Greasy roots happen to everyone, whether you skipped a wash, worked out or have a naturally oily scalp. The good news is that slightly oily hair is easier to style than freshly washed hair: it holds pins, braids and sleek shapes much better.
These 20 hairstyles for greasy hair either pull the roots back so they look polished on purpose, or add texture so the oil stops showing. Each one comes with a quick how-to, and most take under ten minutes.
1. Sleek Low Bun
A sleek low bun turns greasy roots into a deliberate, glossy finish. Pulling the hair back tight means any shine at the scalp reads as polish rather than oil, which is why this is the go-to look for second- or third-day hair.
SaveHow to do it: Brush the hair straight back, smooth it with a little gel, and tie it at the nape. Twist the length into a bun and secure with pins. Finish with a light mist of hairspray.
2. Messy Top Knot
A messy top knot hides oily roots by lifting the hair off the scalp and adding volume on top. It looks relaxed and works for errands, the gym or a casual day at the office.
SaveHow to do it: Flip your head forward, gather the hair at the crown and twist it loosely around itself. Secure with an elastic and pull out a few face-framing pieces.
3. Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid has so many small sections that it breaks up the look of oily lengths. The tight weave also holds better on second-day hair than on freshly washed strands.
SaveHow to do it: Split the hair into two sections, then cross a small piece from the outside of one section to the other, alternating sides. Tie at the end and gently pull the edges for a fuller braid.
4. Half-Up Twisted Crown
Twisting the front sections back creates a crown that hides greasy roots along the hairline, while the rest of the hair stays down. It is soft and pretty enough for date night.
SaveHow to do it: Take a section from each temple, twist them back towards the crown and pin them together. Spray dry shampoo on the roots before you start for extra lift.
5. High Ponytail with a Twist
A high ponytail lifts the hair off the scalp, and wrapping a twisted section around the base makes it look finished. It is a great choice when your roots are oily but your lengths still look fresh.
SaveHow to do it: Brush the hair into a high ponytail and secure it. Take a small section from underneath, twist it and wrap it around the elastic, then pin it in place.
6. French Twist
A French twist is an elegant updo that uses second-day grip to stay in place all day. The roots are smoothed back, so any oil simply looks like shine.
SaveHow to do it: Gather the hair at the nape, twist it upwards against the back of the head and tuck the ends into the twist. Secure with pins along the seam.
7. Low Side Braid
A loose braid worn over one shoulder draws the eye down and away from the roots. It is soft, romantic and takes about five minutes.
SaveHow to do it: Sweep the hair to one side and braid it loosely. Tie with a clear elastic and gently pull the braid apart for a relaxed finish.
8. Sleek High Ponytail
A sleek high ponytail is a model-off-duty look that actually benefits from a little oil. Slicked roots look glossy and the ponytail swings with every step.
SaveHow to do it: Apply a small amount of gel or smoothing cream, brush the hair into a high ponytail and secure it tightly. Wrap a small section around the base to hide the elastic.
9. Wet Look Waves
The wet look leans into shine instead of hiding it. Greasy hair already has the gloss this style needs, so it is one of the easiest looks to create on day three.
SaveHow to do it: Work gel or a wet-look cream through damp lengths, comb the roots back and scrunch the ends. Let it air dry without touching it.
10. Low Chignon
A low chignon is a classic, polished updo that suits work, weddings and dinners. The hair is pulled back smoothly, so oily roots disappear into the look.
SaveHow to do it: Tie a low ponytail, twist the length and wrap it into a neat coil at the nape. Pin it in place and smooth flyaways with a little hairspray.
11. Side Swept Curls
Curls add volume and movement, which stops greasy roots from looking flat. Sweeping them to one side also hides the parting, where oil tends to show most.
SaveHow to do it: Curl the hair in large sections, then brush the curls loosely to one side and pin them behind the ear. Spray dry shampoo at the roots for lift.
12. Messy Double Buns
Double buns are playful and hide oily roots by splitting the hair into two sections. They work best for casual days and festivals.
SaveHow to do it: Part the hair down the middle, tie two high ponytails and twist each into a loose bun. Secure with pins and pull out a few loose strands.
13. Vintage Victory Rolls
Victory rolls are a retro style that needs hair with some grip, so second-day hair is ideal. The rolls lift the hair off the scalp and hide the roots completely.
SaveHow to do it: Take a section at the front, roll it backwards around two fingers and pin it in place. Repeat on the other side and brush out the back into soft waves.
14. Crown Braid
A crown braid wraps around the head like a headband, covering the roots at the hairline. It is a pretty choice for summer and special occasions.
SaveHow to do it: Make two braids, one on each side, then cross them over the top of the head and pin them in place. Tuck the ends under the opposite braid.
15. Low Ponytail with a Twist
A low ponytail with twisted sides is a simple upgrade on a basic ponytail. The twists cover the sides of the head, where oil can make the hair look flat.
SaveHow to do it: Twist the front sections back along each side of the head, then gather everything into a low ponytail at the nape.
16. Tousled Beach Waves
Beach waves add texture and volume, which helps greasy roots look like effortless, lived-in hair. A texturising spray soaks up oil at the same time.
SaveHow to do it: Curl medium sections away from the face, then shake out the waves with your fingers. Finish with dry texture spray at the roots.
17. Boho Braided Headband
A thin braid across the top of the head works like a headband, covering the hairline and pulling the hair off the face. It suits long, loose hair especially well.
SaveHow to do it: Take a section behind one ear, braid it and pull it over the top of the head. Pin the end behind the opposite ear.
18. Low Twisted Ponytail
A low twisted ponytail is a quick, polished look that keeps hair off the face. The twist adds detail so the style does not look like you gave up on your hair.
SaveHow to do it: Tie a low ponytail, split it in two and twist each section in the same direction. Then twist the two sections around each other and tie the end.
19. Textured Low Bun
A textured low bun is the relaxed version of the sleek bun. The loose, messy finish hides oil and still looks put together.
SaveHow to do it: Gather the hair loosely at the nape, twist it into a bun and pin it without smoothing it. Pull out a few strands around the face.
20. Messy Side Swept Braid
A messy side braid combines two tricks for greasy hair: it moves hair away from the parting and adds texture. It looks effortless and stays in place all day.
SaveHow to do it: Sweep the hair to one side, braid it loosely and pull the braid apart with your fingers. Leave some pieces out around the face.
How to Style Greasy Hair So It Looks Fresh
Use dry shampoo the night before
Dry shampoo works best when it has time to absorb oil. Spray it on the roots before bed and brush it through in the morning. Here is our full guide on how to use dry shampoo.
Embrace slick styles
Instead of fighting the shine, use it. Sleek buns, slick ponytails and wet-look styles look intentional and polished.
Add texture
Waves, braids and messy buns break up the hair so oily sections are less noticeable.
Keep your hands out of your hair
Touching your hair throughout the day transfers oil from your fingers. Once the style is done, leave it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to style hair when it is greasy?
For many updos and braids, yes. Second-day hair has more grip, so pins and braids hold better than on freshly washed, silky hair.
How can I make greasy hair look less oily without washing it?
Use dry shampoo or a little baby powder at the roots, then choose a style that pulls the hair back or adds texture, such as a bun, braid or waves.
Which hairstyle hides greasy hair best?
A sleek low bun or a high ponytail hides greasy roots best, because the slicked-back finish makes oil look like shine.
How often should I wash oily hair?
Most people with an oily scalp do best washing every one to two days with a gentle shampoo. Over-washing can make the scalp produce even more oil.
Final Thoughts
Greasy hair does not have to mean a bad hair day. A sleek bun, a messy top knot or a loose braid can buy you an extra day or two between washes and still look polished.
For more ideas, try these Korean bun hairstyles, two-ponytail hairstyles or braided sporty hairstyles for workout days.
