13 Timeless Hairstyles for Your Graduation Pictorial

You’re all set for graduation day. Your dress, shoes, makeup, and accessories are all planned out, but you can’t decide on one detail that will complete your look – your hairstyle. Here are some timeless hairstyle ideas to have you looking your best for your graduation pictorial.

The key to achieving a timeless look is to keep things simple, and nothing says that better than an elegant half-up, half-down hairstyle. Play around with this look by adding details such as a bow or twist. Curls will also give it added drama for your special day.

If you’re going for an easy, relaxed look, this hairstyle is everything you need. It is best for enhancing medium-length hair – wearing it loose and easy will give it the illusion of length. For a soft, feminine vibe, try curtain bangs or ask a stylist for loose face-framing curls.

Bring back the roaring '20s for your graduation pictorial with this iconic hairstyle that works great for longer hair. Get textured, pin-tucked waves like Zendaya’s by setting your hair in place with a styling gel or spray. For a more romantic look, opt for bigger, looser waves. 

The best thing about braids is that they’re so versatile. You can wear them loose and messy with a volumized crown and face-framing strands or sleek and neat. If your school allows it, get creative and accessorize your braids with flowers, pearls, or rhinestones for a unique and memorable look.

You can’t go wrong with big, loose waves. To get the look, curl all your hair section by section, and when it cools, softly run your fingers through the curls. Finish it off with a light spray to keep the curls in place.

It’s normal for your curls to get frizzy after brushing them. Prevent this by applying TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum, which fights frizz, detangles knots, boosts shine, adds softness, and tames flyaways, making your hair gradpic-ready.

Rock this throwback look from the ‘90s by wearing your ponytail high and flipping the ends. Complete the look with side-swept bangs. Keep your hair soft and straight with Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Straight Ultra Treatment Wrap, which is infused with a Triple Keratin Formula that penetrates each strand.

Speaking of nostalgia, slinky hair tendrils are making a comeback. You know, those streaks of hair dangling from the faces of all the cool girls on TikTok? Elevate your updo by grabbing random sections of your hair from above your ears and further up the hairline for an undone but ultra-cool look.

Statement headbands seem to be everywhere. If chunky jewelry isn’t your thing, a headband might be your hair’s answer to your graduation pictorial woes. Textured or elastic hairbands might keep your hair in place, but they’ll also pull and tug at your strands, causing damage to your tresses. Instead, choose a chunky satin headband to protect your hair and show off that girl-next-door look. It's also an excellent graduation hairstyle for curly hair.

Before styling your hair, use Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Shampoo, which has five flower essences that make your hair five times smoother and so fragrant, that you can almost smell it from right out of your grad pic.

Surprise the school by giving your hair a fresh cut. Short hair gives you room to make your makeup and outfit the focus, but more than that, it’s a great hairstyle for navigating life after school. It’s also a practical option since you wouldn’t have to worry about keeping your hair off your face.

Bring on the drama with a side ponytail that screams elegance. Sweep your hair into a low ponytail on one side and conceal the elastic by wrapping a strip of hair around it. Adding volumized waves to your pony will pull your look together, or you could go sleek and straighten your strands for a modern take.

Want to make a grand entrance? Throw in some neon streaks to your 'do! These bold highlights not only make you stand out but also add a dash of coolness to your graduation pictorial. Choose a shade that represents your personality, or match it with your outfit.

No matter how many tutorials you've watched, chopping your hair with a pair of kitchen shears the night before your graduation never ends well. The good news is you don't have to book a salon appointment to get a new bob. Fake the look with a handful of bobby pins, a couple of hair elastics, and a smidge of patience.

Whether you're running late or simply don't want to fuss with intricate hairstyles, take a chance on this '00s-inspired 'do. As Anya Taylor-Joy proves, pin-straight hair is far from boring. If anything, it screams elegance without looking like you're trying too hard.

If you’re still unsure what look to go with, remember to keep things simple and go with the style you feel most comfortable with. Your graduation pictorial doesn’t have to be stressful. Have fun experimenting with these hairstyle ideas for a look that brings out your best.