Greasy roots and no time to wash? You’re not alone. When your scalp’s on day three (or four), the right hairstyle can save the whole look. Sleek buns, braided updos, and slick ponytails don’t just hide oil—they make it look intentional. And if you want your style to actually last, start with a boar-bristle brush to move oil through your strands for a smoother finish.
Most people overlook this: avoid heavy creams and grab a lightweight gel or serum that gives hold without buildup. This one prep step makes a huge difference, especially if you’re stretching a blowout or trying to keep a silk press intact.
From casual styles to looks you can wear out for the night, there are smart, low-effort options that work with oily roots—not against them. Ready to stop stressing your hair and still look put together? Scroll down and pick your next go-to style.
#1 Lazy Half Up Claw Clip Twist
Effortless and quick, this half-up claw clip twist is perfect for medium-length hair that’s starting to look oily. It adds shape and volume at the crown without needing a wash. This claw clip style is best for straight to slightly wavy hair with medium density. Great for round or oval faces, and works well even in humid weather. Downside? Might need re-clipping throughout the day if your strands are very fine or super slippery.
#2 Side Swept Bangs with Greasy Crown Braid
A lifesaver for greasy roots, the crown braid adds lift and hides buildup around the hairline, while the side-swept bangs keep the style flattering. Best for medium to long hair with slight wave or curl. Oval, round, and even heart-shaped faces benefit from this asymmetrical detail. Downside? Braids on super fine hair may need dry texture spray to hold their shape without loosening.
#3 Ponytail with Middle Part for Greasy Days
Sleek and straightforward, this middle part ponytail works wonders for greasy days when you want structure with no fuss. Ideal for straight, fine-to-medium density hair. The parted front creates balance for oval and heart-shaped faces, while the low tension pull keeps things soft. One caveat—be sure to smooth flyaways with a lightweight serum so it stays polished without looking stiff.
#4 Slicked Back Bob with Shine Spray Finish
The slick-back bob is one of the most underrated fixes for oily short hair. With intentional shine spray and a clean comb-back, it transforms grease into a style statement. Works best on fine to medium textures, especially if you’ve got naturally straight hair. Pairs well with oval or angular faces. The key here is not overloading with product or the strands may look wet instead of sleek.
#5 Greasy Hair Half Up Bubble Braid
This half-up bubble braid is great for greasy roots while leaving your ends loose and touchable. The bubbles add volume at the crown and are spaced evenly to draw attention upward. Perfect for long hair with medium density, and best suited for round or longer faces. Easy to dress up or down, though smooth hair textures may need a bit of grip spray to keep bubbles from slipping out.
#6 Messy Bubble Ponytail for Wavy Hair
The bubble ponytail is a clever way to add shape and control to day-three wavy hair. This look keeps volume at the crown and uses spaced elastics to disguise oily scalp zones. Best for thick, medium-to-long lengths. The face-framing pieces soften the look, especially on square and oval faces. Great hold without heat, though finer hair types may need light teasing to achieve fuller “bubbles.”
#7 Double Buns Greasy Gym Hairstyle
Perfect for post-workout days or late hair wash schedules, these double buns tuck away oily roots while keeping volume in the lengths. Ideal for curly or thick hair, this style uses a centered part to balance the shape and distributes bulk evenly. Oval and round faces suit it well. It’s youthful and energetic, but not ideal for thin hair as the buns may look sparse without extensions or teasing.
#8 Blunt Bangs with Low Bun for Greasy Hair
Blunt bangs can be tricky with greasy hair, but paired with a low slicked bun, this look balances the texture beautifully. Best for straight, medium-density hair and great on oval faces. The bun cleans up the sides and crown while the bangs stay sharp and define the face. Be mindful though—bangs can separate or cling if not freshened with dry shampoo or a bit of powder at the roots.
#9 Fine Hair Sleek Claw Clip Sweep
Great for fine hair types, this claw clip sweep hides grease with a low-profile twist while creating structure without pulling too tight. It hugs the scalp with a neat side part and finishes with a clean, sculpted roll at the back. Best for oval or long faces. Lightweight and quick, it’s a go-to when dry shampoo just won’t cut it. Downside: needs light texturizer to stay in place on freshly washed or very slippery strands.
#10 Thick Hair High Twist Ponytail
This high twist ponytail is ideal for thick, wavy hair that’s starting to feel greasy at the roots. The crown is slicked tightly with a clean pull-back while the ends stay free-flowing and voluminous—perfect for adding bounce without looking oily. Works great on round and square face shapes. It’s secure, stylish, and hides scalp buildup, though it can get heavy on dense hair without a strong base wrap or grip.
#11 Polished Low Bun for Thin Hair
Refined and feminine, this low bun is ideal for thinner hair types that get greasy fast. The soft sweep around the sides frames the face gently while adding the illusion of fullness. Especially flattering for oval and narrow faces. The bonus here is that this look disguises oil without needing too much product. Just avoid heavy waxes so you don’t weigh the strands down further.
#12 Top Knot Greasy Hair Updo for Busy Mornings
This top knot is the ultimate no-wash fix—it lifts everything off your face and hides oil in one go. Best for medium to long hair and suits oval or round faces. Works great for dense or naturally straight textures. Quick tip: don’t pull it too tight or you risk tension at the roots, especially if you’re on day four without a wash.
#13 Tucked Slick Bun for Work Days
Clean and composed, this tucked bun gives a business-ready finish that hides oily roots seamlessly. Great for fine to medium-density hair and works beautifully on straight textures. Its low placement makes it comfortable all day, and the sleekness flatters longer face shapes. Might feel too tight if your scalp is sensitive—use a soft brush and pins for comfort.
#14 Top Puff with Claw Clip for Volume
This top puff secured with a claw clip adds lift at the roots—exactly where greasy hair tends to fall flat. Ideal for straight to wavy hair and medium density. Adds structure for square or oval face shapes and keeps your strands off the face. Just make sure to gently tease or use texture spray so the clip holds better and stays put.
#15 Face Framing Curly Tendrils with Messy Bun
Perfect for curly girls battling oily roots, this messy bun with defined tendrils adds structure without needing heat styling. It suits oval and heart face shapes best and thrives on high-density curls. The front tendrils give softness, while the pinned-up texture gives body. Might need a refresher spray or light gel to control frizz around the face.
#16 Cute Loose Braids for Greasy Hair Days
Playful and practical, these loose double braids are ideal for day-three hair. They mask grease while maintaining a cute, soft shape. Works well on medium to long hair with a bit of wave or layered texture. The curtain bangs freshen up the look, especially for round or heart-shaped faces. Just avoid too much product here or you’ll weigh the braids down.
#17 Textured High Ponytail for Armpit Length Hair
Voluminous and bold, this high ponytail is great for armpit-length hair when roots are greasy but you still want lift. The messy texture adds interest and the tousled crown hides oil well. Great for square or longer faces and for naturally thick or wavy hair. It might be a bit heavy if your hair is very dense, so use strong elastics to hold it up comfortably.
#18 Clean Look Low Ponytail with Face Framing
This clean low ponytail with soft face-framing strands gives a romantic finish while managing greasy roots. It flatters oval and heart-shaped faces and works great for long, fine to medium hair. The center part adds structure while the loose tendrils soften the look. Just be cautious with humidity—those tendrils can frizz fast without a touch of cream or serum.
#19 Sleek Low Bun with Middle Part
Sleek and polished, this low bun with a clean middle part is a go-to for taming second or third-day oily roots. Ideal for thick or coarse hair, the slick finish holds product well, giving a refined look with zero frizz. It suits heart and square face shapes. Not ideal for super fine hair as it can look too flat, but perfect for work or dressier settings where you want to look pulled together in minutes.
#20 Sleekout Hairstyle
The Sleekout is all about embracing the grease and turning it into intentional shine. This wet-look finish is ideal for straight bobs or shorter cuts that don’t hold volume easily. It suits longer or angular face shapes and works best with fine hair. Add glossing cream or light gel for definition. It’s edgy and modern, though not the best for humid days—it can shift from slick to stringy without enough product control.
#21 Gleamcut
Clean lines and natural shine define this chin-length blunt bob with micro fringe, making it perfect for greasy hair days. The compact shape hugs the jawline and reflects light, camouflaging oiliness rather than emphasizing it. Ideal for fine to medium-density straight hair, this look flatters oval and heart-shaped faces. The short bangs can be high-maintenance, though—they may separate or flatten easily when oily, so a quick mist of dry shampoo or blotting paper at the hairline helps. Great for anyone who wants edge and elegance in one low-effort cut.
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