Hairstyles for Notting Hill Carnival 2025
There’s something that's always been electric bout Notting Hill Carnival. The music, heritage, the energy, the food – it’s the one weekend where London feels like it’s breathing together as one, exhaling joy and colour, all while dancing through the street.
And if you’re already planning your Notting Hill Carnival outfits like we are (because we all know a good fit is part of the experience), you can’t forget the ultimate accessory: your hair. Think big, bold, beautiful, and unapologetically you. Whether you’ve got curls, coils, waves, or you’re always loyal to your braids hair stylist, this is your time to let loose.
Before you start googling “When is Notting Hill Carnival 2025?” – let me save you the search. This year’s Notting Hill Carnival dates are the August Bank Holiday weekend, and trust me, you’ll want your look ready well in advance. Hair appointments, braid inspo boards, and maybe a last-minute panic buy of clip in extensions – we’ve all been there.
Braided Hairstyles
Boho Braids
Boho braids are basically the Instagram IT girl of the braid world. Think loose, romantic braids with curly, wild tendrils escaping here and there. You can weave in some accessories like seashells or gold beads to give you that extra edge.
Goddess Braids
If braids could strut, goddess braids would be doing it in Louboutins. Similar to boho style braids, these locks are larger than life. They frame your face beautifully while staying neat all weekend. And yes, they’ll look incredible in every single pic.
Box Braids
Box braids are the Beyoncé of protective styles – they never go out of fashion. Long, short, chunky, micro, waist-length, or dipped in a bright colour – box braids are a carnival classic. And the best bit? They last way beyond Family Day.
Stitch Braids
If you want precision, stitch braids are your go-to. The clean lines are like hair art, perfect for adding a futuristic or geometric twist to your carnival look. You can even mix them with other braid types if you want to stand out.
Cute Braid Designs for Carnival
Here’s some stunning, Pinterest-worthy designs your stylist can integrate into your braids:
Star Braid
Level up this star braid look by adding some glitter or hair gems to the centre, points or even around the star. Accessorising is the ultimate way to make you shine, literally.
Flower Braid
Spring into action with some floral inspo. Add a few different coloured flower clips or pins around your hair to match and compliment your braiding.
Love Heart Braid
Steal hearts this summer with a love heart braid! This one is guaranteed to make the streets of Notting Hill your own personal runway.
If you're tackling more simple braids yourself or braiding your hair extensions, you can read our full guide: Braiding with Hair Extensions: Do's and Don'ts.
Twists and Updos
Not feeling braids? No problem. Twists are just as protective and gorgeous. Bantu knots, passion twists and flat twists and countess other styles are just as beautiful and protective and are all achievable depending on your heritage and desired look.
Clip In Ponytail for Carnival
And let’s talk updos, because when it’s hot, the last thing you want is your hair sticking to your lip-gloss. A clip in wrap around ponytail is the ultimate cheat code. Sleek, dramatic, and perfect for dancing.
Keep it extra silky and sleek with our very own Moisturising Silky Spray, perfect for keeping stray hairs at bay and edges shiny and locked in place after applying your fave gel or glue.
Curly Clip In Hair Extensions for Carnival
If you’re blessed with curls, carnival is the time to let them run wild. But sometimes we might need a little more bounce, volume or length. Curly clip-in hair extensions are easy to apply, and you can play around with them for different looks. If you want the real luxury treatment, our human hair extensions are defo worth the investment for that flawless finish.
Add for Length
In need of extra length? Clip in our 26 inch hair extensions and watch your curls cascade.
Add for Thickness
Want more thickness? Strategically layer them in place for curls so full they need their own postcode.
Colourful Clip In Hair Extensions
Carnival is not the time to be shy. This is the moment to bring out all the colours you’ve secretly wanted to try but never had the guts for. Colourful clip in extensions are the commitment-free way to do it.
Add Balayage Shades
Explore our balayage shades for a soft, sun-kissed glow that catches the light as you dance.
Add Funky Shades
Or go wild with funky shades like silver, pink or even blue. Let your personality shine through your hair.
If you’ve already got nano rings or tape ins installed, but you’re feeling really extra, apply a set of top up clip in extensions with your permanent hair extensions for a look that stays looking unreal well into the early hours.
How to Keep Hair Extensions Looking Fresh During Carnival
First day of carnival, your hair is perfect, but by the time you’ve managed to make it to Monday, you’re wondering if you can just start a new life. The trick is maintenance.
Use our Deep Conditioning Hair Mask the night before to keep your hair hydrated, sweat-proof and humidity-proof without weighing it down. Carry a small spray bottle of water to refresh curls on the go, or a mini bottle of Heat Protection Spray in case the British sun decides to finally liven up. No one wants sizzled hair extensions! And at night, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet – especially natural locks or professional hair extensions – future-you will thank you.
Conclusion:
Notting Hill Carnival is about more than music – it’s about self-expression, heritage, culture, and showing up as the most confident and happy version of yourself. Whatever hairstyle you decide on, whatever Remy hair extensions you end up falling in love with, this is your weekend and your moment. Mark those Notting Hill Carnival 2025 dates in your diary and get your hair sorted in advance. Celebrate your hair, and most importantly, celebrate you!
