When we’re tired, late or just plain lazy, the last thing we want to do is wash and blow-dry our hair. But going to work with greasy hair isn’t really an option. Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver, but it’s actually the hairstyle that will dictate whether our mane passes for clean or gives away its unwashed status.
To successfully conceal oily roots, celebrity stylist for Seven Haircare Cash Lawless recommends styling tresses in a sleek ponytail, topknot, twist or a braided style, such as Dutch braids, boxer braids or halo braids. And don’t underestimate hair accessories. “Nothing covers like a great headband,” he says. “The more ornate, the more distracting.”
Fernando Salas, creator of White Sands Haircare, is a fan of classic ponytails, high buns and anything that gets the front layers of hair off the face. He suggests twisting, clipping or braiding front layers and bangs back for the perfect greasy hair hairstyle.
According to Lawless, the biggest mistake you can make is wetting dirty hair or putting heat on it. “Do not iron or blow-dry your hair if it is greasy,” he says. “This will emulsify the grease and make it exponentially worse.” It’s also damaging to hair. (Oops.) Co-founder of IGK Hair Care Franck Izquierdo adds that brushing hair can also make the greasy situation worse and flatten hair.
With these tips in mind, have a look at 19 greasy hair hairstyles that conceal oily roots so well no one will know it has been two — or three — days since your last shampoo. We’ll keep your secret.
[ Next: 11 Hair Products to Refresh Dirty Hair (When You Have No Time to Shampoo) ]
This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
19 Hairstyles That Magically Conceal Greasy Roots
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Sleekest Bun
All hail the ballerina bun. It's a chic timeless style that solves many bad hair days including times we haven't washed. The hairstyle works well with greasy hair because people know hair is supposed to be slick. The best part is, they'll assume the whole head is hair gel and only you will know the greasy patches. We won't give the game away.
Image: Imaxtree
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Supersized Bow
Putting a headband on top of greasy roots isn't cheating. It's clever because it creates a flirty finish and distracts from unwashed hair. Make a statement with hair swept into a low bun and an oversized bow headband. Those in a pinch can create the look using a scarf.
Image: Imaxtree
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Triple Braid
People will be looking at your roots with this triple braid ponytail, but they won't be judging the greasiness level. They'll be admiring the cool effect of multiple braids on the crown. The plaits add texture and fullness to the top of the head which gets rid of the telltale slicked-to-the-scalp look of greasy hair.
Image: Imaxtree
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Pinned Back
For most people, greasiness is most evident in part lines and front layers. One effective way to deal with oily hair is to get rid of the part by sweeping the front section back from temple to temple. Some might be tempted to add volume but it's not always necessary. A gelled half updo with straight lengths has a sharp, non-greasy finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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Boxer Braids
As the experts stated, boxer braids is a brilliant greasy hair hairstyle. Part hair down the center and plait each side into tight braids. Add a bit of hair gel as you go for a sleek (read: not greasy) finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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Root-Concealing Headband
Headbands can be a girl's best friend for concealing greasy roots. Fold a scarf into a headband and you can make it as thick as you need depending on the state of hair. If you need to cover the entire head, do it. Tie hair lengths in a low updo and fasten the scarf at the back of the head for a glam finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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Double Buns
A gelled low bun is a go-to hairstyle for many who don't have time to wash their hair. Play around with the look by parting hair on the side and styling ends into two low buns rather than one. Position the space buns behind each ear for an elegant look. FYI: A dark lipstick does wonders for drawing the eye away from unwashed hair.
Image: Imaxtree
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Zigzag Effect
The zigzag headband made a surprise appearance on the Fall 2018 runways. Take advantage of the throwback style's greasy root-concealing abilities by pairing it with a low twist. The headband is meant to give hair a sleek, separated finish. Given that's what dirty hair tends to do by itself, it all works.
Image: Imaxtree
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Slicked Back
Sometimes all of the dry shampoo in the world isn't going to be enough to boost volume in dirty hair. Don't spritz $5 worth of dry shampoo into locks to try and make a difference. Embrace the flattened finish of unwashed strands with a gelled half updo. Bring the front layers of hair to the back of the head and mist with hairspray, like Living Proof Control Hairspray, $26. It's an on-point look that gets greasy strands off foreheads.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-Center Bun
Sparkly makeup can distract from unwashed hair, but there's no need to rely on tricks. An easy half updo, like this asymmetrical look, can easily conceal greasy roots. Just part hair on the side, twist it behind one ear and pin in place. Voila, a good hair day.
Image: Imaxtree
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Gelled Back
Short-haired women and members of #teambob don't have enough length to rely on updos to camouflage greasy roots. Clipping sections of hair back is a good solution but a simpler alternative is to brush hair back and leave the clips off. Greasy hair tends to have more hold and will stay brushed back, but for extra staying power (and to make the look intentional), apply a gel to roots, like Redken Hardwear 16 Sculpting Gel, $19.50.
Image: Imaxtree
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Split Braids
Boxer braids are being embraced whether hair is dirty or clean. Switch up the greasy hair hairstyle by splitting each braid into two halfway through each plait. The unique detail gives the eye somewhere to focus besides roots.
Image: Imaxtree
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Put a Headband On
Having a selection of headbands to handle no-wash days is a smart move. Different placements will keep the look fresh. Try a thick headband placed slightly off center and over the ears. Tuck the rest of hair into an updo. Greasy roots? What greasy roots?
Image: Imaxtree
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Braid and Twist
Adding texture to a look helps offset the plastered effect of day two (or three) hair. Braids are an easy way to boost volume. Take things to the next level by styling hair in boxer braids then twisting lengths back around themselves. Finish by pinning the pieces at the back of the head. The 'do has body and draws the eye to the less greasy back of the head. Clever.
Image: Imaxtree
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Sculpted Pony
All it takes is some hair product to turn oily hair into a sophisticated wet-look hairstyle. Liberally apply gel to strands then sculpt locks into a retro-inspired wave on the side of the head. Secure the ends in a low ponytail. Bonus: The style helps tame frizzy ends.
Image: Imaxtree
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Cute Kerchief
There are lots of ways to fold a hair scarf besides a headband. One popular style from the Spring 2018 runways was a kerchief. A patterned kerchief securely fastened under the chin has major Old Hollywood vibes and conceals did-not-have-time-to-wash-my-hair roots.
Image: Imaxtree
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Behemoth Barrette
Like headbands, hair clips draw the eye away from greasy roots. The larger the hair accessory, the stronger the impact. Try a big barrette fastened to a wet-look half updo. People will be looking at the hair accessory as opposed to unwashed roots.
Image: Imaxtree
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Tipsy Topknot
A shellacked topknot disguises unwashed hair with its intentionally sleek finish. Make the hairstyle even better by bringing the bun forward and to the side so it sits on top of a particularly greasy patch. Try Paul Mitchell Firm Style Super Clean Sculpting Gel, $20, for plenty of hold.
Image: Imaxtree
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Double Twist
Headbands will not let you down when you want dirty hair to look fresh. Even a thinner headband can distract from greasy parts. For the freshest look, pop the band on the front of the head and tease the back. Coil the ends into two twists. It's a more striking look than pigtails.
Image: Imaxtree
