The EKKA is a Brisbane institution, and in 2026 it is a big one, celebrating 150 years from 8 to 16 August with the public holiday landing on Wednesday the 12th. A day at the show means a lot of walking, a fair bit of weather, the odd ride and approximately a thousand photos, so the smart move is hair that looks great in the morning and still looks great when you are queuing for a strawberry sundae at three in the afternoon.
The trick is to start with a good foundation and choose a style that works with movement rather than against it. A polished blow dry with a bit of hold is a brilliant base, because it keeps the frizz down and gives you something to work with all day. From there, a few easy looks hold up beautifully in the EKKA environment. A relaxed braid keeps hair off your face and only gets better as the day goes on. A sleek low pony is neat, photogenic and takes two minutes. A half up style gives you the best of both worlds, polished on top and loose through the lengths.
A couple of practical notes from the floor. Wind and crowds are the enemy of fussy styles, so anything secured is your friend. Take a few bobby pins and a small brush in your bag for quick fixes. And if you are going to be out in the sun, a hat is not just for the EKKA fashion, it genuinely protects your colour from fading.
If you want to walk in looking your best, the easiest win is a blow dry the day before the show or on the morning of the public holiday. It is a small thing that makes the photos so much better. Our stylists can also show you how to set a simple style yourself if you would rather DIY on the day.
Book a pre show blow dry with us and head to the EKKA looking polished. You can find blow dry and styling options on our services page, and our contact page has everything you need to grab a time before the show week fills up.
