10 Greasy Hair Hairstyles For In-Between Wash Days
Whether it's because life has just gotten too hectic or you're trying to wash your hair less to train it, there's no judgement here! We know all too well that, sometimes, you just have to do what you can with what you've got.
But rather than just throwing your hair up into a messy bun and calling it a day, why not try something a little more put-together?
The team at RiRi have put together their top tips and go-to greasy hair hairstyles for those days when you need to hide oily roots from the world.
#1 Half Hair Up Styles
Half-up hair is a classic greasy hair hairstyle, and there are so many variations.
Go for the classic half-up ponytail, or try something a bit more casual, like a half-up bun.
You can really dress these hairstyles for greasy hair up or down, depending on the occasion, and your hair won’t look too greasy. Just add a bit of texture spray or dry shampoo to the bottom layers of your hair to give it more life.
#2 Messy Bun
We couldn't not include the OG messy bun on our greasy hair hairstyles list. It's saved us all a lot of times!
Pulling your hair up into a messy bun is perfect to hide greasy hair. Pull out pieces of hair around your face, give your bun a tussle and viola – you've got a messy, voluminous bun. It's the perfect easy-to-execute hairstyle for days when your hair is greasy.
#3 Slicked Braids
If you've got greasy roots, then why not just embrace the sheen?
Slicked-back double-dutch braids, or even a single braid, are great for greasy hair days. Pull your braids tight and slick down any flyaways with hair gel to create a sleek, polished look that’s perfect for any day.
You could even add in some cute hair clips or pins for added detail.
#4 Pigtails
We love this oh-so-cute hairstyle to hide oily roots.
Pigtails are a great way to style greasy hair, and it's totally up to you if you want to keep them looking sweet and girly, or give them an edgy spin.
Classic ponytail pigtails are cute and easy to achieve, or you can go for space buns for a fun and quirky look.
#5 Claw Clip Hairstyles
The TikTok trending 'clean girl' look is to thank for the return of claw clips – and we love it!
From half-up styles to a french twist to a messy bun, you can create hairstyle upon hairstyle with a claw clip.
#6 Wigs and Hair Extensions
For those days when your hair just won't cooperate, why not hide it all away with a wig or some hair extensions?
Wigs are great for a quick and easy way to hide greasy hair completely. Not to mention, they give you a whole new look in a matter of minutes.
Similarly, hair extensions are a fab way to add life back into your dirty hair.
We recommend clip-in extensions – you can pop them in when your hair is a bit lacklustre and take them out again when you no longer want the extra boost.
RiRi's Deluxe Synthetic Hair Extensions are premium synthetic extensions, giving your longer-lasting and more voluminous results than standard clip-ins.
#7 Headband Hairstyles
A nod to the 60's fashion, headbands are back in a big way.
We've noticed that elasticated headbands have made their way back into the world of fashion, and they're a great way to hide greasy hair because they literally cover your roots.
We think pulling some pieces of hair in front of your headband looks super cute to give it a cool, messy look.
#8 Messy Ponytail
Sometimes, we really don't feel like putting any effort into our oily hair – and that's okay!
A messy ponytail is a fab way to hide greasy roots without having to think too much. Just pull your hair back into a ponytail with a hair tie and shake it out, tousling it up for a messy, effortless look.
Add some product to give it more texture and definition if you want, but overall this is one of the easiest hairstyles for greasy hair.
#9 90's Ponytail
We're big fans of the 90's fashion resurgence, and the 90's high ponytail is definitely one of our faves!
It gives off supermodel day-off vibes and is a great way to rock greasy hair. Just use some hair gel and a bobby pin to slick back your front section to the bottom of your hair and tie the rest up in a high pony with a hair elastic.
Not only is it super chic, but it also helps to hide oily roots – win-win!
#10 Middle-Part Bun
And last (but certainly not least) is the middle-part bun.
Thanks to the likes of Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, the middle-part bun has become a staple in the beauty world. And as it turns out, this chic hairstyle is also great for greasy hair days!
You can wear this as a low bun or a high bun – both look equally stylish, so it's totally up to you. Plus, it helps to hide greasy roots for a polished finish. Perfect!
How to Prevent Greasy Hair
There's no need to name and shame round here. We've all been there!
Greasy hair is caused when our scalp produces too much oil, and the oil accumulates in the hair. There are so many reasons why we might find ourselves with oily roots, like diet or hormonal changes, or simply because we haven't washed our hair in a few days.
Our hair experts have put together their top tips for preventing the grease:
Wash Your Hair Less Often
Although this might seem like the opposite of what you should do if you have oily hair, washing your hair less often is actually a way to combat the grease.
Dr Chen says, "the average individual can typically go 2 to 3 days without shampooing their hair", so washing your hair 2-3 times a week is where it's at.
If you're washing your hair more often than this, it can actually cause your scalp to produce more oil, and so the greasy hair returns.
Always Rinse Your Shampoo and Conditioner Out Properly
When it comes to wash day, really take care to rinse out the shampoo suds from your scalp and hair, as this can be a culprit when it comes to greasy hair.
And when you're conditioning, make sure to apply the formula to the middle and ends of your hair only. Conditioning your scalp will only add to oily roots.
Clean Your Hairbrush
It's something we all neglect to do, but cleaning our hairbrush is essential for preventing greasy hair.
Your brush accumulates all the oil and bacteria from your scalp, so make sure to give it a good cleanse once a week.
You can do this by filling up your sink with warm water and a squirt of shampoo and leaving your hairbrush to soak for a few hours.
See a Dermatologist if Things are Bad
Of course, as ever if you're really struggling with constant greasy hair, then speaking to a dermatologist is probably best.
They can prescribe you specially formulated or medicated hair treatments to battle your greasy hair, as well as work to figure out the cause of why your scalp is producing too much oil.
Summary: Combating Greasy Hair With These Super Easy Hairstyles
We know it can be frustrating when you wake up to find your hair full of grease. But, actually, hiding your unwashed hair is much easier than you might think.
From the classic messy bun to the classic 90s high ponytail, there are plenty of super easy hairstyles that you can rock to disguise your oily roots. Hair extensions are a fab way to give some life back to your greasy hair while you wait for wash day too.
But, of course, prevention is better than cure. Washing your hair less often, rinsing out your shampoo and conditioner properly, cleaning your hairbrush and seeing a dermatologist if needed are all great ways to prevent greasy hair from happening in the first place.
And there you have it! Greasy hair days: conquered!
FAQs
Why does my hair get greasy so fast?
There are actually many reasons why your hair might become greasy quickly, including diet or hormonal changes or simply because your hair is dirty and just needs washing. If you find yourself with greasy hair more often than not, it might be a good idea to schedule in a dermatologist appointment to get to the bottom of it.
What hairstyle is best for greasy hair?
The messy bun is always a classic way to hide hair grease, but it you want something that looks a little more put-together, why not try hair extensions? This will give your hair some life in between wash days!
How can I style my greasy hair without washing it?
Taking advantage of your greasy hair by creating slicked and polished hairstyles is always a good trick. Rather than trying to completely hide the grease, use it to your advantage! A low, sleek ponytail or a middle-part bun are two great ways to style greasy hair.
Is greasy hair healthy?
Greasy hair is neither healthy nor unhealthy. It is normal for your scalp to produce oil, and the rate last which it does so will vary from person to person. However, if you find yourself with greasy hair all the time, it could be worth speaking to a dermatologist.