25 Ravishing Hairstyles for Greasy Hair

Dealing with oily roots but still want to look polished?

You don’t need to wash your hair every single day to maintain a stylish appearance when greasy strands strike.

From strategic updos to clever styling tricks, these hairstyles will help you camouflage oiliness while still looking fabulous.

Check out these 25 ravishing hairstyles specially designed to make the most of second (or third) day hair.

1: Sleek High Ponytail

Transform greasy roots into an intentional wet look with this sleek, pulled-back style.

The tighter you pull your hair, the more polished the result, making oil work to your advantage rather than against you.

You’ll need a strong-hold gel or pomade to smooth any flyaways.

This chic style looks deliberately styled rather than unwashed, perfect for when you need to look put-together without time for a full wash.

2: Textured Messy Bun

Create deliberate messiness with this tousled updo that disguises oily roots through strategic texture.

The casual, undone appearance makes any greasiness look intentional rather than accidental.

You can enhance this look with texturizing powder at the roots.

Pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness, and don’t worry about making it perfect—the messier, the better for disguising oiliness.

3: Braided Crown

Craft an elegant updo by creating a braid that wraps around your head like a crown.

This style keeps all hair contained and works beautifully for disguising oily roots while creating a romantic, feminine look.

You’ll love how this style distributes attention away from your roots.

The intricate pattern draws the eye to the braid itself rather than any oiliness, making it perfect for special occasions without washing.

4: Half-Up Topknot

Gather just the top section of your hair—typically the greasiest part—into a small bun positioned high on your head.

This trendy style conceals oily roots while leaving the less-greasy lengths down for dimension.

You can customize the size of your topknot depending on how much hair you need to hide.

This versatile look works for casual outings or dressier events depending on how sleekly you style it.

5: Slicked-Back Wet Look

Embrace the “wet hair” trend by deliberately enhancing your natural oils with styling product.

This runway-inspired look transforms greasy hair into high fashion with the right approach and attitude.

You’ll need a shine-enhancing gel or serum to create cohesion throughout.

Comb everything straight back from your forehead for maximum impact, creating a sleek, editorial-worthy style perfect for evening events.

6: Side Braid with Volume

Create a deep side part and craft a loose side braid, teasing the crown slightly for height.

This asymmetrical style minimizes the appearance of oily roots while the braid keeps lengths controlled.

You can add dry shampoo at the roots before styling for extra lift.

The combination of volume at the crown and the side-positioned braid draws attention away from any greasiness at the part.

7: Bandana Updo

Incorporate a colorful scarf or bandana to cover your roots while styling the rest of your hair in a simple updo.

This retro-inspired look adds personality while concealing oiliness completely.

You’ll love this no-fuss solution for particularly greasy days.

Choose a silk or cotton bandana in a pattern that complements your outfit for a coordinated look that appears intentional and stylish.

8: Sleek Center-Part Low Bun

Create a precise center part and slick your hair into a low, tight bun at the nape of your neck.

This minimalist style transforms oiliness into a deliberate, polished wet look perfect for professional settings.

You can enhance the sleekness with a small amount of hair oil on the mid-lengths.

The simplicity of this elegant style makes it appropriate for everything from office meetings to formal events.

9: French Twist with Texture

Craft a classic French twist but add deliberate texture throughout for a modern update that disguises oiliness.

The upswept style keeps greasy roots contained while the textured finish adds contemporary edge.

You’ll find this sophisticated style works beautifully for dressier occasions.

Add texture with dry shampoo or texturizing spray before twisting, and don’t worry about making it too perfect—some messiness helps hide greasiness.

10: Double Dutch Braids

Create two parallel Dutch braids (reverse French braids) running from your hairline to the nape.

This secure style completely hides your part—typically the first place to show oil—for all-day freshness.

You’ll appreciate how this style stays put without revealing oiliness.

The braided structure distributes your hair’s natural oils throughout the length, actually improving your hair’s appearance over wearing it down.

11: Pineapple Updo

Gather all your hair high on top of your head in a loose bun or pineapple-shaped arrangement.

This playful style lifts hair away from the face and scalp, minimizing contact with naturally oily areas.

You can secure with a scrunchie for a trendy finish.

This voluminous style works particularly well for curly or textured hair types, as the height creates a flattering silhouette while disguising any oiliness.

12: Twisted Side Updo

Create texture and interest with this asymmetrical style featuring twisted sections gathered into a side-positioned bun.

The deliberate structure disguises greasiness while looking intentionally styled.

You’ll turn heads with this unexpected arrangement.

The twisted elements create separation that prevents your hair from looking flat or greasy, while the asymmetrical positioning adds fashionable edge.

13: Faux Undercut Braid

Create the edgy appearance of an undercut by crafting a tight braid along one side of your head.

This modern style incorporates the greasiest parts of your hair into a deliberate structure.

You can customize with one or multiple braids depending on your preference.

This fashion-forward look transforms potential greasiness into an asset, using the natural sleekness for better braid definition.

14: Bubble Ponytail

Transform a basic ponytail by adding evenly-spaced elastics down its length, then gently pulling each section for a bubble effect.

This eye-catching style distracts from oily roots with its interesting texture.

You’ll create a statement look from otherwise limp hair.

The segmented nature of this style prevents your ponytail from looking flat or greasy, creating volume and dimension where you need it most.

15: Scarf Braid Incorporation

Weave a silky scarf through a basic braid to add color and texture while absorbing some of the natural oils.

This clever technique creates visual interest while making greasiness work to your advantage.

You can coordinate the scarf with your outfit for a cohesive look.

The fabric adds dimension to your style while the braided structure keeps everything contained—perfect for days when dry shampoo isn’t enough.

16: High Messy Bun with Headband

Create a deliberately undone bun positioned high on your head, then add a wide headband to conceal the greasiest portions around your hairline.

This two-step approach tackles oiliness from multiple angles.

You’ll appreciate the versatility this style provides.

Choose decorative headbands for dressier occasions or simple athletic styles for casual days—both effectively hide greasiness while looking purposefully styled.

17: Twisted Halo Braid

Create a romantic style by twisting sections of hair and pinning them around your head in a halo-like formation.

This elegant updo incorporates oils into the structure for better hold and definition.

You’ll achieve ethereal beauty with this complex-looking yet simple technique.

The all-up style completely conceals oily roots while the twisted texture creates dimension that distracts from any greasiness.

18: Side-Swept Waves with Clip

Craft deep side-swept waves and secure the heavier side with a decorative clip or barrette.

This glamorous style concentrates attention on the wave pattern rather than any oiliness at the roots.

You can enhance waves with a curling iron and texturizing spray.

The side-swept direction naturally conceals much of your part—typically the first place to show oil—while the clip adds both function and style.

19: Space Buns

Create two high buns positioned on either side of your head for a playful, trendy look.

This style completely lifts hair away from the face and scalp, minimizing the appearance of greasiness.

You’ll showcase your personality with this fun, youthful style.

The height creates flattering lift at the crown while the dual bun structure distributes attention away from any oiliness at the roots.

20: Deep Side Part Sleek Bob

If you have shorter hair, create an extra-deep side part and sleek your hair down on the heavier side.

This asymmetrical approach transforms oiliness into intentional shine for a sophisticated result.

You can enhance this look with a bit of styling cream for cohesion.

The dramatic side part creates volume on one side while the sleek portion looks deliberately polished rather than simply greasy.

21: Twisted Top Knot

Twist your hair as you gather it into a high bun for added texture and security.

This technique creates interesting detail while incorporating oils into the twisted structure for better hold.

You’ll find this style stays put better than a regular bun.

The twisted technique distributes your hair’s natural oils throughout the style, actually using them to your advantage for a longer-lasting updo.

22: Braided Mohawk

Create a series of connected braids running from your forehead to nape in a mohawk-like formation.

This edgy style incorporates the oiliest parts of your hair into a deliberate, eye-catching structure.

You’ll make a bold statement with this distinctive look.

The central placement draws attention to the craftsmanship of the braids rather than any greasiness, creating a fashion-forward style from necessity.

23: Low Textured Ponytail

Gather your hair into a low ponytail, then add texture by gently pulling apart the lengths and securing with additional elastics.

This simple yet effective style works with your hair’s natural oils.

You can position the ponytail at the nape or slightly to one side.

The textured finish creates dimension that prevents the style from looking flat or greasy, while the low placement appears intentionally relaxed.

24: Half-Up Braided Crown

Create a half-up style featuring a braided section that forms a partial crown around the top of your head.

This approach conceals the greasiest portions while allowing less oily lengths to remain visible.

You’ll achieve a romantic, bohemian look with this feminine technique.

The braided structure incorporates oils for better hold and definition, while the half-up positioning creates flattering face-framing effects.

25: Twisted Rope Bun

Create two twisted rope sections and wrap them into a low bun for a nautical-inspired look that capitalizes on your hair’s natural oils.

The twisted texture adds interest while concealing greasiness.

You’ll need minimal products to achieve this sleek style.

The rope twists actually benefit from some natural oil for definition and hold, transforming what might be a hair challenge into a styling advantage.

Conclusion

From sleek updos to textured braids, these hairstyles transform greasy hair from problem to opportunity.

Embrace these styles to look polished and put-together even when washing isn’t an option, proving great hair days don’t always require shampoo.