10 Boho Updos for Festival Season

1. The Messy Braided Bun

This is the quintessential festival hairstyle for a reason. It’s simple, elegant, and holds up through anything. Start by creating a loose, low braid—a classic three-strand or a more textured fishtail works beautifully. Then, instead of securing it tightly, gently twist the braid into a bun at the nape of your neck. The key here is strategic messiness. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and loosen sections of the braid and bun to create soft, romantic volume. Secure with pins and a light-hold texture spray.

2. The Boho Twisted Crown

Feel like festival royalty with this ethereal look. Part your hair down the middle. Taking a section from the front on one side, begin a simple two-strand twist or a rope twist, adding in small pieces of hair as you work your way back towards the crown. Repeat on the other side. Once both twists meet at the back, you can either pin them neatly, tie them together with a small ribbon, or continue twisting the remaining lengths into a small, incorporated bun. This style beautifully keeps hair off your face and highlights your features.

3. The Bubble Ponytail Updo

Add a modern, playful twist to the classic ponytail. Create a high or mid-height ponytail and secure it tightly. Now, take small hair elastics and space them out down the length of the tail, about 1-2 inches apart. Once all elastics are in place, the fun begins: gently pull and puff out the hair between each elastic to create “bubbles.” For a true updo, you can then twist the tail end and tuck it under, pinning it to the base to form a bubble bun. This style is incredibly secure and looks fantastic with metallic or colored elastics.

4. The Gibson Tuck with Braid Detail

A vintage-inspired style that oozes boho romance. The classic Gibson tuck involves loosely rolling the hair under itself at the nape of the neck. To elevate it, incorporate a braid. Create a thick braid starting at one temple, going around the back of your head like a headband. Secure it at the other side. Then, gather all your hair (including the ends of the braid) and create the soft, rolled tuck. Leave some wispy pieces out around your ears and neck. It’s sophisticated yet perfectly undone for a festival.

5. The Knotted Half-Up Style

If a full updo feels like too much, this half-up, half-down look is your perfect compromise. It’s deceptively simple but makes a big impact. Take two small sections of hair from the front, twist them once, then tie them in a single knot in the back. Secure with a pin or a clear elastic. You can repeat this with another set of sections below the first for a more intricate look. The result is a beautiful, textured back detail that holds your hair away from your face while letting your waves flow freely.

6. The Loose Fishtail Updo

The fishtail braid is a boho staple, and turning it into an updo amplifies its beauty. Create a loose, slightly messy fishtail braid with all your hair. Don’t worry about perfection—the looser, the better. Once braided, gently twist the braid into a coil and pin it at the nape of your neck or to one side. Tuck the end under and pull apart the braid sections to maximize volume and that coveted effortless texture. This style is romantic, secure, and shows off the intricate pattern of the fishtail.

7. The Accessorized Top Knot

Don’t underestimate the power of the top knot. The boho version is all about the details. Create a high, voluminous ponytail but twist it loosely before wrapping it into a knot. Leave out face-framing pieces and the ends of your hair. Now, accessorize. Weave a delicate chain, a colorful scarf, or a string of pearls through the base. Wrap a leather cord around it or pin on statement hair clips. The top knot becomes a canvas for your personal festival flair.

8. The Dutch Braid into Low Bun

For a style with incredible hold and stunning detail, combine a Dutch braid with a classic low bun. Begin a Dutch braid (an inverted French braid) at the crown, braiding it along your hairline or straight back. Once you’ve incorporated all the hair from the top and sides, continue with a regular braid for the remaining length. Then, twist the braid into a neat or messy low bun and pin securely. This style keeps every strand in place while looking intricately beautiful.

9. The Twisted Rope Updo

Elegant and surprisingly simple, this updo relies on the beauty of texture. Divide your hair into two large sections. Twist each section tightly in the same direction, then twist the two twisted sections together in the opposite direction. This double-twist technique creates a beautiful, rope-like effect that holds itself together. Coil the resulting rope into a bun at your desired height and pin. Pull out wisps for a soft finish. It’s a minimalist boho look that speaks volumes.

10. The Flower Crown Goddess Updo

This is the ultimate festival statement. Start with any simple updo—a loose bun, a twisted chignon, or even a braided style. The magic is in the adornment. Take a real or artificial flower crown and place it like a halo. For an integrated look, pull a few small strands of hair through the crown or weave the crown’s vines into your updo. You can also create a “crown” using individual flowers and pins, tucking them strategically around your bun or braids. It’s whimsical, fresh, and utterly unforgettable.

Festival Hair Tips & Tricks

Now that you’re inspired, here are some pro tips to ensure your boho updo survives the festival grounds. First, embrace texture. Second- or third-day hair is actually your best friend as it has more natural grip. If your hair is freshly washed, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots. Second, invest in good accessories: strong-but-invisible bobby pins, spiral pins for extra hold, and fabric-covered elastics that don’t snag. Third, don’t fight the flyaways. A light mist of hairspray on a toothbrush can gently tame them, but remember, a few wispy pieces add to the boho charm. Most importantly, have fun with it! Your hairstyle is an extension of your festival spirit.

With these 10 boho updos in your styling arsenal, you’re more than ready to take on festival season in style. Whether you’re dancing under the sun or the stars, your hair will be as carefree and beautiful as the experience itself. So, pick your favorite, practice it once or twice, and get ready to turn heads in the best possible way. Happy festival season!