With all of the important things to think about during the last days of college (like, "what the hell am I going to do with my life?!" and "will my dad ever stop taking pictures?") the last thing anyone wants to worry about is their graduation day hairstyles.
At my own college graduation (which, for some horrifying reason started at 7:30 am) I rolled out of bed, threw a cap on over my two-day old blowout and barely looked in the mirror on my way out the door. Needless to say, I still cringe when one of the few pictures I agreed to pose for surfaces from the depths of my social media, and to this day I really, really regret the beauty decisions (or lack thereof) I made that morning.
Like it or not though (and trust me, I really don't like it) the pictures from that day will be hanging in your living room for all of eternity, and shared non-stop with the world via your grandmother's Facebook. Luckily, even if you haven't slept since finals and your face is red and swollen from all of the crying you've been doing about entering the real world, the easiest way to make yourself look put together is by trying one of these so-easy-even-a-hungover-girl-on-her-graduation-morning-can-do-it hairstyles that are guaranteed to look great under your cap and gown.
As for all of your other beauty concerns that day? Concealer, waterproof mascara, and a big bottle of water should do the trick.
1. Low Ponytail
A low pony is a sleek classic sure to make you look elegant and refined (and not all like you were up all night drinking warm beer out of Solo cups and reminiscing about all of the dumb stuff you've done over the last four years). Straighten your hair first and then fasten at the nape of your neck with a clear hair tie. Wrap a strand of hair around elastic to hide it, and then pop a bobby pin underneath to keep it in place.
2. Side Braid
If you're working with long hair, a side braid is an easy way to keep your hair out of your face and off of your neck (because you're pretty much guaranteed to be sweating underneath your polyester gown) while still allowing it to be visible in pictures. Try a loose, bohemian style, and add a ribbon in your school's colors for a little extra spirit.
3. Pigtail Braids
What better way to celebrate this momentous step into adulthood than with your all-time girlhood favorite — the braided pigtail. Keep them loose for a more effortless look or in tight braids if you're worried about heat and humidity. Colorful ribbons work here, too!
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4. Ballet Bun
A low bun of the chic, classic ballerina variety is a quick and easy fix that requires absolutely no preparation but will still make you look totally put together even if it technically is still last night's blow out. Add a pair of statement earrings that complements your gown to frame your face.
5. A Pop Of Color
It's your last day of college — why not go nuts and show off a little bit of your individuality, Kylie Jenner style. There are dozens of quick, harmless ways to temporarily dye your hair (like with Kool Aid or Hair Chalk) Not sure which tint to try? Take this quiz to see which color is right for you.
6. Loose Curls
Add a little bit of effortless volume to your hair for an easy way to frame your face. Hair curls better when it's dirty (let's be honest, no one actually has time to wash their hair on graduation morning, anyway) so all you really need to do is twist a curling iron over last night's blowout and voila: a fresh, new, bouncy look. The best part? No need to worry about curling your roots, because they'll be covered by your cap.
7. Braided Chignon
This braid/bun hybrid is more involved than your basic one or the other, but will look absolutely gorgeous beneath your cap. The same style works in the back of your neck or to the left or right, just remember to keep it low so it doesn't interfere with the way your cap sits on your head. The good news? The messier the better, so there's no need to worry about executing it perfectly.
8. Natural Hair Hairstyles
If you have natural hair and are looking for ideas for how to style your 'do, look no further than this amazing compilation of styles from vlogger MiniMarley12. If you're concerned about fighting frizz, try one of these products to keep your tresses tame all day long, even in the spring humidity.
9. Half Up, Half Down
Between deciding where to live, where to work, and where to go to celebratory brunch, graduation day is filled with overwhelming choices. The good news is, your hairstyle doesn't have to be. Go with a low half-pony to keep your hair out of your face while still letting your natural locks hang loose.
10. Chop It All Off
This one requires a bit more planning than some of the other morning-of fixes, but with everything in your life about to change graduation is a perfect time to take a big hair risk and to show all of your old friends the "new you" before you head off into adulthood. Have you always wanted to try a cropped bob or a Ginnifer Goodwin style pixie cut? There's no better time than now to go for it!
11. Twisted Braid Crown
Looking for something a bit different? This easy braided crown is pretty much guaranteed to have everyone (and, literally, their mother) asking, "How did you do that?!" Keep the braid loose and low, and pin your cap above the crown so it acts as a frame. Fasten the leftover into a ponytail at the base of the cap and curl the ends for a look that's part "I woke up like this," part "I can braid my own hair, so I can pretty much do anything.
12. Hair Tinsel
Why not bring back the coolest trend from freshman year on graduation day for a little bit of extra glitz? Bonus points if you rhinestone your cap to match.
13. Au Natural
The most important thing about your graduation day look is that it makes you feel comfortable and true to yourself, and what better way is there to do that than by letting it all hang out? (Your hair, that is. As for what you've got going on under your gown... that's a personal decision). Forget worrying about a fancy 'do, embrace your natural locks, and above all remember to celebrate and have fun — after all, you've earned it!
Image: All Things Hair/YouTube
