9 Best Hairstyles After Shoulder Surgery

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You want simple hairstyles that are gentle on your shoulder and easy to manage. Therefore, here are tips on how to do your hair after shoulder surgery.

Our list of the best hairstyles after shoulder surgery contains a few ideas that’d have someone help you try as they’d involve some brushing and combing. However, once you get help styling your tresses, they stay in place and out of your face.

Simple Hairstyles to Try After Shoulder Surgery

1. Pixie Cut

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 A pixie cut is a short and low-maintenance hairstyle that requires minimal styling. It’s a chic hairstyle that never goes out of fashion. It has closely cropped hair on the sides and back of the head, while the top is slightly longer, between half and a few inches. 

This asymmetrical and closely tapered haircut accentuates facial features and provides a bold, confident look with minimal effort. Pixie cuts are perfect for post-surgery recovery because they don’t require much combing or brushing. You can run your fingers through your hair to style it.

2. Bob Cut

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To get this look, cut your hair to jaw-length or slightly longer, with the ends forming a clean and straight line. This style often features a blunt cut, though variations with layers or asymmetrical angles are also popular.

You can wear a bob cut with a center part, a side part, or even a textured, tousled look. Hence, it’s adaptable to various face shapes and personal preferences. This timeless hairstyle requires minimal maintenance, making it a favorable choice after shoulder surgery.

In the morning, you can use a wide-toothed comb to gently style it without putting too much strain on your shoulder.

3. Low Ponytail

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To get this classic and uncomplicated hairstyle, ask your caregiver to gather your hair at the nape of the neck and secure it with a hair tie or elastic band. It’s one of the best hairstyles after shoulder surgery because it keeps the hair neatly gathered away from the face while allowing it to cascade gracefully down the back.

Therefore, it’s a suitable choice if you have long hair. Its simplicity makes it an option for various occasions, from casual outings to formal events. 

The low placement of the ponytail minimizes strain on the scalp and neck, making it a comfortable and practical option, especially for individuals seeking an easy and fuss-free way to manage their hair after surgery. Further, since you need help making this hairstyle, it prevents excessive arm movement. 

4. Natural Hair Braids

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Braids can keep your hair neat and tangle-free, reducing the need for daily styling. They also distribute the weight of your hair evenly. 

Uncomplicated natural hair braids like classic three-strand or French braids are protective and attractive hairstyles. These braids can vary in size, length, and style, ranging from small and tightly woven micro braids to large and more loosely textured box braids or cornrows.

The more intricate they are, the longer it’ll take your stylist, something you may not be ready for when you’ve just had shoulder surgery. Therefore, a simple French braid is suitable for the first few days or weeks post-surgery.

5. Messy Bun

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Unlike a sleek and polished bun, the messy bun intentionally allows some strands of hair to escape, creating a tousled and relaxed look. It’s achieved by loosely securing the bun with a hair tie, leaving the ends of the hair sticking out in various directions. The result is a chic yet laid-back hairstyle perfect for casual and slightly dressier occasions, requiring minimal effort and time to create.

This casual and effortless hairstyle requires you to gather your hair at the back of the head and twist it into a loose, carefree bun. Have your caregiver or stylist do this for you. 

6. Headbands and Scarves

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Accessories like headbands and scarves can hold your hair back and add a stylish touch. These accessories can be a lifesaver when you want to keep your hair away from your face without complex hairstyles. Your caregiver or stylist can help you tie a headscarf.

7. Natural Curls or Waves

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Embrace your natural hair texture and let it air dry into curls or waves. This low-maintenance style doesn’t require heat styling or vigorous brushing, which can be challenging post-surgery. 

8. Short Side Braid

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A short side braid involves braiding a small section of hair on one side and securing it with a bobby pin. It’s a simple way to keep hair off your face with minimal effort and is easy to do with one hand if you don’t have a helper nearby. But, since hair care is part of daily hygiene, you’ll probably have a caregiver to help you out.

9. Half-Up, Half-Down

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The half-up, half-down hairstyle has a portion of hair, usually the top or crown section, pulled away from the face and secured while the remaining hair cascades freely. It’s between an elegant updo and a casual, natural look.

Ask your caregiver to gather and secure the chosen upper section of hair with pins, clips, or hair ties, allowing the rest of the hair to cascade gracefully, framing the face and providing a chic yet relaxed appearance.

Conclusion

Remember to avoid hairstyles that require extensive styling, heat treatments, or frequent brushing during your recovery period to prevent unnecessary strain on your shoulder. Although some hairstyles above appear simple, they may require rigorous brushing to detangle your hair. Therefore, ask for help until your shoulder recovers and you can lift your arms.