Nurse hair has a tough job. It needs to stay off your collar and out of your face, survive a mask and a scrub cap, look decent at hour twelve, and take less than five minutes at 5:30 a.m. Here are 12 easy hairstyles for nurses, plus tips for keeping your hair healthy under a cap.
Always follow your unit's policy. Many facilities require long hair to be tied back and off the collar.
Hairstyles for long hair
1. The low bun
The classic for a reason. A low bun sits flat under a Euro or Tie Back cap and won't press into your head when you lean back. Secure it with a scrunchie and two pins.
2. The high ponytail (with a ponytail cap)
If you love a high pony, wear a Euro Ponytail scrub cap. The roomy pouch holds your ponytail without squashing it.
Euro Ponytail caps hold a high pony or bun comfortably. Shop this one
3. One French or Dutch braid
A single braid stays neat all shift and tucks easily into a cap. Bonus: it gives you waves for your day off.
4. Two braids
Two Dutch braids keep everything secure, which is great for active units and long days.
5. The braided bun
Braid your ponytail, then wrap it into a bun. It's tighter and holds longer than a regular bun.
6. The claw-clip twist
Fast and comfortable when you're not wearing a cap. Twist your hair up and clip. Switch to a low bun if you need a cap.
Hairstyles for curly and natural hair
7. Pineapple or puff
Gather curls loosely at the top with a soft scrunchie. A roomy Euro Ponytail cap with a satin lining protects your curls underneath.
8. Braids, twists or locs, pinned up
Protective styles are perfect for long stretches of shifts. Pin them into a low or high bun and cover them with a satin-lined cap. Read more in scrub caps for curly, coily and natural hair.
Hairstyles for short hair
9. Tucked bob
Tuck the sides behind your ears and add a pin or two. A Euro or Tie Back cap keeps the rest neat.
10. Mini half-up
Pull the top section back into a tiny pony to keep hair out of your eyes.
11. Headband and go
A wide twist headband keeps short hair and growing-out bangs off your face and covers second-day hair.
Pink iced coffee twist headband. Shop this one
12. Pinned-back bangs
Twist your bangs back and pin them, or tuck them under the front edge of your scrub cap.
How to protect your hair under a scrub cap
- Choose the right cap style. Squeezing long or thick hair under a small cap can lead to headaches. Go roomier. Here's the best scrub cap for long, thick hair.
- Add a satin lining. Satin reduces friction, which means less frizz and breakage. Here's why it helps.
- Don't go too tight. Very tight styles can pull on your hair over time. Change where you place your bun now and then.
- Use soft ties. Scrunchies and spiral ties are gentler than thin elastics.
- Wash your cap regularly. See how to wash a scrub cap.
Find the right cap for your hairstyle in our handmade scrub caps, or grab a twist headband for cap-free days.
FAQ
What is the best hairstyle for a 12-hour nursing shift?
A low bun or a braided bun. Both stay secure for hours, sit flat under a scrub cap and keep hair off your collar.
Can nurses wear their hair down?
Most facilities require long hair to be tied back for infection control and safety. Check your unit's dress code.
How do I wear a scrub cap with long hair?
Use a Euro Ponytail (bouffant) style, which has extra room at the back for a ponytail or bun.
How do I stop frizz under my scrub cap?
Try a satin-lined cap, a soft scrunchie instead of a tight elastic, and a protective style like a braid.