Half the fun of putting together your EDM outfit is the transformation — and your hair is one of the most powerful tools you have to complete the look. Whether you're rocking a neon bodysuit or head-to-toe holographic, the right hairstyle ties everything together and turns you into the version of yourself that only exists under festival lights. You don't need a professional stylist or a huge budget to pull it off, either. Your hair is already there, ready to become part of the story. This guide covers the best rave hairstyles, from braids and buns to glitter and temporary dyes, so you can walk into your next event looking like you've been doing this for years.
Choosing Your Rave Hairstyle
There are no wrong answers here. Rave hair is about self-expression, not following rules — and if you're someone who sees getting ready as half the ritual, you already know that. The best festival hairstyles are the ones that feel like you, just turned up a few notches.
That said, if you're heading to your first festival — maybe EDC Las Vegas or a local one-stage event — it helps to have a starting point. The styles below have been festival-tested by the rave fam for years, and they work because they're equal parts practical and expressive. They keep hair out of your face while you dance, they photograph like a dream, and they pair naturally with bold rave outfits.
Braids: The Festival Classic
Braids and raves go together like bass drops and confetti cannons. Maybe it's the hippie roots. Maybe it's the 90s underground influence. Or maybe braids just happen to be one of those rare hairstyles that look intricate but actually stay put through hours of dancing. Whatever the reason, they've earned permanent status in festival culture.
French and Dutch Braids
The French braid is the ideal starting point if you're still building your braiding skills. It's elegant, it's clean, and it works with virtually any outfit — from a simple pair of rave shorts and a crop top to a full-on coordinated set. Once you've nailed the French braid, level up to the Dutch braid, which creates a raised, more sculptural look that catches light beautifully.
Dutch braids also open the door to boxer braids — two tight Dutch braids that run along each side of your head. Boxer braids have become a rave fam favorite because they're secure enough for the most intense sets and they look fierce in photos. If you get comfortable with the technique, experiment with updos that incorporate Dutch braids into more elaborate sculptural styles.
Making Simple Braids Stand Out
Even a basic three-strand braid can look incredible with the right finishing touches. After securing your braid with an elastic, gently tug sections outward to create volume — the "pancaked" braid effect makes even thin hair look full and dramatic.
Then accessorize. Thread metallic tinsel through the braid for a reflective flash under stage lights. Add small metal rings or cuffs along the braid's length. Weave in beads that match your outfit's color palette. These small details are what separate "I braided my hair" from "I created a look." Pair accessorized braids with one of our festival tops in a complementary color and you've got a cohesive head-to-toe moment.
Buns That Move With You
Buns are the unsung heroes of festival hair. They get everything up and off your neck — critical when you're dancing for hours in a crowd — and they give you a clean silhouette that lets your outfit do the talking. A high messy bun is effortless and timeless. A sleek low bun reads sophisticated, especially with statement earrings.
Space Buns: The Rave Signature
If there's one hairstyle that immediately signals "I'm here to have a good time," it's space buns. Two symmetrical buns perched on either side of your head — whether you credit Princess Leia or 90s club kids for the trend — have become one of the most iconic elements of rave fashion.
Space buns work with every hair length and texture. Short hair? Mini space buns with wispy pieces framing your face. Long hair? Wrap bigger, more dramatic buns and leave a few tendrils loose for movement. They pair especially well with bold rave bodysuits because the clean lines of the buns balance out the visual complexity of a printed or holographic bodysuit. For extra impact, wrap the base of each bun with metallic wire or add small star-shaped clips.
The Ponytail, Reinvented
Don't underestimate the ponytail. Yes, it's the hairstyle you default to on laundry day — but with a few adjustments, it becomes a legitimate festival statement.
Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is one of those styles that looks complex but takes about five minutes. Tie your hair in a high ponytail, then add elastics every two to three inches down the length. Gently pull each section outward to create rounded "bubbles." The result is playful, sculptural, and perfect for catching light as you move through the crowd.
Short and Funky
If your hair is on the shorter side, embrace it. A high, spiky ponytail with some texturizing spray gives off effortless punk energy. You can also use small claw clips or decorative pins to add visual interest around the base. The key is confidence — a short ponytail worn intentionally reads as a style choice, not a compromise.
Both ponytail variations work as a base for other accessories. Wrap a festival pashmina loosely around the base for a bohemian touch, or thread LED string lights through a bubble ponytail for a look that genuinely glows after dark.
Temporary Hair Color for Festival Weekends
Your rave clothing is already bold — why should your hair be neutral? Temporary color lets you match your hair to your outfit without the long-term commitment. Picture yourself walking into the festival with hair that perfectly echoes the neon palette of your set. That level of coordination turns heads.
Low-Commitment Color Options
Skip the permanent dye for a one-weekend transformation. Color depositing shampoos are one of the easiest methods — work them into your hair during your morning shower on festival day and rinse to reveal vibrant tones that wash out within a few shampoos. Brands like oVertone and Keracolor offer vivid shades that show up even on darker hair.
For an even more temporary approach, colored hair sprays and chalks let you add streaks or full coverage that washes out the same night. There's also the DIY route — unsweetened Kool-Aid dissolved in a small amount of water actually works as a surprisingly effective temporary dye. Just be aware it can stain lighter hair slightly longer than one wash, so test a strand first.
Coordinating Color With Your Outfit
The real magic happens when your hair color and outfit feel like parts of the same vision. Wearing an electric blue bodysuit? Add blue streaks at the ends of your hair. Going all-pink? A full pink wash ties the whole look together. Even subtle coordination — like matching your hair glitter to the accent color in your top — signals that you put thought into every detail.
Glitter: The Non-Negotiable
Glitter is to rave hair what bass is to electronic music — technically optional, practically essential. Under stage lights and lasers, glitter transforms your hair into something almost otherworldly. And application is simpler than most people think.
How to Make Glitter Actually Stay
The key is pairing your glitter with the right adhesive. Mix cosmetic-grade glitter directly into your hair gel before applying. This distributes the sparkle evenly and gives it a strong hold as the gel sets. If you prefer a lighter feel, spray a section of hair with strong-hold hairspray and immediately press glitter into the damp spray before it dries.
For your roots and part line, aloe vera gel works as a gentler adhesive — apply a thin layer along your part, press chunky glitter into it, and let it set. Always use cosmetic-grade or biodegradable glitter rather than craft glitter, which has sharper edges and isn't great for your skin or the environment.
Pro tip from the rave fam: always pack extra glitter in your bag. Touch-ups between sets keep you shining through the headliner, and sharing glitter with strangers is one of the fastest ways to make new friends at a festival.
Matching Your Hair to Your EDM Outfit
The most memorable festival looks aren't just great outfits — they're complete visions. Your hairstyle, color, and accessories should feel like natural extensions of what you're wearing. Think about the overall energy you want to project and build from there.
Wearing a UV-reactive or glow-in-the-dark piece? Look into UV hair sprays or glow-in-the-dark hair gel to extend that effect above the neckline. Going for a 90s-inspired look with a festival bodysuit? Tease your hair for volume and add chunky clips for that cyber-goth aesthetic. Planning matching rave outfits with your partner? Coordinate your hairstyles too — matching space buns or complementary hair colors take couple looks from coordinated to iconic.
Experimentation is the whole point. Try different combinations at home before the event. Take photos under different lighting. See what makes you feel most like the person you become when the music starts. And when you're ready to build the outfit side of that vision, explore our latest drops and our plus size rave outfits — because every body deserves a look that matches the energy they bring to the dance floor.
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