18 Soft Postpartum-Friendly Hairstyles: Gentle Styles That Embrace the Journey of New Motherhood
Your hair changes after baby just like everything else—and that’s okay. Between feedings, naps, and finding five minutes for yourself, styling your hair shouldn’t feel like a chore.
Screenshot? Nah. Pin it like a pro 📌
This list of soft postpartum-friendly hairstyles brings comfort, ease, and a little beauty boost to your day. Whether you’re dealing with thinning, breakage, or just want something that feels you, these looks are gentle on your strands and kind to your routine.
From messy buns that hide baby hairs to low-maintenance waves that still look polished, you’ll find styles here that honor your new rhythm without adding stress.
#1. The Effortless Messy Bun
Your hands are full, but your hair doesn’t have to look chaotic. The messy bun is a lifesaver for new moms. Gather your hair into a high or low ponytail, twist it loosely, and wrap it into a bun. Leave a few face-framing strands for a soft, lived-in look.
Use a scrunchie or spiral hair tie for extra grip without pulling. This style takes seconds, hides unwashed hair, and works on all lengths. For texture, spritz dry shampoo at the roots before styling. It’s a no-fuss option that still looks put-together—even on zero sleep.
#2. The Braided Crown for All-Day Comfort
A braided crown keeps hair off your face while adding a touch of elegance. Part your hair down the middle, then French braid each side along your hairline, securing the ends at the back with bobby pins.
The style stays secure during diaper changes, feedings, or quick naps. If your hair is thin, tease the crown slightly before braiding for extra volume. This look transitions easily from daytime errands to video calls without needing a refresh.
Short cuts can feel incredibly freeing after childbirth. If you’re considering going shorter, don’t miss our list of pixie hairstyles that balance edge and ease—especially helpful during those busy newborn days.
#3. The Low Ponytail with a Twist
Upgrade a basic low ponytail by adding a simple twist. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, but before securing it, twist a small section near the crown for subtle texture.
Use a velvet scrunchie to prevent breakage and add a luxe touch. This style works on straight, wavy, or curly hair and takes less than a minute. It’s gentle on postpartum hair loss and keeps strands from tangling during baby cuddles.
#4. The Half-Up Top Knot
Can’t decide between up or down? The half-up top knot gives you both. Pull the top section of your hair into a small bun, leaving the rest loose. This style keeps hair away from grabby little hands while letting you show off your length.
For a polished finish, smooth the sides with a bit of edge control or light gel. It’s breezy, stylish, and perfect for moms who want a quick fix without sacrificing flair.
#5. The Headband Hack for Instant Polish
No time to style? Slide on a wide headband. Choose a soft, stretchy fabric band that won’t dig into your scalp. Tuck your hair behind your ears or let it fall naturally—the headband does the work by adding structure.
Opt for neutral tones for versatility or bold prints to brighten your mood. This trick hides oily roots and adds a chic touch to pajamas or workout gear. Zero effort, maximum impact.
Ready to refresh your color gently? These winter highlights for blondes add brightness and dimension without overwhelming your hair during recovery.
#6. The Sleek Low Chignon
A low chignon is polished yet effortless—ideal for moms who need to look put-together fast. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it into a loose coil, and secure it with bobby pins. Leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer look.
Spritz with light-hold hairspray to tame flyaways. This style works for virtual meetings, doctor’s appointments, or even a rare date night. It’s gentle on postpartum hair and takes under two minutes.
#7. The Textured Mom Bob
Don’t have time for a salon visit? Fake a chic bob with a tucked-under ponytail. Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the base of your neck, then fold it under and pin it in place.
Fluff the ends to hide the elastic. For extra texture, curl the visible ends with a flat iron. This trick gives the illusion of a fresh cut without commitment—perfect for moms debating a big chop but not ready to take the plunge.
#8. The Side-Swept Braid
A side braid keeps hair secure and adds a romantic touch. Sweep all your hair to one side and braid loosely (Dutch or French braid for extra hold). Secure the end with a clear elastic and gently tug at the braid’s edges for a fuller look.
This style stays put during playtime and naps, and it’s ideal for hiding second- or third-day hair. Pair it with hoop earrings for an instant upgrade.
Need something that holds up through errands, walks, or light workouts? Check out these braided sporty hairstyles—they stay put and look stylish while keeping your strands out of the way.
#9. The Voluminous Claw Clip Updo
Claw clips are back—and they’re a postpartum mom’s best friend. Twist your hair into a loose bun or ponytail, then clip it at the crown or base of your head. Let a few pieces fall naturally for a lived-in vibe.
Choose a large, sturdy clip to hold thick hair or a mini one for finer strands. This style takes seconds, reduces tension on your scalp, and looks effortlessly cool. Bonus: No creases like with hair ties.
#10. The Slicked-Back Wet Look
For days when you need a no-nonsense style, slick your hair back with gel or mousse. Comb damp hair straight back, secure it in a low bun or ponytail, and smooth down edges with a toothbrush and edge control.
This look is sleek, stays all day, and works for any hair type. It’s especially great for workouts, humid days, or when you just need hair completely out of the way.
#11. The 30-Second Bubble Ponytail
Turn a basic ponytail into something special with this playful take. Secure your hair in a high or mid-height ponytail, then add 2-3 hair ties down the length at even intervals. Gently tug each section outward to create “bubbles” of volume.
This style adds instant personality to your look while keeping hair completely secure – perfect for chasing toddlers or quick grocery runs. For extra dimension, alternate between tight and loose bubbles.
Protective styles are a go-to during postpartum shedding. For natural textures, these 4C braided hairstyles provide lasting style with minimal upkeep.
#12. The No-Heat Beach Waves
Skip the damaging tools and wake up with texture. Before bed, braid damp hair into 2-4 loose plaits (more braids = tighter waves). In the morning, unravel and finger-comb for effortless waves.
The slightly undone look works perfectly with postpartum hair’s natural changes. Spritz with sea salt spray for enhanced texture that lasts all day. This is your secret weapon for looking put-together when you barely had time to brush your teeth.
#13. The Convertible Scarf Style
Transform a basic ponytail or bun with a stylish scarf. Fold a square scarf diagonally, then tie it around a low ponytail or bun as an accent. For variety, try wrapping it headband-style with the knot at your nape, then incorporating the ends into a braid.
The scarf adds color and hides oily roots, while the fabric is gentle on fragile postpartum hair. Choose lightweight cotton or silk for maximum comfort.
#14. The 5-Minute Blowout Hack
Create salon-worthy volume without the time commitment. Flip your head upside down and blow-dry roots for 90 seconds using a vented brush. Then gather hair into a high, loose ponytail and wrap the base with a velcro roller.
Finish your morning routine (hello, coffee and diaper changes), then remove for instant lift. This trick gives the illusion of a full blowout in a fraction of the time, ideal for when you need an extra confidence boost.
Soft braids work beautifully with postpartum textures. These small braid hairstyles offer gentle styling options that can be worn for days without needing a touch-up.
#15. The Sleep-Friendly Rope Braid
Protect your hair while you (finally) sleep. Divide hair into two sections and twist them away from your face, then wrap the twisted sections around each other. Secure with a soft hair tie at the ends.
This braid stays put through nighttime feedings but won’t leave kinks like traditional braids. In the morning, simply unravel for heat-free waves or leave as-is for second-day styling. The ultimate multitasking style that works while you’re unconscious.
#16. The “Mom Glow” Face-Framing Layers Hack
When you’re too tired for a full style but want to brighten your face, this trick works magic. Take two small front sections (about 1-inch wide) and twist them away from your face, securing each with a tiny clear elastic behind your ears.
Leave the rest of your hair down or in a simple ponytail. This instantly creates the illusion of face-framing layers without scissors, drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones. It’s perfect for video calls or when you want to look more awake than you feel. For extra polish, wrap each twisted section around the elastic to hide it.
#17. The 2-Minute Tousled Updo
Your secret weapon when baby’s spit-up demands an immediate hair change. Gather all hair at the crown as if making a high ponytail, but only pull it halfway through on the last loop of your hair tie. Split the remaining length into two sections and twist them loosely around the base, pinning with 2-3 bobby pins.
Gently tug at the sides for volume. This messy-chic style contains all hair while looking intentionally undone, and the twisted base helps disguise any lumps from rushed styling. Works best on second or third-day hair when texture helps hold the style.
#18. The Night-to-Day Silk Wrap Style
Turn your nighttime hair protection into daytime glam. After sleeping with a silk scarf or bonnet (to reduce breakage), simply tie a patterned silk scarf over your hair like a headwrap, allowing some baby hairs to frame your face. For textured hair, spritz with a moisturizing spray first and scrunch slightly.
For straight hair, tuck the ends neatly. This protects fragile postpartum strands while looking intentionally stylish – plus, it covers regrowth if you’ve delayed color appointments. Choose vibrant prints to boost your mood or neutral tones for easy pairing with any outfit.
Aria Winslow
Zara Montoya, a trailblazing hairstylist and innovative beauty expert, is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of StyleStrands Magazine.
Drawing from her two decades of transformative experience in high-end salons and fashion runways, Zara curates cutting-edge hair trends and timeless techniques.
Her groundbreaking approach to hairstyling has inspired countless individuals to reimagine their personal aesthetic and embrace bold self-expression.
Zara’s guiding principle: Every strand tells a story, and your hair is the most personal canvas of creativity.
