19 Nurse Hairstyles Ideas 2026

Hair that falls out throughout long shifts or gives you headaches can quickly wear you out.

And when your scrub hat makes your curls flat or your loose layers keep coming out, it becomes something you have to deal with every day.

Most nurses need hairstyles that remain in place, are comfortable, and satisfy the regulations of the job without any extra work.

In this article, I will show you what the best hairstyle is for a nurse, and 19 easy-to-copy options.

What is the best hair style for a nurse?

A nurse’s hair should stay in place, feel good, and not get in the way of a scrub cap or stethoscope.

Most nurses say that low buns, braided buns, and French or Dutch braids are the best since they don’t come undone during lengthy shifts.

Twists and tucked puffs are good protective styles for curly or coily hair.

Short cuts like pixies and bobs stay neat with little effort. The greatest pick is anything that doesn’t need to be fixed all day long.

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Soft Wave Length

A lot of nurses like soft waves for days when they want to wear their hair down but still keep it neat.

These waves fit nicely beneath a scrub cap without getting bunched up, so they are a wonderful choice for lighter shifts that don’t need procedures.

To get the look again, shape loose barrel curls, brush them through to make them soft, and maintain the front smooth.

Loose Side Braid

When nurses want something soft but still safe for a whole shift, they often use a loose side braid.

This approach is great for days when you don’t need a scrub cap or when your unit lets you wear a braid over your shoulder.

To do it again, pull your hair to one side, do a basic three-strand braid, and keep the tension low so it feels good all day.

Voluminous Low Pony

Plenty of nurses reach for a low pony when they want something quick that still feels put-together through a full shift.

This version is best for units where you can wear loose clothes and don’t need a scrub cap.

To do it again, pull the hair back at the nape of the neck, raise the crown a little for comfort, and tie it with a strong elastic.

Messy Top Bun

Many nurses use a sloppy top bun to keep their hair out of the way and off their shoulders during a busy shift.

If your unit lets you wear higher buns and you don’t wear a tight scrub cap that could force against it, this design works great.

To make it again, pull your hair straight up, twist it loosely, and use a firm elastic to hold it in place so it doesn’t pull on your scalp.

Curly High Puff

High puff is the best way to raise your curls off your neck without losing volume.

This style is great for nurses with naturally curly hair who need something quick, airy, and safe for units that let them wear their hair up high.

To do it again, use a delicate band to gather your curls at the top of your head so they don’t get too tight.

Soft Curled Bob

Fresh curls like these work well for nurses who prefer short hair that stays light and easy to manage through the day. 

This bob is above the shoulders, so it won’t go in the way of mobility or get stuck in your stethoscope.

To make it again, curl little pieces away from the face, let them cool, and then lightly brush through the ends to soften.

Loose Low Pony

Some days call for a style that feels light and doesn’t press against your scalp, and a loose low pony does that easily. 

This style works well in units that let you wear softer styles and on shifts when you don’t have to wear a scrub cap.

To make it again, pull your hair back at the nape of your neck, keep the tension low, and let a few pieces in front fall out on their own for comfort.

Straight Tucked Style

Smooth strands like these work well when you need a clean look that fits comfortably under a scrub cap for the entire shift.

This straight style stays flat, reduces bulk, and avoids pressure on your scalp, which makes it ideal for OR or any unit.

To recreate it, straighten the hair lightly, keep the ends soft, and slip everything under the cap so it sits evenly.

Sleek Low Pony

Clean lines like these work well on days when you want zero flyaways and a hairstyle that stays put without any fuss. 

This smooth low ponytail hangs at the nape of your neck, making it excellent for units where you wear a scrub cap or need to keep your hair fully under control.

To do it again, brush your hair straight back, use a little serum to smooth the top, and tie it low so it doesn’t drag on your scalp.

Side Low Pony

Easy mornings call for something simple, and a side low pony gives you that without losing control of your hair during the shift. 

This style is great if your unit lets you drape your hair over your shoulder and you don’t have to wear a scrub cap for long periods of time.

To get the same look, brush your hair to one side, keep the top smooth, and pin it behind your ear so it stays comfy.

Wrapped Long Pony

Long hair becomes much easier to manage when you pull it into a wrapped low pony like this. 

This design is great for nurses with long hair who need to keep everything neat without adding bulk under a scrub cap.

To make it again, first tie your hair in a low ponytail. Then, take a short piece of hair and wrap it around the band to finish it off.

Headband Straight Hair

Headbands are useful when you want to wear your hair down but need to keep the front parts totally out of your face during hectic shifts.

This style is great for nurses who like straight hair and want a quick solution to keep flyaways in check without pushing their hair back.

To get the look back, use a mild serum to smooth your hair, put on a soft fabric headband, and tuck the front pieces under so they don’t move.

High Shift Pony

When your hair is up high and off your neck, long shifts are easy. A high ponytail does this with little effort.

This style is great for nurses who want to look clean and active and don’t need scrub caps. It also works well for units that don’t need scrub caps.

To do it again, draw your hair up toward the crown, smooth the top with a strong brush, and tie it up tightly.

Loose Curly Volume

These full curls are great for days when your unit lets you wear your hair down and you want something that stays in shape without too much labor.

This style is perfect for nurses with naturally curly hair since the volume stays in place even while they move, unlike curls that have been processed with heat.

To get the same look, use a light cream to freshen your curls, scrunch them to bring back definition, and let them air dry so the shape stays soft. 

Curly Mid Pony

Smooth roots paired with a curly pony make busy shifts feel easier because everything stays controlled without flattening your natural texture.

If you want your curls to be up but not too tight, this style is great, especially on days when you move around a lot.

To do it again, brush the top of your hair gently toward the middle of your head, making sure that the tension is even so that it doesn’t hurt your scalp.

Relaxed Side Braid

Side braids like this work well on lighter shifts as you want something quick that still keeps most of your hair controlled. 

This look is perfect for nurses with long hair who don’t want to have to deal with tangles and flyaways all day.

To do it again, pull your hair to one side, loosely braid it, and knot it with a stretchy band so it doesn’t feel tight.

Quick Top Knot

If your hair is fully off your neck, it’s easier to shift. A simple top knot gets you there with absolutely little effort.

This style is great for nurses who need to get everything ready quickly, such on busy mornings or when they’re always bending and lifting.

To make it again, pull your hair up high, twist it into a loose coil, and put an elastic band around it to keep it light instead of tight.

Soft Layered Wave

These soft waves are great for days if your unit lets you wear your hair down and you want something that frames your face without getting in the way.

This style is perfect for nurses with layered cuts since the waves stay light, fall organically, and don’t feel heavy as you move.

To get the same effect, curl medium-sized pieces away from your face, let them cool, and then brush them through so they look easy.

Neat Low Bun

A neat low bun like this, structured shifts feel easier. This style is great if your hospital wants you to look professional or if you wear a traditional nurse cap that looks best with low styles.

To get the look back, carefully pull your hair back, tie it at the back of your neck, and twist it into a bun that lies flat against your head. 

If you want a soft frame without sacrificing the tidy, professional look, leave off a few light face pieces.

FAQs

Can nurses wear their hair down at work?

Most hospitals want you to tie your hair back, but certain units let you wear it down as long as it doesn’t contact the patient or get in their way.

If your hair gets in the way or falls forward when you bend, it’s better to put it in a low ponytail or braid.

Every company has its own guidelines, so if you’re not sure, look at your unit’s dress code.

What hairstyle lasts the longest during a 12-hour shift?

Braided bases remain the longest because they hold your hair in place and keep layers from sliding out. 

A Dutch braid into a low bun, a French braid pony, or a braided low twist usually stays in place for the whole shift without needing to be fixed.

Put on a mild cream before braiding if your hair gets frizzy quickly. This will keep everything in place while still feeling good.