Coachella-inspired DIY festival hairstyles are all about playful texture, bold accessories, and quick tricks that look like a pro. This list features easy-to-do looks from braided halos and glitter roots to space buns and shell-adorned waves—perfect for festival days, backyard raves, and sun-soaked photos.
Tried a glitter-root braid at a small gig and got nonstop compliments — these Coachella-inspired DIY festival hairstyles make last-minute styling feel fun, fast, and festival-ready.
Boho Flower Crown Braided Halo Look
A braided halo spruced up with fresh or faux flowers always reads free-spirited and romantic. Start with a loose Dutch braid that wraps around the head, then gently pancake the braid for width and softness. Tuck small blooms or baby’s breath into the braid with bobby pins or a needle-and-thread trick for a secure hold that still moves naturally in the breeze. Ideal for medium to long hair, this look pairs perfectly with sun-kissed makeup and flowy outfits for festival photos that feel effortless and dreamy.
Styling Tips
- Loosen braid by pulling strands outward for a fuller halo.
- Anchor flowers with discreet bobby pins beneath braid layers.
- Finish with a light-hold spray to keep texture without stiffness.
Glitter Roots With Loose Beachy Waves
Glitter roots are an instant festival upgrade when paired with loose, beachy waves. Apply a washable or cosmetic-grade glitter along the part and root line, then curl hair with a large-barrel iron and finger-comb to keep waves soft. This technique creates a playful contrast between relaxed texture and a surprise burst of sparkle near the scalp. It’s great for mid-length and long hair, and the glitter washes out after the weekend. Pair with a bandana or sunglasses for an easy, eye-catching festival moment.
Styling Tips
- Use a glitter primer to keep sparkle in place all day.
- Create waves with alternating curl directions for natural movement.
- Brush through gently for soft, lived-in texture.
Double Space Buns With Braided Side Detail
Double space buns feel playful and whimsical, especially when small side braids lead into each bun. Start with a center part, create a thin Dutch or three-strand braid along each hairline, then gather hair into high pigtails and twist into messy buns. Pull a few face-framing tendrils loose for softness. Add tiny beads or metallic cuffs on the braids for extra festival energy. This look suits shorter and longer lengths and stays secure through dancing and sunlit photos while keeping an upbeat, youthful vibe.
Styling Tips
- Tie buns with snag-free elastics to prevent breakage.
- Wrap a braid around each bun for neatness and texture contrast.
- Set with flexible-hold spray so movement looks natural.
Fishtail Crown Braid With Face-Framing Tendrils
The fishtail crown braid offers a romantic yet edgy festival vibe, especially when softened with wispy tendrils. Create a loose fishtail that wraps across the forehead or around the crown, then gently pull pieces outward for that full, boho look. Leave some delicate strands near the temples to flutter in the wind. This style works on straight or slightly wavy hair and looks extra pretty with small charms threaded into the braid or a thin chain woven through for a subtle glint under sunlight.
Styling Tips
- Pancake the fishtail by gently spreading sections for width.
- Add a touch of dry shampoo at roots for extra grip.
- Weave a thin chain or ribbon for understated shine.
Messy Beach Waves With Tiny Micro Braids
Messy beach waves get a festival-ready twist with scattered micro braids woven through the lengths. Create loose waves with a curling wand, then braid a few small sections randomly and secure with clear elastics. The tiny braids add texture and catch sunlight when embellished with beads or metallic thread. This approach works great on hair with natural wave or on those who want to fake effortless texture. It’s low maintenance during a long day outdoors and photographs beautifully when hair blows in the breeze.
Styling Tips
- Braid thin sections near the face and crown for visibility.
- Seal micro braids with a little oil to prevent frizz.
- Add small beads or clips for reflective detail.
Dutch Braid Mohawk With Soft Shaved Sides
A Dutch braid mohawk brings edge to a festival look while staying practical and secure. Braid a tight Dutch or cornrow-style strip down the center of the head, then puff the braid slightly for volume. If the sides are shaved or closely clipped, the contrast creates a striking silhouette; otherwise, slick the side hair back for a similar effect. Embellish the braid with tiny rings or glitter for an extra pop. This style stays put through dancing and heat, making it great for high-energy festival days.
Styling Tips
- Use pomade on sides to achieve a sleek contrast with the braid.
- Pancake the central braid for a broader mohawk shape.
- Decorate with small accessories for festival sparkle.
Half-Up Twisted Bun With Satin Ribbon
The half-up twisted bun is a quick DIY that reads romantic and playful when finished with a satin ribbon. Twist two sections from the temples toward the back, knot them into a small bun, and tie a ribbon around the base. The contrast between the twisted top and flowing lower hair gives movement and balance. This style suits mid-length and long hair, and switches easily from day to night by swapping the ribbon for a beaded clip or metallic cuff for extra shine under festival lights.
Styling Tips
- Loosen twists slightly for a soft, lived-in look.
- Secure ribbon with an extra pin to prevent slipping.
- Texturize the lower hair with sea-salt spray for cohesion.
Sleek High Pony Tied With Metallic Scarf
A sleek high pony gives polish to an otherwise boho festival mix when wrapped with a metallic scarf for instant glamour. Smooth hair back with a light gel, secure high on the crown, and wrap a thin metallic scarf or ribbon around the elastic, letting tails hang free. The contrast between sleek roots and a shiny accessory makes the style feel curated and photo-ready. This look flatters long and thick hair, keeps strands out of the face, and adds a reflective detail that catches stage lights beautifully.
Styling Tips
- Smooth flyaways with a toothbrush and hairspray for a polished finish.
- Wrap the scarf tightly and tuck the ends for security.
- Wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic.
Mermaid Waves Adorned With Tiny Shell Clips
Mermaid waves paired with tiny shell clips feel whimsical and perfect for a festival near water or anywhere with boho flair. Create soft S-shaped waves using a medium-barrel wand, then clip a few small shell or pearl accessories along one side or scattered throughout. The shells add a seaside charm and catch the light as hair moves. This look suits long hair best and looks especially pretty with soft bronzer and sun-kissed highlights for a cohesive, summery festival vibe.
Styling Tips
- Pin clips in damp hair to set placement before styling.
- Use a light-hold spray to preserve wave bounce.
- Place shells asymmetrically for an offbeat, curated feel.
Tiny Beaded Micro Braids For Texture
Tiny micro braids threaded with beads bring texture and movement to festival looks and last through multi-day events if kept neat. Part hair into thin sections and braid close to the scalp, adding small beads or cuffs toward the ends. This requires some patience but yields an eye-catching result that’s low-maintenance once in place. Wear loose or pull all braids into a low bun for a different vibe. It suits many hair types and offers a tactile, playful element that looks great in candid festival photos.
Styling Tips
- Work with slightly damp hair for cleaner micro braids.
- Knot ends with tiny, clear elastics to secure beads.
- Add a satin scarf at night to protect braids while sleeping.
Braided Pigtails Wrapped In Colorful Ribbons
Braided pigtails wrapped with colorful ribbons feel playful and photogenic for festival settings. Create two neat braids and weave or wrap ribbons along the length, letting ends flutter freely. The ribbons add movement and can be matched to an outfit or makeup for a cohesive look. This style works on many hair lengths with added extension pieces if a fuller effect is desired. It’s an approachable DIY that looks cheerful in daylight parades or dusk concerts, and it stays comfortable while dancing and walking around festival grounds.
Styling Tips
- Anchor ribbons at the top with a small elastic before wrapping.
- Use grosgrain or satin ribbons for durability and shine.
- Tie ribbon ends in bows for an extra whimsical touch.
Waterfall Braid Pigtails For Airy Movement
Waterfall braid pigtails combine romantic braiding with carefree movement, perfect for dancing between stages. Create a waterfall braid along one side and continue into a loose pigtail, repeating on the other side for balance. The dropped strands create a cascading effect that frames the face and blends with softer waves below. Finish with tiny clips or glitter where the braid meets the pigtail for a highlight. This look flatters medium to long hair and photographs beautifully as hair sways in the breeze.
Styling Tips
- Keep braids slightly loose for volume and motion.
- Secure the end with a small elastic and hide with a ribbon.
- Add a dab of pomade at roots for lightweight hold.
Low Twisted Bun With Fresh Flower Tucks
A low twisted bun tucked with a few fresh flowers feels understated and elegant while still festival-friendly. Gather hair at the nape, twist into a loose bun, and secure with pins. Tuck small blooms or petals into the bun for a delicate accent that peeks through as hair moves. This style keeps hair off the neck during hot festival days and works well with flowy dresses or statement necklaces. It’s also easy to adjust midday: loosen a few strands for a softer, more relaxed look as the day goes on.
Styling Tips
- Use bobby pins that match hair color for a seamless finish.
- Fresh flowers last longer if stems are wrapped in floral tape first.
- Spritz a lightweight mist to keep petals fresh through the day.
Cornrows Accented With Beads And Glitter
Cornrows are great for long festival days, and adding beads plus glitter makes them standout. Tight cornrows along the scalp provide structure while beads at the ends bring playful detail. Apply cosmetic glitter along parts or braid tops for extra shine. This style keeps hair controlled in heat and high activity and looks bold in close-up festival photos. It fits a range of hair textures and can be adapted into a half-up style or pulled into a sleek ponytail for variety between sets and photo ops.
Styling Tips
- Seal glitter with a cosmetic-friendly adhesive for lasting wear.
- Add beads near ends and knot braids to secure them.
- Moisturize scalp with a light oil to prevent dryness.
Braided Crown Laced With Wildflower Tucks
A braided crown laced with tiny wildflower tucks feels like a festival-ready crown fit for sunlit stages. Create two braids from ear to ear and pin them across the crown, then tuck small blooms into the braid crevices. The floral touches add a garden-party energy and stay charming even as the day warms up. This style works well on medium to long hair and can be loosened slightly for a softer silhouette or tightened for a neater, more regal appearance depending on the outfit and mood.
Styling Tips
- Pancake braids gently to create a wider crown effect.
- Use discreet pins to anchor flowers so they stay put.
- Choose hardy blooms like waxflower or small daisies for longevity.
Textured Mullet With Feathered Festival Ends
A textured mullet with feathered ends brings retro edge to festival styling and pairs well with bold accessories. Ask for soft layering and feathering at the ends, then add texture with a sea-salt spray or light wax to emphasize movement. The shape frames the face while keeping short layers fun and flirty at the top. This cut looks especially cool with temporary color streaks at the tips or glitter at the roots, making it a playful pick for anyone wanting an on-trend, low-effort festival hair moment.
Styling Tips
- Use a flat iron to flick ends for feathered definition.
- Apply texturizing spray at mid-lengths for lived-in grit.
- Try clip-in color for temporary festival highlights.
Two-Strand Twist Updo Secured With Pins
The two-strand twist updo is an elegant DIY that stays comfortable on long festival days. Twist two substantial sections from each side and wrap them into a low or mid bun, securing with pins. This method creates a polished look with visible texture and can be dressed up with metallic bobby pins or small charms tucked into the twists. It’s quick to do once practiced and flatters most hair lengths, offering a tidy option for warmer weather while still feeling chic and photo-friendly alongside other festival looks.
Styling Tips
- Use a pin-and-cross method for extra hold in the bun.
- Apply a touch of texturizer to help twists grip.
- Add decorative pins after securing to elevate the look.
Temporary Color Tips Paired With Soft Waves
Temporary color tips are a playful way to introduce a festival palette without commitment. Apply clip-in colored extensions or rinse-in color to just the ends and style soft waves for a subtle peek of hue. Colors like pastel pinks, lavender, teal, or metallic rose work especially well when they peek out from beneath waves. This approach brightens photos and pairs nicely with bold makeup choices. It’s ideal for those who want to experiment for a weekend and then wash or remove the color when normal life resumes.
Styling Tips
- Clip-in colored tips are reusable and protect natural hair.
- Wave tips gently to blend with natural hair texture.
- Seal temporary color with a cold-water rinse to extend wear.
Bohemian Headband Braid Over Loose Waves
The bohemian headband braid is a quick way to look put-together while keeping hair mostly down and flowy. Braid a small section along the hairline and pin it across like a headband, letting the rest of the hair fall into loose waves. Add tiny beads or metallic thread to the braid for texture and shine. This style frames the face without hiding hair length and is ideal for those who want a balance between dressed-up and carefree for festival photos and long days in the sun.
Styling Tips
- Choose a soft braid width to avoid overpowering features.
- Secure ends under hair with pins for an invisible finish.
- Add a touch of shine spray to highlight braid detail.
Slicked Back Wet Look With Sparkle Accents
The slicked-back wet look reads bold and modern at festivals, especially with sparkle accents along the part or hairline. Apply a wet-look gel and comb hair back, securing with pins if needed. Add cosmetic glitter or small rhinestones near the temples or along the part for a high-fashion touch that still holds during active days. This style is great for shorter to medium hair and pairs well with statement earrings and a dramatic makeup look for evening sets and stage lights.
Styling Tips
- Choose a gel with flexible hold for movement without crunch.
- Press glitter accents into gel so they stay anchored.
- Finish with a humidity-resistant spray for longevity.
Face-Framing Fringe Braids Paired With Bandana
Small face-framing fringe braids paired with a bandana create a playful and protective festival style. Braid a few thin sections near the face and secure them, then tie a bandana across the crown or around the forehead. The braids add texture and help keep hair away from the face, while the bandana offers sun protection and a pop of color. This combo is quick to recreate and suits many hair lengths and textures, giving a nod to retro festival fashion with modern practicality.
Styling Tips
- Place braids symmetrically for a balanced look.
- Choose a breathable bandana fabric to stay cool.
- Add small metallic clips to braid ends for shine.