5 Trendy Hairstyles For Every Busy Nurse

Catwalks and fashion glossies are full of cute, creative updos and cuts that look great and are the ideal style for nurses who want to keep their hair from hanging down into their patients’ faces.

Steal these tricks to look and feel great on your next shift.

1. The perfectly slicked-back high ponytail
This is a classic look that every nurse with long hair should try. Here, in four easy steps, is the technique for getting the perfect, no-fuss look.

Step 1: Once your hair is dry, concentrate the tip of your hairdryer on the roots of the front and sides of your hair.

Step 2: Use a brush to pull your hair away from your face to establish a nice, smoothed-back base.

Step 3: Pull your hair into a high, tight ponytail. The key is to find the right rubber band that will lock your hair in tightly. If you have thick, heavy hair, consider doubling up and using two rubber bands to ensure your ponytail will be secure throughout your shift.

Step 4: To create the perfectly slick look, mist a fine-toothed comb or even an unused mascara wand with hairspray and gently smooth back any flyaways.

2. Bohemian braids
A hairstyle that can be achieved in just minutes, this pretty look translates perfectly for the working nurse (who may have slept through her ringing alarm clock…oops!). This video tutorial will show you how easy it is to turn the wildest of manes into a crown of tidy, pretty braids so you can get out the door in a flash.

3. The French bun
Consider keeping things a little loose and a little imperfect. Try a soft updo like the French bun to keep your hair out of your face (and your patient’s, too!).

Here’s how to get the look:

Working with dry hair (unwashed, mid-week hair is best!), gather the your hair on the crown of your head as if you were going to put it in a high ponytail. Use both hands to begin twisting your hair up toward the ceiling. With one hand holding the twist at the crown, begin to wrap your hair around itself into a swirl and create your bun. Secure your bun with several bobby pins. Now gently pull to create a few loose strands around the base of your neck.

Voila! “Bed head” never looked so chic. Not only are you ready to arrive at work with a fresh, professional look, but you’ll also have a clever place to stick your favorite pen to ensure it doesn’t get stolen.

4. Above the shoulder looks
Bobs are for nurses who love their medium-length hair, even Nurse Jackie rocked one in Season 4. This style is also good for mature nurses with thinning hair who like to keep their length neat and above the shoulders. Never had a bob before? Here’s a tip: Be sure to talk to your stylist about what your style needs are. For instance, some bobs can be wash-and-wear, especially those with many layers. Also get styling product recommendations and tips from your stylist so that by night, your bob will look like the latest trend.

The pixie cut is the ultimate wash-and-wear, and it’s very practical for the working nurse. This über-short hairstyle does grow out more noticeably than longer cuts. Here’s your excuse to go shopping for fun accessories and bring some added style to your scrubs look! Between visits to the hair salon, play with barrettes and headbands to keep your hair looking neat and professional.

5. Style for men
Obviously the minimalist bald look is the ultimate sleek, no-fuss option for stylish men on the go (just ask Kobe Bryant who’s inspired a generation of follicle-foregoing sports fans). Beyond that, unfortunately, the zany, bedhead mop is just not a smart choice for men who need to keep it tidy in a medical setting. As men aren’t generally as obsessed with women when it comes to hair, the simplest route to getting the right look is to copy someone who’s already got it! If one of your male buddies is sporting a clean look that you like, make an appointment with their stylist. From there, the stylist will be able to provide recommendations for your particular hair type and face shape.

Whatever style you’re sporting, men, here are a couple tips to help you wear it well: Try to keep hair washing (as long as your locks are odor-free) to every other day maximum to avoid drying out the scalp which can result in flaking and unsightly dandruff. For fine hair that tends to flop in your eyes no matter what you do, skip the hairspray that can give your hair that shiny, cemented, frat boy look. Opt for a clay pomade that will give your hair hold but with a natural, matte finish.

This article was republished with permission from SCRUBS Magazine.