Pregnancy has a glow all its own, and the right hairstyle should frame it gently rather than steal the show. Soft movement, easy volume, and face-framing detail tend to photograph beautifully, which is why maternity shoot hair leans toward comfort, longevity, and natural-looking texture that survives a long session.
Below you will discover twenty maternity photo shoot hairstyles, from romantic waves to relaxed updos, each one designed to keep the focus on your bump, your face, and that unmistakable glow.
Loose Curls For Maternity Photos
Bouncy loose curls offer a slightly more polished take on soft waves while still feeling feminine and relaxed. This look is ideal if you want hair that reads done but not overdone, especially with fitted gowns or flowy dresses.
Large curls add volume through the mid-lengths and ends, which looks lovely when you rest your hands on your bump or turn gently toward the camera. Keeping the roots smoother and focusing the curl from cheekbone level down gives a modern, glossy shape.
A heat protectant and flexible hairspray keep curls defined yet brushable, and pinning a few face-framing pieces back keeps your features visible from every angle. Pin this for a timelessly romantic maternity moment.
Soft Waves Maternity Photoshoot Hair
Soft waves might just be the most popular maternity photo choice, because they look romantic, flattering, and effortless in nearly any setting. The gentle movement frames your face and echoes the soft curves of pregnancy, which photographers adore for close-ups and profiles.
Create them with a large-barrel iron or a heatless method, then brush them out so they fall loose and airy rather than stiff. A center or soft side part works well depending on whether you want symmetry or a hint of drama.
A light-hold spray and shine serum keep the waves moving naturally without frizzing or falling flat halfway through. Save this for a soft, glowing, camera-ready look.
Side Swept Curls For Maternity Photos
Side swept curls look glamorous yet approachable, perfect if you want one shoulder and neckline completely on display. The hair is parted to one side, then draped across the front of the opposite shoulder in a beautiful curtain of texture.
This style pairs effortlessly with asymmetrical or one-shoulder maternity dresses, balancing the open side of your outfit. It also flatters seated poses and close-ups where you cradle your bump and tilt your head toward the lens.
Discreet bobby pins and a light-hold spray keep the hidden side secure so the curls stay soft and romantic. Pin it for a touch of red-carpet elegance.
Half Up Half Down Maternity Hair
A half up half down look balances the softness of loose hair with the practicality of keeping strands off your face during breezy outdoor sessions. The top section is gently pulled back with pins, a small braid, or a twist, while the rest falls in waves over your shoulders.
This shape is especially flattering if you love crown volume without a full updo, and it works on medium to long lengths. It pairs beautifully with off-the-shoulder and strapless dresses, showing off your neckline and collarbones.
Teasing the crown slightly and smoothing the sides keeps it photographing cleanly, while a shine spray catches the light in side-profile shots. Save it for an elevated yet easy maternity style.
Twisted Half Up Maternity Hair
A twisted half up combines the elegance of twists with the ease of leaving some hair down. The front sections are gently twisted back from the temples or above the ears and pinned, creating a soft crown effect.
This adds lovely visual interest along the sides of your head, which photographs beautifully in close-ups and three-quarter angles. The rest can fall in waves or loose curls to keep the overall effect soft and feminine.
Twists are also a clever trick for fine or straight hair, adding subtle texture without heavy product. Pin it for a delicate, romantic finish that stays comfortable all session.
Loose Braids For Maternity Photos
Loose braids bring texture and a soft, romantic feel while keeping your hair controlled and out of your face. A relaxed side braid, a boho three-strand, or a pulled-apart fishtail all look gorgeous draped over one shoulder.
The trick is keeping the braid wide and slightly undone so it never reads too tight or severe on camera. Leave a few face-framing pieces out and curl them lightly to soften the hairline.
This style is especially practical for outdoor shoots where wind or humidity might otherwise cause frizz. Save it for a relaxed, intentional look that holds up beautifully.
Low Bun Maternity Photoshoot Hair
A low bun is a timeless choice if you prefer a clean, polished look that keeps all your hair off your neck. It sits at the nape, centered or slightly off to one side, and can be smooth, textured, or softly undone.
This shape is gorgeous with high-neck gowns, lace details, or dresses with interesting back designs you want to highlight. It is also a savior in humid climates, since the hair stays secured and frizz-free.
Leaving a few delicate pieces around the hairline and adding shine keeps the bun looking sleek but never stiff. Pin it for understated, classic elegance.
High Ponytail Maternity Photoshoot Hair
A high ponytail is chic and practical, lifting the face and showing off your bone structure in bump-focused poses. The hair is gathered high on the crown, smoothed or lightly teased, with the lengths curled for movement.
It looks especially striking with body-hugging gowns or minimalist outfits, keeping the silhouette clean and modern. Wrapping a small strand around the base hides the elastic for a more polished finish.
A light serum and a soft bristle brush smooth away frizz without flattening the hair. Save it for a sleek, glossy, healthy-looking maternity style.
Messy Bun Maternity Photoshoot Hair
A messy bun gives a relaxed, candid feel that works wonderfully for lifestyle sessions at home or in cozy studio setups. The bun sits high or mid-level, with soft pieces and tendrils intentionally left out to frame the face.
It pairs beautifully with knit cardigans, simple dresses, or barefoot shoots that celebrate comfort and authenticity. Because the style is airy and imperfect by design, you never have to worry about every hair staying in place.
Building volume at the crown and adding loose texture keeps it reading soft and romantic rather than unkempt. Pin it for a warm, intimate maternity vibe.
Side Part Maternity Photoshoot Hair
A deep side part instantly shifts the mood, creating soft drama and flattering asymmetry. You can pair it with waves, curls, or sleek straight hair, but moving the part line adds extra volume to one side of your face.
This works beautifully in close-ups where you look down at your bump or gaze sideways toward the camera. It is also a gentle way to experiment with change if full bangs feel like too much.
A light styling cream and discreet pins near the crown keep the part in place without looking rigid. Save it for an effortlessly elegant update.
Low Ponytail Maternity Photoshoot Hair
A low ponytail is understated and elegant, perfect if you want your hair to support the photos rather than dominate them. It sits at the nape with the top either sleek or softly lifted, and the lengths styled in waves for texture.
This look is lovely with both flowy and fitted dresses, and it keeps hair from tangling in fabrics or jewelry. Add interest with a center part, tucked-in front sections, or a subtle twist above the elastic.
Wrapping a strand around the base and lightly backcombing the mid-lengths gives a refined, soft finish. Pin it for a polished, fuss-free style.
Natural Curls Maternity Photoshoot Hair
Wearing your natural curls is a powerful way to celebrate your authentic texture and your pregnancy glow. Defined curls frame the face beautifully, add instant volume, and create dynamic movement in every pose.
The key is moisture and definition so curls look shiny, bouncy, and frizz-controlled on camera. A curl cream and gel combo, a gentle diffuse, and a light pick at the roots once dry give gorgeous lift.
It works with center or side parts and pairs effortlessly with simple outfits, letting your texture take center stage. Save it for a maternity look that is unmistakably, beautifully you.
Braided Crown Maternity Photoshoot Hair
A braided crown wraps around the head like a soft halo, looking especially dreamy in outdoor fields, gardens, or beach sessions. The braid usually starts behind one ear, travels across the top, and finishes behind the other ear.
The rest of the hair can be pinned up or left in loose waves, and gently pulling the braid apart makes it look fuller and more textured. This style keeps hair off your face while highlighting your features romantically.
Leaving wispy pieces around the temples and nape keeps the braid relaxed rather than overly formal. Pin it for a timeless, fairy-tale feel.
Pinned Back Waves Maternity Photoshoot Hair
Pinned back waves are a simple but effective way to keep hair off your face while still enjoying soft, flowing lengths. After creating waves, the front sections are gently pulled back and secured with pins or a small clip.
This opens up your features so you are not brushing hair away during poses, keeping your expressions relaxed. The remaining hair falls over your back and shoulders, adding lovely movement in walking shots.
Focusing on smooth roots, minimal flyaways, and a glossy finish keeps it feeling current. Save it for an easy, polished maternity look.
Sleek Straight Maternity Photoshoot Hair
Sleek straight hair looks incredibly modern and elegant, especially with minimalist dresses or structured gowns. The hair is blow-dried smooth and flat-ironed for a glassy finish that highlights shine and clean lines.
A simple center or slight side part keeps the look intentional and refined. This style is particularly striking if your dress has bold color or dramatic volume, since the sleek hair balances everything out.
A smoothing serum, heat protectant, and anti-humidity spray keep it frizz-free and reflective without looking weighed down. Pin it for a chic, contemporary maternity portrait.
Textured Lob Maternity Photoshoot Hair
If you wear a lob, a softly textured version photographs beautifully for maternity shoots. The cut sits between the collarbone and shoulders, with subtle layers that add movement when styled with loose waves.
This length feels fresh and modern while staying long enough to tuck behind your ears, pin back, or part different ways for variety. It pairs effortlessly with both casual and formal maternity outfits.
Soft undone waves, a bit of crown volume, and a shiny finish keep the look intentional yet relaxed. Save it for a polished, healthy aesthetic.
Low Chignon Maternity Photoshoot Hair
A low chignon is a classic updo where the hair is tucked into a smooth or textured knot at the nape. It feels slightly more formal than a simple bun, making it a beautiful match for lace gowns or fine-art studio sessions.
The chignon can be sleek and polished or softly pulled apart with a few tendrils framing the face. Because it stays close to the head, it is comfortable for long sessions and unlikely to shift in the wind.
A bit of shine spray and careful pin placement keep it photographing cleanly from every angle. Pin it for refined, profile-flattering elegance.
Soft Ponytail With Face Framing Pieces
A soft ponytail with face-framing pieces adds a gentle, romantic twist to a very simple style. It sits low or mid-height, with loose waves through the lengths and soft tendrils left out to highlight your cheekbones and jaw.
This is perfect if you love the idea of hair mostly pulled back but still want softness near your face. It pairs nicely with off-the-shoulder dresses and looks beautiful in candid, laughing, or walking shots.
A wrapped base, softened lines, and flexible hairspray let the tendrils move naturally while keeping their shape. Save it for an easy yet romantic finish.
Loose Updo Maternity Photoshoot Hair
A loose updo offers the romance of an upstyle with the softness of lived-in texture. Hair is pinned up in sections at the back, with pieces twisted or lightly braided, then pulled out slightly for a full, airy shape.
The front and sides usually have soft face-framing pieces that blend in, photographing beautifully from every angle. This kind of updo is especially popular for nature shoots, looking romantic but never overly formal.
Layered pins, a touch of texturizing spray, and a flexible hold spray keep it secure yet soft. Pin it for an effortless, romantic maternity moment.
Flowing Hair For Maternity Photos
Simply wearing your hair long and flowing can be absolutely stunning, especially if you love your natural length. The goal is keeping it healthy-looking, shiny, and lightly styled so it never appears flat or unkempt.
Enhance your natural texture with a blowout, soft waves, or gentle curls, then part it center or slightly off-center to suit your face. Flowing hair looks gorgeous lifted by a breeze in outdoor sessions, adding motion to walking and spinning poses.
Trim split ends, use a hydrating mask, and apply a lightweight oil so your lengths catch the light. Save it for a natural, glow-forward maternity look.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right maternity photo shoot hairstyle really comes down to comfort, longevity, and how well the look supports your outfits, location, and personal style. Soft waves, loose curls, and flowing hair celebrate your natural beauty and bump, while buns, ponytails, and updos keep you cool and carefree through longer sessions.
Whatever you choose, aim for glossy, soft, cohesive looks that will age beautifully in photos. Book a trial with your stylist, bring inspiration pictures, and pick a hairstyle that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself in front of the camera.
