Graduation day is the culmination of years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and endless caffeine. While your diploma is the star of the show, your graduation photos are what will live on your mantle and social media feeds for decades. The biggest challenge? The dreaded mortarboard. This flat, square cap is notorious for crushing volume, causing “hat hair,” and refusing to sit still on anything but the flattest of styles.
However, you don’t have to settle for a boring look. The key to the perfect graduation hairstyle is working with the cap, not against it. Whether you want to showcase your natural texture, rock a sophisticated braid, or keep it classic and sleek, these twelve styles are designed to look stunning from the ceremony to the after-party.
1. Sleek Straight
There is something timelessly elegant about pin-straight hair. This is perhaps the easiest style to manage under a cap because there is no volume at the crown to be crushed. To achieve this look, use a high-quality flat iron and a heat protectant. The secret to making this look “graduation ready” is the finish; use a lightweight shine spray to ensure your hair catches the light in every photograph. Because the cap sits flat on top, the sleekness of the hair creates a modern, polished silhouette that feels both professional and chic.
2. Beachy Waves
If you want a look that feels effortless and youthful, beachy waves are the way to go. Unlike tight curls, which can look stiff, loose waves provide movement and framing. Use a wide-barrel curling wand and leave the ends out for a more relaxed vibe. Once the curls have cooled, brush them out with a wide-tooth comb. The texture of the waves provides enough “grip” to help keep your cap in place, and the volume starts low enough that the cap won’t flatten your hard work.
3. Low Bun
The low bun is the gold standard for formal events, and graduation is no exception. By keeping the bun at the nape of your neck, you leave the entire top of your head free for the mortarboard to sit flush. This style is particularly great for outdoor ceremonies where wind might be an issue. You can go for a sleek, tight ballerina-style low bun or a more relaxed, messy chignon. Secure it with a sturdy hair tie and plenty of bobby pins to ensure it stays put as you walk across the stage.
4. Side Braid
A side braid is both romantic and practical. By pulling your hair to one side, you create a beautiful focal point that is visible in every “handshake” photo during the ceremony. A classic three-strand braid works well, but a fishtail or a four-strand braid adds an extra layer of sophistication. To make the braid look fuller, “pancake” it by gently pulling at the edges of the loops once it’s tied. This style is also a lifesaver for humid graduation days, as it keeps your hair contained and frizz-free.
5. Half-Up
The half-up, half-down look offers the best of both worlds. It keeps the hair out of your face (essential for when the wind picks up during an outdoor ceremony) while still allowing you to show off your length. The trick for graduation is to keep the “up” portion very low or very flat. Avoid top-knots or high ponytails. Instead, pull the side sections back and secure them with a small elastic or a flat barrette at the back of the head, right where the base of the cap will sit.
6. Bubble Braid
For the graduate who wants something a bit more modern and “Instagrammable,” the bubble braid is a fantastic choice. It is much easier to achieve than a French braid but looks just as intricate. Simply start with a low ponytail and add elastics every few inches, pulling the hair out between the bands to create “bubbles.” It’s a playful, high-energy look that stands out against the traditional academic gown.
7. Natural Curls
Never feel like you have to change your natural texture for your big day. Natural curls, coils, and kinks look stunning under a mortarboard. The key is placement. Many graduates with voluminous hair find it helpful to tilt the cap further back on the head or use “graduation cap inserts” (like a headband attached to the cap) to help it sit securely without crushing the curls. Use a hydrating curl cream to define your pattern and ensure your hair looks vibrant and healthy.
8. Crown Braid
While a traditional crown braid might sit too high for a cap, a “low” crown braid—where the braid wraps around the base of the skull—is perfect. This style is incredibly secure and looks like a piece of art. It keeps all of your hair off your neck, which is a major plus if you’re graduating in a hot climate. It also provides a sturdy “ledge” for the back of your cap to grip onto, making it one of the most functional styles on this list.
9. Low Ponytail
The low ponytail is the ultimate “cool girl” graduation hairstyle. It’s minimalist, sharp, and very easy to fix if it gets bumped. To elevate the look, take a small strand of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic, securing it with a bobby pin. This small detail makes the style look professional and thought-out. You can also add a bow in your school’s colors for a festive, personalized touch.
10. Hollywood Glam
If your graduation is a more formal evening affair, Hollywood glam waves are a show-stopping choice. These waves are more structured than beachy waves, following a consistent “S” pattern. This style looks particularly great with the cap because the side part allows a large volume of hair to sweep across the forehead and down one shoulder, creating a dramatic, red-carpet-ready look that frames the face beautifully in portraits.
11. Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is for the graduate who loves detail. It looks more complex than a standard braid and holds up remarkably well throughout a long day of ceremonies and celebrations. Because it’s a flatter braid by nature, it doesn’t add bulk, allowing your gown’s collar and your graduation stole to lay flat. It’s a sophisticated, bohemian look that pairs perfectly with floral leis or heavy academic hoods.
12. Twisted Side
If you aren’t a fan of braiding, twists are a great alternative. By twisting sections of hair from the front of your face back toward the nape of your neck, you create a beautiful textured look that stays out of your eyes. You can gather the twists into a side ponytail or a low bun. This style is great for adding a bit of “lift” and interest to the hair that is visible beneath the cap without interfering with how the cap actually sits on your