17 Fall Festival Hairstyles with Bohemian Flair

The Essence of Boho: Texture and Freedom

Before we dive into the styles, let’s understand the core principles of bohemian hair. Forget sleek, polished perfection. Boho celebrates the natural movement and texture of your hair. The goal is to look like you just wandered through a sun-dappled forest, not like you spent hours in front of a mirror. This means welcoming waves, frizz, and flyaways as part of the charm. The key tools? A good texturizing spray, sea salt spray, and dry shampoo are your best friends for creating that coveted lived-in volume and grip for braiding.

1. The Half-Up Crown Braid

This timeless style is a festival favorite for a reason. It keeps hair out of your face while showcasing length and detail. Simply create two braids (Dutch braids for a raised look or simple three-strand braids) starting at your temples, and wrap them around the back of your head like a crown, securing with bobby pins. Leave the rest of your hair down in loose waves for a romantic, medieval-meets-boho effect.

2. Messy Low Bun with Face-Framing Pieces

Effortless elegance defined. Pull your hair into a low, loose ponytail, twist it, and wrap it into a bun, leaving plenty of pieces out. Don’t smooth it—the messier, the better. Gently pull out face-framing strands and short layers around your temples and neck. Tuck in a few dried baby’s breath or a small feather for an authentic fall touch.

3. Fishtail Braid Side Sweep

A fishtail braid instantly adds a boho-chic vibe. For a fall festival, try sweeping it over one shoulder. The intricate pattern of the fishtail looks beautiful against chunky knit sweaters and flannel shirts. Start with slightly tousled hair for better grip and a softer finish.

4. Braided Headband

A perfect solution for second or third-day hair. Create a single braid from one side of your head, above your ear. Gently pull it across your forehead like a headband and pin it securely behind the opposite ear. This look works beautifully with both down hair and updos, adding instant boho flair without much effort.

5. Twisted Rope Braid Pony

Elevate a simple ponytail by incorporating a twist. Take a small section of hair from the front, twist it back, and wrap it around the base of your ponytail to conceal the hair tie. For a more elaborate version, add two twists from each temple, joining them at the back before making your pony. It’s polished yet perfectly undone.

6. Fully Braided Crown (Halo Braid)

The queen of boho hairstyles. This all-around crown braid is stunning and practical for windy festival days. It involves creating a Dutch braid that circles your entire head. While it requires a bit of practice, the result is a breathtaking, ethereal look that pairs wonderfully with flower crowns or stands powerfully on its own.

7. Bubble Ponytail

Playful and modern with a boho twist. Create a high or low ponytail, then use small, clear hair elastics to section the tail into 4-6 “bubbles.” Gently tug on each section to puff it out and create a rounded, bubbled effect. This look is fantastic for adding volume to finer hair and looks adorable with festival accessories.

8. Loose Waves with Braided Accents

Sometimes, less is more. Start with gorgeous, loose waves (use a curling wand on low heat for a natural bend). Then, pick up two small sections near your face and create micro braids. Let them blend into your waves. This subtle detail adds a hint of boho texture without committing to a full braided style.

9. The Knotted Updo

Simple, elegant, and incredibly easy. Part your hair down the middle. Take two front sections and tie them into a loose knot at the back of your head. Continue adding hair from below into two new sections and tie another knot beneath the first. Secure the ends into a small bun or leave them out. The result is a beautifully textured, knotty updo that looks far more complex than it is.

10. Mermaid Waves with Threaded Ribbons

Embrace the fairy tale vibes. Weave thin satin or velvet ribbons through your braids or loose hair. For a simple approach, incorporate a ribbon as one strand of a basic braid. The ribbon trailing down your waves adds a pop of fall color (think burgundy, mustard, or forest green) and magical movement.

11. Dutch Braid into a Low Chignon

Combine two classic elements for a sophisticated boho look. Dutch braid your hair from the crown down to your nape, then gather the remaining hair and the braid itself into a soft, low chignon at the base of your neck. Pull out a few wispy pieces to frame your neck and face.

12. Space Buns with Braided Bases

Give playful space buns a boho upgrade. Instead of making simple ponytails, create two Dutch braids starting at your temples that go back into high ponytails, then twist those into buns. This adds detail and texture, making the style look intentional and chic rather than just playful.

13. The Tousled Bob with a Mini Crown

Short hair can be bohemian too! Add texture to your bob with texturizing paste. Then, create a tiny, delicate crown braid just along your hairline using the front sections of your hair. It’s a subtle, adorable, and utterly unique way to accessorize shorter locks for fall.

14. Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is a mesmerizing technique where strands of hair are dropped and picked up, creating a cascading effect. It looks stunning as a single accent along the side of your head, allowing the rest of your hair to flow freely. It pairs perfectly with the flowing, layered styles of boho fashion.

15. Accessorize with Nature

No boho festival look is complete without the right accessories. Think beyond plastic. Incorporate elements of the season: small dried flowers, pheasant feathers, leather cord wraps, or vintage-inspired hair pins with celestial motifs. Weave them into braids, use them to secure a bun, or simply tuck a bold feather behind your ear.

16. The Triple Braid

For thick, long hair, this is a showstopper. Divide your hair into three equal sections and braid each one separately—a classic three-strand, a fishtail, and a Dutch braid for variety. Then, loosely gather the three braids together at the ends with a leather cord. The mix of textures is visually stunning.

17. The Ultimate Boho Top Knot

This isn’t your gym top knot. Tease your hair lightly at the crown for volume, then gather it into a very high ponytail. Twist loosely and wrap into a knot, leaving the ends out to fray. Pull out chunks of hair all around the knot and at your hairline. The goal is maximum volume and a carefree, “I just threw this up” look.

Final Tips for Your Bohemian Festival Hair

To make your fall festival hairstyle last all day, start with slightly dirty hair or use dry shampoo for extra grip and volume. Don’t forget to pack bobby pins, mini hair elastics, and a travel-size texturizing spray in your festival bag for touch-ups. Most importantly, remember that boho style is personal and imperfect. Don’t stress about making it exact—let your hair have its own life and movement.

This fall, let your hair be an extension of the season’s beauty—wild, colorful, and beautifully free. With these 17 bohemian hairstyles, you’re ready to celebrate in style, turning every hayride and every strum of the guitar into a moment of effortless beauty.