21 Bohemian Hairstyles for Music Festivals and Outdoor Events

Outdoor music festivals require hair that looks great all day. You want styles that stay put while you dance. I have styled hair for countless festival goers. Sweat and wind ruin standard blowouts within hours. You need reliable options that look effortlessly beautiful. Bohemian hair offers the perfect mix of function and style. These styles hold up perfectly from morning to midnight. You can recreate these looks at home easily. I will walk you through my favorite looks.

Wash your hair the night before
Keep dry shampoo in your bag
Use clear plastic elastics for invisible holds
Pack extra bobby pins in your pocket

A blonde woman in a white dress holds up a clear hormonal contraceptive ring at an outdoor festival.

This guide covers 22 festival ready hair designs. You will get exact steps to recreate each look. I tested these styles in real outdoor conditions. They survive humidity, dancing, and high winds. We focus heavily on plaits braids and textured waves. You can expect styles ranging from simple twisted crowns to intricate layered designs. I spent five years styling hair for desert festivals. My clients always want low maintenance but highly photogenic hair. These choices reflect exactly what works in reality.

Table of Contents

1. The Classic Braided Crown

A woman with a braided headband wearing a white floral dress smiles at an outdoor concert venue.

This style keeps hair completely off your neck. I always use this for clients attending hot summer events. You start by parting the hair down the middle. Create two standard pigtails at the nape of your neck. Braid both sections tightly to the ends. Cross the right braid over the top of your head. Pin it securely behind your left ear. Repeat this step with the left braid. I rely on matte bobby pins for better grip. Regular pins slide out when you sweat. Spray the finished crown with strong hold hairspray. This creates a beautiful nature hairstyle perfect for fields. I have worn this look for three days straight at camping festivals. It never falls apart or looks messy. In my experience, second day hair holds this shape the best.

2. Messy Fishtail Side Braids

Side braided hairstyles offer a relaxed yet intentional look. I love how fishtail braids look better as they get messier. Sweep all your hair over one shoulder. Split the hair into two even sections. Take a tiny piece from the outside of the right section. Cross it over to the inside of the left section. Repeat this motion alternating sides until you reach the bottom. Tie the end with a clear elastic band. I pull gently on the sides of the braid. This makes the braid look much thicker. Hippie braids hairstyles rely on this textured finish. I once styled a bride for a woodland wedding using this exact technique. The photos looked incredible. You can easily do this in a tent without a mirror. Just feel the strands crossing over each other.

3. Glitter Roots and Space Buns

Close up of a woman with glittery hair and makeup laughing amidst a crowded nighttime music festival concert.

Space buns dominate outdoor music events every single year. Part your hair straight down the middle. Gather each side into a high ponytail on top. Twist each ponytail into a tight bun and pin it. I mix chunky cosmetic glitter with clear hair gel. Apply this mixture directly to your hair part using a tint brush. This look screams concert hair and makeup. I first tried this look in a dusty desert setting. The gel holds flyaway hairs perfectly in place. You avoid getting a sunburn on your scalp entirely. Washing it out takes patience and warm water. Do not try to brush the glitter out dry. You will pull out too much hair. The visual payoff makes the effort completely worthwhile.

4. Loose Waves with Micro Plaits

Portrait of a blonde woman with braided hair accents standing on a trail during a scenic mountain sunset.

Sometimes you want to leave your hair mostly down. Aesthetic long hairstyles fit perfectly into outdoor settings. I create loose waves using a large barrel curling iron. Spray texturizing spray all over the waves. Take tiny sections of hair near your face. Braid these small sections into tight micro braids. Tie the tiny plaits braids with clear elastics. I randomly scatter about six micro braids throughout the hair. This gives a subtle nod to bohemian culture. I find this style works great on thick natural hair. The natural oils help the waves hold their shape outdoors. It takes barely ten minutes to complete. You look ready for front row photos instantly.

5. The Floral Wrapped Ponytail

Back view of a woman wearing a low ponytail wrapped in natural vines and small pink and white flowers.

A plain ponytail feels too basic for an outdoor event. You can easily make it better using faux flowers. Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the base. Secure it with a strong hair tie. I buy thin floral wire vines from craft stores. Wrap the floral vine tightly down the length of the ponytail. Tie the wire off at the bottom. This turns a boring style into a striking nature hairstyle. I tested this on a windy day last spring. The wire keeps the hair completely contained. You get the romantic look of loose hair without the tangles. In my experience, this works best on unwashed hair for extra grip.

6. Double Dutch Pigtails

Blonde woman with braided hair wearing a tan fringe jacket and blue jeans in a sunny meadow.

Dutch braids look like they sit on top of your head. You part the hair down the center into two halves. Take a small section at the front right hairline. Split it into three smaller strands. Cross the outer strands under the middle strand. Pick up extra hair as you move down the head. This keeps the braid anchored to the scalp. Repeat the same steps on the left side. I see these hippie braids hairstyles everywhere right now. They keep your hair completely out of your face. I have worn this style while camping in the desert. My hair stayed entirely tangle free for two straight days. It gives you perfect peace of mind while traveling.

7. Fairy Tinsel Extensions

Portrait of a smiling woman with sparkly hair tinsel and floral braids standing in a green woodland.

Fairy inspired hair requires a touch of magic. Hair tinsel provides that perfect sparkling touch. You do not need professional tools for this. Buy a pack of heat resistant hair tinsel online. Tie single tinsel strands to single strands of your hair. Use a simple slip knot close to the root. I usually apply twenty strands framing the face. The tinsel catches the sunlight beautifully outdoors. You can wash and brush your hair normally. I applied tinsel to my own hair last month. It stayed securely attached for six weeks. This gives you maximum visual appeal with zero daily effort. Just be gentle when brushing near your roots.

8. The Boho Bubble Braid

Back view of a woman with a long bubble ponytail standing in a grassy field during a golden hour sunset.

Bubble braids offer the look of a braid without any weaving. You only need a pack of clear elastic bands. Tie your hair into a high ponytail. Place another elastic two inches below the first one. Pull the hair between the elastics outward to create a bubble. Repeat this spacing all the way down the ponytail. I gently tease the hair inside each bubble for volume. This creates a thick and dramatic silhouette. Any hair with braid elements requires some texture. I spray dry shampoo before starting. The powder stops the clear elastics from sliding down smooth hair. I wear this when I want massive volume instantly.

9. Avant Garde Colored Updos

Close up of a smiling woman with tall pink braided hair and facial makeup dancing at a nighttime concert with lasers.

Sometimes you want a wild and theatrical look. Hunger Games Capitol hairstyles offer massive inspiration here. Use temporary colored hair spray for a bold base. Tease your hair at the crown for extreme height. Twist sections upward and pin them aggressively in place. Leave random spikes of hair sticking out. I once created this for a neon themed outdoor rave. The client wanted something completely out of the ordinary. We used bright pink spray and geometric hair clips. Strong hold gel keeps the gravity defying shapes frozen. The style washes out instantly in the shower. You get a bold look without any permanent dye damage.

10. Half Up Twisted Halo

Back view of a woman in a linen dress standing by a wooden fence in a summer meadow.

This provides a very romantic and soft aesthetic. Take a two inch section of hair from your right temple. Twist it tightly away from your face. Pin it temporarily at the back of your head. Repeat the exact twist on your left side. Tie both twisted pieces together with a small elastic. Remove the temporary bobby pins. I wrap a tiny piece of hair around the elastic. This hides the band and looks much cleaner. Aesthetic long hairstyles benefit from this simple structure. I used this on my sister for a backyard party. Her hair stayed beautifully styled all afternoon. It frames the face gently while keeping hair out of your eyes.

11. Scarf Woven Plaits

Putting fabric directly into your hair creates instant texture. Fold a silk scarf into a long thin strip. Tie your hair into a low ponytail. Tie the center of the scarf around the ponytail base. Split your hair into two sections. The two ends of the scarf act as the third section. Braid all three pieces together into a traditional braid. Secure the bottom with a clear elastic. I absolutely love these plaits braids for summer. The fabric makes your hair look three times thicker. I wore a vintage red scarf this way last week. People stopped me repeatedly to ask about my hair. You can match the scarf perfectly to your outfit.

12. Cascading Waterfall Braid

Back view of a woman with long wavy braided hair wearing a sage green dress holding a fern and white wildflowers.

This style leaves most of your hair flowing freely. The braid acts as a delicate crown across the back. Take a section near your part and split it into three. Start a regular French braid crossing pieces over the middle. Drop the bottom piece of the braid completely. Pick up a new piece of hair right next to it. Incorporate this new piece into the braid instead. Continue this pattern around your head. This creates a gorgeous nature hairstyle. I practiced this heavily on a mannequin head first. The dropping motion takes a little muscle memory to master. Once you get the rhythm, it feels incredibly easy.

13. Neon Thread Wrapped Strands

Embroidery thread turns plain hair into art. Take a very small section of hair near your ear. Braid it tightly to the very end. Tie a piece of bright embroidery thread to the top. Wrap the thread tightly around the entire braid. You hide the hair completely under the thread. Tie the thread in a tight knot at the bottom. Hippie braids hairstyles rely on these colorful accents. I wrapped five sections of my hair in neon pink. The color stayed vibrant despite rain and humidity. You just cut the bottom knot when you want it out. It gives a beautifully customized look for very little money.

14. Messy Top Knot with Fringe

A smiling young woman with a messy bun hairstyle wearing a graphic t-shirt at a crowded outdoor summer music festival.

You need your hair completely off your neck sometimes. Flip your head upside down. Brush all your hair to the very top of your crown. Tie it into a messy looped bun. Pull out several pieces of hair around your hairline. Use a curling iron to wave these face framing pieces. I spray dry texturizing spray directly into the bun. This gives the bun a matte and gritty finish. Any concert hair and makeup look needs to handle sweat. This high bun survives the hottest summer days perfectly. I rely on this when the temperature rises past ninety degrees. Your neck stays cool all day long.

15. The Faux Hawk Braid

Portrait of a woman wearing a black leather vest and a thick, long braided mohawk style, standing in a park.

This gives an edgy look without shaving your head. Section off the top middle portion of your hair. Clip the side sections out of the way for now. Create a chunky Dutch braid right down the center. Pull the loops of the braid outward to create massive volume. Smooth the side sections of hair tightly back. Pin them securely under the center braid. This mimics the aggressive shape of Hunger Games Capitol hairstyles. I styled a local musician with this exact look. She performed vigorously on stage for two hours. The faux hawk barely moved an inch. It feels fiercely powerful to wear.

16. Loose Rope Twist

A rope braid looks complex but requires only two strands. Put your hair in a high ponytail. Split the ponytail into two equal halves. Twist both halves tightly to the right. Cross the right section tightly over the left section. Keep twisting right and crossing left until the end. Secure it firmly with an elastic. Any hair with braid styles needs tight tension. The opposing twists lock the strands together automatically. I wear this when I go running outdoors. It never tangles or unravels like a standard three strand braid does. It takes less than two minutes to finish.

17. Baby Breath Woven Updo

Real flowers give a romantic and ethereal touch immediately. Gather your hair into a loose and messy low bun. Buy fresh baby breath from a local florist. Cut the stems into tiny two inch pieces. Slide the stems directly into the folds of the bun. The coarse texture of the bun holds the delicate stems perfectly. This creates an unforgettable fairy inspired hair moment. I styled this for an outdoor twilight gathering. The tiny white flowers looked like little stars. Baby breath dries beautifully without wilting or turning brown. It costs almost nothing but looks incredibly expensive.

18. The Undercut Illusion Braid

Close-up of a happy woman with side-braided hair holding a drink at a sunny festival event.

You can fake a shaved side easily. Part your hair heavily to one side. Take the hair on the side with less volume. Create three extremely tight cornrows right against the scalp. Braid them back behind your ear and pin them flat. Fluff the rest of your hair over to the opposite side. Plaits braids like this change your face shape entirely. I have used this trick on clients wanting a temporary edge. You get the rebel aesthetic without any permanent commitment. The tight braids stay intact through hours of dancing. It feels surprisingly lightweight on your head.

19. Four Strand Flat Braid

Back view of a woman wearing a sophisticated, intricate multi-strand braid hairstyle.

A four strand braid looks wider and flatter than a normal braid. Divide your hair into four equal sections. Mentally number them one through four from left to right. Cross strand one over strand two. Cross strand three over strand four. Now cross the new strand two over the new strand three. Repeat this pattern down the length of your hair. Aesthetic long hairstyles shine when you use wide braids. I found this tricky to master at first. My fingers got confused keeping the strands separate. Practice makes the pattern feel completely natural eventually. The wide shape photographs beautifully in natural light.

20. Zig Zag Part with Space Buns

Young woman with glittery makeup and space buns posing at a crowded outdoor summer music concert.

A creative hair part changes a simple style entirely. Use a metal rat tail comb for sharp lines. Draw a zig zag line down the center of your scalp. Gather the hair on each side into high buns. The geometric part stands out boldly. This fits right in with bold concert hair and makeup. I apply a little clear gel to the part line. The gel keeps the jagged edges crisp and defined. I saw this everywhere at a recent music event. It gives a playful and retro element to standard buns. You instantly stand out in a massive crowd.

21. The Corset Laced Braid

Close up rear view of a woman with two french braids connected by a crisscross black velvet ribbon and bow.

This style requires thin ribbon and two parallel braids. Create two standard braids down the back of your head. Leave about two inches of space between them. Take a long piece of colored ribbon. Lace the ribbon back and forth between the two braids. You weave it exactly like lacing a shoe. Tie a bow at the very bottom. Hippie braids hairstyles thrive on these creative touches. I used velvet ribbon for a client last autumn. The texture contrast between hair and velvet looks stunning. It takes patience but the final visual drops jaws.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my braids from falling apart?

I always prep the hair with texturizing spray first. Clean hair slips out of braids immediately. The spray gives the hair a gritty texture that holds tight.

Which hair ties work best for outdoor events?

Clear polyurethane elastics hold much better than fabric scrunchies. They grip the hair tightly. I buy them in bulk from beauty supply stores.

Can I sleep in these bohemian hairstyles?

You can easily sleep in tight Dutch or French braids. Loose styles will get ruined on a pillow. I wrap my hair in a silk scarf if I sleep in a style.

How do I wash out heavy glitter gel?

Do not try to brush the glitter out dry. Run hot water over your hair in the shower for five minutes. The warm water melts the gel away safely.

What should I do if my scalp gets sunburned?

I always apply a powder sunscreen directly to my hair part. Liquid sunscreen makes the hair greasy. The powder protects your skin without ruining your style.

Are hair extensions heavy for festivals?

Clip in extensions feel very heavy after eight hours of dancing. I prefer using lightweight tinsel or colorful thread instead. You barely feel them attached to your hair.

Do I need professional tools to create these looks?

You only need a comb, clear elastics, and bobby pins for most looks. I rarely use heat styling tools at outdoor events. Your natural texture works perfectly.

How do I fix frizzy hair in high humidity?

I carry a tiny bottle of smoothing serum in my bag. I rub a single drop between my palms. Lightly pat it over the frizzy areas to tame them.

Should I wash my hair right before styling?

Second day hair holds styles much better than freshly washed hair. Natural oils give your hair better grip. Wash your hair the day before your event.

Can short hair wear bohemian styles?

Short hair works beautifully with micro braids and twisted crowns. You just need to take smaller sections of hair. Use smaller bobby pins to pin the ends.

How do I hide bobby pins in fine hair?

I buy bobby pins that match my exact hair color perfectly. Insert the pin with the wavy side facing down against your scalp. This gives the best grip.

What is the best way to take off hair tinsel?

Find the tiny slip knot at the root of the hair. Pinch the knot firmly between your fingernails. Slide it gently down the hair shaft until it comes off.

Final Thoughts

Five women seen from behind walking on a dirt path toward a sunlit outdoor concert stage.

Your festival experience gets much better when you stop worrying about your hair. These 22 styles give you peace of mind and amazing photos. I have worn every single one of these looks outdoors. They hold up against wind, sweat, and endless dancing. Grab some clear elastics and start practicing in front of your mirror. You will quickly find a style that feels completely natural to you. Please share your favorite looks in the comments below. What style will you try for your next outdoor event?

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell — Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Sarah Mitchell is the founder and editorial voice behind Hair Level Up. A licensed cosmetologist with more than 15 years of experience, she has styled A-list celebrities for editorial shoots and red carpets, with work featured in Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. Early in her career, she trained under the legendary hairstylist Oribe in New York, an apprenticeship that still shapes her editorial eye today. Sarah founded Hair Level Up in 2020 after one bad haircut convinced her that women deserved a destination that felt like a magazine, taught like a stylist, and inspired like an art gallery. She oversees every story from concept to publication, guided by a simple belief: a good story teaches you something, but a great one makes you feel beautiful while it does.