Bonnaroo’s announcement of its new "Vinyl Wellness & Beauty" service area in Plaza 9 for 2025, featuring hair styling services priced at $100 for two braids, has ignited controversy among festival attendees.
Community Reaction Highlights:
- Many festival-goers recall braiding being a free or low-cost communal activity in past years, making the new $100 charge feel exorbitant.
- There is frustration over what’s seen as commercialization of simple, traditional festival hairstyles such as braids and space buns.
- Some attendees defend higher fees for complex styles or added hair but emphasize that basic braids don’t justify the steep cost.
- The community is rallying to promote free or inexpensive braiding among camps and friend groups to maintain the spirit of mutual aid.
- Informal hair braiding gatherings and spots like the Jesus tent are being highlighted as alternatives to paid services.
Broader Context:
This pricing move has sparked debate over whether it undermines Bonnaroo’s longstanding culture of sharing and camaraderie. Many attendees urge caution about paying premium fees without clear details on service quality or credentials of providers.
As the festival approaches, more information on the full scope and pricing of services at "Vinyl Wellness & Beauty" may shed light on the situation. For now, the community is organizing grassroots efforts to keep hair styling accessible and communal.
Source: r/bonnaroo