There is so much preparation that goes into giving birth. You’ve probably taken a birth class, started packing your hospital bag, and now it’s time to think about YOU. Whether you are planning a home birth, have a birth photographer lined up, or just want to look decent throughout labor, having some go-to hairstyles for labor and delivery is important.
To this day, I still cringe when I look at photos of my hair from birth. I went into labor four weeks early, so I didn’t have time to think about how I would look.
As I went through transition, I spiked a fever and insisted that my husband put up my hair. At this point I did not care how I looked, I just wanted the hair out of my face and off my neck. Bless his heart, but I had this awkward looking ponytail for pictures.
What’s surprising is that I was a wedding hairstylist for five years and I didn’t even think about trying a few hairstyles BEFORE giving birth. So take it from me, get a few ideas for hairstyles during labor, delivery, and birth. You will be so grateful you did!
12 Easy Hairstyles for Labor
I’m going to break this up into short, medium, and long hairstyles for birth. This way you can find a style that will work best for you. Whether you like braids, twists, or just a simple ponytail, these hairstyles will make you feel cute and yet keep the hair out of your face!
I’ve tried to include a Youtube Video for each look so that you can have a step-by-step tutorial. This should help you to pick something that will be easy for you to do!
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Short Hairstyles for Birth
1. Milkmaid Dutch Braid
This hairstyle is perfect for keeping hair out of your face and off your neck. If you have bangs, this may be a little more difficult, but this tutorial will show you have to braid with these tiny pieces. Keep in mind you may need to practice this a few times if you aren’t familiar with braids.
2. Messy Half Up Top Knot
If you don’t want much prep, I love a messy top knot for short hair gals. This is especially great if your hair is too short for a ponytail or braid. It will keep the hair out of your eyes, which is obviously pretty important. The top knot is supposed to be messy, so if everything isn’t perfectly in place…. that’s the style!
3. Braided Bangs
I probably sound like a broken record, but having your hair out of your face is key. I was super annoyed during transition with the fact that my bangs were in my eyes. If you have short hair, try braiding your bangs. There are a few different braids you can do, but a simple french braid is my favorite!
Medium Length Hairstyles for Labor
1. Crown Braid
If you want a no fuss hairstyle during labor, this crown braid is perfect. It keeps the hair out of your face and off your neck. You will need bobby pins and elastics, so this isn’t a c-section friendly style.
I like that this style will carry you from early labor through delivery. This means you will feel comfortable in the shower, tub, or even to lay your head on a pillow.
It has a natural lived-in look, so it will still look pretty even if it gets a little messy!
2. Simple Ponytail
I love a simple ponytail. It’s perfect for most stages of labor except for the actual delivery. For me, I was on my back and having a ponytail at the back of my head was uncomfortable. I would probably choose a high pony in the future. It’s much more versatile for all stages of labor!
3. Faux Boxer Braid
If you have layers and braids don’t quite work for your hair, you will have to try a Faux Boxer Braid. This hairstyle uses only elastics. So, you could wear this for a c-section. I also like that it’s already a bit messy, so if you want to lay down it won’t look like your hair is messed up.
4. Purposeful Messy Bun
We all envy those moms who have mastered the messy bun! If you want an effortless look, you should definitely try this. The only problem is that you will need some bobby pins, so if you are planning for a c-section you will be limited to elastics and hairs ties!
5. Faux Fishtail Braid
This hairstyle ONLY uses elastics! Because of this, the braid is way more secure. That’s why I like this braid for medium length hairstyles. It gives you the illusion of a fishtail braid, but it’s not going anywhere!
Long Hairstyles for Labor and Birth
1. Rope Braid
Talk about easy! This hairstyle is very simple and is perfect for those who don’t have layers. Keep in mind you may need to re-do this style if you go into the shower or tub. But, it would be perfect for a natural birth or c-section!
2. BIG French Side Braid
Again, this is another great style for woman with no layers. It will stay in place and just looks cute! Keep in mind You may need to re-do it or put it up if you end up using the shower or tub.
3. Effortless Messy Bun
Having long hair means that a messy bun isn’t always easy to achieve. Usually medium hair lengths are the best for this kind of look. But, this tutorial is SO easy and will give you a really cute *EFFORTLESS* looking bun.
I think this style is probably most versatile for labor and delivery. If you go in the shower, tub, or end up needing s c-section, you won’t need to change it or worry about bobby pins.
4. Dutch Braids
I really think braids are perfect if you have long hair. Dutch braids are a nice change from the traditional french braid. It’s different because the braid sits on top.
I love dutch braids for women who have darker hair because it will show more definition. This is a style that you won’t have to worry about. You can style your hair during early labor and not have to think about it again!
4 Tips for Choosing a Hairstyle for Labor + Delivery
Tip #1 – What kind of delivery are you planning on?
This is actually pretty important. Depending on the type of birth you plan on having, can change the hairstyle that will work for you. Obviously things happen and don’t always go to plan, but I would choose a hairstyle per the delivery I was planning on.
If you plan on having a caesarean, most hospitals don’t allow you to wear bobby pins. You will want to choose a style that doesn’t require any. You will also have to wear a hair net, so keep that in mind too!
Tip #2 – Practice Beforehand
If you are having pictures taken or just care about how your hair looks, you will want to practice your hairstyle BEFORE you go into labor. This will help you to perfect it. Everyones hair is different, so a style that might work for one mama might not work for another.
Tip #3 – What’s your Birth Plan?
If you have a birth plan, what are you planning on doing to manage the pain? Maybe you are going to use the shower, tub, or just want to lay down in bed. When choosing a style, keep these things in mind. Having a style that is versatile will help you to focus on labor and not worry about what you look like.
Tip #4 – Don’t Worry TOO Much How You Look.
Even if you have a photographer coming, don’t worry too much about how you look. I promise you that even if you cringe at your hair later in pictures, that won’t be your main focus. I look looking at the photos of me holding my daughter for the first time. They are still so special!
What’s important is to focus on birthing your baby and ENJOY the process!!!
My Thoughts…
When choosing a hairstyle for labor and delivery, it’s important to choose a style that you feel comfortable in. Typically moms labor for over 10+ from the time contractions start, so choose a style that is versatile and will carry you through each stage of labor. Good luck with your birth… you are going to do amazing mama!!!
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