Celebrity hair stylist Ben Cooke's Digital Spy blog: Festival styles

He's the man behind Victoria Beckham's pob, Leona Lewis's fishtail plait, Amanda Holden's chop and Sarah Harding's revamp - so when we wanted someone to offer their tips for Digital Spy readers, the award-winning Ben Cooke - co-founder of Lockonego hair salon based in Chelsea - was the only man for the job.

Festival-Friendly Hairstyles

Festival season is hot on our heels, so now is the time to really revel in that 'just out of bed' look. It's time to embrace your creative side once you're without hot water and electricity, so check out my top festival-friendly hair-do's, which are easy to create and will ensure you look great all festival-long.

Day One: The Biggest Beehive

This style channels retro '60s glamour as seen on Lana Del Rey at Radio 1's Hackney Weekend. This look really works by contrasting the height of the beehive with long sleek tresses. This is the perfect hairstyle for the first day when you still have access to your hair straighteners!



Begin by spritzing clean dry hair with Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper Hairspray, £14.10, adding grip which will help with styling. Starting an inch from the hairline, separate the top section of the hair away from the rest by brushing hair forwards to cover the face. Pin this out of the way.

Brush the rest of the hair to smooth it down. Next, starting from the top nearest the hairline, take sections of hair and backcomb them letting them fall forwards towards the front of the head. Work your way back towards the neck, building up volume and height. The more you backcomb the hair the more dramatic the end result will be.

Gather and lift the hair at the back to support height at the front. Then, using plenty of carefully placed hair grips, secure the beehive in place but ensure the pins are all well hidden. Very carefully brush the loose section until smooth and cover hair in a generous coating of Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce, £14.10, for ultra-firm hold. Accessorise with a hair band for a real '50s siren look.

Day Two: Princess Plaits

These plaits are perfect for those girls with long, tricky-to-tame hair. The look will help to disguise your greasy roots and will withstand the festival antics from dusk 'till dawn. This style will earn you serious boho credentials to rival festival beauties such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller.



To achieve this angelic look prep damp hair with Sebastian Professional Halo Mist, £17.25, to create a tousled effect. Blow-dry using your fingertips to untangle, whilst maintaining a textured effect that gives holding power for plaiting.

Separate the hair into two sections at the front, leaving the back of the hair loose. French plait the two sections at the front of the head and pull back towards the crown of the head, securing with hair pins. Next, plait the section at the back of the head and bring up towards the crown. Once all three sections have been plaited, twist together to create an interwoven effect. Spritz all over with Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce spray, £14.10, to achieve a firm, sleek look that lasts all day.


Day Three: Grunge-Glam

Finally, check out Grunge-glam which has been a huge trend this festival season. This is a classic Alexa Chung look: effortlessly slick and cool with grown out roots for a grunge-glam edge and requires very little effort.



Once you take your hair out of the Princess Plaits your hair will be slightly tousled and messy, which makes the perfect texture for this style. Start by using Sebastian Professional Texturiser, £17.25, which uses fibres to add tones of texture and body.

Work the product through the hair for a ruffled look. Smooth roots with a fine-toothed comb, making sure you comb only halfway along the hair to keep the ends looking textured and un-tamed. Finally, add a little volume by gently teasing the roots with your fingertips and pushing the hair up slightly as you tuck the front sections behind your ears.