34 Cute & Easy Graduation Hairstyles for Girls
#1: Sleek Wavy Half-Up Style with Face-Framing Layers
A half-up hairstyle with layers around your face is a great idea for graduation. This stylish half-up hairstyle also works well for bridal parties. The smooth, shiny waves will stay in place all day. If you prefer not to pull all your hair back, leave a few strands loose. This creates a soft frame around your face.
#2: Vintage Half-Up Pigtails
The vintage half-up pigtail hairstyle gives your hair a playful and cute look, similar to Y2K hairstyles. You can create this style at home with hair ties and water-based gel to keep it smooth. First, tie two high pigtails. Then, smooth down a thick fringe and wrap it around your face to complete the look.
#3: Short Platinum Pixie
A short platinum pixie is a fun way to try out short hair. It can add fullness to thin hair or lighten thick hair. To keep a soft, feminine look, add texture near the hairline and around the ears. Use matte clay or styling cream to highlight this style.
#4: Long Bob with Bronde Balayage
Take a look at this long bob with a beautiful bronde balayage. Ask your stylist for a shoulder-length haircut and a natural, sun-kissed color that is easy to maintain. The soft highlights add depth and work well with this versatile style, making it great to wear all year long.
#5: Center-Parted Medium Wavy Hair
If you want to try a center-part hairstyle, this medium-length look is a great choice. It has long layers and soft, brushed-out curls. This style is easy to wear and looks classy, perfect for dinners, graduations, or weddings.
#6: Blonde Straight Hair with Textured Ends
Getting ready for graduation? Choosing straight blonde hair with textured ends is a great choice. This smooth style is very trendy and also looks professional!
#7: Side-Swept Hairstyle with Glam Waves
A side-swept hairstyle with glamorous waves is a beautiful choice to make your graduation look more dramatic and stylish.
#8: Long Blonde Hollywood Waves
Step onto the graduation red carpet with this Hollywood-inspired look. Your stylist will curl your hair in vertical sections. After the curls set, they will brush them into beautiful, classic S-shaped waves. Your cap will be carefully pinned behind your teased bangs using a bobby pin. It will sit on the crown of your head without messing up your hairstyle.
#9: Half-Up Bun with French Braid
This hairstyle mixes a half-up bun with a French braid. To create a soft, comfy look for graduation day, first curl all your hair. Then, make a French braid along the crown to keep hair away from your face. Finish by twisting the braid into a loose, messy bun for a relaxed, boho style. Finally, spray extra hairspray to help the look last through hot, humid outdoor ceremonies.
#10: Long Voluminous Bronde Curls
Choose a bronde shade paired with long, full curls for a stunning graduation look. The flowing curls highlight her hair length, while the bronde color appears bright and vibrant.
#11: Crown Braid with Half Bun Style
This easy graduation hairstyle can be done at home or shown to your stylist. It looks best with some soft curls and added texture. Start by making a bun at the crown of your head. Then, create two braids just below the bun, one on each side, leaving some hair out to frame your face. After braiding both sides, secure them to the bun or wrap them around it for extra texture. Finish with a strong hold hairspray like O&M Original Queenie Firm Hold Hair Spray.
#12: Layered Waves with Middle Part
Try a blowout with layered waves and a middle part for your graduation day. Adding waves during a blowout gives your hair more volume and makes it look fuller. Ask your stylist to curl the waves away from your face. This style keeps hair out of your eyes and brightens your look. Wearing your hair down can make it more likely to get frizzy in humid weather. Use Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray to protect your hair and keep it smooth all day long.
#13: Romantic Half-Up Bubble Ponytail
A bubble braid is an easy way to make your hair look beautiful. Start by curling all your hair to add texture and hold. Next, take the top section of your hair at the crown and make a half-up pony. Place clear elastics about every inch and a half down the ponytail. Gently pull each section to make it look full and round. Add some baby’s breath flowers at the end for a soft, romantic touch.
#14: Wavy Low Pony with Side Braid
Make a simple ponytail look special by adding side braids. First, spray your hair with a texture spray to help the braid and ponytail hold better. Next, separate a small front section for the braid and tie the rest into a ponytail with an elastic. Braid the front section and secure it with another elastic. Gently pull on the braid to make it look fuller, then wrap it around or add it to the ponytail. Use a one-inch curling iron to curl the ponytail. Finish with a strong hairspray like Loreal Tecni.Art Infinium 4 to keep your style in place all day.
#15: Low Braided Bun
Try out this simple braided bun. It’s a lovely choice for a graduation day. The braids add lots of texture and detail.
#16: Bumped and Twisted Low Ponytail
Try this low ponytail with a bump and a twist! It’s perfect for graduation day. The low ponytail keeps your hair neat and easy to manage all day long.
#17: Easy Low Pony with Loose Waves
For a graduation style, try this simple low ponytail with gentle waves. It adds soft texture and a relaxed feel!
#18: Thick Low Bun with Twists
A thick, low bun with twists is a great choice for graduation. Adding soft volume at the crown helps balance your look. The twists bring a touch of extra elegance.
#19: Formal Half-Up with Tousled Waves
Try this elegant half-up hairstyle with loose, messy waves. Use a quality texturizing spray and hairspray to hold the curls from morning until night.
#20: Voluminous Curls for Medium Half Upstyle
If you have medium-length hair, try this half-up hairstyle with big, bouncy curls. It offers a neat look while adding lots of volume.
#21: Long Braided Half Up with Beach Waves
This beautiful long hairstyle features a braided half-up look with soft beach waves. It’s perfect for a graduation ceremony or a beach wedding.
#22: Wavy Half-Up Hairstyle with Loose Twists
Try this wavy half-up style with soft twists. It’s perfect if you want to leave some hair down but also keep it neat for a special event. The gentle waves add nice texture to your hair.
#23: Easy Half Twist Hairstyle
Give this simple half twist hairstyle a try. You can wear it to a fancy event or make it casual for a relaxed, boho style every day.
#24: Two-Braid Style with Long Waves
For a playful festival look, try this double-braid style paired with long, wavy hair. Combining trendy braids with soft waves works great for music events. Adding hair jewelry can make your braids stand out. Use hoops or small gems to give your style extra sparkle.
#25: French Twisted Low Bun
The French twist low bun is a timeless and elegant hairstyle. You can adjust it to fit any hair length or thickness. This style is perfect if you want your hair to stay neat all day. While pinning your hair, use a light hairspray. Spray in layers to help the style hold better and last longer.
#26: Brunette Overlap Half Updo
Give this half-up overlapping hairstyle a try on brunette hair. The weaving method creates a ribbon-like effect. It looks stylish and timeless.
#27: Messy Braided Half Updo
A messy braided half updo gives a relaxed, beachy look for your wedding. It works well in humid weather. Use a light texturizing spray on your waves to help them turn into soft, loose curls throughout the day. Pin your braids with bobby pins to keep the style in place longer.
#28: Half-Down Braid Style with Loose Curls
A quick way to upgrade your look is by trying a simple half updo. First, part your hair in a way that flatters your face. Then, create a Dutch braid on each side. A Dutch braid is like a French braid, but you cross the hair sections under instead of over. Use bobby pins to hold the braids in place. Finally, curl the rest of your hair to add texture and movement.
#29: Half Dutch Braid Hairstyle
To create a French braid, begin by applying a texturizing powder. The one from Hairstory works well for better grip and hold. Braid your hair down to the bottom of your occipital bone, then tie it with an elastic. Gently pull on each braid section to make it look fuller. Curl the loose hair at the end of the braid. This style is cute and keeps your hair out of your face all day and night.
#30: Easy Face-Framing Half Up with Soft Waves
This simple half updo frames your face with gentle waves. First, spray your hair with Loreal Level 2 hairspray to help it hold its shape. Use a 2-inch curling iron to add soft waves instead of tight curls. Pull back some of your hair and tie it with an elastic, leaving two small pieces near your face to frame it. Take a small strand of hair, wrap it around the elastic to cover it, and pin it in place with a tiny bobby pin.
#31: Half Updo with Double Fishtail Braids
Give this half updo with two fishtail braids a try if you want a stunning look. This beautiful style has lots of texture and will definitely catch people’s eyes. It works especially well for thick or coarse hair. Braids add movement and help manage heavy hair. Think about using braids for your next special occasion.
#32: Twisted Updo with Loose Strands
A simple easy updo with loose pieces is a great choice for graduation. It fits well under your cap and stays neat all day. Leave some soft curls around your face to add a nice touch.
#33: Pull-Through Braids and Twists with Soft Waves
For a romantic look, try pull-through braids and gentle twists paired with soft waves. This pretty hairstyle is great for graduation day. The texture will look lovely under your cap. When adding braids, I suggest using clip-in extensions. They help create a fuller style that stays in place all day.
#34: Middle Part Boho Braids
This beautiful boho braid style with a middle part looks stunning. It’s a perfect hairstyle for any graduation ceremony.
Graduation is a big moment in your life, and you want to look great for it. Your hairstyle plays a key role in your appearance. To help you choose the perfect graduation hairstyle, I spoke with Danielle DeAmelio, a well-known hairstylist with many years of experience.
Meet The Expert
Danielle DeAmelio
Danielle is a master stylist with over 20 years of experience.
You can find her at Raina’s Hair Color Studio by the Sea in Swampscott, MA
Working with Your Natural Hair Type and Texture
Danielle DeAmelio says the secret to a beautiful graduation hairstyle is to use your natural hair type and texture. Instead of trying to change it, highlight what you already have. She recommends choosing products made for your specific hair type to get the best look.
If you have fine or thin hair, Danielle recommends curling your hair with a curling iron. Then, use volumizing products to add lift and thickness. This will help your hair look fuller, giving it more volume and a healthy, rich look.
If your hair is thick, Danielle suggests styling it in a smooth, pulled-back look. Use smoothing products to add shine and reduce frizz. This will help your hairstyle appear neat and polished.
If your hair is naturally curly or coily, Danielle recommends embracing your curls instead of straightening them. Apply a strong-hold gel along with a curl cream to manage your curls. This will help you create a lasting style that highlights your hair’s natural beauty.
Choosing the Right Hairstyle for Your Face Shape
Danielle says the key is feeling confident and comfortable. But if you want to match your style to your face shape, she offers some useful tips:
Styling Tips and Must-Have Products
Danielle says it’s important to pick a hairstyle that stays nice all day, especially if you have to wear a cap during the ceremony. High ponytails or styles with all your hair up might not work well. Try low, loose curls or hairstyles that sit lower. This way, your hair will still look pretty with the cap on.
Danielle suggests two essential products to create a great hairstyle. The first is the Air Control hairspray by Aveda. This light-hold spray keeps your hair in place without making it stiff or sticky. It lets you style your hair easily.
The second product is a volumizing tonic by Aveda. Use this tonic before blow-drying to boost hair volume. It also helps remove tangles and protects your hair from heat, keeping it healthy and safe.