It’s time to shine at Essence Fest, and NaturallyCurly has got you covered to be a flawless gem. No need to look elsewhere—protect and nourish your strands from the sweltering Louisiana heat with these 30 hairstyles. From bantu knots to abstract cornrows, we’ve crafted each look unique to your experience during culture’s biggest weekend.
1.
Image Source: @jordynlucas_
Boho baddie! Boho knotless braids are the perfect, timeless, natural protective style to encapsulate the audience at Essence Fest. The wavy human hair strands look like an effortless beachy vibe.
2.
Image Source: @holyhippy
The satin scarf and box braids combo is a game-changer for those with a busy schedule. This easy-to-achieve look showcases your DIY styling skills and ensures your hair is protected all day and night, keeping you confidently in the fashion-forward lane.
3.
Image Source: @subanbrn
A classic bun and curly bang hairdo work perfectly with the right accessories. For an elegant look, style this simple do with stud earrings.
4.
Video Source: @tookiedidit
Let’s hear it for the bald-braided gang!! The bald-braided trend is a testament to the limitless creativity in the world of hair. This vibrant and innovative style, with its crocheted colored braided hair pieces, is a fun and adventurous choice for Essence Fest, inspiring you to embrace your wild side.
5.
Image Source: @morgane_moerens
Look like a queen in Fulani braids. The half-up design cornrows and half-down box braids compliment any occasion. Add beads and human hair pieces for a tousled hair vibe.
6.
Video Source: @ceasstyling
These Jumbo 90-esque Fulani braids are simplistic yet stylish. The linear designs and oversized plaits are perfect for maintaining your tresses for Essence Fest. Throw some gold bamboo earrings to cosplay Janet Jackson during her well-awaited performance.
7.
Video Source: @aminamarie
Save money on your hairstyle with the beauty hack! Natural hair creator Amina Marie perfected these criss-cross cornrows. The artistic zig-zag design gives the style life while saving your coins. Use lightweight products to avoid product buildup and a suffocated scalp during the humidity in NOLA.
8.
Image Source: @mariadudaaaa0
Blond baddies unite! Spice up your do with these waterfall icy blonde braids. These braids are perfect for girlies who want to switch up their hair while negating bleach. Wear this look in a bun for a flirty, fun moment.
9.
Image Source: @shanayawilliamss
Caramel jumbo knotless braids bring out your complexion during the heat. This simple hairstyle is a great timesaving protective style, and the chocolate undertones are inclusive for all braid wearers.
10.
Video Source: @mk.lille
Straight-back braids and beads—a classic, jaw-dropping style. These shoulder-length, beaded plaits frame the face and eliminate being overheated during the festival. Give your best Alicia Keys impersonation with this cultural style.
11.
Video Source: @neyhairs_
Take over the ’99s and ’00s with this nostalgic do! This twisted bun style gives the appearance of a Y2K goddess mixed with Afrofuturistic vibes with its thematic coiled two-strand twists. Eat the festival-goers up with this hair moment.
12.
Image Source: @jordanamy.jpg
Abstract braids are winning. The technique behind these sculpted braids should be captured in an exhibit. Pose in the Superdome with these artistic braids.
13.
Image Source: @keeahwah
Mini waterfall braids are an ode to the mid-aughts. The middle part, half-up, half-down, gives a pretty, girl-next-door look. Wear this look with a simple mini dress and kitten heels.
14.
Image Source: @_.hairbytinelle
Textured, faux locs are never going out of style. The tail-length protective style drives versatility and spunk to any ensemble. Put this do in a high bun for the hotter festival days.
15.
Image Source: @feistybadazz
Look like an alien superstar with these hazel brown space bun locs. Natural hair creator Tatyana Vazquez captioned this look as “Princess Slei-a” channeling her inner intergalactic hair moment with this innovative style.
16.
Image Source: @bonitarebel
Look loc’d and loaded with these faux waterfall locs. Bring out your inner goddess with these voluminous locs. Pair with a lightweight day dress for a fresh look.
17.
Image Source: @stinastyledit
Barrel locs are the new wave for faux loc lovers. This effortless and delicate style is efficient during the humid New Orleans weather.
18.
Video Source: @michixo__
Curly girls unite! Rock this coquette hairdo to showcase your inner divine energy. The posh and feminine style is versatile during the day and night. Pack a few bows to fuel your modest vibe.
19.
Image Source: @aureefabienne
Be confidently chic with this sleek braided do. This simple style is budget-friendly and manageable. Apply a light gel or edge control to slick your strands while feeding in human hair extensions. Accessorize this look with some dainty earrings to accentuate this look.
20.
Image Source: @teerachelle_
Treat your hair with some TLC with these mini twists. This protective style is tension-free and cost-effective, perfect for exploring the city. After a few days, take the style down for a juicy twist-out.
21.
Image Source: @adannamadueke
Easy, breezy, beautiful, coily girl. With its relaxed but secured design, this soft, two-part stitch cornrow style is perfect for coiler textures. Use whimsical adornments to decorate this look.
22.
Image Source: @curlybeviie
It’s giving Goldy locs realness. Be the star at Essence Festival with these bleach-blonde boho twists.
23.
Image Source: @kolapostudios
Bantu knots are classic and never out of style. The cultural twists hairdo complete any look. For finer hair types, add extensions for a fuller look.
24.
Image Source: @himenatural
This hairstyle is giving royalty. Add braided pieces around each knot to give your bantu knots more uniqueness.
25.
Image Source: @gezellerenee
To complete this look, you only need five items: your beautiful mane, a fine toothcomb, a pick, and two hair ties. Rock your afro puffs for a regal look.
26.
Image Source: @africanjawn
For the loc girls, wrap your medium-length tresses in a high pony with gold decorations. Channel your inner goddess with this low-maintenance style.
27.
Image Source: @deeds.studio
The bigger the hair, the more they stare! Tems wore this half-plaited and half-down curly hairstyle during her album release party. This look is perfect for celebrating any occasion, especially our R&B divas at Essence Fest.
28.
Image Source: @anima.agyeman
No faking the volume with the faux-hawk! Turn heads with this nostalgic and effective do. Secure your coils with several bobby pins on each side. Then, pick your hair for a fuller look.
29.
Image Source: @youxvanese
These zig-zag cornrows give video vixen vibes. This is the era of Y2K, and these braids seal the deal. Style this look with silver hoop earrings and frameless shades to spark your inner glam.
Image Source: @theestallion
Foxy vibes all summer. To rock a curly do while preserving your curls, opt for a curly wig or clip-ins like Megan Thee Stallion.
Collaborate with your girls while searching for your following Essence Festival style. Be sure each hair moment ignites your alter ego during culture’s biggest night.
