Graduation season is in full swing, and we know the class of 2022 could not be more excited. After all, you've managed to weather even more than the typical student these past few years; from canceled classes to virtual learning to shelter in place, we're throwing our hats off to you for making it through an exceptionally tough moment in history.
Regardless, you've handed in your final papers, picked up your cap and gown, chosen the perfect graduation outfit, and sent out invites to your graduation party. The only thing left to do is decide how to wear your hair. No idea how you're going to pull that off? No worries. Whether you have dark brown hair or ash blonde strands, we've rounded up 27 graduation hairstyles that will look just as gorgeous as you walk across the stage as they will at your unforgettable celebration.
Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray
A finishing hairspray that also works as a dry shampoo and texturizing spray.
What hair is best for graduation?
Your graduation hairstyle has to look equally as flawless with your graduation cap on as it does when you take it off, so consider styles where your cap will fit comfortably on your head without messing too much with your overall style.
Since graduations typically occur during the summer, your mane has to withstand the elements outside under the blazing sun. As much as we love showing off long locks, having hair on your neck and a cap on your head is a recipe for a sweaty disaster. Preemptively nix sweat and oil by spritzing the top of your head with dry shampoo beforehand to guarantee locks look their best. Matrix Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray refreshes and cleanses hair while also adding texturizing volume to help your hair bounce back after you take your cap off.
Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Hair Oil
A hair oil-in serum that prevents frizz, puffiness and excess volume.
How do I make my hair look good in a graduation cap?
We suggest first securing your cap to your head and then working backward. This gives you a sense of how much of your hair you have left to work with and what will peek out from underneath your cap.
Next, be sure that the main elements of your style (like hair clip placements or the base of your ponytail or braid) sit below the crown of the head. Not only does this ensure your hard-earned ‘do is the most visible, but it also guarantees that you aren’t messing up your style when it comes time to throw that cap in the air.
Seeing rain in the forecast? A good anti-frizz routine the morning of can help keep your precious hairdo intact beneath your cap. First, wash hair with a humidity-fighting duo like Redken Frizz Dismiss Smoothing Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner, then follow it up with the line’s Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Hair Oil. The hair oil-in-serum helps control the effects of humidity on strands, prevents excess volume, and puffiness while making hair easier to work with. Featuring sustainably-sourced Babassu oil, the formula will also give your hair stunning smoothness and shine.
How much do graduation hairstyles cost?
For those deciding to book a salon appointment for their perfect graduation hairstyle, the price will likely vary depending on the salon’s location, the professional’s skill level, and the look you’re trying to achieve. Prices can range anywhere from $30 to $300.
Now that you have some background hair information for the big day, here are 27 of our favorite graduation hairstyles that scream, "Most likely to have the best hair day."
The 27 Best Graduation Hairstyles for 2022
Pull-Through Braid
French braids are a classic graduation style, but try a pull-through braid if you're looking for something a little different. This tousled spin on a traditional braid is easy to create and looks amazing in photographs. See for yourself in the quick tutorial above!
Good hair day by @sorayahstyles.
Asymmetrical Pixie
Having short hair is a blessing and a curse when graduation rolls around. On the one hand, all of your hair fits perfectly underneath your cap. On the other hand, a cap can make it look like you don’t have any hair at all.
If you love short hair but want to make sure some of your strands make an appearance on graduation day, consider an asymmetrical pixie. Ask your stylist to cut the back and sides of your hair very short, but leave your bangs long enough to sweep across your forehead.
Working Pureology Style + Protect On The Rise Root Lifting Mousse through the roots of damp hair is your pixie’s ticket to all-day volume, effortlessly plumping flat hair with weightless body from root to tip.
Good hair day by @katieleighstevens.
Deep Side Part
Another way to style short hair so that it doesn’t fall flat on graduation day is to change your usual part in favor of a very deep side part. The new part line forces hair to lie in a different direction at the root, keeping strands propped up and voluminous long after removing your graduation head garb.
Side Swept Fishtail Braid
First, gather all of your hair on the left or right side of your head and secure it in a loose ponytail. Next, divide the ponytail into two equal sections. To create the fishtail effect, take a section of hair from the outside of the left ponytail and cross it over to the right ponytail. Repeat the process on the opposite side, taking a section from the outside of the right ponytail over to the left.
Continue crossing the opposite sections of the hair until you reach the end of the braid, then secure it with an elastic. Gently pull apart the sides of the braid for a voluminous effect.
Brushed-Out Waves
Begin by giving yourself a middle part and start working with 2-inch sections of clean, dry hair. Spray each one with a heat protectant before wrapping it around a one-inch curling iron.
Continue curling sections until you’ve completed your entire head, then brush out the curls until you achieve your desired S-curl. Finish your look with a spritz flexible-hold hairspray like Matrix Total Results High Amplify Anti-Frizz Hairspray.
Good hair day by @erickacanizaleshair.
Beach Waves
Like brushed-out waves, you can use a curling iron or wand to create beach waves. If you’re looking for a style that’s a little more low maintenance, however, consider enlisting the help of a texturizing spray. One like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Wata Wave Texture Spray gives your style a windswept, touchable look with a flexible hold.
Good hair day by @karsaykatalin.
Slicked Back
You can start styling your hair right after you’ve washed it, or fill a spray bottle with water and spritz your locks until they’re damp. Alternatively, you can use a spray leave-in conditioner: The liquid formula will dampen your hair while ensuring that it feels hydrated. We love Biolage Professional Hydra Source Daily Leave-In Tonic for its ability to do just that.
Once your hair is saturated (but not soaking wet), work a light hold gel through your hair to set your texture (you can’t go wrong with Biolage Professional Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel). Allow your hair to dry completely before walking out of the door, and it’ll look chic and shiny all day long.
Good hair day by @madisonsullivanhair.
Voluminous Ponytail
Ponytails are anything but boring these days, plus they’re a great way to infuse extra volume into your strands. Watch the video above to see the hack L'Oréal Professionnel Artist Madison Sullivan swears by to make her tail look twice as thick. Best of all, you can adjust the ponytail to sit anywhere on your head, depending on your cap’s placement.
Good hair day by @purplegoldjohanna_pro.
Ribbon-Tied Ponytail
Speaking of ponytails, here’s one that instantly transforms short hair. A silk ribbon is a low-effort way to dress up short strands when they can’t otherwise be put into an intricate updo. If you still want some softness around the face, leave out thick face-framing tendrils on both sides.
Super-shiny strands are the perfect complement to the sheen of a silky ribbon, so finish your ‘do with a liberal mist of Redken Shine Flash Hair Spray to score that coveted glass-like finish.
Good hair day by @annette_updo_artist.
Braided Faux Hawk Chignon
We guarantee no cap hair will be in sight with this edgy hairdo.
Middle-part hair, then section your hair into a 1-inch segment from your hairline to the nape of your neck. Beginning at your hairline, cornrow the section to the nape of your neck and secure it with a clear hair elastic. Brush your remaining hair straight back and gather it at the nape of your neck. Twist all of your hair—including the braid—to form a bun and secure it with several bobby pins.
Good hair day by @janine_budde.
Half Up Loose Fishtail Braid
Section off the top half of your hair. Beginning in the middle of the sectioned-off hair, do several loose repetitions of the fishtail braid technique. Secure the braid with a clear hair elastic.
Good hair day by @rutgerhair.
Cornrowed Chignon
Begin with clean, dry, detangled hair and map out where you’ll part your design before you begin to braid. Start near your hairline and separate the section into three small segments. To begin forming your cornrow, start with the classic braid technique. Be sure to pass each segment under the next.
As you continue to braid, keep the cornrow close to the scalp and begin to merge hair from the rest of the section into the braid as you go. Continue braiding, alternating the left and right segments under the middle segment and adding hair to each segment as you go until you reach the nape of your neck. Once you’ve braided your entire head, gather the braids that hang down your back into a chignon at your nape.
Braided Double Chignons
Begin this dual chignon style by applying a medium hold styling gel to your hairline, brushing it through the front of your hair to ensure you won’t have any flyaways. Then, part your hair straight down the middle from hairline to nape. Use hair elastics to secure two low ponytails.
Work with one ponytail at a time, crafting a three-strand braid and securing the end with a clear hair elastic. Repeat the same steps on the remaining ponytail. Work with one braid at a time, wrapping it around itself to form a bun. Secure the bun with several bobby pins and repeat the same steps on the remaining braid.
Good hair day by @madina_isangulova.
Bouncy Blowout
Pin-straight strands are more susceptible to hat hair, which is why we love opting for a blowout to give hair a lasting body without sacrificing a smooth finish.
Making sure you use the right products is the key to a sleek ‘do that will last all night long. Prep your strands with Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave In Conditioner, which acts as a heat protectant, anti-frizz balm, straightener, and so much more.
Good hair day by @riinabirdcherry.
Buzzcut
We don’t usually suggest making such drastic changes to your style ahead of a big event, but if you want a style that will look the same with or without your graduation cap, you can’t go wrong with a buzzcut. After all, what better way to start fresh for your next chapter in life?
While most people believe shaving off most of their hair will decimate their styling options, there are surprisingly many ways to customize your buzzcut. Dye your hair your school colors for a graduation-appropriate style, or have your barber shave your graduation year into your head for a style you'll never forget.
Good hair day by @mizani.
Low Ponytail With Bobby Pin Embellishment
Apply a high-hold styling gel like Mizani Edge Trimming Hair Gel to your hairline and brush it through your hair to ensure you don’t have any flyaways. Create a small part on the left or right side of your head, then brush your hair straight back and secure a ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Take a small section of hair from the bottom of your ponytail and wrap it around your hair elastic for a polished look. To finish your style, use a handful of metallic bobby pins to create a geometric design on one side of your head.
Good hair day by @bghairsalon.
Piecey Bangs
If you have bangs, you may be tempted to search for styles that keep them up and away from your face, but the right bangs can perfectly complement your graduation cap.
Half French Braid Low Ponytail
Gather all of your hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Take two hair segments from the ponytail and allow them to frame your face. Craft a fishtail braid with the first half of the ponytail and secure it with a hair elastic.
Good hair day by @tousledbeauty.
Half Up
Simply gather the top half of your hair into a ponytail, secure it with a hair elastic, and double knot it with a ribbon. So easy yet so timeless and elegant.
Good hair day by @deyckeheidorn.
Tucked Behind Ears
Begin at the back of your head, working with 2-inch sections of clean, dry hair. Spray each one with a heat protectant before wrapping it around a 2-inch barrel curling iron. Hold or clamp the curl until just heated through, and continue curling your hair until you’ve completed your entire head. Once you’ve curled all of your hair, brush your curls out until they are just slightly waved.
To complete the look, part your hair down the middle and spray with a strong hold hairspray. Take two 1-inch sections at the front of your head on either side of your part and brush them both behind your ears. After you’ve tucked both pieces behind your ears, secure both pieces under your hair with a clear elastic. Watch here to see how Redken Artist Jamie McDaniel gets the look for herself!
Good hair day by @jpquindara.
Wash-And-Go
Curly girls are often tempted to straighten their hair whenever a cap is involved, but we assure you that your natural curls will look absolutely gorgeous underneath your cap! If you're worried about your hair looking flat for your graduation party, pack a pick in your clutch for a quick fluff before hitting the photo booth.
Applying a leave-in like Biolage Professional Ultra Hydra Source Daily Leave-In Balm For Very Dry Or Curly Hair will bring coils to the top of their class for graduation. This intensely moisturizing, anti-frizz leave-in balm helps smooth, soften and define curls in very dry, thick, or coarse curly hair.
Dual Texture
Another ‘do that’s a match made in heaven for curly ladies is a dual-textured style, which is sleek and chic on top, but still allows curls to thrive. And the slicked crown means that your cap will be able to fit snugly on your head.
Good hair day by @dayvidwilson.
Cornrow Pigtails
Braids are the perfect way to fit a ton of hair underneath a graduation cap but if you want to leave some of your hair loose, opt for these cornrow pigtails. To begin, part your hair down the middle to create two even sections. Working with one section at a time, begin to craft a cornrow beginning at your hairline that travels all the way down to the nape of your neck. Secure the braid at the nape of your neck and repeat the same steps on the opposite section. Once both braids are secure, fluff your curls for a voluminous final look.
Good hair day by @hairbyyvonnej.
Dutch Braid Crown
This Dutch braid crown with face-framing tendrils allows you to show off some of your strands while keeping your hot mane off of your neck. To begin, part the front half of your hair down the middle. Don’t part your hair all the way down to the nape of your neck—it’ll allow for a more seamless look when you pin your braids up. Then, pull a few loose tendrils from either side of your part. Starting with one half of your hair, gather three sections near your hairline and create a basic Dutch braid.
Secure the braid with a clear elastic and repeat the steps on the other side of your hair. Once you’ve braided both sides of your hair, pancake the braid to give them a more voluminous appearance. Wrap one braid over the other and secure with a few bobby pins. Be sure to tuck the tied off ends of the braid underneath the hair for a seamless look. Repeat on the opposite side for the perfect braided halo.
Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta.
Bubble Braids
Looking for another stylish way to sweep princess-length hair off your shoulders and back while you sit through your ceremony? Look no further than a bubble braid. It couldn’t be easier to recreate; simply space out every few inches of hair with an elastic. Use different colored elastics for a fun accented finish if you're feeling creative.
Good hair day by @esbeautyco.
Low Messy Bun
A style that looks purposefully undone and keeps your hair off your neck? It’s a win-win. We recommend teasing the crown of hair and letting your bangs hang free.
Good hair day by @Hair_fashion_parrucchieri.
Crimped
Straight tresses tend to showcase unwanted kinks and creases, especially those that form from wearing a cap for an extended period. Crimped hair is the perfect solution for those who still want to wear their hair down but don’t want to fuss with worrying about uneven texture.
Looking to make your graduation hair dreams come true? Visit Hair.com to find all of the products that professionals rely on to get hair picture-perfect.
Frizz Dismiss Instant Deflate Hair Oil
A hair oil-in serum that prevents frizz, puffiness and excess volume.
Vavoom Extra Full Freezing Spray
A finishing hairspray that also works as a dry shampoo and texturizing spray.
Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel
An all-purpose styling gel that adds volume and smoothes frizz.
Shine Flash Hair Spray
An anti frizz hair spray for glass-like shine and finish.
Wata Wave Texture Spray
A texturizing finishing spray that provides buildable texture
Total Results High Amplify Anti-Frizz Hairspray
A flexible, strong-hold, anti-frizz hairspray.
Hydra Source Daily Leave-In Tonic
A leave-in treatment for dry hair.
Ultra Hydra Source Daily Leave-In Balm for Very Dry or Curly Hair
Intensely moisturizing, anti-frizz leave-in balm helps smooth, soften and define curls in very dry, thick or coarse curly hair.
25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
A lightweight leave-in conditioner with heat protection that detangles, calms frizz, and treats damage and dryness.
Edge Taming Styling Gel
A high-hold hair gel with a dry finish.
