The Men’s Guide To Festival Hair From Morning To Headliner

Here’s how to create festival-proof hair that doesn’t quit


Festivals are long, hot and chaotic and that’s a big part of why we love them. But your hair might feel and look otherwise. Between the sun, sweat and constant dancing and movement, even the sharpest style can start to collapse by mid-afternoon or even earlier.

The good news is that with the right prep (and a few smart hair products), you can keep your hair looking textured, natural and fresh from the first set to the final encore. Read on to find out how to create festival-proof hair that doesn’t quit.

Get your hair ready to withstand the day


A style that lasts all day begins with a bit of solid prep. Overly clean hair can be soft and slippery, so wash it the night before. To avoid flatness, use a lightweight conditioner to strengthen strands without weighing them down. Before styling, fully heat-dry your hair since that builds a foundation that holds shape better under sun and sweat. Don’t go overboard on pre-styling products, all you need is a touch of matte paste or sea-salt spray for grit and texture so your hair doesn’t fall flat the moment the bass drops.

Cuts and looks built for long festival days


For some reason, festivals always seem to require mud, rain and unpredictable weather. So, pick hairstyles that work with the elements rather than against them. Consider a textured crop because it’s short enough to stay sharp but with just enough long-lasting movement.

A short slick-back with cropped sides will also hold up well if you keep it tidy with a matte product. These cuts won’t collapse easily as you dance and jump, and their structure will disguise the impact of humidity and movement.

Products to stop frizz, flatness, and fibre fallout


Now that you have your style in place, seal it so you don’t lose it. Look for products designed for longevity so your hair survives frizz, heat and the headshaking during big tracks. And if you use fibres, it’s even more essential to secure your look so use products like a holding spray to keep your hairstyle neat, strengthen fibres and stop them shifting as the day heats up.

Quick Fixes: Pocket essentials to save your style


It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter a few hair emergencies as the festival crowds bump and jostle, or the wind changes direction. Keep a few small essentials in your bag: a mini comb and pocket mirror for reshaping between sets, travel-size dry shampoo to reset volume and reduce shine, and a small pot of fibres for quick top-ups. 

The secret to festival-proof hair


An outdoor festival doesn’t mean just giving up on your hair. With a bit of smart prep, picking a durable style, and taking along some portable quick-fixes, your hair will be able to handle heat, crowds, wind and rain, dancing, and anything else the day throws at it – from opening act to final set.

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