Rave Braids Are Trending – Here are 16 Unique Ideas for 2025

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Ready to rock your next rave with a hairstyle that holds up all night and looks incredible under neon lights? Rave braids are where function meets style—perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while you dance and keeping your look fresh. But it’s not just about throwing a couple of cornrows in there. Mixing in colorful hair extensions, glitter, or even adding braiding hair that glows under blacklight can take your look from basic to unforgettable. The key is to choose a braid style that holds tight, like feed-in braids or box braids, so you can go all out without worrying about touch-ups.

If you’re ready for a style that stays secure and looks just as good on the dance floor as it does in photos, check out these braid ideas that’ll have you prepped and ready to party.

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Black and blonde rave braids inspiration hairstyle

#1 Rave Braids Inspiration

Perfect for a high-energy rave or festival, these bold braids combine natural black hair with contrasting blonde extensions, creating a striking, high-contrast look. The larger, symmetrical braids lead down to a mix of looser curls and smaller, detailed braids, adding dimension and texture. This style is durable for long wear but may feel heavy for some. Best for medium to thick hair to hold the structure.

Blonde braids with pastel threads for a soft rave look

#2 Blonde Braided Rave Look

This soft blonde look combines loose waves with face-framing braids and pastel thread details for a delicate, ethereal style. The subtle pastel threads woven through add a touch of color, making it perfect for those who want a hint of flair without overpowering the natural blonde. Great for fine to medium hair, it’s an easy-going option for a laid-back rave vibe.

Red and brown braided space buns for a rave hairstyle

#3 Aesthetic Braids for Raves

Mixing red and brown tones, this style features space buns with face-framing braids for a striking, aesthetic look. The braids add a structured feel, while the buns bring playful energy, ideal for a rave atmosphere. This style suits medium to fine hair and offers a lightweight option for all-night wear, though it requires regular upkeep to keep the colors vibrant.

Braided bubble hairstyle with jewelry accents for raves

#4 Braided Hair with Jewelry for Raves

These grey and caramel-toned bubble braids feature delicate jewelry accents, creating an earthy, edgy aesthetic. The metallic chain accessories add a unique flair, ideal for those who want to level up their rave hairstyle. This look is suitable for medium to thick hair types, with the textured bubble sections adding volume and keeping hair secure.

Coppery curly hair with braids for rave hairstyles

#5 Curly Hair Braids for Raves

For those with natural curls, this braid style combines small, tight braids at the crown with voluminous, free-flowing curls. The warm, coppery color is perfect for a boho-inspired rave look. It keeps the hair secure around the face but lets the curls shine in the back, blending the best of both worlds. This style is ideal for thick, curly hair and offers a long-lasting yet soft, touchable look.

Multicolored braids with bubbles for music festival hair

#6 Music Festival Braided Style

A colorful mix of magenta, blue, and lavender shades makes this braided style a festival favorite. The combination of traditional braids with bubble sections adds volume and texture, making it perfect for those with thinner hair looking for a fuller look. This whimsical palette stands out in crowds and adds a playful vibe to rave hair. Ideal for long-lasting wear but requires patience to braid.

Bold green rave braids with ombré extensions

#7 Green Rave Braids

This bold green braid style is perfect for standing out at any rave. With chunky Dutch braids leading into bubble ponytails, the bright green ombré extensions make this look unforgettable. Ideal for medium to thick hair, these braids are both eye-catching and durable for all-night wear. The green tones add a unique twist, but maintenance can be a bit challenging with such vivid colors.

Short pink braids with curls for a rave hairstyle

#8 Short Rave Braids Look

For a shorter, softer vibe, these pink braids on a bob cut bring a touch of rave glam. Short curls mixed with braided sections create playful volume and a lighthearted look. Best for short to medium hair, this style adds texture without the weight of extensions. It’s an adorable choice for those who want an easy, manageable rave style.

Blonde high ponytail braids for raves

#9 Ponytail Braids for Raves

A fusion of cornrow braids leading into a high ponytail, this look is sleek and edgy. Blonde extensions add a soft contrast against dark roots, and the ponytail gives a playful swing with movement. This style is durable for an all-day rave but may feel heavy for finer hair types. Ideal for medium to thick hair, adding structure and style.

Vibrant purple chunky braids for an easy rave hairstyle

#10 Easy Rave Braids

This bold look is all about vibrant purple braids, woven in thick, chunky sections that command attention. Perfect for thicker hair, these braids stay secure and offer a no-fuss style for the festival circuit. While this shade might be high-maintenance to color-match, it’s a hit for making a lasting impression at raves.

Simple pink Dutch braids for a subtle rave hairstyle

#11 Simple Braided Rave Hairstyle

This understated yet stylish look combines two classic Dutch braids with pastel pink extensions. It’s a great option for anyone who wants something easy and practical without sacrificing style. This look is best for those with medium to long hair. It holds up through dancing and gives a pop of color without overwhelming.

Pink and purple bubble braids for a fun rave hairstyle

#12 Bubble Braids for Raves

Adding a playful spin, these bubble braids feature chunky, bubble-like sections in soft pink and purple hues. Tied with small elastics, this style is lightweight and easy to wear. It’s best for those with medium to thick hair for the volume it brings. The pastel colors give it a fun, lively look suited for rave lovers who want a hassle-free style.

Red and black rave braids with high contrast

#13 Red Rave Braids

These striking red and black braided pigtails are sure to turn heads. The bold color combination and high-contrast braids create a fierce look that’s perfect for the rave scene. The style has a punk edge and holds well for hours. However, it may be a bit heavy on fine hair. Works great for someone looking to make a dramatic statement.

Earth-toned synthetic rave braids with beads for a boho look

#14 Synthetic Rave Braids Style

These long, earthy plaits feature a bohemian vibe with small braids intertwined through the main plaits. Perfect for a free-spirited look, they blend well with natural colors and incorporate small accessories like beads. Lightweight yet sturdy, this style works best for those with thick hair. It’s ideal for a multi-day festival as it’s easy to maintain and keeps hair out of the face.

Blue and purple festival plaits for rave hairstyles

#15 Festival Rave Plaits

Vibrant and eye-catching, these festival plaits use neon blue and purple extensions woven into chunky Dutch braids with bubble braid details. The pops of color make this style stand out, especially under stage lights. Ideal for thick hair that can handle added weight, these plaits give a fun, whimsical twist that suits the festive atmosphere of a rave. They require patience to install but are well worth it.

Pastel lavender and blue rave braids with extensions

#16 Rave Braids with Extensions for Festivals

Lavender and sky-blue extensions turn these braided styles into dreamy, festival-ready hair. Multiple braids with a mix of skinny and thick sections bring extra volume and texture. This look is great for thin to medium hair types, adding a playful pastel pop. It’s lightweight and keeps the hair in place, making it ideal for all-day raving.