Let’s face it, becoming a new mum is exhausting. The sleepless nights, the constant feedings and the new rhythm of life can leave you feeling worn out, and it’s all too easy to lose touch with the small things that make you feel like yourself. One unexpected challenge? Postpartum hair loss. It can feel like the last thing you need when you’re already coping with so much. Whether your hair is thinning, feeling lacklustre or you just don’t have the energy for your usual styling routine, it’s completely normal to want a little refresh.

Getting your hair done isn’t going to magically fix everything (we all know that), but it can be a small, powerful moment of self-care. Sometimes, sitting in a salon chair, indulging in a fresh style or colour can help you reconnect with the version of you that existed before sleepless nights and baby cries. It’s about doing something for you, and walking away feeling just a little more like the person you were before.

So, if you’re in need of some hair inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 11 ways you can refresh your hair and feel like the best version of yourself…

Adding subtle, face-framing highlights can lift your complexion and give your hair some dimension without the upkeep of a full head of colour. It’s a great way to enhance your natural look, especially if you want something low-maintenance but fresh.

For mums who want to embrace a bit more volume and texture, the subtle shag is your go-to. It works on straight and wavy hair and can add fullness around the crown, making thinning areas less noticeable. Bonus: it looks great on day-two hair.

If you’re not ready to commit to a full bob, try a layered lob. This slightly longer version adds movement without the drastic cut and works for all hair types. Plus, the layers give the illusion of volume even if your hair is feeling a little flat.

For those experiencing thinning at the roots or temples, a root smudge can help blend in new growth and create a softer, more natural transition between colours. It’s an easy way to keep your hair looking polished without the need for frequent touch-ups. Don’t have time to head to the salon? Try using a root touch-up powder to fake a little bit of fullness around your hairline and temples (and extend the time between those salon visits).

Having a fringe cut in can be an instant game-changer if you’re feeling blah about your hair. A blunt fringe can frame your face and draw attention away from thinning areas, while still looking chic – just make sure you have the time (and texture) for maintenance.

“A lot of new mums lose their hair in the front, so cutting in a chunky fringe can help with this as it helps to make the hair look fuller,” suggests Andreas Wild, stylist at Larry King.

Perfect for days when you’re short on time, beachy waves add texture and body, helping your hair appear fuller. Whether you have fine or thick hair, a quick scrunch with some sea salt spray can give you that effortless, lived-in look.

Curly mums, this one’s for you. A curly pixie cut is bold and fun, adding shape and definition while embracing your hair’s natural texture. It’s a great way to highlight curls without the need for hours of styling.

If your hair is feeling dull, a gloss treatment can revive it with shine and smoothness. Whether you go for clear or add a hint of colour, it’s a great pick-me-up that works on all hair types. Plus, there are some brilliant at-home hair glosses if you don’t have time for a trip to the hairdressers.

If you want to keep your length but still add some movement, long layers paired with a curtain fringe is the answer. This style flatters every face shape and hair type, giving you a soft, romantic vibe while keeping your length intact.

If you feel like you really don’t have time to even think about your hair right now, opt for a slicked-back style. Perfect for taming flyaways, baby hairs and keeping your locks in place all day – slicked-back hairstyles are also seriously on trend right now, so you’ll look like you’ve made a real effort, even if you haven’t. Bonus points for styling with an oversized hair accessory. 

If you don’t want to go for a full haircut, try getting some layers added around the front of your face. “From personal experience, face-framing pieces really helped as it can hide the sides that feel a little sparse,” says Martha Mackintosh, stylist at Larry King. “Not only does face framing help disguise the hair loss, but it can also make new mums feel slightly better about their appearance through the sleepless nights and lack of hair washing. During the first six months (at least), most mothers will whack their hair off their face into a bun to keep little fingers from pulling. Therefore, it can still feel stylised with soft pieces left out at the front rather than a messy scraped back style.” 

Images: Getty; Instagram; courtesy of brands