21 Graduation Hairstyles That Will Still Look Cute Under Your Grad Cap
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Whether you're in high school or college, graduation day is a big freaking deal, so you'll want to make sure your hair looks absolutely amazing for the special day (and all the pictures that come with it). However, finding a hairstyle that actually looks cute with your graduation cap is somehow more difficult than the endless exams you took to get your diploma/degree. We've pulled red carpet hairstyles from the most stylish celebs that anyone can create at home. What's even better? All of these graduation hairstyles that will still look good under your cap.
Loose Pigtails
Lana Condor's word is law, so that means you'll be rocking pigtails to graduation. She made the hairstyle look so chic by curling her hair and adding lots of volume on top.
Wispy Bangs
Revive the '90s with face-framing bangs, like Lili Reinhart. Just pull your hair into an elegant low bun and then use a wand to loosely curl the pieces of hair around your face.
Natural Texture
Yes, you can rock your natural hair with a graduation cap. Just use this life-changing afro-friendly hack brought to you by YouTuber Chizi Duru. The finished look is crazy cute and really easy to do.
Sleek Bun
By the time graduation comes around, it's hot and humid outside, which means you'll want to avoid frizz at all costs. Take notes from Selena Gomez and tie your hair into a sleek, low bun. Not only is this hairstyle super cute, but it's also convenient because your cap will fit perfectly on top.
Teased Ponytail
Honestly, Zendaya can do no wrong in our eyes. If you're hoping to recreate her easy, chic ponytail, start by parting your hair down the middle. Then, apply your favorite styling cream and tie your hair into a low ponytail. Voilà, you're done!
Side-Swept Curls
Gigi Hadid slays in these side-swept curls. Apart from graduation, side-swept hairstyles are a really great option for just about any occasion, especially prom. To recreate this look, use a round brush to dry your hair and then a teasing comb to add volume to each section.
Romantic Braid
Camila Cabello is giving off major princess vibes with this super romantic braid. The trick to recreating this look is to take out a few pieces of hair, mainly toward the front of your head, and curl them with an iron. This will do wonders and help to frame your face. Plus, it puts a fun twist on the traditional braid.
Rolled-Under Ends
Hailey Baldwin's '90s-inspired hair is totally trending right now. And the best part is that it's so easy to recreate. All you have to do is style a classic blowout with a round brush, but before you finish each section, make a slight bend when you reach your ends. What's also great about this hairstyle is that it works with just about every hair length, so whether you rock a lob or crazy long hair, you can totally pull this off.
Wavy Bob
The great part about Barbie Ferreira's bob is that you can wear the style with your natural texture and without using heated tools. Detangle your hair and part it down the middle before running a styling product like JVN Hair's Complete Air Dry Cream from the roots to the ends.
Tousled
This look is a bit of a throwback because, as we all know, Taylor Swift seems to change her hairstyle for every album. Nowadays, her curly hair is on display, but this tousled lob (also known as the long lob) is still one of her best looks. If it's something you'd want to try, grab
XMONDO's Salty Sea Salt Spray to add some extra texture.
Wet Hair
Singer-songwriter Lauren Jauregui normally rocks long, loose waves, but wow, she looks hot AF in this "wet hair" look. The key is to find a conditioning mousse that works for you. From there, all you have to do is apply the product and scrunch up your hair.
Side Braid
Take a lesson from Blake Lively's famous flowing tresses for graduation day. This simple side braid is the perfect option for a rainy day graduation ceremony. You won't have to worry about frizz or your curls falling out.
Loose Waves
Laura Harrier's laid-back waves have become her signature look on the red carpet, and she kills it every time! The great thing about picking a wavy hairstyle is that you can control how tight or how loose you want your waves to be. Keep in mind, your look may vary, depending on your natural hair texture and the hair iron you use to style.
Half-Up Curls
With this look, you'll want to make sure the top part of your hair is low enough for your grad cap to sit comfortably. To emulate Addison Rae's energy, curl your hair with a 1-1/4" curling wand (and don't forget to put on your heat protector beforehand!). Then, use a parting comb to separate the top half of your hair from the bottom. Secure it with a hair tie or bobby pins and spritz some hairspray so it lasts throughout the ceremony and after-party.
Pixie Cut
Bella Hadid's pixie cut from the 2019 Met Gala is sleek and chic — perfect for a grad cap to sit on. The good news about pixie cuts (especially when they're fresh) is that they require minimal effort to maintain. If you want to make sure it's locked down for the big day, comb through the style with some mousse or styling pomade like Kenra Professional's Platinum Texturizing Taffy.
Mod-Inspired Side Part
If you're rocking a shoulder-length style, then a side part may give you the pristine upgrade you're looking to wear for graduation. After parting a piece of your hair, set the section with a gel, like Got 2b's Glued Spiking Glue, and secure it with bobby pins.
Grungy Bangs
Whoever said grad caps ruin bangs could use a lesson on optimism. You can embrace your grunge-inspired look (as seen on Kim Petras) by tousling your bangs around to volumize and add texture. You're going to want to use very little product to avoid your bangs becoming weighed down, but when you do reach for something, make sure it's a dry shampoo like Living Proof's Perfect hair Day (PhD).
Straight and Sleek
At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021, Dua Lipa took home an award for Best Pop Vocal Album. She also deserves an award for this timeless sleek hair that pairs well with any look. Make sure to use a heat protectant like Garnier's Flat Iron Straightening Mist before blowing out and flat ironing your hair to achieve the award-winning look.
Mullet
Remember when Miley's dad Billy Ray Cyrus sang "I Want My Mullet Back" on Hannah Montana all those years ago? Well, the signature hairstyle made its way through the Cyrus bloodline as Miley has rocked the look. If you want in on the modern mullet train, it's all about the texture. Spritz some texturizing spray, like Verb's Volume Dry Texture Spray, for a medium hold with texture only a rockstar can pull off.
Soft Finger Waves
If you're wearing a short do like Demi, soft finger waves are one way to glam up your look. Take a product like the Lotta Body Wrap Me Foaming Mousse and coil each piece of hair with the product around your finger. Let it sit for 30 seconds before letting go and then you have a gorgeous pressed wave. Bonus points if you use rhinestones on the edges of your hair for a glitzy grad moment.
Dip-dyed Ends
If you want a little edge like Charli XCX, then dye just the ends of your hair a fun color. It could be your favorite shade in the rainbow — or if you want to show some school spirit, go with your school's official colors. If you're not looking to have colorful ends forever, Good Dye Young's I'm Bored Hair Makeup fades away after six washes.
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