As a barista, you know that serving up the perfect cup of coffee is an art form. Choosing a hairstyle to wear for your shifts can also be an art of sorts. Your ‘do should be stylish, naturally, but also functional. After all, you need something comfortable that keeps hair out of your face while you work your magic behind the counter. Ahead, discover our favorite barista hairstyles that strike the perfect balance of style and practicality.
10 Barista-Approved Hairstyles To Try Now
The term “hair ideas for barista” currently has 35.7 million posts (and counting) on TikTok. If that seems overwhelming, we’re here to help. We’ve narrowed down 10 options that are simple to recreate using products from the L’Oréal portfolio of professional brands.
Good hair day by @theindiahoward.
Space Buns
Space buns keep your hair neatly out of the way as you work and lend a playful touch to your look–even when paired with an apron. Experiment with different partings (like a zig-zag part) or accent your style with fun accessories to add even more visual interest.
Good hair day by @amandasinchongco.
Half-Up Space Buns on Short Hair
You may think double buns aren’t possible on chin-length hair, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Before clocking in for the day, follow the lead of content creator Amanda Sinchongco and twist the front sections of your hair into half-up mini space buns. Don’t forget to work a bit of Matrix Setter Mousse through your hair before styling to help those shorter pieces stay put.
Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta.
Bubble Braids
Consider tying longer hair into a bubble braid to prevent strands from shedding during your shift. Placing multiple elastics down the length of your hair keeps your mane structured and controlled, reducing the likelihood of tangling and breakage.
Good hair day by @madisonsullivanhair.
Braided Pigtails
If you’re a barista by day and a social butterfly by night, let your hair sit in braided pigtails during your shift to coax out some heatless waves over the course of a few hours. Just dampen your locks with a leave-in (Mizani’s Miracle Milk 25 Leave-In Conditioner is among our favorites) to help moisturize your hair and keep frizz at bay. Then, section your hair down the middle and weave your plaits. When your shift is over, remove your braids and gently tousle your hair with your fingertips before heading out for the night.
Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta.
Braided Looped Pigtails
Give your pigtails a whimsical touch by forming them into cute loops and wrapping them with a ribbon. To get the look, make pigtails as you usually would, then tuck each end of your pigtail into the top of its elastic to create a U-shape on each side. Tie a small ribbon around each pigtail’s base for a coquette-inspired touch. If you’re prone to flyaways, use a bit of Matrix Controller Gel to keep the sides of your hair sleek, structured, and shiny.
Good hair day by @glamjessxo.
Claw Clip Updo
Throwback trends will always be near and dear to our hearts, and they score bonus points with us if they’re functional, too. Case in point: claw clips. The nostalgic accessory makes it easy to sweep your hair up and out of your face as you bustle around a busy cafe. Browse our list of 22 Claw Clip Hairstyles to inspire your next on-duty ‘do.
Good hair day by @niaraalexis.
Slicked-Back Treatment Bun
A chic treatment bun allows you to nourish your hair while fielding drive-through orders. This hairstyle involves slicking your hair back using a hair treatment (think leave-ins, masks, or hair oils) rather than a traditional hair gel so that your strands receive extra TLC. Consider trying the look with a luxurious oil, like Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime L'Huile Original Hair Oil, or a creamy mask, such as Pureology’s Hydrate Soft Softening Treatment For Dry Hair.
Good hair day by @kristina.manners.
Side-Parted Ponytail With Barrettes
If your bangs are in an awkward grow-out stage, you may feel like you’re constantly battling to keep them out of your eyes. Luckily, there’s no need to resort to a dreaded hair net just yet; a few chunky barrettes are all you need to keep unruly fringe nice and tame. Pair your clips with side bangs and a high, voluminous ponytail, and you’ll be serving looks along with lattes.
Good hair day by @liplocd.
Loc Braid Pigtails
With locs come a ton of styling options, including these high pigtails. Just keep in mind that locs tend to trap debris from their environment. As such, you may want to suds up with a good clarifying shampoo every 2-4 weeks if you work in the restaurant industry, where greasy air and food particles abound. We’re partial to Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo for eliminating product buildup and impurities without making hair feel overly dried or stripped.
Good hair day by @thisislaurendavis.
Halo Braid
You may already be considered an angel among caffeine-deprived customers, so why not embrace the characterization with a halo braid? The ethereal updo keeps your hair off your face and neck to prevent you from overheating during the morning rush.
Next Up: 35 Best Cute Hairstyles You Can Easily Achieve At Home
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