14 Hairstyles for Greasy Hair, Sorted by How Many Days Since You Washed It
We’ve all been there. You wake up late, glance in the mirror, and your roots are giving “fried chicken” energy. There’s no time to wash, dry and style your hair, and you have to leave in 15 minutes.
Here’s my confession: I haven’t washed my hair every day in years. Partly because it’s better for my hair, and partly because I’m busy. So I’ve become something of an expert in making greasy hair look intentional, and even chic.
The trick is matching your hairstyle to how greasy your hair is. Day-two hair needs a different solution than day-four hair. So these 14 hairstyles are sorted by days since your last wash. Each one shows how much grease it hides, how much time it takes and what you’ll need.
But first, a few quick fixes to try before you style.
Five-Minute Rescues Before You Style
These tricks make almost any hairstyle work better on greasy hair:
1. Dry shampoo, done right. Hold the can about 6 inches away and spray directly onto your roots in small sections. Leave it for two to three minutes, then massage it in with your fingertips and brush through. The waiting is the part most people skip, and it makes all the difference.
2. Spray it at night. Dry shampoo often works even better if you apply it before bed, so it has hours to absorb oil.
3. The powder trick. No dry shampoo? A tiny amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder works on light hair. On dark hair, some people mix in a little cocoa powder so it doesn’t look white. Use very little and brush it through well.
4. Blotting papers. The same oil-blotting papers you use on your face can soak up oil at your roots and hairline.
5. Rinse just your bangs. If your bangs are the greasiest part, wash just the bangs in the sink and blow-dry them in two minutes.
Day 2: A Little Oil at the Roots
Your hair is mostly fine, but your roots are starting to look flat or slightly shiny.
1. The Part Flip
Flip your part to the other side, or try a zigzag part. Your roots lift up, and the cleaner hair from underneath comes to the top. It instantly adds volume and hides flat, oily roots.
Hides: light grease
Time: 1 minute
You’ll need: a comb
2. The Half-Up Claw Clip
Gather the top half of your hair loosely and twist it up into a claw clip at the back of your head. It lifts your roots and keeps the oiliest parts away from your face.
Hides: light to medium grease
Time: 2 minutes
You’ll need: a claw clip
3. Twisted Front Sections
Take two small sections of hair at the front, one on each side, twist them back, and pin them behind your head. It keeps the greasiest pieces off your forehead and looks polished.
Hides: light grease, especially around the hairline
Time: 3 minutes
You’ll need: bobby pins
4. The Loose Low Bun With Face-Framing Pieces
Gather your hair into a loose, low bun at the nape of your neck, and pull out a few face-framing pieces. The loose, relaxed shape hides oily roots without looking flat.
Hides: light to medium grease
Time: 3 minutes
You’ll need: an elastic and a few pins
Tip: If the face-framing pieces look oily, twist them slightly or curl them quickly with a curling iron.
5. The Silk Scarf Headband
Fold a silk scarf into a thin band and tie it around your head like a headband, knotted at the top or nape. It covers your hairline, where oil shows first.
Hides: light to medium grease
Time: 2 minutes
You’ll need: a silk scarf
Day 3: Definitely Greasy
Your roots are noticeably oily, and loose hair won’t cut it anymore.
6. The High Sleek Ponytail
Here’s a secret: a little oil actually helps a sleek ponytail look smoother. Brush your hair back into a high ponytail, and smooth the top with a touch of gel or a hair wax stick. Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic for a polished finish.
Hides: medium grease
Time: 5 minutes
You’ll need: a brush, an elastic, a little gel or hair wax stick
7. Double Dutch Braids
Two tight Dutch braids (also called boxer braids) pull your hair away from your scalp, hiding oily roots completely. They also look sporty and stylish.
Hides: medium grease
Time: 10 minutes
You’ll need: two elastics
Tip: Braids are easier on slightly greasy hair, because it’s less slippery than freshly washed hair.
8. The Messy Top Knot
Flip your head upside down, gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun and secure it. Spray a little texturizing spray on top for volume and a deliberately “undone” look.
Hides: medium grease
Time: 3 minutes
You’ll need: an elastic, bobby pins and texturizing spray
9. The Twisted Low Chignon
Divide your hair into two sections, twist each one, then twist them around each other into a low, elegant bun. It’s polished enough for work or an event.
Hides: medium grease
Time: 7 minutes
You’ll need: an elastic and U-shaped hairpins
10. The Bubble Ponytail
Make a ponytail, then add elastics every few inches down the length. Gently pull each section out to create “bubbles.” It’s fun, playful and draws attention away from your roots.
Hides: medium grease
Time: 5 minutes
You’ll need: several clear or colored elastics
Day 4 and Beyond: The Emergency Styles
No judgment here. Life happens. These styles hide even very oily hair.
11. The Wet-Look Slick Back
Instead of hiding the grease, embrace it. Comb your hair straight back, apply a shiny gel or styling cream, and smooth it into a low ponytail, bun or just slicked back. It looks like a deliberate, editorial “wet look.”
Hides: heavy grease (by making it look intentional)
Time: 5 minutes
You’ll need: a comb and shiny gel or styling cream
12. The Headscarf Wrap
Wrap a large scarf around your head, covering your roots completely, and tie it at the back or front. Choose a fall print or a rich solid color to match your outfit.
Hides: heavy grease
Time: 5 minutes
You’ll need: a large scarf
13. The Baseball Cap and Low Ponytail
The classic emergency style for a reason. Put on a baseball cap and pull your hair into a low ponytail or braid at the back. It’s sporty, casual and hides everything.
Hides: heavy grease
Time: 1 minute
You’ll need: a cap and an elastic
Tip: A felt hat or knit beanie works beautifully in fall, too.
14. Milkmaid Braids
Braid your hair into two braids, then cross them over the top of your head and pin them in place like a crown. It hides oily roots and looks romantic and put-together.
Hides: heavy grease
Time: 10–15 minutes
You’ll need: two elastics and bobby pins
Why Does Hair Get Greasy?
Your scalp naturally produces oil, called sebum, which protects your hair and skin. Some things make hair look greasier faster:
- Fine or straight hair: Oil travels down straight strands more easily.
- Hormones: Changes in hormones can increase oil production.
- Touching your hair often: Your hands transfer oil to your hair.
- Over-brushing: Brushing spreads oil from your scalp to your lengths.
- Heavy products at the roots: Conditioners, oils and creams can weigh down roots.
- Sweat, hats and humidity: These all make roots look oily faster.
- Dirty pillowcases and brushes: They transfer oil back onto clean hair.
Can You “Train” Your Hair to Be Less Greasy?
Many people say that washing less often “trains” their scalp to produce less oil. Some people do find their hair gets greasy more slowly over time, but the science on this is limited.
The best approach is to wash your hair as often as your scalp needs. If your scalp feels itchy, smells, or looks flaky, it’s time to wash, no matter how many days it has been.
Products That Help, and Products That Hurt
Help:
- Lightweight, volumizing shampoos
- Clarifying shampoo used once a week or two to remove product buildup
- Dry shampoo and texturizing sprays
- Lightweight conditioners applied only to your mid-lengths and ends
Hurt:
- Heavy conditioners or masks applied at the roots
- Oils and serums near the scalp
- Too much dry shampoo without regular washing, which can build up
Taking Care of Your Scalp
A healthy scalp makes a big difference:
- Massage your scalp while washing to remove oil and buildup.
- Rinse thoroughly so no product is left behind.
- Wash your brushes and combs every week or two.
- Change your pillowcase every few days.
- Avoid very hot water, which can irritate your scalp.
When to See a Dermatologist
Sometimes greasy hair is more than just oil. See a doctor or dermatologist if you notice:
- Red, itchy or inflamed skin on your scalp
- Yellowish, greasy flakes or scales
- Sudden changes in how oily your hair is
- Hair loss or thinning along with oiliness
These can be signs of conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, which a dermatologist can help treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best hairstyle for greasy hair?
Braids, sleek ponytails, top knots and slicked-back styles hide greasy roots well. For very oily hair, try a headscarf or hat.
How can I make greasy hair look clean without washing it?
Use dry shampoo or a little cornstarch on your roots, wait a few minutes, then brush it through. Switching your part can also add volume.
Is it bad to have greasy hair?
Some oil is natural and healthy. But if your scalp itches, flakes or smells, it’s time to wash your hair.
How often should I wash greasy hair?
There’s no single rule. Wash as often as your scalp needs, whether that’s every day or every few days.
Bad Hair Days Are Just Good Hairstyle Days in Disguise
Greasy hair doesn’t have to ruin your day. With a few clever tricks, like the right dry shampoo technique, a part flip or a sleek ponytail, you can look polished even when your last wash was a while ago.
Save this post for the next time you’re running late. Your future, slightly greasy self will thank you.
What’s your go-to style for greasy hair days? Tell me in the comments. I’m always looking for new emergency styles.
