25 Ravishing Hairstyles for Greasy Hair
Dealing with oily roots doesn’t mean you’re limited to hiding under a hat. These looks will keep you feeling confident between wash days!
Greasy hair happens to everyone, whether from natural oil production, product buildup, or simply not having time to wash.
The right hairstyle can transform your oily strands from a frustration to a styling advantage.
Many styles actually look better with a bit of natural oil, giving you that perfect texture and hold.
We’ve rounded up 25 gorgeous hairstyles specifically designed to work with—not against—your greasy hair.
1: Sleek High Ponytail
Turn your oily roots into an asset with this polished style. Brush your hair back tightly, gathering it at the crown of your head.
The natural oils create the perfect slick texture that holds your hair in place without additional product.
Secure with an elastic and wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the band for a finished look.
2: Textured Top Knot
Create height and dimension with this effortlessly chic up-do. Flip your head upside down and gather your hair at the highest point.
The top placement draws attention upward while keeping oily roots contained.
Twist into a loose bun, securing with pins rather than an elastic for a more textured finish.
3: Braided Crown
Transform your greasy hairline into a deliberately sleek style. This elegant look keeps hair off your face while creating a beautiful focal point.
Start a French braid at one temple, working around your head to the opposite side.
Pin the end underneath for a seamless finish that stays put all day.
4: Half-Up Space Buns
Hide oily roots with this playful, on-trend style. This fun style works for casual days and festivals alike.
The buns conceal greasy roots while leaving the cleaner ends visible for a balanced look.
Section off the top half of your hair, divide it into two parts, and twist each into a small bun on top of your head.
5: Slicked-Back Wet Look
Embrace the greasy texture by intentionally exaggerating it. Comb your hair straight back using a fine-tooth comb.
This runway-inspired style transforms oily strands into a deliberately sleek, editorial look.
Add a bit of gel if needed to enhance the wet appearance. This bold look pairs perfectly with statement earrings and a confident attitude.
6: Twisted Side Braid
Create visual interest while managing oil with this asymmetrical style. Make a deep side part, then French braid along the hairline, incorporating small sections as you go.
The side positioning naturally incorporates your greasier roots into the design.
The slight tension helps distribute oils throughout your hair for a more balanced appearance.
7: Bandana Up-do
Add a colorful accessory to disguise oily strands with this retro-inspired look. The bandana covers your hairline completely while adding a fun pop of color.
Fold your bandana into a band, place it at your hairline, and tie at the nape or crown.
Tuck your hair up and into the band for a quick, stylish fix between wash days.
8: Slicked Center Part
Turn greasy strands into a deliberate style statement with this minimalist look. Tuck the hair behind your ears for a chic, runway-inspired style.
The clean center part and smooth texture create a modern, fashion-forward appearance.
Create a precise center part, then apply a small amount of styling cream to enhance the slick look.
9: Bubble Ponytail
Add visual interest to a simple ponytail with this segmented style.
The multiple elastic bands create dimension while controlling oily hair. Create a regular ponytail, then add clear elastics every inch or two down the length.
Gently pull each section outward to create “bubbles” for a playful yet sophisticated look.
10: Braided Top Knot
Combine two greasy-hair-friendly styles for maximum oil control. Create a Dutch braid from your hairline to the crown, then gather all your hair into a high bun.
The braiding process helps distribute oils while the top knot keeps everything contained.
This technique provides better hold than a regular bun when working with slippery strands.
11: Twisted Headband Tuck
Use a simple accessory to create this vintage-inspired style. This retro-chic look requires no heat or product, perfect for preserving hair health.
The headband provides structure while hiding your oiliest section—the hairline.
Place a stretchy headband over your head, then tuck sections of hair up and into the band all around.
12: Double Dutch Braids
Control oil distribution with this sporty yet trendy style. This style actually improves with a bit of natural oil for better grip.
The tight braiding pattern keeps oily strands contained while creating a deliberate, sleek look.
Part your hair down the middle, then create Dutch braids (where you braid under instead of over) on each side.
13: Deep Side Part
Create the illusion of fresher hair with this simple styling trick. The contrast between the full side and the sleeker side creates visual interest.
The dramatic part draws attention away from overall oiliness while looking intentionally sleek.
Create a part much deeper than you normally would, smoothing the hair on the heavier side.
14: Twisted Low Bun
Achieve elegance with minimal effort using this sophisticated style. Twist your hair away from your face on both sides, joining at the nape.
The low placement works perfectly with oily hair, using the slickness for better hold.
Continue twisting into a bun, securing with pins. The natural oils help this style stay put without extra product.
15: Half-Up Twisted Crown
Balance greasy roots with cleaner ends using this princess-inspired style. This partial up-do controls oily roots while leaving the rest of your hair flowing.
The twisted sections conceal oiliness at the roots while showcasing length.
Take small sections from each temple, twist them back, and pin at the center back of your head.
16: Slicked Pixie
Enhance your short cut with this deliberately sleek look. This style looks better with natural oils than freshly washed hair.
Transform oily roots into intentional shine with this bold, modern styling approach.
Apply a small amount of pomade to your fingertips and work through your pixie, creating piece-y texture or slicking it to one side.
17: Messy Claw Clip Up-do
Create an effortlessly chic style with this simple technique. Gather your hair loosely at the back of your head, twist once, and secure with a claw clip.
The intentionally undone appearance works perfectly with day-two or day-three hair.
Pull a few pieces out around your face for a soft, lived-in look that disguises greasiness.
18: Braided Mohawk
Transform your oily roots into an edgy masterpiece with this bold style. This dramatic look turns oiliness into an advantage for better hold and definition.
The central braid creates height while keeping greasy strands contained.
Create a Dutch braid running from your forehead to the nape of your neck, leaving the sides slick.
19: Twisted Rope Bun
Control unwashed hair with this elegant updo. The twisting technique distributes oils more evenly throughout your hair.
Divide your ponytail into two sections, twist each section individually, then twist them together.
Wrap this rope around itself to form a bun, securing with pins for a polished finish.
20: Faux Undercut Braids
Create the illusion of an edgy cut without the commitment. This style keeps greasy sections tightly contained while creating visual interest.
Braid small sections along one side of your head closely to the scalp.
The contrast between the tight braids and the rest of your hair creates a modern, asymmetrical look.
21: Pineapple Up-do
Elevate your curls or textured hair with this simple yet effective style. This style preserves curl pattern while hiding limp, oily roots.
The high placement draws attention upward while keeping oily roots lifted away from the face.
Flip your head upside down, gather your hair at the highest point, and secure loosely with a scrunchie.
22: Hidden Crown Braid
Conceal greasy roots with this intricate-looking yet simple technique. The braid sits precisely where oil tends to accumulate most.
Create a horizontal French braid along your crown, from ear to ear.
Leave the rest of your hair down for a style that looks complicated but takes just minutes to create.
23: Twisted Rope Pigtails
The twisting technique creates the illusion of cleaner, more voluminous strands.
Divide your hair into two low pigtails, then twist each into a rope braid by splitting, twisting, and combining sections.
Add playful sophistication to unwashed hair with this textured style. This style adds texture and interest to limp, oily hair.
24: Sleek Low Ponytail
Achieve elegant minimalism with this refined style. The simplicity looks deliberately chic rather than like a hasty solution for greasy hair.
Brush your hair straight back, gathering at the nape of your neck.
Secure with a covered elastic, then wrap a small section around the base for a polished finish.
25: Headscarf Wrap
Completely conceal oily roots with this colorful, versatile option. The scarf covers your hairline and top section where oil is most noticeable.
Fold a square scarf into a triangle, place the wide edge at your hairline, and tie at the nape.
You can tuck ends in or leave them out, and style remaining hair as desired.
Conclusion
Embrace these styles between wash days to look polished while giving your hair a healthy break from shampooing.
With these techniques, you’ll transform greasy hair from a problem into a styling advantage!
