You’ll want to look put-together and wear a formal hairstyle that showcases your outstanding merit in a stylish and elegant way, while also wearing a look that represents your personality.
15 Graduation Hairstyles for the Big Day
From loose, flowing hairstyles fit for your graduation cap to long, sleek tresses, check out our gallery of amazing graduation hairstyles that are sure to inspire:
1. The Lob
Stay on-trend this graduation season with the ever-stylish lob. Try a layered version to give your hair volume. Use a salt spray like Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Milk & White Jasmine Salt Spritz Texture Spray for texture if desired.
2. Bone-Straight Middle Part
Straight-haired girls can really rock this look, which looks especially polished with a graduation cap. This blown-out style creates the right amount of volume and only requires a styling product to keep everything in place. Add in a spray, like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Blow Dry Accelerator Spray.
3. Tousled Waves
This look is fitting for summer graduation. This wavy hairstyle is easy to create and allows you to simply use a curling iron to form light, bouncy waves.
4. Box Braids
If your hair is already done in this beautiful protective style (or you want to try it out for graduation), by all means! Box braids are very versatile since you can wear them loose or twisted into a low bun or ponytail.
5. Studious Chignon
Maybe you’d rather not wear your hair down, or maybe your hair is prone to frizz so you want to elegantly tuck it in. A low chignon is timeless and fitting either way. It’s also a very sophisticated look for walking across that stage as you wave proudly to Mom and Dad (sniff)! Slide on some stunning earrings to top this look off!
6. Full Pixie
You may either already have a pixie or you’re itching to cut your hair in honor of graduation, a.k.a. freedom. Step into the new world with a new short ’ does like this one that you can style with a defined mini-mohawk.
7. Low Side-Knot Ponytail
If your plan is to do something extremely simple with a bit of style, try this on for size. This hairstyle doesn’t require any hair ties since a section of your hair is looped around the ponytail to hold it in place. Your hair is kept neat and controlled under your mortarboard.
8. Deep Side Part
Fringe or no fringe, the deep side part allows to you sweep your hair across your face, resulting in a subtly dramatic look. Note: You might just need that fringe on your face on your big day, especially when the tears start to flow!
9. Waterfall Braids
This cool style offers the potential for a big reveal: When it’s time to throw that cap in the air, you’ll be showcasing an elegant asymmetrical waterfall braid that no one ever knew existed. This versatile hairstyle can take you from ceremony to dinner with minimal adjustments.
10. Side Waterfall Braid
Whether you choose a fishtail braid or a French braid version, this style is a great option for long-haired girls that you can easily do yourself. You can also vary your side parting depending on your cap placement.
11. Old Hollywood Waves
Take cues from Tinseltown glamour with shiny, shoulder-length curls. These ringlets have the appropriate amount of elegance and polish also suitable for celebrating an academic high point!
12. Twist-Out
A twist-out showcases your ringlets perfectly under your graduation cap. Add Dove Curls Defining Mousse to give your curls some extra hold, bounce, and definition.
13. Graduated Bob
Consider this an elegant and modern twist on the traditional bob. The longer layers on the front add depth and a bit of edge. For your graduation day, enhance this look with a chic side clip.
14. Polished Waves
A set of sleek, neat waves is a strikingly glamorous hairdo for your graduation. With a simple twist of a curling wand, the waves will make your hair look thick and luxurious. Set with Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hairspray for shine and hold.
15. Ombré
If you’re in the mood to try something a little more trendy for your big day, add in some ombré highlights. Give your color the perfect amount of contrast against your graduation cap and be prepared to make a perfectly trendy (yet still event-appropriate) statement. Be sure to capture some photos of your graduation hairstyle and tag us over @AllThingsHairUS!
