The Graduation Cap Hack Every Senior (and Mom) Should Know Before Senior Portraits
At a recent senior session, one of my clients showed up with what might honestly be the smartest graduation accessory I’ve seen yet: a tool that turns your graduation cap into a headband. After so many years of being a senior portrait photographer, how did I not think of this?!
She had gorgeous, very voluminous hair, and instead of fighting to pin a graduation cap down over curls and volume (and kill the vibe!), the cap sat comfortably and securely right on top of her hair without flattening it. No constant adjusting, no sliding around, and no sacrificing the hairstyle she spent time creating. And honestly, it looks so much cuter on!
For graduation photos, that’s a game changer.
Why This TRICK Works So Well
Traditional graduation caps are not exactly designed with real hairstyles in mind. Especially if you have:
- Thick hair
- Curly hair
- Long hair
- Extensions
- Volume at the crown
- Bangs
- A professional blowout for photos you’d like to keep intact 😅
The headband insert gives the cap structure and stability while helping it sit naturally on your head. It keeps the cap from slipping while preserving the shape of your hair, which makes a huge difference in photos. We all needed a trick to keep the cap from ruining the hair!
There are two Types
There are two types of inserts, one that folds into the cap and one that adheres to the cap. The one that folds (used in these photos) changes the look of the front of the cap by folding the center point under. If you prefer the more traditional look, I would stick to the other.
From a Photographer’s Perspective…
Little details like this matter more than people realize during a senior or graduation session. For years, we have waited until the very end of the session to use the cap because we know the hair will be ruined afterward. This opens up so many more posing options!
Definitely Worth Trying for Graduation Photos & The Ceremony Itself
If you’re planning graduation portraits this season, this is one of those small purchases that can make the entire experience easier – especially if you love volume in your hair. Test it out before your graduation to make sure it stays securely on your head and doesn’t slide while you’re walking across the stage, but from what I have seen, I am impressed!
