Soft, flowing waves are one of the most flattering choices you can make for a maternity shoot, adding movement and a romantic glow without ever feeling overdone. They catch natural light beautifully and frame your bump in the gentlest way.
Below you will find twenty wavy maternity hairstyles, each built around a complete look so you can match your hair to your dress, location, and comfort level. Whether you love beachy texture or polished vintage glamour, there is something here for you.
Waves With Floral Hair Accessories Maternity Shoot
For a truly celebratory feel, soft waves dressed with delicate flowers can transform your entire maternity look. Real or faux blooms tucked into one side, along a braid, or across the back like a mini crown tie the whole story together.
Stylists usually choose small, lightweight flowers and pin them securely so they stay put without weighing the hair down. Matching them to your dress or bouquet creates a cohesive, intentional palette.
This one is gorgeous for outdoor shoots in gardens or fields at golden hour, where nature mirrors the floral details. Slightly textured waves help the blooms blend in naturally rather than sitting stiffly on top.
Beach Waves Maternity Photoshoot Hair
If your shoot is outdoors near a field or the water, beach waves are a natural match. They are more textured and piecey than classic waves, with a lived in finish that looks magical when a breeze drifts through.
A salt spray on dry hair plus a wand worked in alternating directions keeps the waves organic rather than uniform. Scrunching instead of brushing preserves that just left the shore feeling.
This style is wonderfully low fuss during a long session, since any stray strand only adds to the charm. It pairs beautifully with boho dresses, lace kimonos, and flowing maxi gowns.
Vintage Waves Maternity Shoot Hair
For a touch of old Hollywood charm, vintage waves are a striking option. These are more structured and uniform, carefully curled and brushed into smooth, sculpted S shapes along the length.
A deep side part with one side tucked behind the ear creates that signature retro profile that shines in close ups and black and white shots. Setting clips while the waves cool keep them crisp.
This polished style pairs beautifully with satin gowns and clean, dramatic silhouettes. It works especially well in studio sessions where the mood leans cinematic rather than casual.
Half Up Waves Maternity Photos
A half up style gives you the best of both worlds, keeping hair off your face while letting waves soften your shoulders. This is a lifesaver for moms who run warm or dislike hair drifting into their eyes between poses.
The top section lifts and secures at the back with a clear elastic or pretty clip, while the lower half flows in loose waves. That subtle crown height elongates the face and highlights the cheekbones.
Photographers adore this look because it shows your neckline clearly from the front and creates a beautiful profile from the side. A few face framing pieces add extra softness.
Loose Waves Maternity Shoot Hair
Picture your best good hair day, just slightly elevated for the camera. Loose waves are soft, relaxed bends from mid lengths to ends with a smooth crown that keeps everything clean and polished.
This look works with nearly any dress, from fitted knit gowns to flowy chiffon, and flatters every face shape by framing rather than hiding your features. A large barrel iron and a gentle brush out create that airy finish.
A light flexible hairspray helps the waves last through standing and walking poses without turning crunchy. It is the timeless, comfortable choice that lets you move freely.
Boho Waves Maternity Shoot Hair
When your shoot has a nature inspired theme, boho waves fit right in. This look pairs uneven, textured waves with small details like loose braids or tiny twists woven into the sides for a handcrafted feel.
The waves themselves stay imperfect and airy, broken up with fingers and a light texturizing spray. One or two skinny braids near the temple add interest in close ups without overpowering your face.
It looks especially striking with floral gowns and sheer robes in outdoor settings. Because it is intentionally undone, it holds up gracefully to walking, swaying, and twirling your dress hem.
Side Swept Waves Maternity Photos
Side swept waves bring all your hair to one shoulder for a glamorous, asymmetrical effect that highlights your neckline and the upper curve of your bump. It pairs especially well with one shoulder or strapless gowns.
Parting to one side and curling everything in the same direction keeps the waves cohesive, then sweeping over one shoulder with a few hidden pins secures the shape. Brushed out, it reads soft and elegant on camera.
This is a favorite for more formal or dramatic shoots, though a beachy texture can dress it down. Either way, the shape draws the eye up and down your silhouette in a flattering line.
Soft Romantic Waves For Maternity Photos
For photos that feel dreamy and feminine, soft romantic waves are a beautiful choice. They are slightly more defined than everyday waves but still brushed out into gentle S shapes rather than tight curls.
The focus is on softness around the face and collarbone, pairing perfectly with off the shoulder and sweetheart necklines. Curling small sections and pinning them to cool gives that plush, pillowy texture.
An off center part helps balance facial fullness, something many expectant moms appreciate. These waves glow during golden hour, when low warm sun wraps around every curve of the style.
Curtain Bangs With Loose Waves Pregnancy Photos
Curtain bangs paired with loose waves give your photos a modern, slightly playful edge while still feeling timeless. Parted in the middle and swept to each side, they blend into the waves around your cheeks and jaw.
This shape softens a high forehead and frames the eyes, making intimate belly holding shots feel especially flattering. The bangs are blow dried smooth while the lengths are waved with a larger iron.
It suits casual bump friendly outfits like knit dresses and slip gowns as well as dressier looks. This is a great pick if you want hair that stays photo ready and practical afterward.
Long Layered Waves Maternity Photos
If you have longer hair, layered waves give your photos a glamorous yet approachable feel. Layers distribute volume so the waves fall in staggered, moving pieces rather than one heavy curtain.
This is especially useful when your hair is shot from many angles, including side, three quarter, and back views. Curling from mid lengths down and leaving the ends slightly straighter gives a modern finish.
Once brushed out, the layers create a soft halo around your face and draw the eye down to your bump. This style pairs well with fitted gowns and body hugging knits that show your silhouette clearly.
Side Part Loose Waves For Maternity
A deep or soft side part with loose waves can subtly reshape your face in photos, a welcome confidence boost if you feel extra round during pregnancy. Shifting the part adds instant root volume on one side.
The waves then fall diagonally across your cheekbones and jaw, a line many women find slimming and flattering. Tucking the smaller side behind the ear keeps your features and earrings visible.
The longer side spills over your shoulder, echoing the curves of your bump and dress. This works in studio or outdoor settings and pairs well with simple, solid colored gowns.
Loose Waves With Braided Crown Maternity Hair
Loose waves with a braided crown create an almost fairy tale effect that feels special without being overly formal. A braid runs along the front like a soft crown while the rest flows in waves around your shoulders.
The braid keeps hair off your face, which is practical outdoors, yet still allows lots of texture in the lengths. Pins tucked within the waves keep everything looking seamless.
This pairs wonderfully with lace or tulle gowns in neutral colors that spotlight your bump and the braid detail at once. It is lovely in close up shots that capture your expression and waves together.
Waves With Headband Maternity Photos
A headband is a simple way to add personality and polish to your waves. The base is usually loose or romantic waves with a band placed just behind the hairline or further back toward the crown.
Depending on your style, the headband might be satin, embellished, braided, or a thin metallic band that catches the light and ties in with your gown or jewelry. It keeps the styling cohesive without extra fuss.
Many moms find this option comfortable and secure if they worry about hair falling forward during a long session. It works in both studio and outdoor settings and is easy to adjust between poses.
Middle Part Waves Maternity Shoot Hair
A middle part with waves creates a calm, balanced look that suits minimal, modern maternity photography. It keeps things symmetrical, drawing attention straight to your eyes and bump without one side feeling heavier.
The waves can be loose and beachy or a bit more defined, but the key is that they fall evenly on both sides. Smoothing the roots slightly avoids puffiness while volume builds from mid lengths down.
This look works beautifully with sleek gowns and neutral palettes common in studio shoots. It also photographs well from overhead or low angles, both popular in maternity sessions.
Low Ponytail With Soft Waves Maternity Hair
When comfort and practicality top your list, a low ponytail with soft waves is a smart, stylish choice. The hair gathers near the nape, centered or slightly to one side, with the lengths styled in gentle waves.
This keeps hair away from your face and neck, helpful in warm weather or if you overheat easily. Wrapping a small section around the elastic hides it, and a few loose face framing pieces soften the look.
The result is a clean, elegant profile that adds movement when you turn. It suits both fitted and flowy gowns and works in outdoor, studio, or at home settings.
Wavy Bob Maternity Shoot Hair
If your hair is shorter, a wavy bob can be just as striking as long waves. Skimming between the jaw and collarbone with loose tousled bends, it adds texture without overwhelming your features.
This length keeps your neck and shoulders visible, helping your bump and dress stand out in full body shots. A small iron creates slight bends, then a texturizing spray softens everything for a modern finish.
A middle or side part both work, with the key being a soft, slightly rounded shape that echoes pregnancy curves. It is ideal if you prefer lower maintenance hair but still want polished images.
Long Wavy Ponytail Maternity Photoshoot
A long wavy ponytail gives your shoot a playful yet chic vibe while keeping hair controlled and off your face. Gathered at mid height or high, the ponytail itself is styled in soft, bouncy waves.
This creates a clean front view while offering plenty of texture from the side and back angles photographers love. Smoothing the crown and wrapping a strand around the base adds a finished touch.
It works particularly well with fitted gowns, jumpsuits, and body hugging dresses where you want to emphasize both your bump and posture. The waves keep the look soft rather than severe.
Waves With Claw Clip Maternity Shoot Hair
Waves styled with a claw clip give a relaxed, modern feel that mirrors everyday trends while still looking polished for professional photos. The hair gathers loosely at the back with the ends spilling out in soft waves.
A few face framing pieces stay free to soften your features, while the back forms a casual twist or fold. This partial updo keeps hair off your neck for comfort during pregnancy.
It pairs well with casual outfits like knit dresses and simple maxi gowns for lifestyle shoots. Choosing a neutral or coordinating clip color keeps it looking intentional in close ups.
Waves With Low Bun Maternity Photoshoot
A low bun combined with waves gives you a polished, elegant look while keeping softness around your face. The front and side sections are waved and then loosely gathered into a bun at the nape, with a few tendrils left out.
This is perfect if you want your neck and the back details of your dress to show, or prefer a cleaner, more sophisticated silhouette. Twisting or looping the bun keeps it relaxed rather than severe.
It works beautifully with minimalist gowns and studio shoots focused on your bump and expressions. The wavy pieces around the face keep the whole look soft on camera.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right waves for your maternity shoot comes down to comfort, personal style, and how you want these photos to feel for years to come. Soft, flowing waves frame your face and complement the gentle curves of pregnancy without stealing the spotlight from your bump.
Think about your location, your dress neckline, and how much you tend to move or warm up, then pick a wave based style that will hold gracefully through the session. With a bit of prep and a clear vision, your maternity waves become a beautiful part of this special story.
