22 Cool Festival Braids You’ll Want to Try in 2023
Want gorgeous festival braids that even boho babe Vanessa Hudgens would be proud of? Well, you’re in luck, because we’re here to help you get your hair ready for Bestival, Creamfields and Reading.
Ahead, we’re showing you 20 eye-catching festival braid hairstyles that are sure to make you feel on top of your mane game this festival season – and beyond.
The Most Stylish Festival Braids To Try This Summer
Half-Up Half-Down Dutch Braid
If you’re a fan of half-updos, this half-up Dutch braided look is a winner. Follow along with our Dutch braid how-to to nail the braids, then pair with glossy mermaid waves for the ultimate Instagrammable festival look.
Editor’s tip: Festival weather and sweating from dancing can put your hair under lots of stress. Apply some oil likeTRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil to keep your tresses shiny and healthy throughout!
Pull-Through Braid
If you’ve never tried a pull-through braid before, you probably think this style looks too hard to even attempt. But actually, it’s really quite simple and looks a lot more special than your average braid.
Double French Braids
These double French braids just scream festival. Made up of two French braids tied into ponytails, the retro stretchy headband and silver hair rings add that perfect summer party vibe.
Coloured Cornrows
Coloured hair is always a big hit come festival season – and with good reason. When better to go crazy and try out rainbow hair?
Plus, if the thought of dyeing your hair (even temporarily) is too scary, you can always create a faux ombre effect by braiding coloured extensions into cornrows like this festival-goer.
Glitter Braids
Not that great at braiding but still want to do something special? Glitter roots are one of, if not the biggest festival hair trends around.
Boho Braids
If you’re a boho girl at heart, you’ll love this: a half-up, half-down braided crown hairstyle, paired with Sienna Miller-worthy beach waves.
Braided Space Buns
Planning on spending the majority of your time dancing? Then you’ll seriously need to rock these braided, budge-proof space buns, complete with your favourite glitter.
Editor’s tip: To keep your festival braids in place, set them in place with some TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray. This will keep frizz at bay and keep your mane looking like a full-time masterpiece
Macaron Buns
Sounds delicious, right? Well, we reckon this cornrow braid/low bun hybrid makes for a pretty awesome festival hairstyle, too. And, this natural hairstyle is a serious case in point.
Four Strand Braid
Festival braids, like this four-strand braid, are perfect for those of you looking for a ‘do that offers maximum style impact with minimal effort.
Braided Ponytail
Ponytail-devotee? To give your pony a quick festival twist, try playing around by adding a few accent braids through the lengths like this beauty has done.
Editor’s tip: Once the festival is over and your braids undone, sometimes you’ll have to fight against frizz and knots. Go back to your wonderful tresses quickly with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo, specially designed to combat frizz and leave your tresses smooth and shiny.
Side Cornrow Braids
Want model-off-duty hair? Make like this festival babe and pair tousled waves with a simple side braid and flowers, for a look that Cara Delevingne would approve of.
Romantic Braid
If you want to embrace the bedhead look, but make your look a little more exciting, a great way to do so is with this floral, romantic plaited hairstyle. We see this look fitting in perfectly at Wilderness Festival with its woodland feel.
Unicorn Braid
Don’t have the patience for all-over braids? Or just want to be able to wear the rest of your hair down and curly? Then this centre parting braid (AKA unicorn braid) is a great quick option to covet. Plus, you can go matchy-matchy with your BFF like these festival gal pals have. Unicorn hair, don’t care!
Unicorn Box Braids
Guess what? You can rock the pink and purple tones of unicorns on natural hair, too. It’ll allow show off your lovely coils while also letting you tune into the festival braids trend.
Boxer Braids
Ideal for long or short hair, boxer braids are a firm summer favourite, often worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss. So if you do go for these festival braids, rest assured you’ll be in good company.
Half-Up Boxer Braids
Need a quick fix for greasy roots? If you’re camping and aren’t able to wash your hair, these half-up boxer braids will be your saving grace. Concealing the… ahem… ‘root’ of the problem but letting you wear the rest of your hair down, it’s a no-brainer.
Party-Hard Plaited Buns
If you’re always the last woman standing, your best bet is a cool and durable hairstyle. Meet the party-hard plaited buns. So-called because they look the part and they’ll keep going all day long.
Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle + Scarf
Want your festival braids to stand out from the crowd? Why not opt for a half-up, half-down scarf braid to see you through the festival season? It’s fresh, flirty and radiating with It-girl vibes.
Magical Milkmaid Braid
In our opinion, nothing says party-ready hair like a head full of different accessories!
That’s why we love how this classic milkmaid braid is given a festival upgrade with a headscarf and diamante jewels, how about you?
Hidden Braids
Here’s a simple way to spruce up your half-up, half-down hairstyle: weave some hidden plaits in them!
Double Fishtail Braids
Are you blessed with long, thick strands? Then you should definitely try this double fishtail hairstyle. It’s a bit more on the complicated side, but the result will be amazing. Bonus points: When you undo your braids you’ll have amazing waves to show off on the last day of the festival.
Colourful Box Braids
Nothing screams festival more than colour! Take your box braids up a notch with colourful dyes like purple, pink or neon if you’re feeling bold.
