Don't let the fear of a clunky graduation cap keep you from having a fabulous 'do. With these styles you'll look stylish and chic, hat on or off!
1. Beachy waves
This classic style looks great underneath a graduation cap and will stay flawless even when you take it off. To create this simple hairstyle, make loose curls with a wand. Alternate the direction you wrap the hair to achieve a more natural look. Then run your fingers through it to loosen it up, spritz it with some hairspray, and you’re ready to go! If you want some extra volume, you can also tease underneath sections of hair.
2. Side fishtail braid
This is elevated braid will keep your hair out of your face while looking chic and elegant. To achieve this look, part your hair to the side and pull your hair together at the nape of your neck on the opposite side of your part. Next, separate the hair into two sections. Take a piece of hair from one section and cross it over to the next, pulling it under and holding it with the opposite hand. Alternate each side until you reach the bottom. Secure with a hair elastic and get ready to put on your cap!
3. Blowout
Getting a blowout is a great way to keep your hair straight while adding some body. Wearing a graduation cap can make flat hair seem even flatter than it is, so pin-straight hair might not be the way to go. Instead, opt for a light, airy blowout that will have you looking flawless. If you feel like shelling out a little money, you can always get it professionally done at a dry bar, but you can also get a fantastic blowout on your own. Check out our blowout guide to see how to look get a fresh salon look without dropping any cash.
4. Looped pony
This is super easy to do, so it’s a perfect choice for the girls who aren’t hairstyle-savvy. If you want more of a wavy style, use a wand to create loose curls before you start, then gather your hair into a ponytail at the back of your head. Make sure it’s low enough to fit under your cap, and secure it with an elastic. Separate the hair at your scalp into two sections and thread the pony through the opening. Loosen a few strands of hair to frame your face, and take on graduation with your sleek ‘do.
5. Classic updo
If you want a more formal look—after all, it is a pretty special day—then a classic updo is what you need. To start, separate your hair into three sections: one large section in the back, and two smaller sections framing the front of your face. Secure the back section with a hair elastic at the nape of your neck, and create a looped ponytail (see No. 4). Loosen the ponytail to add volume, and pull the remaining sections into another looped pony at the back of your head. Free some strands to frame your face. Take the tail of the smaller pony and thread it through the opening of the larger pony to create one uniform ponytail. Secure a hair elastic around the ponytail, around ¼ of the way down. Secure another elastic towards the bottom, about ¾ of the way down. Take the pony and feed it into the end into the base of the original looped pony and secure with bobby pins.
Check out the video for more detailed instructions (we promise it’s easier than it sounds!). This style will have you looking like you spent hours twisting and pinning when it only took you a few minutes.
6. Half-up curls
If you want curls but also want to keep your hair out of your face, then this is your go-to style. Start by using a wand to curl small sections of your hair. The smaller the section, the tighter the curl, so curl to your preference. Be sure to alternate the direction you wrap your hair to create a more natural look. Tease underneath sections of your hair to add volume. Take the top section of one side, separate it into two sections and twist them together. Loosen the twist for a softer look. Secure the end at the back of your head with a bobby pin. Do the same to the opposite side, remove the bobby pin, and secure the two sections with a small elastic. Take the ends of this section and pull them through the area where the hair is secured. With this style you’ll look great with or without your graduation cap.
Gone are the days of ugly hat hair! With these styles under your cap you’ll be graduating in style.