Hair tinsel: The glittering festival trend making a comeback

Twirling and whirling in the light of the setting sun as a headliner plays out the final hours of the festival you’ve been looking forward to all year can only be improved by one thing: glitter.

Hair glitter, to be exact – and of the tinsel variety.

A 90s and 00s staple, searches for hair tinsel on Treatwell are up over 200 per cent in the past few months as live music lovers and those simply looking for a bit of whimsy look to adorn their luscious locks with glittering strands of wonder. Even the stars and stage-dwellers themselves are hopping on the trend.

We spoke to Treatwell's Hair Tinsel Expert (what a job!), Emma May Fordham at SoBob, who has recently applied hair tinsel for the likes of Rose Gray and Harris Dickinson (Gen-Z’s current favourite power couple), for insight into the trend.

What exactly is hair tinsel, and how do you apply it?

“Hair tinsel is a type of hair extension used to add glitter to the hair by attaching super fine sparkly strands of tinsel that reflect the light and shimmer! I apply the tinsel strands to the root using a microbead that will stay put until professionally removed. Be as subtle or as bold as you like,” says Fordham.

(Emma May Fordham)

How long does hair tinsel last?

“The tinsel should stay in place for two to four weeks. Take extra care when brushing for longevity. As the tinsel is heat resistant, you can still use your regular heat tools as normal,” the hairstylist explains.

Can it damage your hair?

“Hair tinsel can’t damage the hair, although as we are working with a type of extension, it’s important that the beads are carefully and professionally removed no more than four weeks after application,” warns Fordham. Other techniques you can master at home include simply tying tinsel to individual strands or placing clip-ins, though it’s always best to consult a professional to prevent any accidental damage.

(Anora by Sean Baker)

Why do you think the hair tinsel trend is making a comeback?

“Hair tinsel is definitely having its moment. I think it’s become more popular since the film Anora hit our screens. The main character sports tinsel in pink, magenta and dark purple. I’ve never seen hair tinsel rocked in film before, it’s just so visually pleasing! Tinsel is an instant mood lifter, conversation starter and head turner. For my clients, it’s just always been a thing.”

While it’s always worth booking with a professional, it’s not always possible, especially when you’ve got a zillion things to check off before you get to that festival date. We’ve rounded up a selection of approved DIY kits for bejewelling your bonnet at home below.

Because who says tinsel is just for Christmas?

Shop now

Read More

The Ultimate Festival Checklist 2025: What to take to a festival

Best shoes to wear to festivals in 2025: Hiking shoes, wellies and cowboy boots

Best festival tents for 2025: Top picks for Glastonbury and beyond

Best camping gear: from tents to cooking, the essential gear you need

Best phone cases with straps that are stylish and practical

Best online clothing shops and fashion boutiques for women and men

Runmeihe Hair Tinsel Extensions

Complete with 600 strands of shimmering silver tinsel, a crochet hook and 100 micro silicone chain link beads for attaching each strand, this is the festival hair kit you never knew you needed. Plus, it’s just under a fiver.

When you pull this set out of your backpack, your friends are sure to get excited. The extensions are an impressive 48 inches long and can be easily trimmed to suit all lengths of hair.

Buy now £4.49, Amazon

HairSparkleHQ Morganite Hair Tinsel

Available in 50, 100 and 200 strand packs, depending on how dramatic you like it, this bright pink tinsel looks particularly gorgeous on blonde hair, though they’re also available in myriad other kaleidoscopic options.

HairSparkle’s tinsel is super fine, which means it sits naturally between your hair strands and can be layered for a bold look. They can be washed, dried and are heat resistant up to 210°C.

Buy now £5.99, Etsy

WildMane Clip-In Hair Tinsel

Clip-ins are by far the easiest way to enjoy easy tinsel extensions that can be applied in your own bathroom. This set from WildMane was in the swag bags handed out at the premiere of Anora – the film that re-ignited the love for glittering hair tinsel most recently. The clips feature spaced-out strands for a natural look and are available in multiple colourways.

Buy now £16.79, Etsy

WildMane Tinsel Gel

Don’t have time for clipping and tying individual strands of tinsel? WildMane is also home to a unique tinsel hair gel which can be popped in your festival bag and reapplied on the go.

Buy now £7.43, Etsy

Sephora Collection Self-Adhesive Hair Gems

Why stop at jewels in your accessories? These self-adhesive gems are perfect for elevating your concert, going-out or even your not-so-casual dinner look. Each pack contains 230 gems in three different sizes so that you can create a varied look – no heat required.

Buy now £6.29

Reecho Hair Tinsel Kit

Reecho’s 20-inch tinsel extensions are multicoloured and iridescent, which means that they change colour depending on how the light hits them. Thanks to the comfortable and easy-to-navigate clips, they’re also fuss-free to apply and remove.

Buy now £8.95, Amazon

Lanjue Hair Tinsel Strands Kit, 12 Colours, 2,400 Strands

Can’t decide on a tinsel colour? Fret not, for Lanjue’s value-for-money hair tinsel kit included 12 different hues and 2,400 strands – enough for you and all your festival-going friends.

Simply loop a strand of your hair and a few strands of tinsel through the silicone bead using the included crochet hook, and clamp down with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Buy now £6.22, Amazon