desert winds and dancing. Festival attendees love this style for its romantic appearance that transitions beautifully from day to night while requiring minimal touch-ups throughout your Coachella experience.
Festival-Ready Space Buns and Top Knots
Space buns continue to reign supreme at Coachella, offering both style and practicality for long festival days. These iconic double buns provide the perfect canvas for creative expression while keeping hair out of your face during desert dance sessions.
Half-Up Space Buns with Glitter Roots
Half-up space buns create the ideal balance between playful and practical festival hair. This versatile style keeps some hair secured in cute twin buns on top while allowing the rest to flow freely, giving you the best of both worlds. Adding glitter roots transforms this look from casual to festival-ready in seconds. Simply apply hair-safe glitter near your part and around the base of each bun for an eye-catching sparkle that catches the sunlight throughout the day. Festival-goers particularly love this style because it maintains its shape even during vigorous dancing and works beautifully on various hair lengths and textures.
Double Bun Styles with Hair Rings
Double bun styles have evolved beyond basic space buns with the addition of trendy hair rings and mini cuffs. These metallic accessories not only secure your buns more effectively but also elevate the entire look with minimal effort. Placement options include wrapping rings around the base of each bun or incorporating them throughout the twisted sections for a more elaborate effect. Hair rings in gold, silver, or colorful metals complement the festival aesthetic perfectly while adding an edgy, personalized touch to your Coachella style. Many attendees pair this look with bubble braids or Dutch braids for added dimension, creating a show-stopping hairstyle that stands out in the crowd.
Effortless Beach Waves for Coachella Freedom
Beach waves remain a festival staple for good reason – they embody the carefree spirit of Coachella while offering versatility and minimal maintenance. This relaxed style perfectly complements the desert setting and keeps you looking fresh throughout long days of music and dancing.
Heat-Free Methods for Natural Waves
Creating gorgeous waves doesn’t require damaging heat tools when you’re heading to Coachella. Try braiding slightly damp hair before bed, using either traditional three-strand braids or loose Dutch braids for different wave patterns. Twisting sections of hair while damp and securing them with pins or soft hair ties creates beautiful, natural-looking waves by morning. Overnight rod sets offer another excellent heat-free alternative, allowing you to wake up festival-ready without stressing your strands. These methods not only protect your hair from desert heat but also save valuable time in your festival morning routine. Remember to apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner before styling to lock in moisture and enhance definition in your waves.
Textured Waves with Temporary Color Spray
Transform your beach waves into a true Coachella statement by adding vibrant temporary color. Start by creating textured waves using sea salt spray or dry shampoo for added volume and grip. Apply bold temporary color sprays strategically throughout your waves for an eye-catching festival look that washes out easily. Popular color choices include electric blues, vibrant pinks, and sunset oranges that perfectly capture the Coachella vibe. Focus color application on mid-lengths and ends for a graduated effect, or create color-blocked sections for more dramatic impact. Temporary color sprays work especially well on lighter hair, but newer formulations offer vibrant results even on darker strands. Seal your colored waves with a light-hold hairspray to maintain both the texture and color throughout your festival adventures.
Flower Crown-Compatible Hairstyles
Looking to rock a flower crown at Coachella? These hairstyles create the perfect foundation for this festival staple, offering both style and stability for your floral headpiece.
Loose Boho Waves with Crown Placement
Loose boho waves provide the ideal backdrop for flower crowns, creating an effortless, natural look that embodies the free-spirited Coachella vibe. Creating this festival-ready style requires just a curling iron or wand to form soft, flowing curls throughout your hair. After letting the curls cool completely, gently brush through them to achieve that relaxed, wavy texture that pairs so beautifully with floral accessories. This hairstyle works perfectly with flower crowns because it offers a casual, textured base that helps secure the crown while maintaining that coveted bohemian aesthetic.
Sleek Half-Up Styles for Flower Crown Pairing
Half-up styles offer versatility and practicality when wearing flower crowns, allowing the floral piece to take center stage while keeping your hair manageable in the desert heat. For this look, simply pull the top section of your hair up into a ponytail, bun, or braided style while leaving the bottom portion loose for dimension. Adding a smoothing hair serum helps eliminate frizz and creates a more polished finish before securing the style with hair ties or pins. This balanced approach keeps your flower crown securely in place throughout the day while still showcasing your beautiful locks.
Classic Space Buns
Space buns create a whimsical foundation for flower crowns, adding playful height and structure that complements floral accessories perfectly. Making this style involves creating two symmetrical buns positioned high on either side of your head, secured firmly with hair ties and bobby pins. Flower crowns rest beautifully around or between the buns, creating a fairy-like aesthetic that stands out in festival crowds. The structured nature of space buns also provides excellent staying power, ensuring your crown remains perfectly positioned throughout dancing and desert adventures.
Dutch Braids
Dutch braids deliver both sophistication and functionality when paired with flower crowns, keeping hair neat and off your face during long festival days. These inside-out braids create a raised, three-dimensional effect that forms an attractive base for positioning your floral accessory. Adding glitter roots between the braids elevates this style even further, introducing sparkle that catches the sunlight while complementing the natural elements of your flower crown. The secure nature of Dutch braids ensures your flower crown stays perfectly positioned, allowing you to focus on enjoying the music rather than adjusting your hair.
Glitter and Jewel-Adorned Coachella Looks
Coachella 2025 is all about making your hair sparkle and shine with eye-catching adornments that capture the festival’s magical essence. These glittery styles not only stand out in the desert sun but also look amazing in photos, making them perfect for the ultimate festival experience.
Glitter Roots and Partings
Glitter roots have emerged as one of the hottest trends for Coachella 2025, offering a simple yet stunning way to elevate any hairstyle. Festival-goers are embracing this sparkly technique by adding dazzling glitter directly to their roots and partings, creating a dramatic effect that catches light throughout the day. Dutch braids particularly benefit from this embellishment, with the addition of sparkling glitter at the roots providing both shine and dimension that perfectly complements the festival atmosphere. Many attendees opt for biodegradable glitter options in vibrant colors that coordinate with their overall look, applying it with clear hair gel for maximum staying power. This technique works beautifully with various hairstyles, from sleek ponytails to beach waves, instantly transforming them into statement looks without requiring extensive styling time.
Crystal and Gem Hair Accessories
The 2025 Coachella season showcases an array of crystal and gem accessories that take festival hair to new heights of creativity. Mini hair cuffs have become essential additions to styles like the Classic Space Buns, adding metallic accents that catch the desert sunlight. Glow-in-the-dark rings provide a magical touch that transitions perfectly from day to night festivities, wrapping around buns or braids for an otherworldly effect. Bubble braids gain fairytale qualities when adorned with tiny flower charms and colorful rubber bands, creating a whimsical look that embodies the festival’s playful spirit. Dutch braids receive extra dimension through the strategic placement of pastel hair ties and butterfly clips, adding playful touches that enhance the overall style. Festival attendees are mixing and matching these accessories to create personalized looks, often layering different elements for a maximalist approach that stands out in the Coachella crowd.
Protective Festival Styles for Natural Hair
Festival season doesn’t mean compromising hair health for style. These protective styles designed specifically for natural hair offer both protection from desert elements and stunning Coachella-worthy looks.
Box Braids with Beads and Cuffs
Box braids stand as one of the most versatile protective styles for festival season, combining practicality with eye-catching appeal. Adding metallic beads and decorative cuffs transforms traditional box braids into a festival-ready statement that perfectly captures Coachella’s artistic spirit. Festival attendees can customize their look by selecting beads in various materials including wood, plastic, or metal, coordinating colors with their outfits or the vibrant desert sunset palette. These accessories not only elevate the style visually but also provide additional security, keeping braids intact throughout long days of dancing and desert winds. Box braids with embellishments require minimal daily styling, making them an ideal choice for the entire festival weekend.
Bantu Knots with Colorful Accessories
Bantu knots deliver a bold, protective style that celebrates natural texture while creating a head-turning festival look. Creating this style involves sectioning hair into small parts then twisting and coiling into secure knots that protect ends from harsh desert conditions. Festival fashionistas can enhance their Bantu knots with vibrant accessories like neon hair ties, metallic clips, or even strategically placed glitter for extra dimension. This traditional style works exceptionally well for multiple hair lengths and textures, offering versatility for different Coachella looks throughout the weekend. Bantu knots provide excellent heat protection during sunny festival days while maintaining their striking appearance, allowing you to focus on enjoying performances rather than hair maintenance.
Dutch Braids with Glitter Roots
Dutch braids offer a protective foundation that keeps hair secure while creating a stunning three-dimensional effect perfect for festival photos. Applying biodegradable glitter to the roots adds instant festival flair to this practical style without compromising natural hair health. These raised braids provide excellent ventilation during hot desert days while keeping hair neatly contained for worry-free dancing. Festival-goers appreciate how this style remains intact through multiple days of Coachella activities, requiring minimal touch-ups between performances. Dutch braids with glitter roots combine the best aspects of protection and decoration, ensuring your hair remains a conversation starter throughout the entire festival experience.
Statement Ponytails for Dancing All Day
When it comes to festival-ready hairstyles that combine practicality with style, nothing beats a statement ponytail for dancing from sunrise to sunset at Coachella 2025. These elevated ponytails keep hair off your neck while creating a bold look that stands out in the desert crowd.
Bubble Ponytails with Ribbons
Bubble ponytails with ribbons are trending strong at Coachella 2025, offering a structured yet playful option for festival-goers. This eye-catching style involves sectioning your hair into small segments and securing each section with rubber bands or colorful ribbons to create a “bubble” effect throughout the length of your ponytail. Festival attendees are improving these looks with tiny flower charms and decorative elements that catch the light while dancing. The edgy yet feminine aesthetic works perfectly for long days in the sun, keeping hair secure while still making a fashion statement. Many Coachella enthusiasts appreciate how this versatile style stays intact through hours of dancing and can be adapted for different hair lengths and textures.
High Ponytails with Wrapped Extensions
High ponytails with wrapped extensions have become a standout trend at Coachella 2025, offering both volume and polish for the ultimate festival look. This style elevates the classic high ponytail by incorporating hair extensions wrapped around the base, creating a seamless finish that looks effortlessly glamorous. Festival fashion leaders are adding pops of color with vivid hair glitter and colored extensions strategically placed throughout the ponytail. The additional styling elements transform a simple updo into a statement piece that photographs beautifully against the iconic Coachella backdrop. Hair streaks in bold colors provide another dimension to this look, allowing for personalized expression that captures the futuristic flair and nostalgic elements defining this year’s festival fashion. Many attendees favor this style for its ability to stay secure during hours of dancing while still delivering maximum impact.
Temporary Color Transformations for Coachella
Temporary hair color transformations have become a staple at Coachella, allowing festival-goers to express themselves with vibrant hues without long-term commitment. These non-permanent options let you experiment with bold colors that perfectly complement your festival outfits and overall vibe.
Pastel Spray-In Colors for Festival Days
Pastel spray-in colors rank among the most popular temporary hair transformation methods for Coachella attendees. These wash-out formulas provide instant color that won’t damage your hair and can be easily removed after the festival ends. Festival-goers love these sprays because they can be applied directly to the hair to achieve a range of soft, dreamy pastel hues from lavender to mint green. Applying these sprays is incredibly straightforward—just shake the can, spray evenly on dry hair, and allow it to set before heading out to enjoy the music. Many brands now offer specialized festival formulations that resist sweat and light moisture, ensuring your color stays vibrant throughout the day’s performances.
Clip-In Colored Extensions and Highlights
Clip-in colored extensions and highlights offer another fantastic way to transform your Coachella look without permanent commitment. These versatile accessories come in various neon and pastel tones that instantly add dramatic pops of color to your existing hairstyle. Festival attendees often use colored clip-ins to create striking ombré effects or add highlights that frame the face for a complete transformation. Securing these extensions is remarkably easy—simply clip them into your natural hair wherever you want the color to appear. Many festival-goers combine multiple colored extensions with their natural hair for a multi-dimensional effect that catches the light during day performances and glows under festival lighting at night. The best part about these clip-ins is their versatility, allowing you to change your look from day to day throughout the festival weekend.
Low-Maintenance Styles That Last All Weekend
Festival weekends demand hairstyles that can withstand dancing, heat, and minimal maintenance opportunities. These Coachella-approved styles will keep you looking fresh from Friday through Sunday without requiring constant touch-ups.
Dutch Braids
Dutch braids serve as the ultimate festival hairstyle workhorse, offering both protection and style longevity. These inside-out braids create a raised, three-dimensional effect that stands out in a crowd while keeping your hair securely in place. Adding sparkling glitter to your roots instantly elevates this practical style to festival-worthy status. We love that Dutch braids require minimal adjustment throughout the weekend, letting you focus on enjoying the music rather than fixing your hair.
Bubble Braids
Bubble braids deliver edgy structure while maintaining all-weekend wearability. This eye-catching style works particularly well for those with long hair, creating visual interest through strategically placed elastic bands that form “bubbles” along the length of your ponytail. Festival-goers can personalize bubble braids with colorful rubber bands, tiny flower charms, or decorative pins to refresh the look each day. The structured nature of this style helps it maintain integrity even after sleeping in festival tents or dancing until dawn.
Classic Space Buns
Space buns remain an iconic Coachella choice, balancing playfulness with serious staying power. This fun and flirty style keeps hair off your neck while creating a distinctive silhouette that perfectly complements festival attire. Enhance your space buns with vibrant hair glitter, colored extensions, or even glow-in-the-dark hair rings for nighttime performances. Mini hair cuffs placed strategically around the buns add metallic accents that catch the desert sunlight, ensuring your style stands out in festival photos all weekend long.
Bandana and Headscarf Styling Options
Headscarves offer tremendous versatility while minimizing styling time during your festival weekend. Tie them as headbands, turbans, or around ponytails to instantly refresh your look without heat styling. Festival attendees appreciate how headscarves keep hair off the face during hot desert days while adding a pop of color or pattern to their overall aesthetic.
Bandanas function as both practical accessories and style statements at Coachella. Folding a bandana into a classic headband creates a retro-inspired look, while incorporating it into braids adds textural interest. These affordable accessories can be swapped out daily to coordinate with different festival outfits, making them a smart packing choice for style-conscious attendees who want to travel light.
Heat-Free Overnight Setting Techniques
Braiding damp hair before bed creates beautiful waves without damaging heat tools. This overnight technique works perfectly in the festival environment, where electrical outlets for styling tools may be limited. Multiple braids produce tighter waves, while fewer braids create looser, beachier textures that capture Coachella’s relaxed vibe.
Twists and buns serve as effective overnight styling methods that require minimal effort. Coiling slightly damp hair into loose buns or twists before sleep creates natural-looking texture by morning. These techniques help manage your hair throughout the festival weekend, eliminating the need for heat styling while maintaining a fresh, effortlessly cool appearance that perfectly complements the free-spirited Coachella atmosphere.
How to Protect Your Coachella Hairstyle in the Desert Climate
Coachella hairstyles aren’t just about looking amazing—they need to withstand the desert elements too. We recommend using a lightweight UV protection spray to shield your locks from sun damage while maintaining your festival style.
Don’t forget to pack a travel-sized dry shampoo and a mini hairspray for quick touch-ups between sets. For those rocking temporary color or glitter styles a bandana or wide-brimmed hat can provide extra protection during the hottest part of the day.
Whether you’re flaunting space buns decorated with flowers or sporting vibrant temporary colors your Coachella hairstyle is the perfect opportunity to express yourself. The right festival hair isn’t just Instagram-worthy—it’s your ticket to feeling confident while dancing from sunrise to sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top trending hairstyles for Coachella?
The top trending Coachella hairstyles include Boho Braided Crown with wildflower accents, Festival Space Buns, Bedazzled Hair Parting, Desert Waves with Accessories, Half-Up Twisted Knots, Neon-Tipped Ends, Sleek High Ponytails with Wraps, Textured Pixies with Temporary Color, Double Dutch Braids with Rings, and Mermaid Waves with Root Glitter. These styles combine practicality with festival-worthy aesthetics.
How can I create beach waves without heat damage?
Create beach waves without heat by braiding damp hair before bed or using overnight rod sets. These methods not only protect your hair from damage but also save valuable time during the festival. For added flair, enhance your waves with temporary color sprays in bold hues like electric blues or sunset oranges for a dramatic effect that lasts throughout your Coachella experience.
What hairstyles work best with flower crowns?
The best flower crown-compatible hairstyles include Loose Boho Waves for a relaxed backdrop, Sleek Half-Up styles for versatility, Classic Space Buns for whimsical height and structure, and Dutch Braids for sophistication and functionality. These styles provide stability for the crown while maintaining aesthetic appeal, ensuring your flower crown stays perfectly positioned throughout the festival.
Are there protective styles for natural hair at festivals?
Yes! Protective festival styles for natural hair include Box Braids with Beads and Cuffs for customizable flair, Bantu Knots for bold texture celebration, and Dutch Braids with Glitter Roots for ventilation and security. These styles protect your hair from heat, dust, and excessive manipulation while still looking festival-ready and celebrating natural textures.
How can I incorporate glitter into my festival hairstyle?
Incorporate glitter into your festival hairstyle by applying biodegradable glitter to hair roots, especially with Dutch braids for maximum impact. Add crystal and gem accessories like mini hair cuffs and glow-in-the-dark rings to styles such as Space Buns and bubble braids. These sparkly embellishments enhance visual appeal and capture Coachella’s magical essence in both sunlight and photos.
What ponytail styles are best for dancing at Coachella?
The best ponytails for dancing include Bubble Ponytails with Ribbons, featuring a playful “bubble” effect adorned with flower charms, and High Ponytails with Wrapped Extensions that offer volume and polish enhanced with hair glitter. These styles stay secure during long hours of dancing while making a bold fashion statement that captures the festival spirit.
How can I change my hair color temporarily for the festival?
Change your hair color temporarily with pastel spray-in colors for soft, dreamy hues that apply and remove easily. Clip-in colored extensions and highlights offer versatility for dramatic looks that can be changed throughout the weekend. These options allow for creative expression without long-term commitment, ensuring you can experiment with different colors while maintaining hair health.
What low-maintenance hairstyles will last the entire festival weekend?
Low-maintenance styles that last all weekend include Dutch Braids for protection and longevity, Bubble Braids for edgy structure, and Classic Space Buns for playful staying power. Incorporate bandanas and headscarves to refresh looks without heat styling. Use heat-free overnight setting techniques like braiding damp hair to maintain fresh textures throughout the festival without damaging your hair.
