Best Hairstyles for Nurses That Compliment Scrub Fashion

Working long shifts in scrubs means nurses need hairstyles that stay secure, look professional, and match their work uniform. Hair that falls in the face or needs constant adjustment can get in the way of patient care. The right hairstyle keeps hair controlled while still looking put-together throughout the day.

The best hairstyles for nurses include low buns, braided styles, sleek ponytails, and top knots that keep hair off the face and neck while complementing the clean lines of scrub uniforms. These styles work for different hair types and lengths. They also meet workplace safety standards while letting nurses express their personal style.

Choosing a hairstyle that works with scrubs means thinking about both function and appearance. Styles should be quick to create before early shifts and able to last 12 hours or more. The right accessories like bobby pins, hair ties, and headbands can help keep everything in place while adding a professional finishing touch.

Key Takeaways

• Nurses need practical hairstyles that stay secure during long shifts and keep hair away from the face for safety and hygiene

• Low buns, braids, ponytails, and top knots are the most effective styles that complement scrub uniforms and look professional

• Using the right hair accessories and simple styling techniques helps maintain neat hair throughout demanding workdays

Best Hairstyles for Nurses That Compliment Scrub Fashion

Nurses need hairstyles that stay secure during 12-hour shifts while looking polished with their scrubs. The right hairstyle keeps hair away from the face, meets hygiene standards, and adds a professional touch to any uniform.

Low Bun Styles

A low bun sits at the nape of the neck and works with all scrub colors and styles. This classic hairstyle keeps hair completely off the collar and prevents it from touching patients or falling into the face during procedures.

Nurses can create a low bun in under two minutes. They simply gather hair at the base of the neck, twist it into a coil, and secure it with bobby pins or a hair elastic. A sleek low bun paired with navy or burgundy scrubs creates a clean, traditional look.

The low bun works for most hair lengths past the shoulders. Nurses with fine hair can tease the crown slightly before creating the bun for added volume. Those with thick hair might need extra bobby pins to keep everything in place throughout the shift.

Top Knot and Top Knot Bun

The top knot positions hair high on the crown of the head. This hairstyle lifts hair completely away from the neck and shoulders, which helps nurses stay cool in warm hospital environments.

A top knot bun combines the height of a top knot with the security of a traditional bun. Nurses create this style by flipping their head upside down, gathering hair at the crown, and twisting it into a bun shape. The elevated position prevents hair from interfering with stethoscopes worn around the neck.

This style pairs well with V-neck scrub tops because it draws the eye upward and balances the neckline. Nurses can make the look more polished by smoothing flyaways with a light hair gel or spray. The top knot bun stays secure during physical tasks like lifting patients or rushing between rooms.

Braided Styles: Dutch, Fishtail, and Braided Crown

Braided hairstyles offer multiple options that keep hair contained while adding visual interest. A Dutch braid creates a raised, three-dimensional look by crossing hair sections under instead of over. This braid runs down the back of the head and stays tight against the scalp.

The fishtail braid uses smaller sections of hair to create a textured, intricate pattern. It takes slightly longer to create than a standard braid but holds hair more securely. Nurses often wear this braid down the back or pull it into a low side ponytail.

A braided crown wraps around the head like a headband. This style keeps all hair off the face and neck while creating an elegant look. It works particularly well with patterned scrub tops because it adds structure without competing for attention. Nurses with shoulder-length or longer hair can create these braided styles before their shifts and expect them to last all day.

Messy Bun Variations

The messy bun offers a relaxed yet professional appearance. Unlike a sleek bun, this style embraces natural texture and doesn't require perfect smoothness. Nurses create it by gathering hair into a ponytail and loosely wrapping it around the base.

This hairstyle works well with casual scrub styles and printed tops. The slightly undone look balances structured, fitted scrubs without appearing sloppy. Nurses can adjust the "messiness" level based on their workplace dress code.

A messy bun takes less than a minute to create, making it ideal for rushed mornings. Nurses simply twist their hair, wrap it into a bun shape, and secure it with a single elastic or a few pins. Some intentionally pull out a few face-framing pieces to soften the look. The style stays secure during movement while maintaining a comfortable, effortless appearance throughout long shifts.

Essential Styling Tips and Practical Accessories

The right tools and products make nurse hairstyles easier to manage and more likely to last through demanding shifts. Basic accessories like hair ties and bobby pins work together with styling products to keep hair secure and professional.

Hair Ties, Bobby Pins, and Hair Donut

Nurses need strong hair ties that won't break or stretch out during a shift. Elastic hair ties with no metal parts work best because they don't snag or damage hair. Spiral hair ties are a good choice for thick hair since they distribute pressure evenly and prevent headaches.

Bobby pins serve as backup support for loose strands and fly-aways. Nurses should choose pins that match their hair color for a neat appearance. Placing bobby pins in an X-shape instead of parallel creates a stronger hold. Opening the wavy side of the pin slightly before inserting it helps grip hair better.

A hair donut helps create clean, secure buns that stay in place. These foam rings come in different sizes to match hair length and thickness. Nurses wrap their ponytail around the donut and secure it with bobby pins for a polished look that lasts all day.

Using Hairspray and Straightener

Hairspray provides the finishing touch that keeps styles intact during movement and activity. A light-hold hairspray works for most nursing hairstyles without making hair stiff or crunchy. Nurses should spray from 8-10 inches away and focus on problem areas like the hairline and any loose pieces.

A straightener serves multiple purposes beyond just straightening hair. It smooths fly-aways, creates sleek ponytails, and helps set styles before securing them. Using a heat protectant spray before straightening prevents damage from daily styling.

The straightener temperature matters based on hair type. Fine hair needs lower heat around 300°F while thick or coarse hair requires higher settings up to 400°F.

Headbands for Extra Hold and Style

Headbands keep hair off the face while adding visual interest to simple styles. Wide elastic headbands stay in place better than thin decorative ones during physical work. Nurses can wear headbands over ponytails or buns to control shorter layers and bangs.

Non-slip headbands with silicone grips prevent sliding throughout the shift. These work especially well for nurses with fine or straight hair that tends to slip out of accessories. Fabric headbands absorb sweat and feel more comfortable during long shifts than plastic versions.

Neutral colors like black, navy, or brown match most scrub colors and maintain a professional appearance. Some facilities have dress codes about headband colors, so nurses should check workplace policies before buying accessories.

Choosing Styles That Stay Secure All Shift

Secure hairstyles start with completely dry hair since wet or damp hair loosens as it dries. Nurses should style their hair at least 30 minutes before their shift or the night before when possible. Second-day hair often holds styles better than freshly washed hair because natural oils add grip.

Testing a hairstyle before wearing it to work helps identify weak points:

• Bend over to check if hair falls forward

• Turn head side to side quickly

• Reach arms overhead to simulate patient care movements

• Wear the style for several hours at home first

Styles that require frequent fixing or repositioning create distractions during patient care. The best nursing hairstyles feel secure enough that nurses can forget about their hair and focus on their work.

Best, The Dazzling Nurse

Creating a space for nurses, whether seasoned or new, to find inspiration, self-care tips, and practical nursing knowledge.

**the links in this post are amazon affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click and purchase at no additional cost to you. the are products either i have used myself or come recommended by friends who are nurses.

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