The Festival Hair Trends of 2026

Coachella has kicked off festival season for 2026, and thanks to this heavily influenced fashion-led festival, we’ve already got a clear idea of what trends are about to take over. This year, we’ve definitely noticed a shift in the hair, being less over-styled and more of the effortless, thrown-together (yet still amazing) kind of hair. With lots of soft textures, natural movement, these are the styles that will actually last from the am to pm. If you’ve got clients booked in the diary for a festival, here is exactly what they’ll be asking for…

 

A festival classic, and for a good reason! Mermaid waves are sticking around for 2026, but they're a little more refined this year. This hairstyle creates a more defined beach wave compared to your standard loose wave, but it still keeps that airy, textured feel that clients love. Mermaid waves are the kind of hairstyle that looks just as good on day three as it does when the client leaves the salon, which, let’s be honest, is exactly what festival hair needs to do.

 

If mermaid waves feel a bit too done for your client, then a whimsy wave is what your client will truly love. Whimsy waves are soft and tousled, which are brushed out to give that undone look. They, of course, give that super whimsical vibe, with movement and texture that gives a messy finish in the most intentional way. This hairstyle is super flattering and wearable, and perfect for clients who want something low-key but still pretty.

 

For clients who want their hair down but out of their face, a pinned-back style is the perfect choice. It’s super simple: style the hair as your clients desire, take small sections away from the face, pin them back and suddenly the whole look feels more styled. Add in clips, grips or subtle accessories, and it gives the flirtiest, girliest, festival-ready vibe.

Messy buns and undone up-dos are back for another year this festival season, and honestly, they make perfect sense. They’re super practical but give the coolest-girl energy vibe. Creating an effortlessly put-together style, the soft face-framing pieces also add to this look, adding a whole lot of texture. It brings that lived-in, slightly bohemian style to life that works with every fit.

Effortless wins every time. And while festival hair is usually expected to be super, maximalist, 2026 is starting to show that clients want styles that feel natural, low-maintenance, and don’t require constant touch-ups. Long flowy hair and undone finishes are leading the way.