Graduation Cap Friendly DIY Hairstyles are perfect for keeping your look polished while you celebrate. Graduation Cap Friendly DIY Hairstyles tuck hair low or keep volume controlled so the mortarboard sits right and photos look flawless.
These easy-to-do ideas work for straight, wavy, or curly hair and flatter round, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Pick a low bun, braided detail, or a sleek tuck to match your gown and personal style for a stress-free graduation morning.
Low Braided Bun That Hides Under Cap
This low braided bun is classic and camera-ready, crafted to sit comfortably under a mortarboard. Start with a loose three-strand braid at the nape, coil it into a bun, and secure with pins so the shape stays compact and smooth. The braid adds texture without bulk, making it ideal for medium to long hair and anyone who likes a neat silhouette. Add a touch of hairspray to smooth flyaways and optional baby hairs for a soft finish that still fits beneath your cap.
Styling Tips
- Braid loosely to keep volume low under the cap.
- Use bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless hold.
- Finish with light-hold spray to tame frizz without stiffness.
Sleek Low Ponytail With Concealed Tie
This sleek low ponytail keeps hair smooth and flat so the cap sits perfectly. Gather hair at the nape, smooth with a brush, and wrap a small strand around the elastic to hide it for a polished finish. This style works on straight and slightly wavy hair and gives a timeless, refined look for graduation photos. Sleekness reduces bulk under the mortarboard while still letting your hair shine. A little hair oil on ends adds healthy shine without weighing the style down.
Styling Tips
- Apply a smoothing serum before brushing to cut flyaways.
- Tie hair low to ensure the cap rests on your head comfortably.
- Wrap a hair strand around the elastic and pin beneath for a clean look.
Twisted Halo Bun For A Romantic Finish
The twisted halo bun pairs soft twists with a low coiled bun, creating a romantic, cap-friendly silhouette. Part hair slightly off-center, twist small sections toward the nape, then wrap the ends into a compact bun. The twists add interest around the face while the bun stays low so the mortarboard sits flat. This works especially well for wavy hair and anyone who likes a feminine, textured look without excess height. A few face-framing strands can be pinned back or left loose for softness.
Styling Tips
- Use texturizing spray before twisting for grip and hold.
- Keep the bun tight enough to avoid bulk under the cap.
- Pin twists securely with hidden bobby pins to lock shape.
Low Chignon With Soft Face-Framing Pieces
The low chignon is elegant and understated, perfect for a mortarboard-friendly look. Gather hair at the nape, twist into a tidy chignon, and secure with pins. Leave a few soft face-framing pieces to soften the jawline and keep the style youthful. This option flatters oval, heart, and square faces and works for fine to medium hair when you add slight padding or teasing at the base. Light hairspray keeps everything in place while keeping the cap comfortable on top.
Styling Tips
- Tease the crown slightly for balance without adding cap-height.
- Pull out two thin strands to frame the face gently.
- Use flexible-hold spray so hair moves but stays in place.
Half-Up Low Knot That Fits Neatly
This half-up low knot balances polished and relaxed while keeping bulk away from the top of your head. Secure the top half into a small knot at the nape and let the remaining hair cascade loosely. The knot gives structure so the cap sits securely, and the loose waves add movement to photos. It’s a gentle option for medium to long hair and works well if you want an effortless vibe that still reads put-together when you don your mortarboard.
Styling Tips
- Create soft waves on loose hair for natural movement.
- Keep the knot compact to prevent pressure under the cap.
- Add a light mist of hairspray to maintain shape without stiffness.
Low Fishtail Ponytail For Textured Elegance
The low fishtail ponytail is stylish yet simple, offering texture that sits flat beneath a cap. Gather hair low, braid into a fishtail, and secure with a clear elastic. Tug slightly on braid loops for a relaxed, voluminous look that still stays low. This look is great for thick or long hair because the braid compresses bulk while showing off hair texture. Add a ribbon or subtle accessory near the elastic if you want a personal touch that won’t press against the mortarboard.
Styling Tips
- Loosen braid loops for a soft, modern finish.
- Add a light serum to smooth strand frizz before braiding.
- Secure with an elastic color that blends into your hair.
Tucked French Twist For A Sleek Graduation Look
The tucked French twist is refined and compact, an ideal choice when you want a cap-friendly, formal style. Smooth hair back and roll it upward into a classic twist, tucking ends so the back stays flat. This creates a clean line under your mortarboard and suits straight to slightly wavy hair. It reads elegant in photos and pairs beautifully with simple earrings. Use strong pins to secure the twist so it won’t loosen during the day’s celebrations.
Styling Tips
- Smooth hair with a boar-bristle brush before twisting for sleekness.
- Insert long pins vertically to anchor the twist securely.
- Finish with shine spray for a polished look that resists flyaways.
Messy Low Bun With Ribbon Accent
This messy low bun is relaxed and romantic, tied off with a ribbon that sits below the cap line. Pull hair into a low bun with loose loops and texture, and secure a ribbon around the base so it peeks out subtly. The intentionally undone look feels modern and keeps hair off the crown for cap comfort. It works well on wavy or textured hair and gives a whimsical touch to graduation photos without creating bulk under the mortarboard.
Styling Tips
- Use a soft cloth ribbon for comfort and style.
- Pull out a few face-framing bits for an effortless vibe.
- Texturizing spray helps hold the messy shape longer.
Side Braid Tucked Cleanly Beneath Cap
The side braid pulled across and tucked at the nape keeps hair secure and low, perfect for caps. Choose a loose Dutch or three-strand braid that starts near the temple and sweeps to the opposite side before being tucked. This adds visual interest to the profile while keeping the crown area clear. It suits most hair types and flatters those who want a braid detail without adding height. Secure the tucked end with pins and finish with light spray for a gentle hold.
Styling Tips
- Braid loosely to avoid a bulky profile under the cap.
- Tuck and pin the braid flat at the nape for comfort.
- Apply anti-frizz cream to the braid for smooth texture.
Low Twisted Pony With Statement Hair Clip
A low twisted pony with a minimalist clip offers a modern, neat look that still fits under a mortarboard. Twist two front sections toward the nape and secure them into a low pony, then add a small decorative clip or barrette near the base for style. The twist reduces bulk while the clip gives a polished accent that reads well in photos. This approach is approachable for short-to-medium lengths and keeps the cap sitting evenly on top without distracting height.
Styling Tips
- Choose a slim clip that won’t create pressure under the cap.
- Twist hair firmly to keep the pony compact and tidy.
- Use a lightweight spray to tame flyaways without stiffness.
Low Double Braids Wrapped Into Bun
Double low braids wrapped into a single bun create a neat, structured look that’s cap-friendly. Part hair down the middle, braid two tight three-strand braids to the ends, then wrap them together into a compact bun at the nape. The twin-braid construction compresses bulk and delivers a polished, youthful vibe that stays in place all day. This style suits long hair best and offers clean lines that complement graduation gowns. Secure with pins hidden inside the bun for a tidy finish.
Styling Tips
- Braid tightly to reduce loose strands near the cap area.
- Wrap braids close to the head before pinning for compactness.
- Spritz with firm-hold spray around the crown if needed.
Sleek Tucked Bob For Short Hair Graduates
Short hair can look polished for graduation with a sleek tucked bob that sits flat under a mortarboard. Smooth hair and tuck ends behind the ears or under a discreet headband to reduce lift at the crown. This creates a tidy silhouette that highlights facial features and jewelry without adding height. Use smoothing balm and a flat iron to ensure crisp lines and shine. This is a low-effort option for graduates with chin-length or shorter hair who want sleek, fuss-free photos.
Styling Tips
- Use a heat protectant before flat ironing for sleekness and health.
- Tuck ends under or behind ears to keep the cap sitting properly.
- Finish with lightweight shine spray for a polished look.
Low Rope Braid With Floral Accent
The low rope braid is a chic alternative to traditional plaits, and a small floral accent near the base adds a celebratory touch while staying cap-friendly. Twist two sections into a rope braid down to the nape, secure, and coil low. Attach a tiny floral clip or comb just below the cap line so it peeks out gently. This is great for medium to long hair and creates a textured, elegant look that photographs beautifully without creating bulk at the top of the head.
Styling Tips
- Create tight rope braids to compress volume under the cap.
- Choose a small, lightweight floral clip to avoid pressure.
- Use hairspray on the braid to lock in the twist and reduce frizz.
Low Volumized Bun With Hidden Pin Support
This low volumized bun adds fullness without raising the crown by using hidden pin support at the nape. Backcomb the mid-lengths slightly for body, then smooth the top and pin the hair into a low bun with extra pins anchored inside for structure. The result looks full from photos but remains comfortable under a mortarboard. It flatters anyone who wants a fuller bun silhouette without sacrificing cap fit. Keep edges neat to maintain a polished overall impression in graduation shots.
Styling Tips
- Add a small donut or padding if you want extra volume without height.
- Anchor pins deeply into the hair to hide them and secure the bun.
- Smooth the perimeter with a soft brush to remove flyaways.
Low Knot With Side-Swept Bangs For Balance
A low knot paired with side-swept bangs gives a modern edge while keeping the top of the head clear for your mortarboard. Sweep bangs to the side and secure hair into a small knot at the nape, leaving bangs soft for face-framing effect. This look slims the silhouette and adds interest without bulk. It suits straight or slightly wavy hair and is especially flattering for square or heart-shaped faces, helping to soften angles while keeping the cap secure and comfortable.
Styling Tips
- Style bangs with a round brush for a smooth sweep.
- Keep the knot compact to avoid cap pressure.
- Use light-hold spray on bangs so they stay soft yet controlled.
Low Cornrow Rows That Lay Flat
Low cornrow rows braided straight back and gathered into a small bun or ponytail are an excellent cap-friendly option that stays tidy all day. Cornrows compress the hair close to the scalp so the mortarboard fits without wobble. This style works beautifully for textured and coily hair textures and provides clean lines in photos. Finish with edge control along the hairline for a polished look. It’s practical for long graduation days and helps keep hair protected from wind or humidity.
Styling Tips
- Keep braids close to the scalp for a flat cap fit.
- Seal ends with a small elastic and tuck or wrap them low.
- Use edge gel to smooth the hairline for crisp photos.
Low Halo Braid Crown For Boho Vibes
The low halo braid crown wraps around the back and sits just beneath the cap line, offering boho charm that photographs well. Braid along the hairline into a loose crown braid and pin it low so the top remains clear for the mortarboard. This works for medium to long hair and reads soft and feminine in pictures. Add tiny hair accessories tucked into the braid if desired, keeping them small so they don’t press against the cap. The look feels whimsical and comfortable for a long celebration.
Styling Tips
- Make the braid slightly loose to avoid bulk under the cap.
- Pin securely at the nape to keep the crown flat and tidy.
- Spritz braid with light-hold spray to reduce flyaways.
Low Pony With Scarf Wrapped Around Elastic
A low pony wrapped with a silk scarf gives an elevated, comfortable graduation look that keeps the cap stable. Tie hair low at the nape, then wrap a lightweight scarf around the elastic and knot it so a small tail peeks out beneath the mortarboard. The scarf adds personality without bulk, and the pony remains flat on top for cap comfort. This style works for straight to wavy lengths and gives a pretty pop of pattern in photos while staying functional for all-day wear.
Styling Tips
- Choose a thin scarf so it won’t create pressure under the cap.
- Tie the knot off-center for a playful asymmetry in photos.
- Use a no-slip elastic to keep the pony secure all day.
Low Waterfall Braid That Feels Effortlessly Chic
The low waterfall braid sweeps hair gently and tucks at the nape to keep the crown clear for your mortarboard. Weave a waterfall braid from one side toward the back, then secure the end low and let the rest of your hair fall loose. The cascading effect looks soft and romantic in photos while keeping bulk away from the cap area. It flatters medium to long hair and gives an easy, feminine touch to graduation day without requiring excessive styling time.
Styling Tips
- Start with textured hair for the waterfall braid to hold its shape.
- Secure the braid low and flat at the nape with hidden pins.
- Add a light mist of flexible-hold spray to set the cascade.
Low Twisted Crown With Pearl Pins
This low twisted crown wrapped into a small bun and accented with pearl pins reads elegant and refined while staying cap-friendly. Twist sections from each side and join them at the nape, then coil into a compact bun. Place a few pearl pins along the twist just below the cap line for subtle sparkle in photos. The pearls add a celebratory feel without adding height. This option suits medium to long hair and complements classic gowns beautifully for graduation portraits.
Styling Tips
- Choose lightweight pearl pins so they don’t press under the cap.
- Make twists snug to keep the crown low and tidy.
- Secure the bun with plenty of flexible pins for comfort.
Low Braided Pony With Sleek Center Part
The low braided pony with a sleek center part looks modern and clean while allowing the cap to sit perfectly. Part hair down the middle, smooth sides, and gather hair into a low pony. Braid the pony or leave it straight for a minimalist finish. The center part frames the face symmetrically and gives a refined profile for photos. This style suits straight and wavy hair and is ideal for graduates who want a simple but striking look that stays comfortable under the mortarboard.
Styling Tips
- Create a sharp center part with a fine-tooth comb for symmetry.
- Secure the pony low and smooth the sides for a sleek finish.
- Oil the ends lightly for healthy-looking shine without greasiness.