Greasy Hair Hairstyles Simple Picks That Still Look Good

Greasy hair is not a styling problem so much as a styling opportunity. The natural oils that make day-two and day-three hair look flat are exactly what give braids, buns, and slicked-back styles the grip and hold that fresh, clean hair never has. A slick bun looks better on greasy hair than on freshly washed hair, which slips right out. So before you reach for the shampoo, try one of these.

Below are 25 hairstyles that turn greasy hair into an asset, from a two-minute slicked bun to a braided crown, each with the trick that makes it work. Most take five minutes or less and hide oil completely. Pick one, add a little dry shampoo at the roots, and go.

Greasy-Hair Styles at a Glance

A Polished Pulled-Together Look

When you need to look truly put-together on a greasy day, a sleek, pulled-back style is the fastest route. Oil acts like a natural styling product, letting you comb everything back smooth and flat with no flyaways, which clean hair fights you on. A dab of gel or a little water at the hairline sharpens the finish. Gather it into a low bun or a tail and you look intentional in under three minutes.

1. Comb everything straight back; the oil keeps it smooth.
2. Smooth the hairline with a little gel or water.
3. Finish in a low bun or tail for a polished look.
4. Add dry shampoo only if the roots look too flat.

Chic Messy Knot

The messy knot is the greasy-hair hero, because oily hair grips itself and holds a loose, undone knot far better than clean, slippery hair. Twist your hair up, loop it into a loose knot high or low on the head, and pin it, then pull a few pieces free to keep it soft. The natural texture from the oil is what makes it stay put all day.

This works on every hair type and length past the shoulders. On textured hair, a knot is a perfect wash-day extender that protects your strands while you stretch time between washes.

• Twist and loop into a loose knot, then pin to secure.
• Pull a few face-framing pieces free to soften it.
• Oil gives it grip, so it holds without much product.
• A gentle wash-day extender for textured hair.

Easy Chic Low Bun

A low bun at the nape is the most elegant greasy-hair fix, and the oil is what keeps it sleek and smooth instead of frizzy. Brush your hair back into a low ponytail, twist it around the base, and pin it into a neat bun. Because the strands are slightly weighted with oil, they lie flat and glossy, which is exactly the look you want. It reads polished enough for work or an event. For more variations, see bun hairstyles.

1. Brush into a low tail, twist, and pin into a bun.
2. The oil keeps strands flat and glossy, not frizzy.
3. Smooth the top with your palms for a sleek finish.
4. Elegant enough for work or a night out.

Elegant Braided Crown

A braided crown loops a braid up and over the top of the head like a halo, and greasy hair is ideal for it because the grip keeps every strand in place and the braid tight. Part your hair, braid each side, and pin the braids across the crown, tucking the ends. The oil stops the braid from sliding loose or frizzing, so it stays crisp all day.

It’s romantic, keeps hair off your face, and hides greasy roots under the braid entirely. See braided crown styles for step-by-step options.

A Stylish Greasy-Hair Fix

Sometimes you just need one reliable go-to that always looks good on a greasy day, and a half-up style is mine. Pulling the greasy roots and crown up and back, then leaving the lengths down, hides the oiliest section while the natural weight keeps the top smooth. Clip or tie the top half and you look done in seconds.

Clients ask me all the time what to do with third-day hair, and this is the one I fall back on for myself, because it takes no skill and works on any texture or length. A little dry shampoo at the part finishes it.

Youthful Functional Braids

Simple braids are a greasy day’s best friend, since a braid actually looks better with a little grip and grease keeps flyaways down. Two French braids, a single side braid, or a couple of small braids framing the face all hide oily roots while looking young and intentional. The oil helps the braid stay tight and neat for hours without re-doing.

This is a favorite for busy mornings, workouts, and second-day hair, and it suits every texture. On curly and coily hair, braiding on day-two oil is gentle and doubles as a protective style. For more, see braided styles.

• A braid grips better on oily hair, so it stays neat.
• Try two French braids or a single face-framing side braid.
• Great for workouts, busy mornings, and second-day hair.
• On curly and coily hair, it works as a protective style.

A Quick, Chic Style

On the mornings you have almost no time, a quick twisted-back style saves the day. Take the front sections on each side, twist them back away from your face, and pin them behind your head, leaving the rest down. It clears greasy roots off your forehead and looks deliberate, and it takes maybe ninety seconds. The oil holds the twists in place without pins slipping, which is the whole trick.

1. Twist the front sections back and pin them behind.
2. Clears oily roots off the face in seconds.
3. The oil keeps the twists from slipping loose.
4. Leave the lengths down for an easy finish.

Chic Twisted Headband Style

A twisted-headband style wraps sections of hair around a soft headband for a look that’s part updo, part accessory, and completely hides greasy roots. Slip a stretchy headband over your head, then tuck and twist small sections of hair up and around it all the way around.

Greasy hair is perfect for this because the oil helps the tucked sections stay put without pins. By the end, your roots are covered and you have a soft, romantic updo that looks far more complicated than it is.

It works best on medium to long hair and takes about five minutes once you get the hang of the tucking motion.

Side-Swept Waves

If your hair is greasy at the roots but the lengths still look decent, side-swept waves let you work with what you have. Sweep everything to one side, add a bend with a curling iron or straightener on the mid-lengths and ends, and let the deep side part hide the greasiest roots. The oil actually helps the waves hold longer than they would on clean hair.

A little dry shampoo along the part and a shine spray on the ends pull it together. It’s a soft, glam option for a night out on a no-wash day.

Rope Braid Ponytail

A rope braid ponytail is a quick way to make a plain ponytail look designed, and it’s ideal for greasy hair since the grip keeps the twist tight. Tie a ponytail, split it into two sections, twist each one clockwise, then wrap them around each other counterclockwise and tie the end.

The two-way twist locks the rope in place, and greasy hair holds the twist far better than slippery clean hair, so it won’t unravel. It looks intricate but takes about two minutes.

Pulling the ponytail high hides greasy roots at the crown, while a low version is softer. See braided ponytails for more.

Slicked-Back Glossy Style

The slicked-back look is the ultimate greasy-hair style, because it turns oil into an asset: the wet, glossy finish it’s known for is exactly what natural oils create. Comb everything straight back off your face with a little gel or leave-in, and gather it into a low bun or ponytail.

Getting the Wet-Look Finish

The oil gives you that sleek, shiny, editorial finish with barely any product, and it holds all day. This is the one look where greasy hair actually beats clean hair, which is too fluffy to slick down cleanly.

For extra polish, run a boar-bristle brush over the top to smooth any bumps, and set the hairline with a toothbrush and a little gel.

High Braided Bun

A high braided bun coils a braid into a bun on top of the head, and it’s a brilliant greasy-day style because it lifts everything up and away from oily roots at the nape. Tie a high ponytail, braid it, then wrap the braid around the base and pin it into a bun.

The braid adds texture and interest, and the oil keeps both the braid and the bun tight and smooth. It’s sporty enough for the gym and neat enough for the office, and it suits every hair type. See braided bun for step-by-step help.

• Tie a high ponytail, braid it, then coil into a bun.
• Lifts hair up and away from greasy roots.
• The oil keeps the braid and bun tight and smooth.
• Works for the gym or the office alike.

A Chic Everyday Braid

A single, simple braid down the back or over one shoulder is the most reliable everyday greasy-hair style, taking two minutes and looking neat and intentional. Whether it’s a classic three-strand or a loose fishtail, the braid contains the oil and gives your hair a tidy, finished shape.

Greasy hair holds a braid especially well, staying smooth without the frizz that a clean braid gets by afternoon. Pull it a little looser for a soft look, or keep it tight and sleek for something sharper.

Knotted Ponytail

A knotted ponytail dresses up a basic tail by tying the hair into a series of knots down its length, and greasy hair is perfect for it since the grip keeps each knot tight. Tie a ponytail, then knot the hair once, tie a small elastic below it, and repeat down the length for a segmented, designed effect.

The oil stops the knots from loosening, so the whole thing stays crisp. It’s a quick way to make second-day hair look like you actually tried.

• Tie a ponytail, knot the hair, and secure with a clear elastic.
• Repeat down the length for a segmented look.
• The oil keeps each knot tight all day.
• A fast way to lift a plain second-day ponytail.

A Quick Stylish Ponytail

A sleek ponytail is greasy hair’s most versatile friend, and the oil makes it look expensive by keeping the top smooth and shiny. Brush everything back into a mid or high ponytail, smooth the top with your palms, and wrap a small piece of hair around the base to hide the elastic.

On clean hair a sleek pony takes gel and effort; on greasy hair it happens almost by itself, since the oils lie the strands flat. A high pony lifts oily roots off the crown for extra freshness.

Finish with a shine spray on the length and you have a look that works from the gym to a dinner out.

Chic Wrapped Low Tail

A wrapped low tail is the grown-up, polished version of a ponytail: a low, sleek tail at the nape with a piece of hair wrapped around the elastic to finish it. Greasy hair keeps the whole thing smooth and glossy, which is exactly the sophisticated, put-together look this style wants.

Gather everything low, secure it, wrap a section around the base, and pin the end underneath. It’s understated and elegant, and it hides greasy roots by keeping them combed flat and sleek.

1. Gather into a low, sleek tail at the nape.
2. Wrap a section of hair around the base and pin it.
3. The oil keeps it smooth and glossy, not frizzy.
4. Understated and polished enough for any occasion.

A Chic Updo With Bangs

If you have bangs, an updo that leaves them out is a smart greasy-day move, since fringe often stays presentable longer than the roots behind it. Sweep everything except your bangs up into a bun or twist, and let the fringe frame your face.

The greasy roots at the crown disappear into the updo, while the bangs keep the look soft and current. If the bangs themselves feel oily, a touch of dry shampoo and a quick brush revives them. It’s a fast, flattering way to buy another day between washes, and it suits any updo you like.

• Sweep everything but the bangs into a bun or twist.
• Let the fringe frame the face and soften the look.
• Refresh oily bangs with a little dry shampoo.
• Hides greasy crown roots inside the updo.

Chic Bubble Ponytail

A bubble ponytail ties small elastics down the length of a ponytail to create a row of little puffed segments, and greasy hair keeps each bubble neat and holds the elastics in place. Start with a ponytail and space clear elastics down it every inch or two, gently puffing out the hair between each one.

It’s a playful, youthful style that looks like effort but takes three minutes, and the oil stops the bubbles from going frizzy or falling flat. A high placement lifts greasy roots off the crown.

Gently tug each bubble wider for a fuller, more designed effect, and hide the top elastic with a wrapped strand.

Twisted Space Buns

Space buns, two little buns high on the head, are a fun, youthful way to hide greasy hair completely while looking intentional rather than desperate. Part your hair down the middle, make two high ponytails, coil each into a little bun, and pin.

The oil is ideal here, since it keeps the twists tight and the buns sleek without much product. Pull them apart into twists or keep them tight and round, and let a couple of soft pieces fall at the front. It’s a weekend, festival, or lazy-day style that turns greasy roots into part of the sleek look.

• Part down the middle and make two high, even ponytails.
• Coil each into a bun and pin; the oil keeps them sleek.
• Let a couple of soft pieces fall at the front to frame the face.
• A fun, sleek way to hide greasy roots entirely.

A Low Knot

The low knot is the simplest greasy-hair style there is: gather your hair low, tie it into a single loose knot, tuck the ends, and pin. That’s it. Greasy hair grips itself, so the knot holds without much fuss, and the low placement keeps it soft and elegant.

It’s the two-minute style for the days you have zero energy but still want to look pulled together, and it works on any medium-to-long length. Smooth the top with your palms and you have a quiet, sophisticated look that hides oil completely.

1. Gather low, tie a loose knot, tuck the ends, and pin.
2. The oil grips, so the knot holds with little effort.
3. Smooth the top for a soft, elegant finish.
4. The go-to for zero-energy, still-presentable days.

Stylish Headscarf Wrap

A headscarf is the one-minute answer to a truly greasy day, hiding oily roots completely while adding a stylish, intentional accessory. Tie a silk or satin scarf as a headband, wrap it around a low bun, or knot it turban-style over pulled-back hair.

It covers the greasiest sections, protects your strands, and turns a bad-hair day into a deliberate style statement. Silk and satin are especially good for textured and curly hair, since they don’t snag or dry out the strands.

Match the scarf to your outfit and it looks planned, not like a cover-up. In my chair, a silk scarf is my favorite trick for a completely unwashed day.

Chic Side-Parted Bob

If you have a bob, a deep side part is a quick greasy-hair fix, since shifting the part hides the flattest, oiliest roots and gives instant lift on the other side. Comb a strong side part and smooth the hair down with a little oil-friendly serum.

Why a Deep Part Helps

Greasy hair suits a sleek bob beautifully, lying flat and glossy in a way clean, fluffy hair resists. The deep part adds volume where you want it and drama to the whole shape.

A quick pass with a flat iron on the ends sharpens it, and a shine spray finishes the glossy look.

An Elegant Textured Ponytail

A textured ponytail leans into the natural grip of greasy hair to create a full, voluminous tail with lots of body. Tease the crown gently, gather everything into a mid-height ponytail, and pull it apart for fullness.

The oil gives the hair a piecey, defined texture that reads intentional and modern rather than flat. It’s a great option for anyone whose hair goes limp when clean, since the oil adds hold and grip. On textured and curly hair, a puff or a pineapple ponytail on day-two hair is both flattering and protective.

1. Tease the crown and gather into a mid-height tail.
2. Pull it apart for full, piecey volume.
3. The oil adds grip that limp clean hair lacks.
4. A puff or pineapple works beautifully on textured hair.

A Chic Quick Updo

For the days you want to look properly dressed up on greasy hair, a quick twisted updo does it in about five minutes. Twist the hair up from the nape, tuck and pin as you go, and let a few soft pieces fall. Greasy hair is far easier to pin into a smooth updo than clean hair, which slips and springs loose, so the oil is doing you a favor.

It’s elegant enough for work events or dinners, and it hides greasy roots entirely inside the twist. A little hairspray on any flyaways finishes it.

• Twist up from the nape, tucking and pinning as you go.
• Leave a few soft pieces out to frame the face.
• The oil makes pins hold far better than on clean hair.
• Dressy enough for work events and dinners.

A Chic Greasy-Hair Solution

When you want one dependable style that carries you from morning to night on greasy hair, a sleek low bun with a center part is hard to beat. It’s simple, universally flattering, and the oil keeps it glossy and smooth for hours without a single flyaway.

The One That Always Works

Part your hair down the center, brush it back flat, gather it low, and twist it into a neat bun. The center part frames the face, the sleekness reads expensive, and greasy roots vanish into the smooth, pulled-back shape.

I tell clients this is the one that never fails: it’s my end-of-week uniform, the style I do when my hair is at its greasiest and I still have somewhere to be. Add a little serum for shine and you’re set.

How to Get the Look

The secret to all of these is understanding that oil is grip. Greasy hair holds twists, braids, buns, and slicked styles far better than clean hair, so the styles that fail on wash day succeed on day two and three.

To help them along, keep three cheap things on hand: a good dry shampoo to knock back shine at the roots, a fine-tooth comb or boar-bristle brush to smooth the surface, and a few clear elastics and bobby pins. A silk scarf earns its place too, for the days nothing else will do.

On cost, none of this needs much: a solid dry shampoo runs about $8 to $15, and a pack of good bobby pins and elastics is a few dollars that lasts months. For textured and curly hair, a satin scrunchie and a little lightweight oil keep these styles gentle and protective.

Whichever you choose, work with the oil instead of against it, and add dry shampoo only at the very roots if you want a touch less shine. Try a slicked bun or a braid this week and see how much better greasy hair styles than you expected.

Let Greasy Hair Work for You

The big shift with greasy hair is realizing you don’t have to fight it. The same oils that make hair look flat and dull when it’s down are pure grip when it’s styled, which is why braids, buns, and slicked-back looks all hold better on day two and three than they ever do fresh from the shower. Once you see oil as a styling aid, a greasy day stops being a crisis and starts being a shortcut.

Keep a dry shampoo, a comb, a few pins, and a silk scarf within reach, and you’ll always have a five-minute answer. Try a slicked bun, a rope braid, or a headscarf the next time your hair is overdue, and you may find you like it better than freshly washed.