20 Low Maintenance Hairstyles for Busy New Moms

Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.

The hairstyles that work with a new baby keep hair off your face, stay put through a feed and take a minute or two, often one handed. Below are twenty easy looks, most with no heat at all. Keep them loose rather than tight: postpartum hair is often shedding, and styles that pull hard on the scalp can cause their own hair loss.

Two minutes of prep

Detangle gently with a wide tooth comb, starting at the ends. On days you cannot wash, a little dry shampoo at the roots helps, and a small amount of serum or oil on the ends calms frizz. Use soft fabric scrunchies or spiral ties rather than thin elastic bands.

20 easy hairstyles

Under a minute

1. Claw clip twist. Twist hair at the nape and clamp. Works well on unwashed hair.
2. Low messy bun. Gather at the nape, loop once and leave it loose. Stray pieces are fine.
3. Low ponytail. Tie it loosely at the nape and wrap a small section around the tie to hide it.
4. Half up clip. Pin back the top layer and leave the rest down. Keeps hair off your face while you nurse.
5. Headband push back. A wide fabric headband holds the front pieces with no styling at all.
6. Scarf wrap. Fold a soft scarf over the hairline and knot it at the back. Useful on unwashed days.

One to three minutes

7. High ponytail. Brush up and secure with a spiral tie. Keep it soft rather than scraped back.
8. Top knot. A loose bun on the crown, held with a scrunchie so it does not leave a dent.
9. Classic juda. Smooth into a round bun with a few U pins. Neat enough for family visits.
10. Single braid. One loose plait down the back. Handles humidity and little grabbing hands better than loose hair.
11. Side braid. Sweep to one shoulder and plait. Easy to redo when the baby pulls it apart.
12. Braided ponytail. Make a ponytail first, then braid the tail.
13. Twisted half up. Twist two front sections back and pin them together. No braiding needed.
14. Low chignon with a clip. Roll hair flat against the neck and clip it sideways, so it sits comfortably against a nursing pillow or sofa.

When you have five minutes

15. Space buns. Part down the middle and make two small low buns behind the ears.
16. Sleek low ponytail. A little serum at the front, ponytail at the nape. Tidy for video calls.
17. Donut bun. Thread a ponytail through a bun ring for a neat round shape.
18. Bubble ponytail. Add soft ties at intervals down a ponytail so it holds all day.
19. Air dried waves. On wash days, scrunch in a little mousse, let it dry and clip the front back.
20. High clip for feeds out. A high clip or bun keeps hair clear of the baby's face. If you like extra privacy when feeding outside, a nursing cover or a nursing top with discreet openings helps.

Keep styles loose

The American Academy of Dermatology explains that hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss: tightly pulled buns, ponytails and braids can cause traction alopecia over time. Its advice is to loosen styles, especially around the hairline, switch styles regularly and cut down on heat. If a style hurts, it is too tight. Watch for broken hairs around the forehead, a receding hairline or patches where hair is pulled tightly.

Postpartum shedding

Many women notice a lot of hair falling out a few months after the birth. The AAD's page on hair loss in new moms says this shedding usually peaks around four months after giving birth and that most women have their normal fullness back by their child's first birthday. It can be upsetting to see, but it is temporary for most people.

Cleveland Clinic's guide to postpartum hair loss suggests washing and combing gently, using lower heat on dryers and straighteners, and avoiding tight ponytails and braids while hair is shedding.

When to see a doctor

• Your hair has not regained its normal fullness by your baby's first birthday (the AAD's guidance).
• Heavy shedding continues for more than six months (Cleveland Clinic's guidance).
• You notice patches of hair loss or a receding hairline.

Other conditions, such as iron deficiency or thyroid problems, can also cause hair loss, so it is worth mentioning to your doctor at your postnatal check if you are worried.