20 Lovely Graduation Hairstyles to Make You Shine

Selah Vaughn
April 7, 2025

Looking for the best graduation hairstyle for your curly hair? Check out these 25 beautiful styles that look great and fit easily under your cap and gown.

Hairstyles for Graduation

There are many graduation cap hairstyles you can wear on your big day. Popular options include updos, half-up styles, ponytails, fishtail braids, and loose curls. Pick a hairstyle that suits you and looks good with your graduation cap!

If you need inspiration for your graduation look, check out our list of trendy graduation hairstyles that work well with a cap.

Twisted Ponytail

ig. eugabriielalima

This stylish twisted ponytail with curls looks elegant and charming. It is a perfect ponytail graduation hairstyle to celebrate your special day with grace. Secure the twists well and enjoy the moment with confidence as you start new adventures.

Half up Hairstyle

If your curly hair is medium or long, try this great hairstyle for graduation. Pull the top half of your hair into a ponytail just under your cap. Let the rest of your curly hair flow naturally. This look works well for graduation pictures.

Messy Bun

ig. oliviacalabio

A loose, playful messy bun with soft strands hanging free gives your graduation style a fun, relaxed feel. This easy, stylish updo is a top choice for graduation. It beautifully represents your growth and success.

Curly bun graduation hairstyle


A curly bun is a perfect graduation cap hairstyle if you want to keep your curls neat and hidden under the cap. It also helps hold your cap in place. After the ceremony, when you throw your cap, you can still show off your pretty bun!

The Sleek back for long hair


The sleek-back hairstyle is a great choice for college graduation. It looks stylish and classy. This look helps you feel confident and ready to start your new career journey.

Low Curly Ponytail

ig. natalia.love.caban

Your low curly ponytail highlights your bright smile as you celebrate your success. This simple yet beautiful hairstyle is perfect for graduation day. It shows your confidence and marks the start of an exciting new chapter in your life.

Ponytail for graduation

Here’s another great graduation hairstyle for long hair that works well with your cap. Make a ponytail just below the cap. Then, fluff up your curly hair after tying it. To keep your curls full and bouncy, you can use a hair mousse.

Graduation hairstyles with braids and bun

Braids are a popular hairstyle that works well for many events, including graduation. Start by tying your hair into a low ponytail. Then, braid the ponytail all the way to the ends. Next, wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to form a braided bun. Use bobby pins to hold the bun in place.

Braided Headband

Try this easy yet stylish hairstyle for your graduation day. First, part your hair. Then, put an elastic headband about 2 inches behind your hairline. Starting at the front, wrap small sections of hair around the headband. Keep adding more hair as you move toward the back. Tuck the ends under the headband. That’s it! You now have a simple and elegant hairstyle.

Halo twist

Just like the name suggests, this style creates a halo shape with your hair. Take small sections from both sides near your temples. Twist them together to wrap around your head. It’s easy to do and looks adorable for graduation.

Faux fringe bun

Change up your style by making fake bangs with your own hair. First, put your hair into a high ponytail. Then, take a small front section of hair. Flip the ends forward so they cover your forehead. Pin these “bangs” in place and comb them neatly over your forehead. Finally, twist the rest of your hair into a high bun.

Vintage waves

Get a timeless Hollywood style to add elegance to your graduation photo. First, part your hair to one side. Then, curl small sections of your hair. After curling everything, use hairspray and wait a few minutes for it to set. Once set, gently comb through the curls. This will create soft waves throughout your hair. It’s a great graduation hairstyle for long hair.

Fashion accessories

For a simple, natural look on your special day, let your curls hang loose. To make it more fun and stylish, add hair accessories like ribbons or barrettes.

Protective style

You can wear a protective hairstyle on graduation day and still look stylish. Choose short or long braids based on your hair length. Both options will make your graduation photos look amazing.

Loose curls

Loose curls are a simple yet stylish way to wear your hair with a graduation cap. This hairstyle for long hair helps you look relaxed and polished. To keep your curls smooth and free from frizz, apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner. You can create this look by air-drying your hair or by using a diffuser with your blow dryer. If your hair is straight, you can get loose curls by using a curling iron or hot rollers.

High wavy ponytail

Add waves to your basic high ponytail for a stylish look. After tying your ponytail, curl the loose hair. This gives your hair more volume and texture.

Vintage pixie

Choose a classic style for your short hair, and you can’t go wrong. This timeless pixie cut is a popular choice for graduation. Brush your hair to highlight its natural curls, then use hair gel to hold it in place.

Flat twist

The flat twist is a protective hairstyle for black girls. It combines a two-strand twist with a cornrow style. It is quicker to do than regular cornrows. However, it usually lasts only about a week. Luckily, graduation day is just one day!

Romantic low bun

A romantic low bun is a great hairstyle choice for wearing under your graduation cap. While it’s often seen on bridesmaids, it can also make you look adorable. Show off your feminine style with this messy yet classy look.

Half braids

Upgrade your half-updo by adding braids. Instead of only tying half your hair, braid the top section for a stylish look. Let the rest of your length hang loose and natural. Boost the volume of your natural hair to make your curls stand out.

Glamorous side-swept

Make your graduation day special with this timeless, elegant hairstyle inspired by red carpet looks. Feel like a Hollywood star as you walk across the stage in your gown. Part your hair to the side, add large curls, and let them gently rest on your shoulder.

The Waterfall braids

French braid with a fun twist! The waterfall braid is a gentle version of the French braid. Let some hair strands fall between the braids to look like a waterfall. You can wear your graduation cap and still have a pretty, stylish look.

Cornrow twist

Cornrow twist is a different style of cornrow. Instead of braiding, you twist the hair. This graduation hairstyle for black girls is quicker and simpler than a regular cornrow. Still, it looks just as fashionable.

senegalese twist hair

ig. kemillyfox

Beautiful Senegalese twists show off your unique style and cultural pride as you celebrate graduation. Each twist represents your strength and hard work that helped you reach this day. You step forward with confidence, ready to face the future with grace and determination.

Natural Curl for graduation

ig.tianaisabelle

Wearing your natural curls with pride shows your true self and confidence. On graduation day, you stand strong as a symbol of self-love and strength. Every curl tells your unique story. You are ready to explore new paths and make a difference in the world with your natural beauty and kindness.

Conclusion

Graduation celebrates all your hard work and dedication to your studies. It also marks the start of a new chapter in your life. To honor this special day, show your best self with a graduation hairstyle that suits the occasion.

How to do graduation hairstyle?

There are many different ways to do a graduation hairstyle. One popular way is to wear your hair down in loose curls or waves. You can also wear it up in a messy bun or ponytail. If you want something more elegant, you can try wearing your hair half-up with some soft curls framing your face. Whatever style you choose, make sure it compliments your dress and graduation cap!

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