15 Weekend Hairstyles For Camping Trips

The crackle of the campfire reflects off tangled strands colored by sun and wind. Loose braids, messy buns, and natural waves mingle with fresh pine scents under open skies.

Weekend hairstyles for camping trips balance quick fixes with staying power, holding up against brisk morning hikes and evening marshmallow roasts. These styles keep hair out of the face without extra fuss.

From easy updos anchored by claw clips to textured ponytails flourishing amid nature’s humidity, these looks turn practicality into style on trail days.

Twisted Low Bun with Claw Clip Hold

⏱️ 5 min · 🟢 Beginner
Twisted Low Bun with Claw Clip Hold

Shiny, dark strands are gathered low at the nape, twisted into a smooth coil, then secured with a medium-sized tortoiseshell claw clip holding about 2 inches of hair width.

This style works well by keeping hair contained and acting as a breathable hold during warm days, with the clip’s teeth gripping securely without tugging.

Styling Tips

  • Start by smoothing hair with a light leave-in to reduce frizz.
  • Twist hair firmly but without tightness to avoid scalp strain.
  • Place the claw clip vertically for extra grip during active movement.

Pro Tip: Twist sections under before clipping to keep ends tucked and prevent loose strands throughout the day.

Avoid: Avoid clipping hair too loosely, as this causes the bun to unravel quickly especially with gentle breezes.

Try Also: Try a higher twisted bun or secure two smaller twisted buns side-by-side using two smaller claw clips.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Secure a sleek twisted bun with a claw clip for hands-free camping days.”


Messy Side Braid with Loose Ends

⏱️ 10 min · 🟢 Beginner
Messy Side Braid with Loose Ends

Thick, sun-streaked hair cascades into a loose side braid with strands gently pulled for volume, leaving about four inches of textured ends flowing freely.

Side braids soften facial features and allow airflow along the scalp, making them ideal for hiking or sitting by the fire while adding a soft boho vibe.

Styling Tips

  • Start braiding about six inches from the scalp to keep it loose.
  • Use fingers to gently tug braid sections for added fullness.
  • Secure ends with a colorful elastic that contrasts with hair color.

Pro Tip: Incorporate a small section from near the ear for a more natural and integrated braid look.

Avoid: Braiding too tightly flattens volume and can create scalp tension during movement.

Try Also: Try a Dutch braid or pull the braid across the back for a crown braid effect.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Easy side braid with loose ends adds effortless charm to camping styles.”


Top Knot Secured with Black Scrunchie

⏱️ 7 min · 🟢 Beginner
Top Knot Secured with Black Scrunchie

Thick, chestnut hair is pulled high and twisted into a sizeable top knot secured with a plush black scrunchie made from velvet-like fabric approximately 3 inches in diameter.

This keeps hair fully off the neck and face, reducing sweat during physical activity, and adds a soft texture contrast between hair shine and scrunchie matte finish.

Styling Tips

  • Use fingers instead of a brush to avoid disrupting natural wave patterns when gathering hair.
  • Wrap the scrunchie loosely to prevent breakage.
  • Allow a few wisps to fall around the face for a relaxed look.

Pro Tip: Double-wrap the scrunchie for added security if hair is very thick or coarse to prevent early slippage.

Avoid: Pulling the hairline too tight causes discomfort and potential tension headaches during extended wear.

Try Also: Try a half-up top knot or secure the knot lower on the crown for a different silhouette.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Quick top knot with a black scrunchie keeps hair out on active camping days.”


Half-Up Ponytail with Wooden Hair Stick

⏱️ 12 min · 🟠 Intermediate
Half-Up Ponytail with Wooden Hair Stick

A medium-thickness honey blonde mane is swept half-up, twisted, and secured with a polished wooden hair stick about 6 inches long, showing natural grain patterns.

This look balances keeping hair off the neck while allowing movement below; the wooden stick provides firm hold without metal’s weight or damage.

The natural wood material also complements outdoor settings, blending earth tones with hair shine.

Styling Tips

  • Twist hair sections evenly for symmetrical placement of the hair stick.
  • Avoid leaving gaps to prevent slips during hiking.
  • Use a light texturizing spray for grip on finer hair.

Pro Tip: Insert the hair stick diagonally through the twist for extra tension and stable hold.

Avoid: Failing to twist hair tightly enough before inserting the stick can cause the style to fall apart with movement.

Try Also: Try using a decorative metal hair stick or a bamboo pin for different natural vibes.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Half-up style with a wooden hair stick merges hold and natural charm.”


Low Ponytail with Colorful Scrunchie Accent

⏱️ 6 min · 🟢 Beginner
Low Ponytail with Colorful Scrunchie Accent

Chestnut hair is pulled back loosely at the nape, tied with a handmade colorful scrunchie featuring woven cotton threads in red, blue, and yellow strands.

The loose tension allows airflow along the neck and scalp, protecting strands from breakage by distributing pressure gently.

Styling Tips

  • Brush hair halfway then finger-comb before tying for volume.
  • Choose a scrunchie that contrasts with your hair color to make it pop.
  • Pull a few face-framing strands for softness.

Pro Tip: Wrap the scrunchie twice for stability if you are moving a lot during camping activities.

Avoid: Tying the ponytail too tight causes scalp headaches and damages hair at the root.

Try Also: Swap the scrunchie for a silk scarf or a simple elastic band for a minimal look.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Simple low ponytail with a pop of color from a woven scrunchie.”


Loose Waves with Floral Headband

⏱️ 15 min · 🟠 Intermediate
Loose Waves with Floral Headband

Soft, caramel brown waves extend to shoulder length framed by a thin floral headband made of small fabric daisies spaced evenly on a wire base.

Headbands like this keep flyaways back without pulling hair tight, perfect for campfire stories when settling in for the evening breeze.

Styling Tips

  • Enhance wave texture by scrunching in a sea salt spray before drying.
  • Position the headband just behind the ears to avoid discomfort.
  • Choose lightweight floral styles to prevent slips.

Pro Tip: Apply a light mist of flexible hold hairspray to maintain waves without stiffness.

Avoid: Positioning headband too far forward can cause tension on temples and headaches.

Try Also: Try a braided headband or switch to thicker fabric wraps for cooler camping nights.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Soft waves paired with a floral headband add gentle charm around the campfire.”


Classic French Braid for All-Day Wear

⏱️ 20 min · 🟠 Intermediate
Classic French Braid for All-Day Wear

Rich auburn hair is woven tightly into a smooth French braid that starts at the crown and reaches mid-back, maintaining consistent three-strand weaving.

This traditional braid technique distributes hair tension evenly, minimizing scalp stress during long hikes and camp tasks.

The braid’s compact shape also protects ends from dirt and wind.

Styling Tips

  • Practice even sectioning with a fine-tooth comb for neatness.
  • Use small clear elastics to secure the end firmly.
  • Spray with anti-frizz serum to tame flyaways.

Pro Tip: Pull sections progressively tighter as you braid to maintain a smooth finish and avoid gaps.

Avoid: Starting the braid unevenly can cause the style to loosen quickly in active conditions.

Try Also: Try a double French braid or invert into a Dutch braid for extra texture and lift.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Tidy French braid keeps hair controlled from dawn to dusk in nature.”


Boho Braided Crown with Tiny Flower Pins

⏱️ 30 min · 🔴 Advanced
Boho Braided Crown with Tiny Flower Pins

Light blonde hair is intricately braided into a crown encircling the head, embellished with small white flower pins spaced every two inches for subtle sparkle.

The braided crown secures loose strands away from the face and scalp, while the floral pins enhance the natural tones, echoing wildflowers often found near camping sites.

This style holds well against light winds and is balanced to avoid pulling.

Styling Tips

  • Use a mirror to maintain even braiding thickness around the head.
  • Fasten pins securely at braid intersections for durability.
  • Apply a small amount of styling cream to manage flyaways.

Pro Tip: Pre-section your hair into equal parts before starting to ensure symmetry in the crown braid design.

Avoid: Inserting pins too loosely results in slipping or losing flowers during activities.

Try Also: Try adding ribbons woven through the braid or use tiny colorful beads for a festival vibe.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Delicate braided crown with flower pins brings nature’s beauty to your camping look.”


Wet Look Slicked Back Ponytail

⏱️ 10 min · 🟠 Intermediate
Wet Look Slicked Back Ponytail

Dark wet-look hair is combed straight back from the face into a low ponytail, creating a sleek and shiny surface reflecting light under the sun.

This style controls unruly strands especially after swimming or rain, and is supported by a dark elastic band matching hair color for subtlety.

Styling Tips

  • Apply water-based gel evenly for consistent shine without stiffness.
  • Use a fine-tooth comb for smooth back-slicking.
  • Check edges to keep framing wires neat.

Pro Tip: Start with damp hair and style immediately for best hold without hard crusting once dry.

Avoid: Overapplying gel causes heaviness and flakes once dried, spoiling the glow effect.

Try Also: Try a high slicked ponytail or a slicked-back bun for different hold styles.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Slicked-back ponytail with wet look controls hair after outdoor swims.”


Braided Pigtails with Colorful Hair Elastics

⏱️ 12 min · 🟢 Beginner
Braided Pigtails with Colorful Hair Elastics

Sun-kissed tousled hair is divided into two even sections, each braided tightly into traditional three-strand plaits, finishing with vibrant multicolored elastics in bright blue and pink.

Pigtails distribute the weight evenly on both sides for balanced wear, perfect for energetic outdoor activities during camping.

Styling Tips

  • Comb tangles thoroughly before sectioning.
  • Wrap elastics twice for durable hold during active movement.
  • Loosen braid at the ends for texture.

Pro Tip: Start braiding close to the scalp for better hold and reduced hair flyaways.

Avoid: Make sure not to leave uneven sections; this leads to lopsided pigtails that feel uncomfortable.

Try Also: Try fishtail braids or French braid pigtails for variation.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Classic braided pigtails with colorful elastics add playful camping charm.”


Sleek Low Bun with Decorative Hairpin

⏱️ 15 min · 🟠 Intermediate
Sleek Low Bun with Decorative Hairpin

Smooth dark hair gathers into a polished low bun at the nape, highlighted by a metallic decorative hairpin shaped like a leaf, measuring about 3 inches long.

The bun’s tight winding prevents stray strands, and the hairpin secures offsets while adding a touch of elegance to a practical style.

Styling Tips

  • Use smoothing serum before styling to reduce frizz.
  • Wrap hair around itself clockwise for consistent dimension.
  • Insert hairpin at a slight angle for better hold and visual interest.

Pro Tip: Secure the bun first with a clear elastic before adding the decorative pin for extra stability.

Avoid: Skipping the elastic step can cause the pin to slip, especially during movement or wind exposure.

Try Also: Try a twisted bun or a side low bun using the same pin for contrast.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Sleek low bun accented with a metallic leaf hairpin for sharp camping style.”


Beachy Waves with Natural Fiber Headband

⏱️ 15 min · 🟠 Intermediate
Beachy Waves with Natural Fiber Headband

Golden brown hair is styled in loose beachy waves about ¾ inch in diameter, topped with a woven natural fiber headband approximately 1.5 inches wide.

The headband keeps hair pulled back gently and enhances texture contrast between soft waves and the rougher weave fiber, fitting the outdoorsy camping vibe.

Styling Tips

  • Use a medium-hold sea salt spray for long-lasting wave texture.
  • Position the headband about one inch from the hairline for comfort.
  • Smooth edges with light hair oil for sheen.

Pro Tip: Twist sections of hair before applying the sea salt spray to boost wave definition.

Avoid: Placing the headband too far back can cause slippage when moving outdoors.

Try Also: Swap the natural fiber headband for cotton or hemp material or add small decorative pins to the sides.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Soft beachy waves paired with a natural fiber headband for outdoor charm.”


Full High Ponytail with Curled Ends

⏱️ 20 min · 🟠 Intermediate
Full High Ponytail with Curled Ends

Thick, dark hair is swept into a full-volume high ponytail, with ends curled in gentle 1-inch diameter spirals using a curling wand.

The elevation of the ponytail lifts hair off the neck, while the curled ends bring a playful bounce that survives the breeze and movement of outdoor fun.

Styling Tips

  • Secure the ponytail with a strong elastic designed for thick hair.
  • Apply heat protectant before curling to preserve hair health.
  • Use a flexible-hold hairspray to keep curls intact all day.

Pro Tip: Backcomb the ponytail base lightly for extra volume if hair is fine or straight.

Avoid: Not curling the ends after securing the ponytail results in lifeless, flat finishes.

Try Also: Change curls to beach waves or add a colorful scrunchie for more fun.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Bouncy high ponytail with curled ends adds lively vibes to camping days.”


Low Braided Bun with Spiral Hair Tie

⏱️ 18 min · 🟠 Intermediate
Low Braided Bun with Spiral Hair Tie

Dark brown strands are braided into a loose plait, wrapped around itself at the nape into a bun, then fastened with a clear spiral hair tie approximately 2 inches in diameter.

The spiral tie evenly distributes pressure in a coil pattern across the hair to reduce dents and breakage, ideal for multi-day outdoor trips.

Styling Tips

  • Loosen braid slightly before wrapping for added volume.
  • Insert the spiral tie without twisting hair too tightly.
  • Smooth flyaways with a light hairspray for extra neatness.

Pro Tip: Rotate the spiral hair tie gently as you place it to help secure the bun with minimal tension on strands.

Avoid: Using old or stretched spiral ties will reduce hold and cause hair to slip out easily.

Try Also: Try the bun higher on the head or braid in a fishtail pattern before wrapping.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Soft braided bun secured with a spiral tie keeps hair healthy on long trips.”


Double Dutch Braids for Active Camping Days

⏱️ 25 min · 🔴 Advanced
Double Dutch Braids for Active Camping Days

Thick chestnut hair is sculpted into two symmetrical Dutch braids close to the scalp, about one inch wide each, extending from the hairline to the nape with tight weaving.

These braids frame the face firmly and stay woven regardless of vigorous movement, protecting hair from wind and dirt during outdoor adventures.

Adding matte black elastic bands keeps the style tidy without reflecting light.

Styling Tips

  • Section hair evenly with a rat-tail comb for symmetrical braids.
  • Use small sections during braiding for a defined Dutch effect.
  • Keep scalp taut but not uncomfortable while braiding.

Pro Tip: Braid each side slowly to maintain tension and neatness for all-day durability.

Avoid: Neglecting to consistently add hair can cause loose braids that unravel quickly outside.

Try Also: Try making the braids into twin buns or leaving them tied down the back for different looks.

Products & Materials

Items Used

“Durable double Dutch braids hold strong through all-day camping fun.”