by Annie Vischer
It’s that time of year again. We’re getting our steady dose of envy-inducing Coachella 2014 pictures through, and it’s serving as pure beauty and fashion inspiration for the festival season in the UK. Whether you’re hitting up Glastonbury, getting ready to bop at Wireless, glamping at Leeds Fest, or even just looking forward the festival look one sunny weekend at home, there are a whole host of hippy happy styles to inspire you this season.
If you’re a festival regular you’ll know that three days without washing can seriously take its toll on hair, both in the looks and condition department. That’s why it’s more important than ever to arm yourself with the right products for your time away, and to get practising with the styles that will both protect your hair, and look pretty incredible too.
Errol Douglas, renowned hair stylist to the stars, is only too familiar with the numerous trends surrounding festival hair. ‘Festivals are a great opportunity to go with the flow and direction of your natural hair’ He says, ‘Focus on keeping it hydrated instead of over styling – healthy, nonchalant hair is always a good look. Moroccanoil minis are a festival ‘must-pack’, to keep your hair beautiful, healthy and protected whilst on the go’.
Day 1…For the first look of your festival weekend, keep it down and wavy, making the most of your freshly washed hair. Errol Douglas advises prepping the night before you set off, with a hair treatment. He says ‘Using a treatment mask the night before setting off will give hair that extra boost to hold its own while you focus on the music. Moroccanoil Light Hydrating Mask (£31.25) will help infuse hair with moisture without weighing it down’. Rub a little Moroccanoil Treatment (£31.85) into the palms of hands and work through the ends of hair to maintain condition and keep them protected. You’ll find this makes your hair easier to style throughout your festival stay.
Day 2…Try a fishtail plait, or a half-up, half-down braid. Hair will still be fresh enough to be left to its own devices a little. If opting for the fishtail plait, remember to plait under, and over, and start just above the ear, keeping it loose. Take it down in the evening for full vintage waves. Errol advises spritzing a little Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray (£19.45) onto hands and gently raking fingers through hair to add shine and definition. Try adding a little Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray (£19.45), which will give your do a serious glimmer boost, whilst protecting from the elements at the same time.
Day 3…Opt for a Heidi braid. This is the ultimate low maintenance do that will conceal any greasiness and last you right the way through until the end of the festival, making it easy to handle when you get home and freshen up. Errol says that keeping the style low will give you an instant update on the look that comes across from last season. He says ‘Heidi braids have been a staple for a few summer festival seasons now, and have been seen on the red carpet of a few music events too. It’s simple to do once you know how, and is a great alternative to a traditional up do, it lasts too. For summer it’s ideal. The twist on this staple look is to bring the braid to the back of the head and lower rather than its traditional join on top of the head’.
Here’s how to do it. Spritz with a little dry shampoo to add texture and make your hair easier to style. The latest Batiste Dry Shampoo Pixie Lott Edition (£2.99) comes approved by the lady herself, complete with a brand new zesty smell, it’s the perfect mid-festival refresher.
Divide into two sections, front to back, with a traditional centre parting. Using no-snag elastics, secure two ponytails at the nape of the neck in a low pigtail position, then take the top section of each ‘tail’ and lift gently. This will create a little lift just above the elastic for body. Plait both ‘tails’ before lifting and joining them in the same Heidi shape at the back of the head, securing with two pins. Gently finger comb the crown for lift, taking out a few strands to fall loosely and frame the face, et voila!
And Errol’s last tip? Take a few accessories, they’re the quickest way to change up a look. ‘A large block colour flower or simple vintage band is an easy look changer. I love the selection at Alexandre De Paris’. So there you have it. Everything you need for beautiful, easy-to-handle, and bang-on-trend hair this festival season.