Whether you're committed to a tedious "shower-all" routine or not, washing your hair every day can be exhausting . If you like to wash your hair less often, having a few easy hairstyles in your arsenal to deal with greasy hair is a huge win.
From curly and frizzy textures that require fewer wash days, to ultra-fine strands that get greasy in a day or two, second-day hair has the grit to make it easier to create more complex styles.
"Greasy hair can definitely be a challenge, but there are several hairstyles that work well with this problem and can even make your oily hair look intentional," celebrity stylist and Sun Bum hair expert Laura Polko tells Bustle.
Need some easy inspiration for your dirty hair days? Below, Porco shares four easy hairstyles for hiding oily roots, as well as the telltale signs of when your strands need to be washed.
4 Easy Hairstyles for Greasy Hair
sleek ponytail
The effortless look has been worn by countless celebrities including Margot Robbie and Florence Pugh, and the sleek ponytail also happens to be a rising trend on TikTok, Its related hashtags have been viewed more than 360 million times.
Polko shares an easy way to create a flattering look: "One of my favorite hairstyles for greasy hair is a slicked-back pony. The natural oils make your hair easier to manage and hold it tight when pulled [ Gives hair shine when styling].”
"Comb your hair back until it's smooth and bump-free, then tie it into a high or low ponytail, depending on your preference, and secure it tightly," says Porco. "Use a few products to get rid of any flyaways." She recommends a cocktail of Sun Bum Texturizing Surf Paste mixed with your favorite leave-in conditioner.
"Use an oil mist to style and give your strands an effortless shine. It also helps restore moisture to the ends, which tend to get greasy at the roots and dry at the ends the next day."
sleek ballerina bun
"Another favorite of mine is low ballerina buns," Porco said. Whether it's trendy, messy, or with Y2K spikes, chic buns are always on trend. what else? "It keeps your hair away from your face and draws attention to the oiliness."
Similar to the slicked-back pony, the first step to a face-grabbing bun is to smooth your strands, tie your hair into a ponytail, and secure with a hair tie. The next step for Polco is to twist the pony into a tight bun and secure it with a hair tie or bobby pins.
Hairspray or hair cream is best for keeping those pesky flyaways away throughout the day, and a little hairspray can give you extra hold.
If you want to add a romantic touch, Polko recommends pulling out some face-framing strands for an effortless look. "
shiny braids
From Selena Gomez's casual braids to the extra-long rope braids worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian, braids are undeniably chic.
bonus? This is the perfect hairstyle for dirty hair. "Another hairstyle I often create with greasy hair is a slick braid," Porco points out. "Braids help hide any oiliness while making your hair look structured and elegant."
As for her steps? "Create a section in the middle or sides of your hair, depending on your preference, and apply a small amount of gel to the roots and lengths of your hair," she shares.
After your hair is smoothed, divide it into three equal sections and begin braiding, Porco says. "Once done [and] secured, finish the style with a mist of hairspray to keep everything in place. For a relaxed look, use your fingers to gently pull on the sides of the braid to loosen it and add a little texture."
As for anything you don’t want to fly? Porco allows more gel to be used to smooth them out.
"Wet" hair moment
This bold choice was not only a popular hairstyle at the S/S '24 shows at New York Fashion Week in September 2023, but was also recently worn by Rihanna? A sleek, alluring wet hair style with shimmering shine that will make you look like you just emerged from the ocean.
Kendall Dorsey, the celebrity stylist behind Rihanna's latest look, previously shared with Bustle how to achieve her siren-like glamour. "To get the wet look, I used Color Wow Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish, a styling and oil treatment that gives a wet look while preventing frizz, and Color Wow Shook Spray, which Defines curls and gives them a hydrated, shiny look," explains Dorsey.
in other words? This style is the perfect excuse to soak your strands in the ultra-hydrating formula as a last-ditch effort before your next wash.
When should you wash your hair?
While dirty hair days are indeed the perfect time to try out unique updos and slicked-back textures, sometimes, you just need to stop and give your strands a good clean. Porco shares some tell-tale signs that tell you when it's time to give your hair a new look.
Itchy scalp
"Scalp discomfort may be a sign of excess oil buildup," Porco explains. As for itching? This may be one of the easier to identify signs that your hair needs some TLC.
Obvious product accumulation
Natural oils don’t just accumulate on your scalp during cleansing. The products you use stay, too. "When your hair has visible residue from products like hairspray and dry shampoo, it's time to wash it."
As for her pro tips for deep cleansing your hair and scalp? "To help relieve buildup, I recommend using a scalp scrub like the Sun Bum Revitalizing Detox Scalp Scrub. [It] gently cleanses and exfoliates the scalp while also helping to break down any buildup, dirt, and excess oil."
Unnecessary knotting
Porco notes that tangled hair that's difficult to tangle also means it's time to lather up, which is another sign that you might need to wash your hair. "If your hair is tangled and tangled and you can't control it, then it's time to wash your hair."
