Music Festival Hairstyles: A Chic Way to Wear Those Cat Ears

We’re nothing if not eager beavers (and with this latest snow flurry onslaught, can you blame us?), but we simply cannot wait for festival season. It’s never too early to plan out our outfits and figure out all the different music festival hairstyles will go with each look. However, of the myriad of “excessories” out there, one of our faves has got to be those cute little cat ears: They’re fun, flirty, easy to style around and, because, well, cats.

Music festival hairstyles have got to be both quirky and practical, which is another reason cat ear headbands are top of the list: They keep sweaty strands out of your face in hot weather while instantly injecting a dose of cute into any hair look. Read on for tips on the best way to rock this purr-fect accessory:

Music Festival Hairstyles: 2 Ways to Wear Cat Ears + Waves

1. Get wavy.

Polished waves are always a good idea, especially when you want to give some structure to a “cutesy” hair accessory. Achieve this look by curling your hair in sections around a 1 1/4″ iron, holding the barrel vertically for a more spirally look. If you’re looking for a subtler variation, you can curl hair horizontally (like backstage at NYFW) for a softer, more sophisticated feel.

2. Play with embellishments.

Want your look to be more pretty, less gritty? Switch up your embellishments. Music festival hairstyles usually go the boho route, with earthy details such as feathers, fringe and beadwork; flip the script and turn to runway-worthy pieces, such as pearls and gem-encrusted everything. (Ed’s tip: Metallic is in!) This ensures that your look is one of understated quirk—and gives it a more grown-up polish—than the rest of your pussycat posse!

Want more party hairstyle ideas? Check out these hot new NYFW looks that work on and off the runway.