8 Hairstyles to Rock Under Your Graduation Cap
If you thought prom was a huge photo-documenting opportunity, guess again—graduation day is fast approaching. Besides receiving your diploma (well-deserved after four years of hard work!), G-Day is filled with nothing but impromptu photo ops. We'll bet that if your mother isn't chasing you around with her iPhone at the ready, your best friends are sure to.
Take it from us: in pictures, it doesn't really matter what goes on under your gown, but what style you rock under your graduation cap. We're here to ensure that when you take it off to toss it in triumph—and the cameras start flashing—that your hair doesn't look like a hot mess.
Photos: Imaxtree1/9That cap doesn't make it very easy to look amazing, does it?
Photo: Imaxtree2/9Add an accent.
Now is not the time to be shy about accessorizing—after all, it's your big day! Channel your inner Blair Waldorf and sport the gem-encrusted headband you've always admired, never actually considered wearing to school for fear that it's too fancy. With easy, undone waves underneath, you won't have to worry about flyaways.
Photo: Imaxtree3/9**Introduce an element of surprise. **
Sure, there will be tons of girls with fresh blowouts, but when have you ever been one to fade into the crowd? Add an unexpected detail to your strands with a subtle braid here and there like the models at Vera Wang for a style that's as simple as it is unique.
Photo: Imaxtree4/9**
Switch it up.
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You'd be surprised at how much of a difference (and how easy) switching up your part can make. Backstage at Tory Burch, stylists created a deep center part, then secured the sides with tiny elastics tucked behind models' ears, ultimately adding extra volume to limp strands. When it comes to a grad cap like this, trust us—the more volume, the better.
Photo: Imaxtree5/9**
Try something new.
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Evoke the envy of all your friends with a fresh take on the fishtail braid. Though Suno's style looks a bit intricate and very involved, it's shockingly simple (we swear!): section your hair into three separate parts, ensuring the middle section is smallest. Then braid as you normally would, taking tiny pieces from each alternating side and weaving them into a middle braid. When you go on stage to grab your diploma, you'll have others scratching their heads wondering, "How the heck did she do that? And how can I?"
Photo: Imaxtree6/9**
Join the braid brigade.
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Take your standard, boring single braid to a new level of sophistication with the four-strand rope braid. Simply start as you normally would, but separate hair into four sections rather than three then begin braiding—subbing out one section for another—for extra flair.
Photo: Imaxtree7/9**
Go long.
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Rapunzel-length strands can seem a bit prom-y, but they give you a boost of volume and add extra length (whereas your cap does the exact opposite). Rather than wear them stick-straight as they come, spritz a texturizing spray throughout for an edgy, piece-y effect.
Photo: Imaxtree8/9**
Pony up.
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Not so much a "frills" kind of girl? Sweep your hair into a pretty, no-fuss ponytail, and let hot rollers to set at the ends of your strands before brushing them out into an S-curve like the models at Jason Wu. The result is unexpectedly refined—and effortlessly classic.
Photo: Imaxtree9/9**
Go big!
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Tousled, model-off duty strands may be your ultimate, everyday hair goal, but on the day of your graduation, amp up your signature style with bombshell waves. And don't underestimate the power of hot rollers—they create the gorgeous barrel curls that curling irons often can't. Plus, once you take off your cap, you won't be left with a huge dent that even hairspray can't fix.
