Best Hairstyles to Hide Greasy Hair
Cute hairstyles that hide greasy or second-day hair effortlessly.
Not every day allows time for a wash, and that’s exactly why a good lineup of hairstyles for greasy hair is worth having on hand. Rather than reaching for dry shampoo alone (though that helps too), the right style can disguise oily roots almost entirely — sometimes even looking better than it would on freshly washed hair.
Below are 10 of the best second day hair styles for turning greasy roots into a non-issue.
Why Second-Day Hair Actually Styles Better
Oil at the roots isn’t just something to hide — it actually gives hair more grip and texture, which is exactly what many styles need to hold their shape. Freshly washed, silky hair often struggles to hold braids, buns, and updos as well as hair with a bit of natural oil already present.
10 Hairstyles for Greasy Hair
1. Sleek High Ponytail
Rather than fighting the oil, lean into it — smooth greasy roots back into a high, polished ponytail for an intentionally sleek look.
2. Slicked-Back Bun
Similar concept: use the natural oil to your advantage by smoothing hair back completely into a low or high bun for a deliberately polished style.
3. Braided Crown
A crown braid pulls hair fully away from the scalp and disguises oily roots within the braid’s texture.
4. Double Dutch Braids
Two Dutch braids keep hair controlled and hide greasy roots within the braided texture, all while looking intentional rather than “day two.”
5. Half-Up Claw Clip
Clipping back just the top section hides the oiliest part of your roots while leaving the rest of your hair down.
6. Low, Textured Bun
A slightly messy, twisted bun disguises oil at the roots while the “undone” texture actually reads as intentional styling.
7. Headband with Hair Pulled Back
A headband pushed back over the hairline hides the oiliest section right at the roots while keeping styling minimal.
8. Fishtail Braid
The detailed, woven texture of a fishtail braid effectively disguises oily roots along the length of the braid.
9. Space Buns
Two secure buns keep oily roots fully hidden within the twisted sections, offering a playful alternative to a single bun or ponytail.
10. Deep Side Part with a Twist
Switching to a deep side part and adding a small twist at the front can help redistribute where oil is most visible, making it far less noticeable overall.
Tips for Managing Second-Day (or Third-Day) Hair
- Apply dry shampoo the night before. Spraying dry shampoo before bed, rather than the morning of, gives it more time to absorb oil before you style.
- Focus dry shampoo at the roots only. Applying it too far down the length wastes product and won’t address where oil actually accumulates.
- Brush dry shampoo through, don’t just spray and leave it. Brushing helps distribute the product and blend it into your natural hair color, avoiding a chalky residue.
- Use texturizing spray as a secondary tool. Beyond absorbing oil, a texturizing spray adds the grip that makes second-day styles hold better than they would on freshly washed hair.
- Choose braids and buns over hair left completely down. Styles that pull hair back or add texture are generally more forgiving of oil than sleek, straight styles worn down.
Final Thoughts
Greasy hair doesn’t have to mean a bad hair day — with the right technique, oil at the roots can actually work in your favor, giving styles more grip and hold than they’d have on freshly washed hair. Keep a few of these hairstyles for greasy hair in rotation, and second (or third) day hair becomes just another styling option rather than something to hide from.
Looking for more quick, practical hairstyle ideas? Check out our guides on 10 Quick Hairstyles for Busy Mornings and 10 Tips to Banish Frizzy Hair for Good for more everyday solutions.
