39 hairstyles for greasy hair if you CBA with wash day
If you don't have the energy for the whole wash, dry and style routine, but your roots are looking oily, your best bet is whipping up a hairstyle for greasy hair. Lucky for you, we've already done the leg work and rounded up some truly stunning tactical hairstyles below.
But before you hair-shame yourself for choosing a lie-in over a date with your trusty shampoo, it just so happens that leaving slightly longer breaks between wash days can be good news for our strands. Washing our hair every day can create damage since it strips the moisturising oils, and regardless of how much conditioner we slather on afterwards, it can actually dry hair out overall. Likewise, ditching the frequency with which we use our heat tools will give your hair the best mini spa break going.
Granted, no one likes their hair to feel unclean. When we look good, we feel better, but the good news is, we can feel put-together while giving our hair a break from daily washing. All it takes is one ingenious tactic: choosing pretty second-(or third)-day hair hairstyles.
The insider hairdresser secret for bouncy-blowdry hair.
One route to go down is mussy textured updos – that's why top hairstylists work hard to replicate the appeal of undone strands. Hair maestro (and the man behind Kate Moss' mane) Sam McKnight admitted to regularly using products to distress shower fresh hair into something slightly more unkempt. And there's no denying that a trusty spritz of dry shampoo can work wonders (especially if you blast it with a hairdryer afterwards, which happens to be our number one dry shampoo hack). Our fave hair gurus, Justine Marjan, Emma Chen and Kristin Ess regularly opt for messy partings, loose strands and non-neat boho takes on updos. Meanwhile messy indie sleaze strands are trending again thanks to TikTok brushing up on yet another '90s throwback aesthetic.
Here's how it's done.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, super slicked-back hair is equally stunning. We keep spotting wet-look buns and ponytails everywhere, and greasy hair can play into this perfectly. Likewise, snatched plaits, chignons and ponytails smoothed back into place can look ultra chic (case in point: the supermodel bun). They're ideal if you want to feel a bit more put together.
Coined popular by supermodels like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, this look is fit for all occasions
From top knots to twists, braids and all kinds of half-bun fun, we've rounded-up our edit of super-easy, super time-saving looks for when your hair feels dirty.
Here's 39 of our favourite hairstyles for greasy hair...
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Sofia Richie has made the sleek bun her signature, which – bonus – could easily disguise greasy strands (nobody's gonna know).
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Simone Ashley's high plait is sleek and sculptural and smooths back greasy roots.
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Dry shampoo your face-framing strands, then tie the rest back like Hailey Bieber.
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These centre-parted and tucked curls are great for slick roots while keeping the volume through the lengths.
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The same goes for this immaculately neat slicked-back plait.
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Short crops can lean into oily hair too with gelled roots.
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Take advantage of greasy roots and slick your hair back into a chic low pony.
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To recreate this 'do, simply plait your ponytail and twist the plait around itself — et voilà!
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This slicked back style looks super chic, and takes away the worry of loose stragglers underneath. Just let your lower half of length run loose and free.
@britsully / InstagramSemi-messy bun
This hairstyle is smart since the roots (where things tend to get greasy) are tied back tighter, but the ends (which don't get as greasy) look looser and more messy. Dry shampoo the sections around your hairline and no-one will know your due a hair wash.
@ash_kholm / Instagram'90s pony
A good trick if things are beginning to look greasy, is to switch up your parting. This deep side-parted pony is ‘90s, it’s on trend and it just so happens to be ace at hiding third-day hair.
@laurapolko / Instagram'90s supermodel bun
The supermodel bun is back and if it's good enough for Kendall, Bella and Kaia…
@justinemarjan / InstagramSnatched braids
These snatched braids are awesome whether you have third-day hair or not. They're neat but they're super cool, too.
@smallgirlbigblog / InstagramReturn of the claw
The hair claw is back and just as chic as it is functional. Keep it near to the nape of your neck for a modern take.
@justinemarjan / InstagramSlick fishtail
Start with a slicked back mid-height pony, backcomb to create a bit of volume, braid into a fishtail (though you can stick to a classic plait if easier), then use your fingers to tease out the width for a chunky rendition of a braid.
@amandaleehair / InstagramBunches
Bunches disguise greasy roots brilliantly. Smooth hair down neatly where there's any oiliness into a slick centre parting, then you can encourage volume by placing your bunches high just above your crown.
@sophfloydWet-look chignon
Not only does a wet look chignon disguise even the greasiest of hair, you can actually up the ante and instead of using a hair gel to slick it back, try a hair mask for extra nourishment. To make the look extra chic, add statement earrings like Sophie Floyd.
@ash_kholm / InstagramThe slickback
For when it's past salvaging, commit to the grease with slicked-back wet-look strands. It's modern, it's fresh and we're obsessed.
@amberfillerup / InstagramDecorated bun
Decorate a messy bun with embellished slides and clips.
@biancawiles / InstagramHalf-up space buns
For days that the shape isn't playing ball, high space buns create volume and a pretty shape. Combined with a half-up style, you can still make the most of your curls.
@chloemorello / InstagramWide headband
A style statement and maximum hair coverage combined. A smart choice if you're trying to hide greasy roots.
@verafursova / InstagramLow bun
So sleek, so chic. This timeless, knotted low bun is made modern thanks to the extra snatched styling and the addition of gold hoops and a loose shirt.
@brittanyxavier / InstagramSuccessorize
Low pony? Check. 8 million clips? Perfect. No one will notice your greasy roots with all that bling.
@ellabalinska / InstagramHigh bun
Simple, classic and stylish. Comb everything up and out the way into a high ponytail, then wind into a simple but chic bun.
@justinemarjan / InstagramStacked bun
Tons of slides and snap clips will pin back and greasy stragglers and provide some delicious distraction tactics.
@streicherhair / InstagramDouble chignon
There's no denying that chignons are chic, but to make them more fun, double up. Then add accessories.
@brittsully / InstagramSlicked back curls
Amp up a curly updo by adding a statement hair tie, like this molten silver scrunchie.
@justinemarjan / InstagramPartially polished ponytail
This falls somewhere between polished and relaxed. The hair is tied back tight and neat, but the 'tail' is wavy and chilled out.
@streicherhair / InstagramLoose topknot
Disguise greasy roots by teasing them up into a messy top-knot.
@lauraharrier / InstagramBraided ponytail
Style your braids up by lifting them into a high ponytail. To make it extra slick, wrap a couple of the braids around your hairband to hide it.
