Top 15+ Graduation Hairstyles You’ll Love: Tips and Trends

Graduation day is a big deal. It’s the time when you’re celebrating all the hard work, sleepless nights, and endless assignments. While you’re preparing to receive your diploma, there’s one more thing to think about: your hairstyle. A graduation hairstyle needs to be stunning, comfortable, and reflective of your personality. From my own personal experience, finding the right look can elevate your confidence and leave a lasting impression. So, if you’re searching for some fantastic graduation hairstyles that will help you shine, look no further. Let me show you the top chic  hairstyles that you’ll love, along with some styling tips to make them your own.

1. Effortlessly Chic Beach Waves

The beach wave hairstyle is perfect for graduation day. It’s versatile, stylish, and gives off a relaxed yet polished vibe. Whether your hair is naturally wavy or straight, this look can work for everyone. The key to achieving those effortless beach waves is to add volume and texture without making your hair look too “done.” The best part? This hairstyle works great with both casual and formal dresses, making it a favorite among many girls.

How to Achieve the Look:

To create the perfect beach waves, start by washing and drying your hair thoroughly. Apply a light mousse or sea salt spray to your damp hair for added texture and volume. Use a curling iron or a flat iron to curl sections of your hair, but make sure to curl them in different directions for a more natural finish. After curling, run your fingers through the waves to loosen them up. This will give your hair that perfect beachy texture.

For the ultimate beach waves, try flipping your hair upside down and applying a texturizing spray for an added boost. You’ll have those picture-perfect waves that last all day, even through all the dancing at your graduation party.

Styling Tips:

If you want to add more drama to your beach waves, consider adding a few accessories. A flower crown, a chic headband, or even a few pins can elevate this laid-back look. If you’re planning to wear a cap during the ceremony, make sure the waves are subtle enough to not get flattened under the cap. You don’t want to spend all that time styling your hair only for it to be hidden under the cap!

This style is ideal for any girl looking for a natural, carefree vibe on graduation day. You’ll feel comfortable, confident, and look stunning as you walk across the stage to receive your diploma.

Why You’ll Love It:

The best part about beach waves is that they’re easy to maintain and work well with most hair types. Plus, they give off that relaxed, “I woke up like this” vibe, which is always in style. So, if you love the beachy, sun-kissed look, this hairstyle is definitely for you.

2. Polished Low Bun with Twists

If you’re looking for something sleek and sophisticated, a low bun with twists is the way to go. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want a polished, timeless look without the fuss. It’s ideal for a more formal graduation ceremony where you want to make an elegant statement. The low bun gives you a neat and refined appearance, while the twists add a touch of uniqueness and style.

How to Achieve the Look:

Start by parting your hair in the middle or to one side, depending on your preference. Then, create two small twists on each side of your head and pin them with bobby pins. Once the twists are secure, gather the rest of your hair at the nape of your neck and tie it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun, and secure it with more pins. You can leave a few strands loose to frame your face for a softer look.

For added shine, use a serum or light hairspray to smooth down any flyaways and make sure the twists and bun stay in place. This hairstyle works perfectly with a graduation cap, and it’s elegant enough to transition from the ceremony to the after-party without any hassle.

Styling Tips:

If you’re going for a more dramatic twist, consider adding accessories like a jeweled pin or a decorative comb to your low bun. This will elevate the look and give it a more glamorous touch. You can also add a small braid along the side of your head before twisting to give the style some extra texture.

The low bun with twists is great for any girl who loves a sophisticated and refined style that still has a little something special. Whether you’re wearing a gown or a more modern dress, this hairstyle will complement your look and add a level of class.

Why You’ll Love It:

This hairstyle is great for those who want a polished look that still feels fresh and different. It’s perfect for showing off your neckline and shoulders, and the twists give the classic low bun an interesting twist (pun intended!). Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, whether you’re walking across the stage or heading out to dinner afterward, you’ll look fabulous.

3. Modern Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is a great option for graduation, especially for girls who want something a bit more intricate and eye-catching. This hairstyle can add a boho, elegant, or edgy vibe to your look, depending on how you style it. The fishtail braid works particularly well with long hair, but if you have shorter hair, you can easily create a braided crown or a side fishtail.

How to Achieve the Look:

Begin by creating a side part and dividing your hair into two even sections. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of one section and cross it over to the other side. Repeat this step on the other side, and continue braiding your hair all the way down. The more uneven the pieces of hair, the more textured and boho the braid will look. To achieve a sleek finish, make sure your sections are uniform and smooth.

Once you’ve braided your hair all the way down, secure the end with a hair tie. For a more relaxed look, gently pull at the braid to loosen it up and make it look fuller. This will give the fishtail braid a relaxed, messy vibe that’s perfect for a graduation ceremony or after-party.

Styling Tips:

If you want to take your fishtail braid to the next level, consider adding small accessories like beads, clips, or a ribbon to the braid. A colorful ribbon can add a pop of color, while beads can give it a touch of sparkle. If you’re wearing a cap, make sure to style the braid so it’s visible without being squashed under the cap.

The fishtail braid is perfect for any girl who wants a hairstyle that’s a little more intricate and full of personality. It’s great for showing off your hair texture and adding a fun, youthful element to your graduation look.

Why You’ll Love It:

The fishtail braid is a beautiful option for those who want to stand out on graduation day. It’s unique, fun, and totally customizable. You can make it as messy or neat as you want, and you can even add a pop of color or sparkle for a more playful look.

4. Elegant Half-Up, Half-Down Curls

If you’re torn between wanting your hair down but also need a hairstyle that looks polished, the half-up, half-down curly style might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a classic hairstyle that gives you the freedom of flowing hair while keeping things neat and elegant with the half-up portion. This style works beautifully for both long and medium-length hair and is perfect for those who want something romantic and timeless for their graduation day.

How to Achieve the Look:

To begin, separate the top portion of your hair, about two inches from the scalp, and pin it back loosely with a hair tie or bobby pins. Curl the bottom section of your hair with a curling iron or a wand to achieve soft, voluminous curls. Make sure the curls are loose for a relaxed, modern look, tight curls might make the style feel too formal for a graduation.

Once your curls are in place, you can add a touch of texture by gently running your fingers through the curls to break them up a bit. If you want extra volume, tease the crown area a little bit before pinning your hair back to add height.

Styling Tips:

For added elegance, consider adding a delicate accessory like a small floral pin or a glittery hair comb to the half-up portion of your hair. This adds a touch of glamour without overpowering the look. Also, if you’re planning to wear your cap during the ceremony, keep the pinned portion secure and low enough to prevent the cap from ruining your curls.

This half-up, half-down curly style is great for any girl who loves a mixture of sophistication and ease. It’s perfect for any formal ceremony where you still want to show off some texture and flow. Plus, it transitions beautifully from your ceremony to your graduation party.

Why You’ll Love It:

This hairstyle is a perfect blend of polished and playful. It’s ideal for creating a romantic look while maintaining some relaxed vibes. It works well with any graduation dress and can suit many different styles, from a simple gown to a more modern dress.

What’s Your Take?

Have you tried rocking this half-up, half-down curly style for an important event? Maybe it was the perfect choice for your graduation or another big occasion? Share your experience in the comments below with your name and location—we can’t wait to hear how it turned out.

5. Bold High Ponytail with Volume

For a more bold and modern look, a high ponytail can make a statement that screams confidence. It’s sleek, simple, and works perfectly for girls who love to keep things trendy and stylish. The high ponytail can be customized in so many ways, whether you prefer it smooth and sleek or with extra volume and waves, it’s a versatile choice for graduation day.

How to Achieve the Look:

Start by brushing your hair and smoothing it back into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. If you want a more voluminous look, tease the hair at the crown to give it extra height. Use a brush to smooth the rest of your hair into a sleek ponytail, securing it with a strong elastic band.

For an extra polished finish, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic band to hide it, securing it with a bobby pin for a clean, elegant look. If you want some texture, you can curl the ponytail with a curling iron or use a texturizing spray to create voluminous waves throughout the ponytail. This look gives you the perfect mix of sleekness and fun.

Styling Tips:

If you want to make your high ponytail pop, consider adding a fun hair accessory like a bright ribbon, a jeweled hairband, or a statement scrunchie. These accessories can give the simple ponytail a fresh twist, adding color and style to your overall look.

The high ponytail is great for girls who want a sleek yet fun look. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a style that’s trendy and chic while also easy to manage. You don’t have to worry about hair getting in your face, and it’s definitely a graduation look that will stand out.

Why You’ll Love It:

This hairstyle is perfect if you’re looking for something bold and striking. It’s an easy-to-maintain style that’s perfect for a long day full of activities, and you can easily adjust it to suit your vibe, from super sleek to voluminous and fun.

6. Romantic Loose Updo with Soft Tendrils

If you’re aiming for something that’s elegant but with a soft and romantic vibe, then a loose updo with soft tendrils might be the hairstyle you’re looking for. This updo is relaxed, refined, and looks effortlessly chic. It’s perfect for a graduation ceremony where you want to look graceful without being overly done up.

How to Achieve the Look:

To start, loosely curl your hair for soft, flowing waves. Then, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a loose bun, securing it with bobby pins. For the soft tendrils, leave a few strands of hair around your face to fall loosely, giving you that romantic look. You can make the tendrils as subtle or as dramatic as you like, but the key is to keep them soft and natural.

This hairstyle works especially well for medium to long hair and looks amazing with a graduation gown or a dress. You’ll get that effortless, “just got out of the salon” feel while still feeling comfortable.

Styling Tips:

If you want to add a touch of glamour, you can incorporate some delicate pins or a small headband into the loose updo. Be careful not to add too many accessories, though, as this look works best with a more minimalistic approach. You can also spray some light hairspray to keep everything in place without making the hairstyle too stiff.

This style is perfect for any girl who loves a soft and romantic updo without going overboard. It’s perfect for a ceremony, and you’ll feel graceful and timeless wearing it.

Why You’ll Love It:

This hairstyle offers a delicate, understated elegance that will make you feel like a princess on your graduation day. The loose updo with soft tendrils is the perfect mix of relaxed and polished, giving you an effortlessly chic look that’s perfect for any occasion.

7. Stylish Side-Swept Curls

Side-swept curls are a timeless and glamorous choice for graduation. This hairstyle adds volume, texture, and an elegant touch to any look. Whether you prefer soft, romantic curls or more voluminous, bouncy curls, side-swept hair can frame your face beautifully, giving you a chic, sophisticated vibe.

How to Achieve the Look:

To get this look, start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron for loose, voluminous curls. Once you’ve curled your hair, flip it to one side and pin it in place with bobby pins. Make sure the curls are loose and not too tight, as this will give you that soft, relaxed vibe. You can also gently finger-comb the curls to add more volume and texture.

Once you’ve styled your curls and pinned them, you can add a light hairspray to hold the curls in place without making them too stiff.

Styling Tips:

If you want to add a more dramatic touch, consider incorporating a headband or a hair accessory along the side of your hair. This can help frame your face and give the style a little extra flair. If you’re wearing a graduation cap, ensure that the curls don’t get flattened under the cap.

This style is perfect for any girl looking for a glamorous and sophisticated look for her graduation day. It adds just the right amount of drama while still feeling relaxed and natural.

Why You’ll Love It:

Side-swept curls offer a timeless and sophisticated look that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for making a statement on your big day while still keeping things easy and elegant.

8. Sleek Low Bun with a Twist

For a sophisticated yet chic look, the sleek low bun with a twist is an elegant option that gives you a polished and refined appearance. This hairstyle works well for anyone who prefers to keep their hair away from their face, but still wants to add a little extra flair. It’s ideal for a graduation ceremony or any formal event where you want to exude confidence and class.

How to Achieve the Look:

Start by smoothing your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Use a comb to make sure it’s sleek and free of bumps. Once you have the ponytail secured with an elastic, divide the hair into two sections. Twist each section tightly and then wrap them around each other, creating a low bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins, making sure it’s tightly in place.

For a little extra elegance, you can wrap a thin piece of hair around the base of the bun to hide the elastic band, securing it with a pin. If you like, add some light hairspray to keep the bun in place while maintaining that smooth, polished look.

Styling Tips:

To add an extra touch of sophistication, you could include a delicate hair accessory, such as a small pearl or crystal pin, tucked into the side of the bun. This can elevate the style without overwhelming it.

This style works well for those who love a sleek and professional look but still want something a bit more refined and polished for their graduation.

Why You’ll Love It:

The sleek low bun with a twist is versatile and timeless. It’s a sophisticated style that feels classic yet modern, perfect for any occasion where you want to look put together and elegant.

9. Soft Beach Waves with a Side Part

If you love the carefree, relaxed vibe of beach waves but still want to look chic for your graduation, this soft beach wave style is the perfect choice. The side part adds a touch of drama, framing your face beautifully while keeping things relaxed and casual. This hairstyle is especially great for those who want to feel free-spirited and effortlessly stylish.

How to Achieve the Look:

Start by applying a heat protectant to your hair to ensure it stays healthy. Then, use a curling iron or a flat iron to create loose waves all over your hair. Make sure to leave the ends of the hair slightly straight for a more natural, beachy look. Once the waves are in place, use your fingers to break them up a bit, giving them a more tousled and relaxed feel.

Part your hair to one side to create some asymmetry, which adds volume and dimension to your face. You can finish the look with a light hairspray to ensure the waves hold but still look soft and touchable.

Styling Tips:

To take the look a step further, add some sea salt spray to your hair for extra texture and a more authentic beachy feel. This will give your waves that sun-kissed, just-out-of-the-ocean look that is both fun and stylish.

This hairstyle works perfectly for a laid-back graduation ceremony or even for an after-party. It’s playful, fresh, and easy to maintain throughout the day.

Why You’ll Love It:

Soft beach waves with a side part are a great choice for those who love a relaxed and stylish vibe. It’s a look that’s effortlessly chic and feels light, making it perfect for a day filled with excitement and celebration.

What’s Your Take?

Have you rocked beach waves for your graduation or any special event? Share your experience in the comments below, and let us know how you styled your waves!

10. Chic French Twist

For a sleek, elegant, and timeless look, the French twist is an absolute classic. It’s ideal for anyone looking to combine sophistication and simplicity while keeping their hair neat and out of their face. The French twist is a refined choice for your graduation day that will make you feel both beautiful and poised.

How to Achieve the Look:

Start by brushing your hair and smoothing it into a low ponytail. Then, twist your hair upwards towards the crown of your head, gathering small sections as you go along. As you twist, tuck the hair under and pin it in place with bobby pins, securing it as you go. The key is to keep the twist tight, but not too stiff—aim for a smooth, elegant finish. Once it’s all pinned, gently pull at the twist to create a fuller look.

For a more polished touch, you can spray the twist with hairspray to keep it in place throughout the day. If you want to soften the look, leave a few face-framing strands of hair out to fall naturally.

Styling Tips:

The French twist looks amazing with minimal accessories, but if you’d like to add a little sparkle, a small jeweled hairpin or clip at the base of the twist will do the trick.

This style is perfect for a girl who wants a classic, refined look that’s easy to maintain throughout the day, especially if you’re worried about your hair getting in the way during your graduation ceremony.

Why You’ll Love It:

The French twist is timeless, polished, and simple. It’s a gorgeous style that won’t overwhelm your look and allows you to shine on your big day without worrying about your hair.

11. Messy Bun with Statement Hairpins

If you’re all about embracing a more casual, yet still elegant, vibe, the messy bun with statement hairpins is the way to go. This hairstyle offers a relaxed look that’s still stylish, and the addition of statement pins or clips makes it feel extra special for a milestone event like graduation.

How to Achieve the Look:

To create this look, start by loosely gathering your hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this is a messy, relaxed look! Twist the ponytail and wrap it around to form a loose bun, securing it with bobby pins. Allow some strands to fall out around your face for a natural, tousled effect.

Next, add some statement hairpins or clips to the side of the bun. These can be anything from pearl-studded pins to geometric or floral clips—whatever suits your style. These accessories will help elevate the messy bun while still keeping things easy-going.

Styling Tips:

To add volume and texture, you can lightly tease the crown of your hair before securing the bun. If you want to make the messy bun even more relaxed, gently tug at a few strands to make it appear more carefree and undone.

This hairstyle is great for anyone who wants to combine comfort with style, perfect for a graduation day when you want to feel laid-back but still look chic.

Why You’ll Love It:

The messy bun with statement hairpins is effortlessly cool. It’s an easy-to-create look that feels fresh, youthful, and stylish, making it ideal for those who want a bit of casual flair on their graduation day.

12. Soft Vintage Waves

If you love a touch of glamour with a nod to the past, vintage waves are the perfect choice for your graduation day. This hairstyle channels the elegance of old Hollywood and brings a sense of timeless beauty. Soft vintage waves add volume and texture to your hair, making them a stunning choice for a graduation ceremony where you want to feel like a star.

How to Achieve the Look:

Start by creating loose curls with a curling iron or wand. For a more authentic vintage wave, aim for bigger curls and don’t curl the entire length of the hair—leave the ends a little straighter to create that signature wave. After curling, gently brush through the curls with a paddle brush or comb to create soft, voluminous waves.

Once your waves are set, part your hair to the side, and smooth the waves to frame your face elegantly. If you want more definition, use a little styling mousse or hairspray to help hold the waves in place throughout the day.

Styling Tips:

If you want to amp up the vintage glam even more, consider adding a subtle hair accessory like a rhinestone clip or a vintage-inspired headband. This will add a touch of sparkle and elevate the entire look.

Vintage waves are best suited for medium to long hair lengths, as they create beautiful movement and dimension. You’ll look absolutely stunning in these waves on your graduation day, perfect for showing off your fabulous style.

Why You’ll Love It:

Soft vintage waves are elegant, charming, and full of personality. They’re a perfect way to bring some old-school glamour into your modern graduation look. Plus, they’re great for photos and really make a statement.

13. Side Swept Loose Curls

For a romantic and effortless look, side-swept loose curls offer a beautiful blend of softness and movement. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to add some volume and texture while still looking fresh and youthful. The side sweep gives the hair a flattering shape that complements your face shape, making this a great graduation hairstyle choice.

How to Achieve the Look:

Start by curling your hair using a curling iron or wand, but be sure to keep the curls loose and soft. Avoid making tight curls—looser waves and curls will create that relaxed, beautiful look. Once your curls are in place, gently comb through them with your fingers to break them up and give them a natural, voluminous appearance.

Next, sweep your hair to one side for a dramatic effect. Pin any stray sections back, and finish with a light hairspray to ensure everything stays in place without looking stiff or overly structured.

Styling Tips:

If you want to add a bit more flair, you can incorporate a sparkly hairpin or small flower accessory on the side where your hair is parted. This can give a little extra touch of romance to your style without overwhelming it.

This hairstyle works perfectly for medium to long hair and provides just the right balance of glamour and ease.

Why You’ll Love It:

Side-swept loose curls are soft, romantic, and incredibly flattering. It’s a style that looks effortlessly beautiful, and it’s perfect for those who want a graduation hairstyle that feels both elegant and natural.

What’s Your Take?

Did you wear side-swept curls for any of your graduation ceremonies or special events? We’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts in the comments below with your name and location!

14. Fishtail Braid with a Twist

For a more intricate yet stunning look, the fishtail braid with a twist is a gorgeous option that adds an unexpected flair to your hairstyle. It’s a fun way to mix braids with a bit of volume and texture. This style will keep your hair in place while making sure you look picture-perfect on your graduation day.

How to Achieve the Look:

Start by creating a loose, voluminous base with soft waves or curls in your hair. This adds texture and body, making the fishtail braid look even more dynamic. Then, gather your hair into two sections and begin braiding them together in the fishtail style. To create the twist, add small sections of hair from either side as you braid, creating a wrapped effect that’s both stylish and unique.

Once the braid is complete, gently pull at the sections to make the braid fuller and more textured. You can even loosen the braid a bit for a relaxed, boho feel. If desired, pull out a few pieces of hair around your face for a softer, more romantic finish.

Styling Tips:

To add a little extra sparkle to the look, consider weaving a small hair accessory like a beaded clip or a small flower into the braid. This can help elevate the style while keeping it feminine and delicate.

The fishtail braid with a twist is ideal for medium to long hair and adds a unique, fun element to your graduation hairstyle.

Why You’ll Love It:

The fishtail braid with a twist is perfect for those who want a braid that’s both unique and eye-catching. It’s a fun and stylish way to keep your hair in place while still looking gorgeous and sophisticated on your big day.

15. Half-Up Crown Braid

For a fairytale-inspired look that still feels fresh and modern, the half-up crown braid is the way to go. This hairstyle combines the elegance of a braid with the beauty of loose, flowing hair, giving you a romantic and youthful appearance that’s perfect for graduation. It’s a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still showing off your locks.

How to Achieve the Look:

Begin by parting your hair down the middle or to one side, depending on what suits you best. Take two small sections from the front of your hair, one from each side, and begin braiding them as you move toward the back of your head. Once both braids are complete, secure them at the back with a hair tie or pin.

Next, pull the remaining hair into loose curls or waves to create soft texture. You can also add a little volume by gently pulling at the crown of your head. For a more polished finish, tuck any loose strands behind your ears.

Styling Tips:

For added flair, weave a small accessory like a flower crown or a delicate clip into the braids or around the base of the crown. This adds a whimsical, fairytale-like quality to your look while still being modern and trendy.

This hairstyle works especially well for those with long or medium-length hair and can be customized to fit your personal style.

Why You’ll Love It:

The half-up crown braid is romantic, feminine, and easy to wear. It’s a beautiful option for graduation, giving you a lovely, ethereal look that’s both polished and effortless.

What’s Your Take?

Did you try the half-up crown braid for graduation or a special occasion? Let us know how it went in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your name and location so we can connect with you.

---

There you have it, 15 gorgeous graduation hairstyle ideas that are sure to make you feel fabulous on your special day. Whether you prefer something sleek, romantic, or fun, there’s a style for every girl. Be sure to let us know which style stole your spotlight and share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear how your hair turned out, just remember to include your name and location so we can find you!