Cute and Protective Hairstyle Ideas For Nurses of All Hair-Types
As nurses juggle the demands of long shifts, providing quality patient care, and maintaining a professional appearance, their hairstyle choices have become an increasingly important topic of discussion. This article highlights various hairstyle options that are not only comfortable and low-maintenance but also meet the grooming standards of the profession. From classic braids to modern twists, nurses are exploring ways to express their personal styles while ensuring their hair remains secure and out of the way during their duties.
Cute and Protective Hairstyles For Nurses To Wear To Work
These three hairstylists provided their recommendations for styles that are both trendy and protective,
- Natasha Smith, Master Cosmetology instructor and owner of 903 Salon in Oklahoma City
- Destiniqua Fairle, Licensed Cosmetologist and (former) CNA who specializes in braiding
- Diana Tracy Cotton, Master educator, and stylist
French Braids, Fishtail Braids, Cornrows (all hair types)
Master Cosmetology instructor and owner of 903 Salon in Oklahoma City, Natasha Smith, suggests nurses with wavy, straight, or curly hair wear their hair braided, french braided, or in cornrows to protect the hair while at work.
Master educator and stylist Diana Tracy Cotton tells us that braids are a fantastic option for all hair types due to the convenience of not having to do a daily hairstyle
A bonus is that braids can be low-maintenance and the hairstyle will last. For people with straight, wavy, or curly hair (type 1a to 3a) braids can last up to a week (depending on your particular hair and scalp) as long as the hair is wrapped up and doesn’t get wet." You can also add some dry shampoo to the hair in between washes.
People with curly and kinky/coily hair (type 3a to 4c) can wear braids for months and can get wet. Braids will also hold up well underneath a head covering. If going multiple days or weeks without washing/shampooing your hair sounds uncomfortable, Smith recommends, "using a good astringent such as witch hazel or dry shampoo."
Braids
Fishtail braids
French or Dutch braids
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Cornrows
Halo French Braid
Bubble Braids
@anna.the.nurse Replying to @ashleyanne8675309 These are called bubble braids. #nursinghairstyles #hairtutorial #braids #nursesoftiktok #nurse #rn #nursingschool #nursingstudent #hospitallife #hair ♬ Cool Kids (our sped up version) - Echosmith
Top Knots, Ponytails & Pineapples (all hair types)
Tired of your same old boring ponytail or bun? Well, here are three trendy, quick, and convenient hairstyles that are great for all hair types that are medium to long in length. Cosmetologist Destiniqua Fairle, recommends top knots and ponytails because they are easy and will also protect your hair while at work.
The pineapple hairstyle is great for people with naturally curly/kinky hair who want to maintain their curl pattern and reduce frizz while at work. Side note, a silk or satin scarf under your head cap will do wonders for your curls.
Top Knot
French Braid Bun
Flipped ponytail
Braid + Ponytail
@_gracevoyles cute twist on a ponytail 💚🫶 #ponytail #hair #hairtutorial #nurse #nursehair #nursehairstyles #ponytailtutorial #braid ♬ Cupid - Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) (Sped Up Version) - FIFTY FIFTY
Pineapple
Twist outs, Braid outs, Flat outs, Locs (coily, kinky, curly hair)
These protective hairstyles keep you from manipulating your hair, retain moisture, and are easy to maintain. They are great for curly/kinky/coily type 3b-4c hair. Michelle G. Rhodes, MHS, RN, CMC wears her natural hair in Sisterlocks. She suggests these tips to women of color who prefer to wear their natural hair:
- Tea tree oil to moisturize as well as an antibacterial
- Cover your hair
- Wash your coverings daily
- Remember your hair needs fresh air and sunshine too
She suggests the following protective styles,
- Twist outs
- Braid outs
- Flatouts are great styles for beginners.
Short Hair Styles
Cotton states, "As it pertains to a healthcare individual such as a nurse, it helps the professional to make contact with clients or simply do their job with ease without worrying about their hair. A short cut requires less maintenance than longer hair. It is also easy to style if the individual has the right cut that frames the facial structure." Here are two cute short hairstyles,
Pixie cut
Trendy short- cut
Hair Caps & Covers
Hair caps are also a trendy option for nurses with all hair types to cover and protect their hair quickly.
Tips To Protect Your Hair As A Nurse
While some hair salons have slowly reopened, many women, especially those in healthcare, are finding difficulty caring for their hair. Here are a few tips to protect your hair.
Hair washing
When we’re not in the middle of a pandemic it’s common (and recommended) to skip shampooing hair on a daily basis. Healthy air should maintain some of the natural oils and over-shampooing can dry out the hair.
But, during these times, you might just feel better overall if you shampoo after your shift. In this case, it is recommended to use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo. If you need to wash daily, choose a shampoo that contains mild detergent and a pH that doesn't exceed 5.5. Scalp therapist, Bridgette Hill told Allure that over-shampooing could cause:
- Dry, brittle hair
- Dry, flaky scalp
- Overproduction of unhealthy bacteria that trigger folliculitis
What to do if you have breakage, thinning, frizz, or dryness
Experiencing hair breakage, thinning, excessive frizz, or dryness? Over-shampooing and heat damage are probably the culprits. By shampooing with sulfates and other harsh chemicals you are stripping the hair of the natural oils that it needs. The Curly Girl Method (CGM) has been growing in popularity because it helps all hair types (even straight hair) become healthy again and repair years of heat damage and harsh chemicals.
The method encourages its followers to relearn how to properly care for their hair and to limit some of the damaging hair care and styling methods we've been doing our entire lives. It takes some time to learn what's best for your hair, read more about the curly girl method here.
In the meantime, here are some of the basic guidelines for healthier hair,
- Stop shampooing every day and throw away all shampoos that contain sulfates. However, it is perfectly fine to co-wash! Co-washing is simply "washing" the hair with conditioner only. You can even find gentle cleansing conditioners that will still clean the hair without stripping it of the much-needed oils. If you have type 1-2 hair, it's fine to wash with a sulfate-free shampoo once or twice per week.
- Use a cleansing conditioner only to "wash" hair if you must wash multiple times per week.
- Stop using heat-styling tools every day. You'd be surprised how damaging your beloved fat iron or curling iron is.
- If you have wavy or curly hair (2a-4c type hair) do not comb or brush dry hair. Instead finger comb or use a wide-toothed comb to detangle conditioned hair while it is wet.
- Remove all shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that contain Sulfates, alcohol, non-water-soluble silicones, and fragrances. Namely sodium lauryl sulfate & ammonium laureth sulfate.
- Protect your hair while sleeping or when it is not styled. You may not know this but, your pillowcase could be damaging your hair and causing frizz! An easy fix is to purchase a satin or silk pillowcase or hair buff to cover the hair while sleeping. At work, you could wear a satin/silk bonnet under your hair cap.
- Do not dry your hair with a traditional towel. Towels create frizz and can cause breakage. Instead, opt for an old t-shirt or microfiber towel.
Hairstyling products
Certain chemicals wreak havoc on the hair! It is recommended to stop using products that contain silicones, alcohol, and phthalates. You can find a list of products that work for your hair texture here.
If your hair is oily, avoid the use of hair oils and gels. These products can attract dust and compromise the protection of your head cap or covering. And, if you’re not able to wash your hair, you can always opt for a dry shampoo.
If you have curly hair, type 3b to 4c, it’s important to keep it moisturized. Founder of Curlss for the Girlss, Kennedy Johnson told Coveteur that hair needs water, just like a plant. Natural hair that ranges between 3b and 4c can use a little water every day. Johnson states she uses a mixture of jojoba oil and aloe in a mist to give her hair some moisture.
There are many drug store brands that now offer silicone-free and "pure" products, just make sure to check the label. The brand Not Your Mothers can be found at most drug stores and is a great low-cost option. Innersense is an organic haircare brand that smells wonderful and works wonders.
Itchy scalp?
If you have a flaky or itchy scalp, again, over-shampooing is probably to blame! Try dipping your head in a bowl on 1 part apple cider vinegar/1 part water or using a little tea-tree oil. And, throw away your silicone-containing shampoo.
Your hair may also be lacking moisture.
- Try a deep-conditioning mask
- Add a little leave-in conditioner with water in a spray bottle and mist your hair every day
- Use a little olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil on the scalp.
- Stop shampooing every day with harsh detergents and silicones, instead, use a cleansing conditioner or gentle non-drying shampoo.
Messy buns, braids, and twists are typically the most favored for their ease and durability. Overall, nurses seek hairstyles that allow them to focus on providing quality patient care while expressing their personal styles.
Do you have a cute, protective, or professional hairstyle to share with other nurses? Tag us on Instagram or TikTok and we'll add it to this article.
