Hair washing day is a major time commitment, and if the timing doesn’t align just right with your plans then the endeavor becomes an even bigger pain. Solution: hold on out on that shampoo a day or two and try a hairstyle for greasy hair to hide oily roots. And no, that doesn’t mean you have to throw on a baseball cap. A little spritz of dry shampoo and some simple handiwork, and you’re ready to conquer the day with compliment-worthy hair.
1. Sleek & Shiny
Photo by Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images
When you’re already dealing with a little bit of shine, you might as well lean into it. “The slick-back look is the perfect go-to style if your hair is greasy before wash day, as it uses your hairʼs natural oil to create a wet or high-shine look,” says Joey Scandizzo, celebrity hairstylist. He recommends using a slick-hold styling pomade on wet, dry, or damp hair. “Work it through the hair from the roots to the ends. Once the product is out of your hands and into the hair, start combing the hair away from your face. Then gently use a flat hand to guide and mold the hair,” he says.
2. Half-Up, Half-Down
Photo by Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
A half-up, half-down look is a genius hairstyle to conceal oily roots that still lets you keep your hair down, says Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites. Plus, it’s super versatile. Rivera says you can do top-knot or bun with the upper section, or you can create two braids on either side and link them together in the back. You can also just sweep the upper section back, secure it with a claw clip, and call it a day. Adding a few waves can help the style look more polished.
3. Effortless Updo
Photo by Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
Put the baseball cap down and pick up a scrunchy; you’re going for an effortless updo over sporty spice. “The effortless updo is a perfect way to achieve a done, but undone look. It adds softness and texture to your hair while hiding your greasy roots,” says Scandizzo. “Start by tying your hair back into a low ponytail and putting a soft knot through the top, securing it with pins.” Donʼt worry about it looking super polished, the key to this look is lived-in texture and softness.
4. Slick, Double Plait
Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images
If you’re dealing with greasy roots, this sleek braided look is the perfect solution—it turns a little bit of excess oil into a built-in shine booster! With a slicked-back crown, laid baby hairs, and two glossy braids, it’s effortlessly chic while keeping everything in place. To get the look, work in some gel or pomade, part your hair down the middle, and smooth with a bristle boar brush, and create two tight braids on either side. Throw on some statement earrings, and you’re good to go.
5. Low, Messy Bun
Photo by Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
To get your hair off your face and conceal oily roots, try a low, undone bun. Start with some dry shampoo at the roots to absorb greasiness. “Take 1-inch sections and spray liberally throughout the top and sides,” says Nick Arrojo, a celebrity stylist based in New York City. “Then put your head forward and spray throughout the entire head. Do not use a brush—fingers only. Then, pull your hair back with your hands and put it in a low ponytail.” Twist the pony and wrap it around the base to create a messy bun, adding a light mist of hairspray to lock everything in place.
6. Undone Cool Girl
Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
Another option is the cool girl, undone look, which is “all about giving the hair volume and texture while removing and hiding greasy roots,” Scandizzo says. “The idea here is to let the product give you the foundation and then let your hair take shape.” If you have short hair, he recommends using a dry shampoo volumizing paste to nix greasiness while providing some oomph.
For longer hair, he says to start by spraying dry shampoo into the end and roots. “Use your fingertips to distribute and work the product into the hair. You can experiment with flipping your hair to let it take on its own life and shape—have fun with it,” he Scandizzo. “Ditch the brush, tousle the hair with your hands, fingers, or flip only to achieve the undone effortlessly cool look.”
7. Sleek Bun
Photo by Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
Go for a polished, high fashion sort of aesthetic by combining the sleek and shiny look with a bun. “Damp the hair with water and run a strong hold gel through with your fingers,” Arrojo says. “Then comb back with a side or a center part. This will give a more polished look.” Secure into a low to medium ponytail and wrap into a sleek, compact. Arrojo adds, “Once finished, use a strong hold hairspray and spray liberally to lock in the style and keep it fixed all day.”
8. Beachy Waves
hoto by Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
Another great hairstyle to disguise greasy roots is a lived-in, beachy aesthetic full of texture-rich waves. Scandizzo says you’ll need some sea salt texture spray for this one, which not only enhances that seaside texture but helps absorb greasiness. “Begin by spraying texture spray into the hair from roots to ends, then take random sections of the hair and [braid it],” he says. “Leave the plaits in the hair for at least a few hours or overnight for best results.” Once some time has passed, take the braids out and enjoy.
