25 Ravishing Hairstyles for Greasy Hair Women
Greasy hair happens to everyone, whether from product buildup, hormonal changes, or simply going an extra day between washes.
Instead of reaching for a hat or feeling self-conscious, embrace these stylish solutions that actually work better with a little natural oil.
These 25 hairstyles will help you confidently rock those second- (or third-) day locks.
From updos that hide oily roots to styles that strategically redistribute natural oils, you’ll find the perfect look to transform greasy hair from problem to opportunity.
1: Sleek High Ponytail
This classic style turns oily roots into an advantage by creating a deliberately sleek, polished look.
The high placement draws attention upward while keeping hair off your face and neck.
Use a boar bristle brush to smooth hair back, which helps distribute oils from roots to drier ends.
Secure with a covered elastic and wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the band.
The natural oils create the perfect amount of shine and hold, often eliminating the need for additional products.
2: Textured Messy Bun
This deliberately undone style uses your hair’s natural oils to create perfect texture and hold.
The messier approach actually looks better with slightly greasy hair than freshly washed locks.
Gather hair into a loose ponytail, twist until it begins coiling around itself, and secure with pins. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for a softer effect.
The natural oils help strands stay in place without excessive pins or hairspray.
3: Braided Crown
This elegant updo hides oily roots while creating a romantic, bohemian look.
The braid absorbs oil while keeping hair completely off your face for maximum freshness.
Create a deep side part, then do a Dutch braid along your hairline from one temple, continuing around to the opposite side.
Secure it with bobby pins and tuck any loose ends underneath.
Gently pull at the braid to create fullness, which helps disguise any flatness from oil at the roots.
4: Slicked-Back Wet Look
This runway-inspired style intentionally mimics the look of wet hair, turning greasy strands into a fashion statement.
The deliberately sleek finish appears sophisticated rather than unwashed.
Apply a small amount of styling gel to your hands and smooth your hair straight back from your forehead.
Use a fine-toothed comb for precision and evenness.
This editorial style actually holds better on slightly oily hair, making second-day hair ideal for this trendy look.
5: Half-Up Top Knot
This versatile style conceals oily roots by gathering just the top section (which typically shows grease first) into a small bun.
The half-up approach offers the perfect compromise between up and down styles.
Separate the top third of your hair from temple to temple and secure it in a small bun at your crown. Leave the bottom section loose for a balanced silhouette.
The contrast between the sleek top and textured bottom creates an interesting dimension that distracts from any greasiness.
6: Double Dutch Braids
These trendy braids absorb oil at the roots while creating a sporty, stylish look.
The braided texture disguises greasiness by redistributing oils throughout the length of your hair.
Create a center part, then dutch braid each side from front to nape. Secure it with small elastics and gently pull at the braids to create fullness and texture.
This practical style keeps hair completely contained while transforming oiliness into a non-issue.
7: Side-Swept Textured Waves
This asymmetrical style concentrates hair on one side, using strategic placement to minimize the appearance of greasy roots.
The textured waves create a dimension that distracts from oiliness.
Create a deep side part, then use a curling iron to add loose waves throughout the mid-lengths and ends. To maintain volume, avoid disturbing the roots.
The side-swept direction creates natural volume at the crown even with oily roots.
8: Bandana Updo
This retro-inspired style uses a bandana or scarf to completely cover your roots while creating a stylish, vintage-inspired look.
The fabric absorbs oil while adding a fashionable accessory.
Fold a bandana into a wide band and wrap it around your hairline, tying it at the nape or crown. Tuck hair underneath or gather it into a low bun or ponytail.
The fabric creates a barrier between your oily roots and the world while adding a pop of color to your outfit.
9: Twisted Side Braid
This asymmetrical style combines twisting and braiding techniques to create a texture that disguises greasiness.
The side placement offers a fresh, modern take on traditional braids.
Create a deep side part, twist the front section away from your face, then incorporate it into a side braid. Secure with a small elastic and gently pull at the braid for fullness.
The twisted texture hides oiliness while creating a sophisticated, dimensional look.
10: Sleek Low Bun
This elegant style turns oily hair into an advantage by creating a deliberately polished, smooth finish.
The classic silhouette looks intentional rather than a solution for unwashed hair.
Brush hair into a low ponytail at the nape, twist until it begins coiling, then secure with pins in a circular shape. Use a light oil on the mid-lengths and ends for a consistent shine.
The natural oils at your roots create perfect smoothness without product buildup or stiffness.
11: Textured Ponytail with Volume
This elevated ponytail uses strategic teasing to create height at the crown, offsetting the flatness that often accompanies greasy roots.
The textured finish throughout the ponytail adds stylish dimension.
Create a small section at your crown and tease gently, then smooth the surface layer back into a mid-height ponytail.
For additional interest, add waves or texture to the ponytail itself.
The combination of volume at the crown and texture in the ponytail disguises oiliness beautifully.
12: Braided Headband
This face-framing style uses a small braid along your hairline to create definition and distract from greasy roots.
The braid absorbs oil while adding an interesting texture to your look.
Take a one-inch section from each temple and create a braid across your forehead. Secure with pins behind the opposite ear, and style the rest of your hair as desired.
The braid creates a natural barrier that draws attention away from oily roots toward your face instead.
13: Voluminous Top Puff
This playful style creates dramatic height at the crown, combating the flatness that typically accompanies greasy hair.
The voluminous top section becomes the focal point rather than oily roots.
Section off the top portion of hair from temple to temple, tease at the roots, then smooth the surface and secure with bobby pins.
Leave the back loose or gather into a ponytail.
The height and volume create a striking silhouette that transforms greasy hair into a non-issue.
14: Twisted Top Knot
This elevated bun focuses on the crown, using greasy roots to your advantage for better hold and sleekness.
The twisted technique creates an interesting texture without requiring freshly washed hair.
Gather hair at the crown, twist until it begins to coil around itself, and secure with pins in a circular shape.
If desired, pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness.
The high placement draws attention upward while keeping hair off your face and neck completely.
15: Hat-Friendly Waves
This clever style combines textured waves with strategic styling that accommodates a cute hat or beanie.
The hat covers oily roots while the waves create a deliberately styled look.
Apply texturizing spray to mid-lengths and ends, then create loose waves with a curling iron. Top with a beanie, baseball cap, or wide-brimmed hat that complements your outfit.
The contrast between the covered roots and textured ends creates an intentional, fashionable appearance.
16: Deep Side Part Tuck
This sophisticated style uses a deep side part to create volume on one side while tucking the heavier side behind your ear.
The asymmetry creates an interesting dimension that distracts from oiliness.
Create a deep side part, then tuck the heavier side behind your ear, securing it with a decorative pin if needed.
Add subtle waves to the opposite side for a balanced texture.
The deep part redistributes oils and creates natural volume at the crown without product or teasing.
17: Bubble Ponytail
This Instagram-worthy style divides a ponytail into several “bubbles” for a unique, eye-catching look.
The segmented approach creates volume and interest that takes attention away from greasy roots.
Create a high ponytail, then place hair ties every few inches down the length. Gently pull at each section between ties to create “bubbles” of volume.
This playful style holds better with slightly oily hair, providing natural hold and shine.
18: Twisted Headband Updo
This elegant style uses twisted sections from each temple to create a natural headband effect.
The twisted elements absorb oil while creating a sophisticated frame around your face.
Take one-inch sections from each temple, twist away from your face, and pin at the back of your head.
Gather the remaining hair into a low bun or leave it loose, as desired.
The twisted sections create definition around your face while keeping oily roots from looking flat.
19: Sleek Flip Ponytail
This retro-inspired style combines a sleek base with a flipped ponytail end for an interesting contrast.
The deliberately smooth roots look intentional rather than oily.
Brush hair into a mid-height ponytail, then use a flat iron to flip the ends outward for a 60s-inspired finish. Apply a lightweight oil to the ends for a consistent shine.
This vintage-influenced style turns greasy roots into an asset for creating the perfect sleek base.
20: Textured Space Buns
These playful double buns absorb oil while creating a fun, youthful look.
The height draws attention upward and away from the scalp area, where grease typically shows first.
Divide hair into two equal sections, create high ponytails on either side of your head, then twist each ponytail into a bun and secure with pins.
Gently tug at each bun for fullness.
The separated buns distribute oil more evenly while creating an intentionally playful silhouette.
21: Low Braided Bun
This sophisticated style combines braiding and twisting techniques to create texture that disguises greasiness.
The low placement works perfectly for professional settings while solving oily hair issues.
Create a loose braid with all your hair, coil it into a circular bun at the nape, and then secure it with pins.
Gently pull at the braid and bun for added texture and fullness.
The braided texture absorbs oil while creating an elegant dimension that is suitable for work or special events.
22: Faux Undercut Braid
This edgy style creates the illusion of an undercut by incorporating tight, close-to-the-scalp braids on one side.
The braids absorb oil while creating a bold, fashion-forward look.
Create a deep side part, then cornrow or french braid the section with less hair very close to the scalp.
Style the remaining hair as desired, either loose or in a ponytail.
This contemporary style transforms greasy roots into an opportunity for creative expression.
23: Twisted Rope Braid Ponytail
This unique style combines twisting techniques with a ponytail for interesting texture.
The twisted elements absorb oil while creating sophisticated dimension.
Divide the hair into two sections, twist each section, then twist the two twisted sections around each other.
Secure it with an elastic and wrap a small section of hair around the base.
The multiple twists create texture that disguises oiliness while looking intentionally styled.
24: Claw Clip French Twist
This effortless style uses a claw clip to create a sophisticated French twist in seconds. The twisted technique hides oily roots while looking deliberately polished.
Gather hair at the back of your head, twist upward, and secure with a claw clip. If desired, pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness.
This practical style takes advantage of your hair’s natural oils for better hold and sleekness.
25: Zigzag Ponytail
This playful style uses a zigzag part to create texture and interest at the roots.
The unconventional parting distracts from oiliness, adding a unique detail to a simple ponytail.
Using the end of a tail comb, create a zigzag part, then gather hair into a ponytail at your preferred height.
The unexpected parting becomes the focal point rather than oily roots.
This simple technique transforms an ordinary ponytail into something special while solving greasy hair issues.
Conclusion
Greasy hair provides the perfect foundation for these stylish looks.
With these techniques, you’ll transform second-day hair from problem to advantage, embracing your natural oils while looking polished and put-together until your next wash day.
