15 Cute Picture Day Hairstyles

A new school year is in session—and you know what that means. Picture day is right around the corner. Say cheese! While you may have perfected your natural makeup look and found a foolproof outfit for the occasion, figuring out the best hairstyle is a whole other ballgame. Not sure how to style your strands? Get some inspo from the following 15 cute picture day hairstyles, including everything from buns to braids.

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #1: VOLUMINOUS CURLS

If you’re looking to get fancy for picture day, look no further than voluminous curls. This hairstyle is ideal for those who want to ensure their strands have plenty of body and volume come photo time. Here’s How to Create Voluminous Curls on Any Hair Type.

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #2: HIGH BUN

Want to show off your cheekbones? An updo is the perfect picture day hairstyle for you. Throw your strands into a high bun to allow your facial structure—and makeup look—to be the center of attention in your photos.

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #3: DEEP SIDE PART

If you prefer to wear your hair down but still want to highlight your cheekbones, consider rocking a deep side part. Part your hair toward the side of your face that’s least photogenic (let’s be real—we all have a good side), partly concealing it behind your cascading strands.

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #4: SIDE-SWEPT PONYTAIL

Speaking of side-swept hairstyles, a side-swept ponytail is another great option for picture day. Simply bring all your hair to one side, then secure with a clear elastic to form a low pony. To add a whimsical touch to the look, pull a few face-framing strands loose!

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #5: LOOSE WAVES

Sometimes a carefree, effortless hairstyle is the optimal vibe for picture day. If that’s the look you’re going for, consider styling your strands into loose waves. You can do so sans heat by spritzing the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray onto damp hair, braiding, allowing your hair to air dry, and removing the braid. Bonus: Since this is an overnight styling option, you’ll have more time to spend on your makeup in the morning!

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #6: SLEEK AND STRAIGHT

When in doubt, keep it simple! Spritz your mane with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray before turning to your flat iron. Straighten your hair to perfection, then finish the look off with a smoothing hair serum, like the L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum.

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #7: FISHTAIL BRAID

Pull your hair into a side-swept fishtail braid for a look that’s out of the way but more intricate than a simple, side-swept pony. While this hairstyle may be full of detail, it’s actually quite easy to achieve. Not sure how? Head over to Our Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial.

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #8: CLIPPED BACK

Don’t want your strands to cover your face but still want to wear your hair down? Clip your hair back with a trending hair accessory, like a couple of cute barrettes. There are plenty of different styles to choose from, so pick one that matches your personality! You can clip them into place on one side of your head or on both for a symmetrical look. Want more ideas? Here’s How to Wear a Barrette.

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #7: DUTCH PIGTAILS

We’ll always have a special place in our hearts for pigtails on picture day. For a mature twist on this nostalgic hairstyle, weave your mane into Dutch pigtail braids. So cute!

Editor’s note: Want an idea for taking your Dutch braids to the next level? Try this: Dutch braid to the nape of your neck on both sides, then tie off, and braid the rest of the length of your hair into fishtail braids. So cute!

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #10: MIDDLE PART

You don’t have to rock a deep side part for picture day! If a side part isn’t your thing, a middle part can look just as stunning. We’re particularly fans of this look when its paired with sleek, straight strands—though you can totally sport a middle part with waves or curls, too!

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #11: SIDE-SWEPT

Remember when we mentioned how a deep side part could be flattering for picture day? A side-swept hairstyle has the same effect. Simply gather your length and bring it to one side, allowing it to cascade over your shoulder. We recommend keeping your hair’s length on your least favorite side, so your good side can stay in the limelight!

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #12: BRAIDED HEADBAND

Want to add a touch of detail to your hairstyle? Get intricate by weaving a braided headband. This will keep your strands out of your eyes while adding a sophisticated yet bohemian touch to your beauty look. Here’s How to Get a Braided Headband Hairstyle for a step-by-step tutorial.

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #13: HALF-UP TWISTS

While we're on the topic of getting your strands out of your face, a half-up hairstyle is a great option to do just that. Part your hair down the middle, then twist back either side of your face-framing strands, pinning the twists into place with bobby pins. Easy, right?

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #14: HEADBAND

Another hair accessory we love for picture day? Headbands! They’re a fashionable way to keep your strands off your face while still allowing your hair to hang long. Bonus: There are so many style options for this trendy hair piece.

PICTURE DAY HAIRSTYLE #15: LOW SIDE BUN

Want a sophisticated yet cute picture day hairstyle? Twist your strands into a low side bun. To make the look a little less polished, feel free to pull a few wispies loose.

Next: 10 Beauty Tips for a Camera-Ready Look