19 Graduation Hairstyles for Curly Hair That Fit Your Mortarboard

Graduation is a monumental milestone for every student. It marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another.

Finding a style that celebrates your natural texture while accommodating a mortarboard is often a challenge. You want to look your best in every photograph.

You deserve a look that stays secure during the ceremony. These styles balance the volume of your curls with the flat structure of the graduation cap.

Explore these stunning options to find the perfect match for your hair type. Let your curls shine while you walk across that stage with confidence.

1. Elegant Low Side Bun

The low side bun is a timeless choice for graduates with curly hair. It gathers your texture into a sophisticated focal point while keeping the top of your head completely flat.

This positioning ensures your mortarboard sits securely without any awkward bumps. By shifting the bun to the side, you also ensure that your curls are visible in every graduation portrait.

To achieve this look, use a light-hold gel to smooth the crown. Secure the bun with U-shaped pins to maintain the integrity of your natural curl pattern without crushing it.

2. Deep Side Part with Decorative Bobby Pins

A deep side part creates an asymmetrical look that is both modern and chic. This style allows your curls to flow freely on one side while the other stays tucked.

By pinning one side down, you create a stable surface for the cap to grip onto. Decorative pins can add a touch of sparkle that complements your graduation regalia perfectly.

Ensure your curls are well-hydrated with a leave-in conditioner before styling. This prevents frizz and keeps your texture defined throughout a long day of celebrations and ceremonies.

3. Low Twisted Halo

The low twisted halo is a romantic style that encircles the back of your head. It keeps your hair away from your face while leaving the crown accessible for the cap.

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This style is particularly effective for those with tighter coils or high-volume curls. It compresses the hair at the nape of the neck, which balances the weight of the mortarboard.

You can weave small flowers or pearls into the twists for added flair. This hairstyle looks intricate but is surprisingly easy to maintain throughout the duration of the commencement events.

4. Half-Up Topped with Discrete Clips

The half-up, half-down style offers the best of both worlds for curly-haired graduates. It keeps hair out of your eyes while showcasing your length and natural bounce.

To make this work with a cap, secure the top section much lower than usual. Aim for the mid-back of the head so the clip doesn’t interfere with the cap’s placement.

Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the bottom section for maximum volume. This creates a beautiful contrast between the sleek top and the voluminous curls cascading below.

5. Loose Low Ponytail

A loose low ponytail is perhaps the most practical and effortless option for graduation day. It gathers all your curls at the base of your neck, leaving the scalp flat.

This style allows the mortarboard to sit firmly on the head without shifting. It also keeps your hair off your shoulders, which helps stay cool under the heavy graduation gown.

Wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie to hide the elastic. This small detail elevates the look from casual to professional and ceremony-ready in seconds.

6. Double Dutch Braids to Low Buns

Double Dutch braids provide a secure and athletic-chic vibe that lasts all day long. The braids lay flat against the scalp, providing an excellent foundation for the graduation cap.

Ending the braids in low buns at the nape of the neck adds a touch of elegance. This style is especially useful if you expect windy conditions during an outdoor ceremony.

Apply a smoothing serum to your fingertips while braiding to minimize flyaways. This ensures that your braids look sharp and defined in close-up photos and videos.

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7. Romantic Side-Swept Curls

Side-swept curls offer a high-glamour look that is perfect for such a significant occasion. By pinning all your hair to one shoulder, you create a dramatic and red-carpet-worthy silhouette.

This style leaves the top of your head free of bulk, allowing the cap to sit level. It is a great way to show off your hair length even while wearing the academic cap.

Use a firm-hold hairspray on the tucked side to ensure the hair stays behind your ear. This keeps the focus on your face and your hard-earned diploma during the presentation.

8. Slicked-Back Front with Natural Volume

This style involves slicking down the front two inches of your hair while letting the rest remain voluminous. It creates a very clean look that emphasizes your facial features.

The slicked-back portion acts as a smooth runway for the mortarboard to slide onto. It eliminates the risk of the cap snagging on curls or sitting at an awkward angle.

Use an edge control product or a heavy-duty gel for the front section. This contrast in textures—sleek in the front and wild in the back—is incredibly trendy and photogenic.

9. Flat-Twisted Front

Flat twists are a wonderful protective style that works beautifully under a graduation cap. They keep the hair close to the scalp, ensuring a snug fit for your headwear.

You can transition the twists into loose curls at the back for a dynamic look. This allows you to showcase your natural curl pattern while maintaining a structured appearance on top.

This style is great for keeping your hair organized and tangle-free throughout the day. It also allows for easy removal of the cap without ruining the entire hairstyle.

10. Tucked Chignon

The tucked chignon is the epitome of graduation grace and serves as a very sophisticated choice. It involves rolling the hair upward and securing it at the nape.

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Because the bulk of the hair is concentrated low, it never interferes with the flat top of the cap. It provides a very polished look that pairs well with formal graduation attire.

A few loose tendrils at the front can soften the look and frame your face. This prevents the style from looking too severe or tight, maintaining a youthful and celebratory energy.

11. Waterfall Braid

A waterfall braid allows you to incorporate a braided element while letting most of your curls hang loose. It creates a horizontal line of braids that sits right where the cap ends.

This positioning is strategic, as it adds visual interest exactly where the mortarboard meets the hair. The “cascading” curls provide plenty of movement and texture for the cameras.

Practice the tension of the braid to ensure it stays in place without being too tight. This style works best on medium to long curls that have been freshly defined.

12. Asymmetrical Curls with Side Clip

If you prefer a natural look with minimal manipulation, an asymmetrical style is ideal. Simply pull one side back behind your ear and secure it with a sturdy, decorative clip.

This creates a clear path for the cap’s side panels to grip your head. It allows your natural curls to take center stage on the opposite side, providing a beautiful balance.

Choose a clip that matches your school colors or your graduation gown for a coordinated look. It’s a simple addition that makes a big impact on your overall aesthetic.

13. Triple Low Knots

Triple low knots are a creative way to manage thick, high-density curly hair. By dividing the hair into three sections at the nape, you distribute the volume evenly.

This prevents a single large bun from pushing the cap forward or making it sit too high. It creates a unique, tiered effect that looks very modern and intentional.

Use clear elastics to secure the bases of the knots to keep the look seamless. This style is incredibly sturdy and will withstand hours of sitting, standing, and walking.

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14. Face-Framing Braids

Face-framing braids involve creating two small braids right at the hairline. These braids can be tucked behind the ears or allowed to hang down alongside your curls.

They provide a structured frame for your face that isn’t obscured by the brim of the cap. This ensures that your features are highlighted in every photo taken from the front.

This style is particularly helpful for managing shorter layers or “baby hairs” that might get frizzy. It keeps the perimeter of your hair looking neat and tidy all day.

15. Low Faux-Hawk

A low faux-hawk uses pins to bring the hair from the sides toward the center-back of the head. It creates a vertical line of curls that starts below where the cap sits.

This style is edgy and fun, perfect for a graduate who wants to stand out. It celebrates the volume of curly hair while keeping the crown flat for the mortarboard.

Apply a volumizing mousse to the center section to give the “hawk” more height and definition. It’s a bold look that transitions perfectly from the ceremony to the after-party.

16. The “Hidden” Top Braid

This clever style involves creating a flat Dutch braid or French braid right down the center of your head. The braid acts as an anchor for the graduation cap pins.

Since the braid is flat, the cap sits perfectly level on top of it. The rest of the hair can be left loose or gathered into a low ponytail or bun at the back.

Many graduates find this to be the most secure way to wear a cap with curls. It provides a solid structure that prevents the cap from sliding back during the procession.

17. Pinned-Back Sides

For a simple and effective look, pin back both sides of your hair just above the ears. This creates a “V” shape that allows the cap to sit firmly on the crown.

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The curls are then free to cascade down your back and over your shoulders. This is a great way to maintain a “down” look while ensuring the cap doesn’t feel unstable.

Use bobby pins that match your hair color to make the style look effortless and invisible. This ensures the focus remains on your natural texture and your graduation cap.

18. Low Messy Bun with Tendrils

The low messy bun is perfect for a relaxed yet beautiful graduation look. It embraces the natural “frizz” and organic shape of curls for a soft, romantic finish.

By keeping the bun very low, you avoid any interference with the mortarboard’s placement. The loose tendrils at the front help to break up the harsh lines of the cap.

Pull a few small curls out around your ears and forehead after the cap is on. This helps integrate the headwear into your hairstyle so it looks like a cohesive outfit.

19. Natural Curls with a Headband Buffer

If you want to wear your curls completely natural, consider using a thin headband as a buffer. The headband holds the hair back from your forehead and provides a ledge.

The front of the mortarboard can rest against or just behind the headband for extra stability. This allows you to maintain your full volume without the cap flattening your front curls.

Choose a velvet-lined headband to prevent it from slipping on your hair. This method is the least manipulative option, making it perfect for those who want a quick and easy style.

How do I keep my graduation cap from falling off my curls?

The best way to secure a cap is to use bobby pins that match your hair color. Cross two pins in an “X” shape over the fabric of the cap and into a small section of hair or a hidden braid. This creates a much stronger anchor than a single pin would.

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Should I wash my hair on the morning of graduation?

It is usually better to wash your hair the day before. Freshly washed curls can be too slippery or soft to hold pins and styles securely. “Second-day” hair often has more grip and natural oil, which helps the mortarboard stay in place throughout the long ceremony.

How can I avoid “hat hair” after I take the cap off?

To minimize “hat hair,” avoid using heavy waxes or creams on the crown of your head before putting the cap on. Carry a small bottle of curl refreshing spray or a light oil in your bag. Once the cap is removed, flip your head over and gently massage your roots to restore volume.

What are the best products for curls on graduation day?

Focus on long-lasting, humidity-resistant products like a strong-hold gel or a setting mousse. Since graduation ceremonies are often held in warm gymnasiums or outdoors, you need products that prevent frizz. A finishing spray with UV protection can also help protect your hair if you are sitting in the sun.

How do I fit a small cap over very thick or voluminous curls?

If the cap feels too small, do not try to force it over your hair, as this will crush your curls. Instead, use the “hidden braid” technique or a low ponytail to condense the hair at the base. You can also sew a headband or large hair clips inside the cap to help it “sit” on top of your hair rather than over it.

Can I wear my hair in a high bun with a graduation cap?

Technically, you can, but it is not recommended. A high bun will force the mortarboard to sit at a steep angle, which can look awkward in photos and make the cap very unstable. It is always better to keep buns, knots, and ponytails at the nape of the neck for the best fit.