Nurses have plenty of things to worry about at work…and your hair should not be one of them! With that in mind, we hunted down our best stories on popular haircuts and quick, cute and professional styles for nurses. Below, you’ll find 10 of our most popular hairstyles for nurses; get ready for your best on-the-job hair yet!
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 hair dryer 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
Sexy hair is all about 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 face, too!).
Here’s how to get the look:
Working with dry hair (unwashed, midweek 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.
Voilà! “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. Play with parts
Whether you’re wearing your hair down or pulling it back into the quintessential bun, why not liven it up a bit? You can switch up your style simply by changing your part.
Part it down the middle on either side or create a zigzag. Run a quarter-size (or more, depending on texture) dollop of anti-frizz gel through hair. Use a small bobby pin to create a defined part.
If you’re creating a bun, sleek hair back into a ponytail. Twist the tail in one or two sections (depending on length/volume of hair). Guide the twist into a coil around the ponytail holder and secure with a bobby pin. If you have thicker hair, you may want to secure the tail at numerous points as you twist. Spritz with hairspray. At the end of your shift, you can easily transform this look into evening chic by lowering the ponytail to the nape of your neck and re-securing the bun.
5. Hidden braids
Got 10 minutes to do something with your mane? Hidden braids are very trendy right now. You can do one small braid near the front of your face or a few sparingly throughout. Secure ends with an elastic band and, if you want, you can pull your hair up when you’re done into a ponytail or bun…perfect for a 12-hour shift!
6. Updos
Updos are a twist on the ponytail and braid ideas—literally! You can pull your hair back into your famous ponytail, but then wind the ponytail into a bun for a great updo. You can even create a long braid and wrap it into a bun for a fun look. If you leave out a few strands to frame your face, you will achieve a look of sophistication that will still not dangle tantalizingly close to your patient when you bend over him or her. You can make your updo high up on your head by starting with a high ponytail, or you can make the style at the nape of your neck with a low gathering of hair.
Pinning your hair up into milkmaid braids is another way to rock the braids while keeping your look clean and functional.
7. Bobs
Bobs are for nurses who love their medium-length hair; even Nurse Jackie rocked one in Season 4. 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. Some bobs require blow-drying, a curling iron and some product to achieve results. Ask your stylist for the type of bob that meets your needs on busy days when you just need to grab your stuff and go. Also get styling product recommendations and tips from your stylist so that by night, your bob will look like the latest trend.
8. Pixie styles
The pixie cut is the ultimate wash-and-wear, and it’s very practical for the working nurse. This über-short hairstyle may look a little boyish on some, but with the proper layers and a great cut, you can look fun and sporty with a pixie cut.
Just know that short haircuts like the pixie do 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.
9. Updated buns
Buns are a simple, elegant way to get your hair out of your face, and we love this updated version: Wash and dry your hair, and then twist and wrap your hair around itself like you would with a standard bun. Then pull it through the middle to create a knot. Tuck the hair you’ve pulled through the style under the bun or leave it out for an undone look. Use bobby pins to keep everything in place. This is also a great look for wet hair that you simply don’t have time to dry before rushing off to work!
10. Styles 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-forgoing 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. 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 his 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 look. Opt for a clay pomade that will give your hair hold but with a natural, matte finish.
How did we do? Share your favorite hairstyles to rock while at work in the comments section below.
This article was republished with permission from SCRUBS Magazine.