The 28 Best Hairstyles for Greasy Hair
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As we get closer and closer to summer, it’s the perfect time to have the best hairstyles for greasy hair in your back pocket. Even when it’s not a million degrees out, there are always going to be those days when shampooing is simply out of the question, whether you’re making the most of a blowout, preserving your color, or just can’t be bothered to spend the time.
Luckily, some of the coolest hairstyle ideas of the moment—slick supermodel buns, braids of all kinds, and Y2K spikes, to name a few—are actually enhanced by a little bit (or a lot) of grease.
We checked in with some of the coolest celeb hairstylists out there to get their takes on the best hairstyles for dirty hair. From slick braids to retro ponies and surprisingly bouncy waves, there’s a little something for everyone. Scroll on for all the hairstyles for greasy hair you’re going to want to try this summer—oily roots or not.
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Half-Up
Turns out, having greasy hair is half the work when it comes to this half-up, half-down style. According to celebrity hairstylist Ashley Gomilla, it’s easy to pull this look off in just a few steps.
“The half-up hairstyle is great for greasy hair because you can add a little product to the half-up portion,” she says. “I like to use Balmain Hair’s Moisturizing Styling Cream. Using a product like this will add a bit more shine where needed and provide a strong hold to tame flyaways. I like to use a rat-tail comb to part the section I will pull up. Once I have my parting right and the top combed through I secure it with a clear rubber band.”
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Topknot
Gomilla loves a classic top knot for its versatility. “The topknot hairstyle can range from casual to classic, and having greasy hair isn’t an issue for this style,” she says. “It’s simple to do and works well on most hair types.”
She recommends using a matte paste to create a more intentional look. “Use just a little bit where needed throughout the hair,” she explains. “After twisting the hair, I secure it with a clear ponytail holder. For extra hold, I recommend using a medium-hold spray on the top, sides, and back of the hair once it’s secure.”
Instagram @beautybygul\3/28Minimalist Bun
“I love a sleek low bun, and having greasy hair is no issue for this hairstyle,” says Gomilla. You can achieve this style in two different ways. For a sleek look, she recommends adding argan oil to strands for extra shine. If you want a matte look, try using pomade to tame flyaways.
“Using Balmain Hair’s Argan Moisturizing Elixir, I apply about 5 to 10 drops and brush it throughout the hair,” she says. “Then, with a clear elastic, I make a low ponytail, add more argan oil, and twist until I get the perfect bun. I recommend using bobby pins that match your hair color to secure it, and then locking the whole look in with some strong-hold hairspray.”
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Sleek High Pony
To get the perfect sleek high pony, all you need is “some dry shampoo” and “a little bit of gel,” according to Gomilla. “I brush through the hair thoroughly and apply my dry shampoo throughout, and then use a light, nonflaky gel, brushing it through the base of the hair that won’t show past the ponytail holder,” she says.
She adds, “I use a strong-grip ponytail holder, pulling the hair up tightly to secure the band. You can style the ponytail, add more dry shampoo, then wrap a small amount of hair around the base of the ponytail, secure it with a bobby pin underneath, and finish with hairspray.”
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Instagram @amberrosegill5/28Long Braids
If you have a greasy scalp and natural or textured hair, Gomilla recommends braids for prolonging your style. “Braids are a protective hairstyle that works great for clients with oily hair who want a cute style that doesn’t need to be washed out right away," she says.
For a clean look, she suggests braiding closer to the scalp while using a strong-hold gel like Balmain Hair’s Styling Gel Maximum Hold.
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Instagram/@claytonhawkins6/28Spiky Bun
The early-’00s spiky bun is having a total moment, and it’s the perfect twist on your go-to sleek bun. “To get a spiky yet sleek updo like Maddie’s, it’s crucial to make sure the hair is straightened beforehand,” says celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins.
“Investing the time into blowing out and straightening your hair before any spiky vibe will set you up for success. I’m also obsessed with Goody Slide Proof Bobby Pins to keep everything together.”
Instagram/@brittsully7/28Baby Braids
If the front of your hair is more prone to oil, these on-trend baby braids are the perfect way to hide it. Start by working a little dry shampoo through your hair, and section out your front tendrils. Braid them as tightly or loosely as you please, and secure with a clear elastic. So easy and cute.
Instagram/@laurapolko8/28Y2K Pony
“This look is great for using the grease you already have to really slick the hair back,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko. What separates this from your average pony is the very on-trend early-aughts tendrils in the front. “For the really teeny-tiny pieces in the front, I like to use little setting clips that won’t give you a crease—Conair has a great dent-free set—to really separate those pieces out so you don’t accidentally slick them back as well.”
Then use a fine-tooth comb to pull the rest of your hair back into a pony. Polko likes to use two Scunci clear elastics to get the tightest hold possible. “As I let the little pieces down out of the setting clips, I will put just a smidge of hairspray on my fingers and brush that through them so it looks cohesive from the root to the tip,” she says. “Usually with day-two hair, you really notice it at the root, and it gets drier toward the bottom of the hair. For this look you want it slick from root to end.”
To make the front tendrils really pop, she recommends tapping a flatiron (she likes T3’s) on a low heat setting down each piece. “This will give the wispy pieces the shine and hold you want,” she says.
Instagram/@andrewfitzsimons9/28Snatched Pony
“I love the super-sleek look,” says celebrity stylist Andrew Fitzsimons. “These looks are definitely a lot more sophisticated but are still very on trend.” He says the key to getting the smoothest look possible is to work in two separate sections. Apply some smoothing serum to each section, and brush from roots to ends, making sure the front is smooth and tight. Then join both sections at the crown of your head and secure with an elastic (he recommends adding a bit more serum to your hand before doing this).
“To get rid of flyaways and frizz, use some hairspray, and if baby hairs are bothering you, grab a toothbrush and comb them out,” he says.
Instagram/@justinemarjan10/28Bow Bun
Make a ballerina bun feel even more elegant by adding a silk hair bow. Be sure to use plenty of hairspray to keep flyaways down for a true stage-ready look.
Instagram/@brittsully11/28Curly Pony
If your roots are starting to get a little greasy, use a pomade to slick them down. Secure a high pony with a cute scrunchie, and use a curl cream to show off your texture.
Instagram/@claytonhawkins12/28Fancy Pigtails
“I’m obsessed with braids,” says Hawkins. “This look on Olivia is a pigtail braid. So if you suck at French braiding, this is a great option. Just throw your hair into two low pigtails and then simply braid the pigtails.”
If you want to dress them up a little bit, add some cord or ribbon at the base and end of each braid.
Instagram/@justinemarjan13/28Clip Party
Is your go-to bun feeling a little snoozy? Punch things up a little by piling on the clips, pins, and barrettes.
Instagram/@amandaleehair15/28Party Ponies
If you’re feeling fancy, attempt a mini French braid into two high ponytails. Even if you skip the braids, the placement of these ponies is the perfect way to keep your hair off your face.
Instagram/@justinemarjan16/28French Braids
When in doubt, go with two classic French braids to conceal greasy roots. Need a refresher on your skills? Check out our guide on how to braid hair, including fancy French- and Dutch-braid styles.
Instagram/@claytonhawkins17/28Pretty Pins
Strategically placed pins are the perfect way to hide the fact that you skipped wash day. The key to keep them from slipping out? “Try spraying the back of the bobby with dry shampoo,” says Hawkins, who recommends Dove Beauty Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo. “This will add a little extra grit and keep it locked into place.”
Instagram/@andrewfitzsimons18/28Wet-Look Waves
“This is a great look if you have greasier hair because it utilizes the oils being naturally produced by the hair,” says Fitzsimons. “To start, I dampen the hair throughout and then add a liberal amount of heat protectant, which is the number one, most important step, as hair is so fragile and it’s imperative you shield it from damage. My favorite is the Andrew Fitzsimons AF1 Restructuring 10-in-1 Leave-in Conditioner, as it strengthens the hair, detangles, combats frizz, and also provides heat protection.” Then gently blow out your hair and, working in sections, wave your hair using a small curling iron.
“For the dripping-wet hair look, apply hair oil throughout the curled sections,” says Fitzsimons. “Depending on how wet you want your style to look, layer in oil or the Prism Shine Invisible Shine Spray as necessary, and you will achieve those perfect beachy waves. In between doing looks like this, a hair mask is always good to replenish and nourish the strands from the heat damage.”
Instagram/@laurapolko19/28Zigzag Part
A zigzag part adds a playful touch to a snatched bun. A tail comb is a must-have if you’re going to do this at home. “Use that tail, and starting at the center of your part, you want to move the tail back and to the side forming a zigzag,” she says. “The key to this look is to make sure the points on either size of the zigzag are lined up. You want them all in line and for each piece to be the same length—that’s how you know the zigzag is on point. Try to keep them all within the same one-inch margin.”
Polko likes to finish this off with a claw clip, leaving the ends out for a spiky effect, but you could also pull your hair into a bun, a pony, or even two space buns.
Instagram/@kendalljenner20/28Tentacle Braid
Take our word for it: This is going to be the hairstyle of the summer. Start with your slick pony base, and divide the ponytail into three or four sections, depending on how thick your hair is. Braid each section, and finish with a clear elastic.
Instagram/@lacyredway21/28Silk Scarf
If your curls are looking a little tired, simply pile them high on your head for a little boost. Add a silky headband to add some visual interest, and conceal any oil that may be happening by your roots.
Instagram/@andrewfitzsimons22/28Classic Bun
“What I love about a bun is how multifunctional it can be,” says Fitzsimons. “Not only do I use it as a cute style for clients when they’re on day-three hair, but I also like to use treatments and masks as my styling products to help nourish and repair the hair.” He says to start by brushing out your hair and part it as usual. Then take a hair mask like his brand-new Andrew Fitzsimons AF1 Restructuring 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, and comb in through your hair for an even distribution.
“Then, using a boar-bristle or smoothing brush, slick back the hair into a ponytail,” he says. “After you’ve secured your hair into a pony, wrap it into a bun and secure with pins. As a final step, you can apply a hairspray to help prevent flyaways. I suggest the Hard Strong Hold Hairspray.”
Instagram/@laurapolko23/28Bright Clips
If your blowout is mostly intact but the front is starting to get a little limp, simply add some neon clips for the perfect distraction. “For the front two pieces, I will get it really smooth down to the head using a Conair fine-tooth comb,” says Polko. “And I tuck them behind the ears with my fingertips that have a little hairspray applied to them. Then my favorite tip is, before I snap in the Scunci snap clips, I spray a little dry texture spray on the inside of the clips.
“It gives the clips that extra hold so when you clip those pieces down behind the ear, nothing slips around, especially on day-two hair.”
Instagram/@bridgetbragerhair24/28Old Hollywood Pony
Stretch your blowout just one more day with this glam pony. Slick your hair back into a tight pony right at the crown of your head, and wrap the bottom around an XXL curling wand like T3’s Body Waver for a little extra va-va-voom.
Instagram/@claytonhawkins25/28High Pigtails
“Pigtails are gonna be poppin’ this summer, and the sleeker and cleaner, the better,” says Hawkins. “Using a good elastic like Goody’s clear ones will ensure it stays in place and doesn’t look messy.” Don’t be shy with the gel, either, to keep things smooth.
Instagram/@bridgetbragerhair26/28Simple Slick
You can still get in on the slicked-hair trend even with a shorter cut. Use a gel or pomade to slick your hair off your face, and then hit the ends with your straightener to continue the sleek vibe.
Instagram/@claytonhawkins27/28Major Bow
Dress up your average greasy pony with a satin bow. “Big bows will never go out of style,” says Hawkins. “But you don’t have to buy a designer one or break the bank.
“Instead, gather your hair into a ponytail—if your hair is thick, opt for the Ouchless Forever hair ties from Goody—and then wrap a ribbon from the craft store around it and tie it into a bow.”
Instagram/@laurapolko28/28Glam Volume
Anything with a slick front is key when you’re looking for a hairstyle for dirty hair, since you’ll be working with your natural oils, not against them. Polko likes to start this style off by adding volume to the roots with a Conair Velcro roller, but the sleek bangs still shine even if you skip that step.
Then “I’ll clip the rest of it back, leaving just that front section for me to position the way I want,” she says. “I take the front two inches of hair and, depending on the length, I actually secure it all the way at the nape of the neck at the base of her head with a Scunci clear elastic to ensure they really stay in place. Then you let the rest of the hair down! You can also secure these pieces with a bobby pin if your front pieces are shorter. Scunci makes bobby pins that can match every hair color so they can be hidden if you are securing these pieces behind your ear.”
