Hair essentials: What to take to a music festival | ghd® Official
Breeze your way through the festival season and look gorgeous every step of the way with this essential guide to tent-proof, field-friendly festival hair – achievable without a power outlet in sight.
Whether you’re heading to to Lollapalooza or hitting the deserts for Burning Man, our guide will make sure you achieve that Instagram-worthy festival look every day of the party.
Make this your best summer with our essential packing guide, gorgeous hairstyle inspiration and festival hair tips.
What To Take To A Festival
For a show-stopping do – even when you’re in the middle of a desert – be sure to pack this ultimate list of hair essentials:
• Paddle brush – to get rid of tangles
• Narrow dressing brush – for extra volume
• Oval dressing brush – for high-gloss grooming
• Tail comb – for super-sharp partings
• Smooth & finish serum – bringing festival hair under control
• Straight & smooth spray – for a beautiful glossy finish
Now you’ve got the essentials, time for some major festival inspo!
Decorated festival updo
Throwback to the fifties with this bandana updo. It’s quick and easy to create – even in a tent – with just the help of some hairpins. Whip your locks up into a messy bun, embracing the tousled finish. Tease a few pieces out around your hairline, taming any flyaways using ghd smooth & finish serum, and then tie your bandana in place.

Image: @ghdspain
Double braided buns
If you’ve already mastered the Dutch braid, this style is perfect. Festival it up with flowers and colourful ribbons, or sprinkle with glitter for a disco finish. Most importantly, lock these buns in with some hairspray – you can dance all night long with perfect braids and enjoy luscious, natural waves the next day.

Image: @charlheaneyibizahair
Tied-up Top Knots
Add a little sass to the half up-half down look with an on trend top knot. Use the ghd tail comb to create a sharp, horizontal parting and then secure half of your hair into a bun on top of your crown. Bring out your scrunchie for a festival hair finale, wrapping it around to give a vibrant streak of colour.

Image: @ghdhair
Fun Festival Waves
Come and join the hair clip club with these fun festival waves. Whether your locks are naturally straight, wavy, or curly as can be, a scattering of decorative hair clips and a dash of ghd smooth & finish serum can get you festival-ready in a flash. Why not add some super-sized pearl clips into the mix too for some glitz and glam?

Image: @jasonhaiir
Soft Top Knot
When the sun is shining, the soft top knot is a dream come true. It’s a cool, understated festival hairstyle – ideal for lazy days spent lying on the grass. Treat your locks to some luxury grooming with the ghd oval dressing brush. For the top knot, use the pinch and twist technique to create the soft, doughnut shape. Have fun with flowers and ribbons, and give it a boho touch by teasing some loose strands free.

Pom Pom Pony
Give your ponytail a fun-loving, festival makeover, with super-cute pom pom details. Prep your hair with ghd total volume foam for extra body. Brush your hair into a pony of your choice – whether you’re going to the side, taking it up high or splitting in two. Then tie elastics about two inches apart and tease with your fingers to get the perfect pom pom shape.
Tip: Add pops of color by tying thin ribbons around the elastics, and letting the ends flow free.

Image: @bykristinacurtis
Double Fishtail
The super-simple fishtail braid is perhaps the most festival-friendly style of all. The secret to success is tangle-free hair, so work through carefully with the ghd paddle brush before you start. Perfect your plaiting with our step-by-step guide – and top it off with a hat to channel your inner Kate Moss.
Tip: Get creative with your fishtail, bringing it to the side or adding mini braids to ensure a free-flowing style.

Image: @amberrosehair
Space Buns
Go retro with this uber-cool do. Backcomb your roots with the ghd narrow dressing brush and then bun it up, securing them in place with hairpins. You could add scrunchies or ribbons if you’re feeling colourful – or just let the lower sections hang free like Eliza Maino.

Image: @la_mainoo
For more inspiration, check out our complete selection of top festival hair looks. You can also share your own snaps, and tag all of your favourite styles @ghd_northamerica on Instagram.