Festival-Ready Braids and Boho Waves for Summer 2016
Festival season is in full swing, and even if you are not heading to Coachella or Bonnaroo, the laid-back, bohemian hair aesthetic that dominates music festivals has become one of the biggest style trends of the summer. From intricate braided designs to effortless beachy waves, festival-inspired hair is all about looking free-spirited and beautiful without appearing overly done. At Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton, we have been creating these looks for clients heading to everything from weekend music events to casual beach gatherings, and the best part is that most of these styles translate perfectly to everyday life in South Florida.
The Braided Crown
The braided crown, also known as a halo braid or milkmaid braid, is one of the most iconic festival hairstyles and one of the most practical for hot weather. This style wraps one or two braids around the head like a crown, keeping all your hair up and off your face and neck while looking incredibly romantic and feminine.
To create a braided crown, part your hair down the center and create two Dutch braids, one on each side, starting near the temple and working down and around the back of the head. Pin the end of each braid behind the opposite ear, tucking the tails underneath. Pull gently on each section of the braid to loosen and widen it for a softer, more organic look. The beauty of this style is that it gets better as the day goes on. A little messiness only adds to its charm.
This is an especially great style for Boca Raton summers because it keeps your hair completely off your shoulders and stays put through humidity, ocean breezes, and even light swimming. It works on hair from medium length to very long and looks beautiful with flowers, headbands, or metallic hair accessories tucked in.
Boho Side Braid
The loose side braid is the quintessential festival look. It is simple, cool, and endlessly photogenic. Unlike a tight, neat braid, the festival version is deliberately loose and imperfect. The goal is a braid that looks like you casually pulled it together while sitting on a blanket at a outdoor concert.
Start by creating loose waves throughout your hair using a large-barrel curling wand or by braiding damp hair the night before. Then pull all your hair to one side and create a loose three-strand braid. Secure with a clear elastic, then gently tug on each section to make the braid wider and more textured. Leave some pieces out around your face for a softening effect. You can also weave in a thin ribbon, leather cord, or small flowers for an extra bohemian touch.
Beachy Waves: The Foundation of Festival Hair
Almost every festival hairstyle starts with texture, and beachy waves are the foundation. This is not the polished, bouncy curl of a formal blowout. Festival waves are loose, undone, and slightly rough around the edges. They mimic the natural wave pattern your hair gets after a day at the beach, which makes them especially authentic-looking here in South Florida.
There are several ways to achieve beachy waves. At Sofia Loren Salon, our favorite method uses a one-inch curling wand. Wrap sections of hair around the barrel, alternating the direction of each curl, and leave the last inch or two of each section straight. This creates that effortless, not-quite-finished look that defines festival hair. After curling, flip your head upside down and shake vigorously, then scrunch with a sea salt spray for added texture and hold.
For a heat-free alternative, braid damp hair into several loose braids before bed. The more braids you create, the tighter the wave pattern. Three to four braids on each side creates a nice medium wave. In the morning, undo the braids, shake out your hair, and apply texture spray. This method is especially kind to hair that is already dealing with sun and heat damage from the Florida summer.
Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids, sometimes called boxer braids, have been all over Instagram this year. Two braids running down each side of the head create a sporty, edgy look that is also incredibly practical for active days. These braids keep every strand in place and look just as good at the end of the day as they did at the beginning.
The key to making double Dutch braids look festival-ready rather than athletic is texture and imperfection. Start with waves or second-day hair for grip and texture. Part your hair down the center and Dutch braid each side, starting at the hairline and working back. Keep the tension loose and pull out small sections at the front for a face-framing effect. Once the braids are secured, pull on each section to pancake them, making them appear fuller and more bohemian.
Accessorizing Your Festival Hair
Accessories are what take festival hair from a simple style to a statement. This year, the most popular additions include delicate gold hair chains that drape across the forehead or through a center part, metallic hair cuffs that clamp onto individual braids or sections of hair, and fresh or silk flowers woven into braids or tucked behind the ear.
Hair rings and beads threaded onto small braids or twists add a subtle bohemian detail that catches the light. Headbands, from thin leather bands to wider woven pieces, are a classic festival accessory that also serves the practical purpose of keeping hair out of your face.
Making Festival Hair Work for Real Life
The beauty of festival-inspired styles is that they are not limited to music events. A loose side braid works for brunch at Mizner Park. Beachy waves are perfect for a casual dinner in downtown Boca Raton. A braided crown is elegant enough for a garden party or outdoor wedding. These styles embrace the relaxed, sun-kissed lifestyle that defines South Florida living.
Book Your Appointment at Sofia Loren Salon
Ready to get the perfect festival-inspired look for your next event or just for everyday South Florida living? Visit Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton and let our stylists create the braids and waves of your dreams. Call us at (561) 444-0720 or book online at sofialorensalon.com.