Congratulations, Class of 2012. You’re graduation day is right around the corner! The academic cap and gown is an age old tradition, dating back to the 12th century (talk about timeless style). Unfortunately, the long deceased scholars who originated the ensemble, did not take our modern locks into consideration. What’s a graduate to do? Personally, I find large, barrel curls pair wonderfully with a diploma, no matter what hair length (or stage in school you’re at). After a long graduation of speeches and role call, your perfectly primped hair will most likely fall flat under your hard earned, academic cap. Which is why this tutorial is two-fold, providing a step by step set of curls and two minute (half) up do, so the festivities can begin directly after you walk off that stage.

Step 1: Blow dry out hair.

Step 2: Using a large curling iron , curl a one inch to two inch section of your hair.

Step 3: Directly after the hair is released from the iron (still hot), coil it up with your hands.

Step 4: Pin the coil to the top of your head.

Step 5 & 6: Continue the steps 2-4 throughout your head.

Step 7: Wait 20 minutes to an hour, depending on how curly you want your hair, and take out all of the bobby pins. Run your fingers through your hair and spray with hair spray if you’d like a firmer hold.

Step 8: Comb out the front section of your hair.

Step 9: Pin the section in a loose coil on top of your head, creating a side bang look on your forehead.

Step 10: Place your cap upon your head (You did it!) and secure the sides with bobby pins.

Step 1: Brush out your hair and take the two sides to the back (as if you were to secure it half up, half down) and twist them into one another twice.

Step 2: Secure the twist with bobby pins.