Fringe-proof festival hair: a friendly guide from Hair In The City

Hair In The City
Aug 13
3 min read

Edinburgh Fringe: 1–25 August 2025. Edinburgh International Festival: 1–24 August 2025.

We’re writing this as a simple, practical guide for anyone heading to the festivals — whether you’re catching a matinee at the Fringe, seeing a late set in Glasgow, or spending the day roaming the city with friends. These styles and tips are tested in-salon, kind to hair, and built to survive Scottish weather and long festival days.

What’s trending this festival season

Short version: micro-braids and boho textures, sleek low buns, face-framing “money pieces”, and heatless/overnight waves are having a moment. These looks photograph well, are low-maintenance and are ideal for long days on the go.

Scotland-proof styling: the practical stuff

Wind & showers: anchor styles with discreet pins and clear elastics. A humidity-shield or anti-frizz finishing spray helps keep slick buns and blowouts neat.
Long festival days: prep with a texturising product at the roots for grip, then finish with a flexible-hold hairspray so braids and buns keep their shape without feeling crunchy.
Photos & touch-ups: face-framing highlights (a subtle money piece) lift your features on camera and still look great as they grow out — perfect if you want an instant photo-ready update without constant upkeep.

(We’re stocking Keune’s redesigned ranges in-salon this season — ask us which finish suits your plan and hair type.)

The HITC Festival Survival Kit (screenshot this or save the list)

Mini dry shampoo (travel size)
Travel hairspray (flexible hold)
Small anti-frizz serum or shine mist (travel size)
Clear elastics + 4 bobby pins
Small detangling brush or boar-bristle brush
Wet wipes & a tiny mirror
Travel sachet of leave-in conditioner or a conditioning mask

This is everything you need to stay tidy between shows without carrying a full bathroom stash.

Three quick festival looks — step by step

1. The 5-minute slick low bun — weather-proof and chic

Skill: easy | Durability: high How: Smooth a pea-sized amount of styling balm through damp or dry hair, gather into a low pony, twist flat into a knot against the nape and pin close to the head. Finish with a light humidity spray and a fine veil of flexible hairspray. Perfect for windy or drizzly days.

2. The boho braid with micro-plaits — photo-friendly and long-lasting

Skill: medium | Durability: high How: Create a soft part, add a couple of small micro-braids near the face, then do a loose three-strand or fishtail braid down one side. Pancake gently for volume and finish with texturiser for grip. This style softens as the day goes on and looks great in photos.

3. Overnight heatless waves — no tools, low damage

Skill: easy | Durability: medium–high (varies by hair type) How: Braid damp hair into 2–4 loose plaits before bed (or use soft curlers), sleep, then undo and finger-separate in the morning. Set with a light mist; touch up mid-day with a little dry shampoo for bounce.

Colour care for outdoor days

Sunlight, sweat and outdoor dust can speed up fade. Quick rules:

Use a UV-protective parting spray or shine mist when you’re outdoors for long periods.
Avoid clarifying shampoos in the 48 hours after a fresh colour — they’ll strip tone.
If you want an instant boost before photos, a quick in-salon gloss or toner will refresh shine and lock colour for a couple of weeks. We’ve got the new Keune options arriving in September — ask your stylist for which finish suits your colour plan.