Let’s be honest — sometimes you just don’t have the time (or energy) to wash your hair, and that’s okay. As a matter of fact, greasy hair really can be favorable in terms of styling it. Whether it be elegant buns or messy twists or even that glam make-up that makes the poop roots a blessing in disguise, these hairstyles will help in making your not so fresh locks a complete vibe. Whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or getting glam for a night out, here are 23 hairstyles that embrace your natural oils and transform them into effortless beauty.
1. Polished High Ponytail
There is something so young and cool about a slicked high ponytail it elevates more than just your hair, it elevates your entire mood. This style gives off that “just came back from vacation” glow without needing a passport. The extra volume and the soft curls that are toward the ends help with the flowing and shipping and really is the ideal style when you want to look good but not overdone.
It is a stunning look on long and thick or medium hair, and that is when you want to have greasy roots look strategic and shiny. It’s an easy quick solution that pulls hair off the face (great if you’re dealing with a big forehead or want to highlight your makeup), and it’s totally doable with just a brush, hair tie, and a little dry shampoo. Put a bit of volume powder at the top and then glue it together to have that little bit more height.
2. Effortless Claw Clip Twist
One can script off duty chic on this claw clip fashion. One of those, it looks like a popular guy thrusted it on and went out. Soft pieces falling around the face And the twist fixed loosely in the back this hairstyle is the fashion modern equivalent of wearing an oversize button-down with a dab of lipstick, the whole effect is very relaxed, yet cool.
Perfect for medium or long hair, this look is a lifesaver when you’re on day three of your wash cycle. The claw clip relieves your tresses of the elastics and since it is the most flattering style on a round face shape, as it creates a longer neck and extra lift. Plus, it’s ideal for lazy days or quick errands when a full wash and blowout just isn’t in the cards.
3. Romantic Braided Half-Up
Feminine, whimsical, and slightly fairytale this braided half up half down style is either the right choice to wear on a special occasion or today to bring some magic in your life. Delicate braids combined with soft, cascading curls give off this impression of something you would see at a sunset wedding or an outdoor brunch amongst the gardens.
This is a particularly flattering style on long hair and is a miracle worker on straight hair as well as slightly wavy hair. It conceals oily roots in gorgeousness and allows the ends to glow. Then work in a bit of dry shampoo and a flexible hold spray to give it shape. In the case of fine hair a couple of well thought out extensions can give this a makeover; moving it to almost luscious in a moment.
4. Casual Crown Braid Half-Up
This sugary plaited crown: I worked hard — when you completely did not. That just right look to where you do not want your full hair pile up but you feel wearing your hair down would amount to more than it is worth. She is sporting face-framing waves and a sophisticated but easy to tie braided band; this hairstyle is cute, youthful and easy to achieve.
It would be a perfect option when the medium or long hair needs a fast refreshment. Greasy roots? No issue there, the braids conceal them as they add texture. It is also fabulous on work medium hair, or on mornings you are in a time crunch and yet need to feel cute. This style is peped up by a little spray with the wave spray, and a slight touch of the iron.
5. Slick Top Knot Glam
This sleek top knot bosses the room ? or the Zoom. The look is paired with thick eyebrows and a bold lip and is a solid power move. It was squared off and shiny, almost to get the show on the road and emit that “I have everything under control” vibe, even when you know the truth is not exactly the case.
This one is pure magic for oily roots. A slick base is dramatic, which makes it a brainy turn to on day three or four hair. It flatters oval or heart-shaped faces in particular and attracts the eyes and cheekbones. Whether you’re dressing up for a dinner or pulling off a boss look for work updo duties, it’s a reliable stunner.
6. Curly Pineapple Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
It is curly, romantic, and with so much personality attached to it that this pineapple updo can be considered as the party of the party. The cascading curls dribbling down are playful and the piecey curved tendrils at the front are dexterously framing the face. It’s a style that radiates confidence and doesn’t try too hard to impress — it just naturally does.
This updo is made for thick curly hair, especially when it’s been a few days since your last wash. Greasy roots? Allow them to smooth on some slick foundation and apply some pomade to deal with flyaways. It’s ideal for round face shapes, too — the volume at the crown elongates the silhouette while keeping things lifted and fun.
7. Braided Crown Bun
It is princess (and romantic) by half; something out of a contemporary fairy tale. The combination of the soft crown braid wrapping around, to result in a large bun is added, just enough structure, without losing the softness. It’s the kind of style you throw on with pearl earrings and a satin wrap and suddenly feel like royalty.
If you’re dealing with greasy roots, this is your secret weapon. The braid conceals any oil build up and incorporates luscious textures. It suits medium to thick hair types, particularly, hair types that have a wave. Style trick: to keep it modern, and not too-polished, pull out a few wispy pieces around the ears and temples.
8. Soft Twist Half-Up for Blonde Waves
This style whispers softness and grace. There is a slight twist into the top portion that makes it not set on the face and letting those blonde waves be the center of attention. It’s simple, understated, and endlessly wearable — from a beachside dinner to a low-key afternoon wine tasting.
Super with fine to medium hair that carries a bit of natural bend/body. It also works as the savior of your life when your roots are a bit slippery-all you need to do is a pinch of dry shampoo on the crown and twist. This one is a straightforward easy fast grab it makes you elegant without being fancy.
9. Sleek Half-Up Ponytail with Curtain Bangs
There’s a kind of quiet power in this half-up ponytail. It is minimal, minimalist, and a bit of a mystery like a person who does not have to raise his voice to be heard. There are soft bangs of the subtle curtain, which smooth the appearance, providing just enough drama yet primal.
This style is ideal for long, straight or slightly wavy hair, and it’s a perfect fix for oily crowns. It gives structure without fully committing to an updo. Make it work with hoop earrings, big lipstick to bring the vibe of I woke up polished.
10. Glossy Slicked-Back Length
This hairstyle is a call farther on the sophistication front with a capital S. Long, straight, and slicked back it was one of those no nonsense styles that still looks like there has been a certain amount of magic wielded on its creation. If you’ve got naturally oily hair, this is your permission slip to embrace the shine and turn it into a style statement.
This works great with medium -long hair and works very well with strong cheekbones or wants to elongate her features. All one needs is some gel, a comb and confidence. It is a fantastic choice of work updo alternatives or formal venue where you do not feel you have to sacrifice length.
11. Elegant Low Bun with Side Part
Classic never fades away out of fashion, and this low bun is an evidence of it. The deep side part and a tucked chignon is instantly elegant yet does not feel fussy. It is that type of hairstyle that puts you an inch taller as soon as you have it in place.
This slick bun is great to wear with medium to thick hair and a godsend when your hair has been looking a tad greasy. Stitch it all back with a shine serum or some styling cream, and secure the bun at the nape with a lower pinning station. This is the final not slicked back hairdo that does not feel old fashioned and stylish.
12. Softly Pinned Curly Half-Up
There is a unique attractiveness to this half-up curly brand of hair updo, it is as though she has just come out of a Jane Austen novel and is walking about mid brunch. The curl of it all here with those airy curls gently secured at the back of the head and tendrils released as though they all wanted to cascade freely along the face, this style is romantic and natural and elegant in exactly the same way.
This one will work on thick or frizzy curly hair that has a will of its own. All you need to make this look is a small hair tie/ bobby pin, it disguises your greasy roots like a pro. Ideal for those with long curls looking for a quick refresh without heat styling — it’s an easy quick fix that makes you feel instantly put together.
13. Voluminous Slicked-Back Curls
Unruly, blow in the wind, and unashamedly self assured- this voluminous curly style leaves the beach goddess feels without even visiting the beach. The curls have been swept back with a little slick at the root leaving the length to take its own course and fabulous.
Anyone with long, well defined curls that does not feel like having an entire updo, but wants to have a bit of control is ideal. Slick the ends with a little light styling cream and the rest of your texture to the wind. Really works on very curly hair, when you want that work or post beach dinner lazy look.
14. Glamorous Bun with Face-Framing Bangs
This is drama — in the best way possible. The red-carpet quality of this updo is combined with a huge-volume bun and those swooping bangs all combined make this updo look great and awesome even though you are not on your way to the red-carpet party but only on a dinner date. It looks so chic but sexy that one can compare it to a champagne glass.
An excellent option on thick or medium hair particularly when your locks are already beginning to experience some weight. The face is lengthened by the lift of the crown and the curtain bangs smooth out large forehead shapes wonderfully. Want a quick glam moment for an event? This one’s your go-to.
15. Messy Romantic Chignon
It is all about the right amount of imperfect to make a messy bun so right just with some loosely and wavy hairs. This romantic style of chignon is light, airy and somewhat sexy but not over the top.
It suits medium to thick, some waves or texture. A little teasing at the head and a few pins and nothing more. It is a beautiful messy style that is great on days when you have greasy and flat hair Finally gets you where you need to be: a simple work or dinner date glam look with a touch of texture spray.
16. Braided Wrap Ponytail
Not only does this braided wrap ponytail have the structure wrapped up in the style, but it is also a very smart outfit. The fancy-looking braid pattern makes it look quite complicated yet it is simple as the simple ponytail with a sophisticated look.
This type of style is perfect on medium or long hair-hides greasy roots very well so you have your hair out of your face. Whether you’re off to work or heading to a meeting, this is a sleek solution that feels elevated without needing a salon visit. Bonus: It works beautifully for extensions too.
17. Vintage-Inspired French Twist
Slightly retro and elegant, this non-retro French twist inspired updo takes you back to that old Hollywood glam. It is modest, classy and would be equally suitable at the cocktail and the form dinner. The mid-section and sleek finish exert subtle strength so it does not scream attention, but it exudes it.
The style suits medium to thick haired hair type and those with an oval or square shaped face. Apply a smoothing serum to give that smooth feel, and fasten with bobby pins. It is not slick back, however, it provides you with all of the polish of one without the harshness.
18. Twisted Low Chignon with Pearl Pin
This fairy tale version of a low bun adds some kind of tender beauty, which can be worn both on an ordinary glam day and on a special date. Its pearl pin gives the jewelry a vintage touch and twisted form make it look like something Audrey Hepburn would have worn in a movie. It has that air of just having a really put together and polished look- like it took five minutes and some dry shampoo though.
It is most suited to medium to long hair and thick/ somewhat oily at the roots hair. It is a quick fix that can be done effortlessly when you are out of time to do your complete washing up and still feel pulled together. It looks great as a work updo or a semi-formal affair, and it is not hard on your locks, no teasing or pulling.
19. Half-Up Crown Braid with Loose Curls
It has a bit of a boho-magic about this half up crown braid as the braid is carried into wispy curls. It is romantic, dreamy, and has that perfect dose of “I am on vacation, and I am a goddess”. The braid gives the impression of working up and out of the roots whilst the curls can be used to give the ends the body and movement.
Perfect for long hair with a bit of leftover product or natural oil—yes, greasy roots help the braid hold better! Use a little texturizing spray, and you’re golden. It fits well with the majority of face structures and makes the edges smooth. A little magic involving a hair tie turns this look amazing and can be worn as everything, whether you are going to brunch dates or have a lazy sunset walk.
20. Curly Tousled Bun with Side Tendrils
Flirtatious, romantic, with soft motion and texture, this curly updo is a movement fest. The thin strands over either side cast a gorgeous outline around the face and the full back provides an attitude free but nonchalant feel. It is the type of style that makes you feel you are the life of a party yet you are not even inside.
It really is an amazing product on my fine to thin hair when the curls and waves are a little dirty looking and have a bit of day 2 to them. Spritz on some small amount of volume at the crown then scrunch your curls into a loose, messy bun. It is that lazy-girl chic to any woman who wants the appearance of putting in effort without the fuss.
21. Soft Twin Ponytails with Waves
Playful and juvenile, these silky twin ponytails have a goofy effect to your daily appearance. The wavy lines add texture and movement and the centralized section makes things smooth and contemporary. It is a playful aesthetic that has a 90s lean- more like high pigtails on adult women with the confidence to have a good time.
It is highly complimentary to wearers with a large forehead since it balances the size of features and shapes the face proportionately. This look is ideal when your hair is greasy at the roots if so simply smooth out the part a little then you can let the texture be seen throughout the lengths. Fantastic when going out casually, or to the school pickup with some attitude.
22. Voluminous Bun with Bangs
This over the top feminine bun is such a pretty mix of nice and messy. Being soft with layered bangs that spread across the forehead and side bun that is full when pulled back, it is both stylish and classy. The dramatic effect of contrast of sleek and airy volume caused the visual attraction to move upwards, as well as the gamut.
This style is at it hard in 2025, particularly with women who desire a simple glam that does not need to concern freshly washed hair. Bangs are ideal in camouflage of lazy hair line and the bun looks best when there is slight stickiness on a strand through natural oils or prior styling. Add a sparkly earring and you’re red carpet-ready.
23. Sleek Low Knot for Work
It is the epitome of smooth, slick low knot understated sophistication. It tells you it has everything under control by its sleek finish and simple aesthetic. This knot is an equally authoritative choice whether you have business somewhere or are off to have cocktails later. It reads simply clean, classic, and very deliberate even when it is only having to cover your third-day hair.
It works best in work situations when you have medium to thick hair that is more of an oilier type. Apply with a bristle brush to make that smooth surface and twist it in a knot and pin. And you will be surprised how many times you will use it–and how many compliments it may win. Bonus: it looks amazing with gold hoops and white shirt.
Who knew greasy hair could be this glamorous? No need to go to the hairdresser to have the best hair day ever; an assortment of clever pins, strategic placement of hair ties, or reliable claw clips should nab you a bad hair day. These hairstyles aren’t just easy quick fixes — they’re chic, versatile, and flattering at any age. Therefore, the next time you find your strands to be a little too greasy, why not whip out of one of these quick fixes and you can head straight out the door like it was meant to be that way.
