You may think that a French bun or a ponytail is all you can do with your hair as a nurse.
The good news is that there are quite a few different hairstyles that you can choose from, so you don’t have to stick to the same old style.
Saying this, whatever hairstyle you choose, it should keep your hair off your face and it needs to last for a long shift.
After all, there is no point in making up your hair when it falls apart after a few hours.
Here are some top tips on what type of hairstyles you can wear as a nurse (see also ‘Why Do Nurses Wear Compression Socks?‘).
How Should Nurses Wear Their Hair?
Hairstyles for nurses vary depending on the length of hair. Long hair should be tied up in some way to keep it out of the way.
Nurses with shorter hair may get away with leaving their hair open. However, it’s important to ensure that your hair does not cause any safety concerns.
With long shifts, there is often little time to do up your hair, so it’s a good idea to keep your hairstyle quite simple.
Also bear in mind that you don’t want to constantly have to adjust your hairstyle regularly during your shift.
Bobby pins, headbands and clips are ideal to keep your hair in place, so you can focus on your job.
No matter what hairstyle you choose, make sure that you feel comfortable with it. After all, you still want to feel good about your look, even when you are at work.
Hairstyles For Nurses
There are so many beautiful yet practical hairstyles for nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals.
The below styles for your hair stay in place for a long shift and they also work well when tucked under a scrub cap.
Pixie Cut
If you don’t want to spend any time on your hair, you can always choose the super short pixie cut.
All you have to do to get ready is wash your hair and then head off to work.
French Braid
The French braid is a classic nurse hairstyle that keeps your hair off your face.
It may be a little tricky for the first couple of times, but it usually only takes ten minutes to make a nice looking French braid.
It’s a relatively easy hairstyle for nurses and works for all hair lengths. If you have shorter hair, then just braid the top half of your hair.
Braided Bun
Once you know how to make a simple French braid, you are ready to try a few similar styles because the technique is basically the same.
This braided bun hairstyle is a combination of a braid put into a ponytail and then twisted into a bun.
Upside Down French Braid And High Bun
This hairstyle is a little more wild to prepare but so much fun. Just flip your head upside down and then braid your hair into a French braid from the bottom up.
Topsy Tail
This cute nurse hairstyle is a ponytail twisted inside out. Just make a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic band as usual.
Then open a small gap in your hair just above the elastic band. The gap should be big enough to fit a couple of fingers through.
Then pull your ponytail through the gap, including your elastic band. This will give you a traditional hairstyle that looks almost royal.
Fishtail Braid
If you want to try something different to the traditional French braid, then a fishtail braid is a great alternative.
It has a slightly whimsical feel but takes a little more time than your standard nurse bun.
Top Bun With A Scarf
One way to add more interest to your hairstyle is by integrating some accessories. This shouldn’t be too lavish as your accessories still need to be tucked in.
However, you can add a cute scarf or headband to your normal bun. This is ideal for all those bad hair days!
Double Braids
Double braids always look so innocent, and you can do them with any length of hair.
Double braids work better with Dutch braids. They are thicker and have a slight twist to them.
Bow Bun
This is another sweet twist to the traditional nurse’s bun. While they are often seen on children, bow buns bring a little bit of lightness to your tough work day.
It’s a very simple hairstyle that’s easy to make. All your hair is tucked in although you have to be sure that the hair is tied enough or it can become loose.
Saying this, try not to tie the loops to tightly as this may cause headaches.
Messy Bun
Despite the name, a messy bun doesn’t actually look unprofessional when done in the right way.
This type of bun is quick and easy to make, ideal for the days when you are sure that your hair has a mind of its own.
Can You Wear Your Hair Down As A Nurse?
No, nurses should not wear their hair down. There are a few different reasons why nurses are advised to wear their hair tied up.
Hair that isn’t tied back could pose a clinical safety risk and even a breeding ground for bacteria.
Hair that is not tied back might also get into the hair when a nurse handles a patient. The nurse will then have to move her hair out of her face.
This can be especially dangerous when patients need emergency treatment and every second counts.
Are Nurses Allowed To Have Colored Hair?
No, many healthcare facilities and hospitals don’t allow nurses to have an unnatural hair color, such as blue, green or pink.
Final Thoughts
The traditional bun and ponytail as a nurse hairstyle still works best. This being said, there are also plenty of beautiful alternatives, such as French braids and braided fishtail.
As long as your hairstyle keeps your hair off your face at all times and it feels comfortable, then you can choose any style you want.