As your graduation day looms closer, you have a lot on your mind. You’re pulling all-nighters to cram for final exams and clarifying travel arrangements for far-flung family members, all while trying desperately to dodge the question everyone is asking: What are your plans for after graduation?
Suffice it to say, you’re not in the mood to talk about it or plan much of anything beyond when and where your next coffee is coming from. But when you need a little break from all the post-grad pressure — and we all do — you can do a little planning for your graduation look.
Per tradition, you’ll probably be wearing a the same cap and gown as every other graduate, but you can get creative with how you style your hair under the cap (and in the hundreds of photos that will follow you throwing it up in the air).
In that vein, we’ve rounded up the cutest graduation-ready hairstyles, ahead.
You can’t go wrong with a sleek, low ponytail. Bonus points if you add a tiny pearl pin at the base.
You might be the only graduate to style your hair in pigtail braids, but rest assured, everyone else will be kicking themselves that they didn’t think of it first.
Box braids will look gorgeous spilling out of your cap and down the front of your gown.
Use two floral-decal bobby pins to hold that awkward cap on your head for the ceremony, and then reposition them — on each side of your part — for the photo op.
Incorporate a little hair bling à la Yara Shahidi. You can stack your hair with a few rings, bobby pins, or barrettes. Although you won’t be able to see it under your cap, the jewelry will catch the light when you throw your cap in the air.
If you’re going for a bohemian vibe — maybe your school tradition involves flower crowns instead of caps — you could wear a loose, down-the-back braid for an effortless look.
Pro tip: Add a moisturizing oil or a shine spray before you head out so your curls stay bouncy and glossy for the whole day, no matter the humidity index.
When in doubt, the humble low bun is a foolproof style — and chic as hell.
A loose ponytail will keep your hair out of your face through the 3-hour ceremony, and it will look great in every sneaky profile shot your mom takes afterwards.
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Source: Refinery29 – Megan Decker