5 Simple—and Flattering—Ways to Style Unwashed, Greasy Hair

No-shower days have never been chicer.

Daily shampooing—which may seem necessary as the humidity kicks in—is not recommended even during the hotter months of the year. “Washing *too* frequently can lead to stripped, straw-like hair, dried-out scalp, inflammation, and irritation, so let your scalp and hair strands tell you what they need each day,” says Dr Iris Rubin, Dermatologist and Founder of Seen Hair Care. That said, it’s just a matter of time before your parched mane turns greasy if left alone for far too long. 

Sporting oily, greasy strands take courage, and alas, not all hairstyles work well with an unwashed mane. If you skip a hair wash one too many times in the week, we’ve got news for you: hairstyles that hide greasy roots and strands exist, and you need to know about them, pronto. Cosmo got in touch with haircare experts Maleeha Jafferbhoy, Style Director at Jean-Claude Biguine Salons India, and Yuba Khan, Co-Founder of Manetain, to elucidate the many ways you can wear such hair. 

Braid It Up 

Maleeha Jafferbhoy informs that a great way to disguise a greasy scalp is to adorn different kinds of braided hairdos. “Use hair ties in varying hues to secure a bubble braid, pull all your hair to the side and build a side braid, or part your hair in the middle and create an inside-out Dutch braid on either side,” she says. “A side French braid can instantly jazz up greasy strands, too,” adds Yuba Khan. “Brush your hair, gather three equally-sized strands—particularly the oily ones—and weave away.” 

Get Messy

Twist your hair into a loose, messy bun on no-shower days. “The non-labour-intensive, fuss-free hairstyle will seamlessly conceal greasy strands with your hair pulled upward. A textured, messy half-up top knot goes a long way in hiding an oily scalp as well. Separate the top section of your hair and tie it into a ponytail. Next, twist the ponytail into a bun using bobby pins and clips for a loose, somewhat-messy look. Tease the left-out hair from the sides using a comb to make your mane look fuller,” suggests Yuba. Maleeha makes a strong case for sporting a messy ponytail; “the greasy hair makes it easier to don a ponytail. Secure with a scrunchie and leave a few strands out for an undone look,” she puts

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Slick and Sleek 

A slicked-back hairdo will come to the rescue if you’re pressed for time and can’t squeeze in a quick head bath. The loose look will give your strands a super-sleek finish, minus the flyaways. “When the roots and/or crown area is particularly greasy, use a mixture of water and gel on the affected area and push the hair behind the ears. Dry shampoo will help add more volume to your mane—tease it with a comb to make it voluminous,” explains Yuba. 

Clip-On, Band-Up

Embellishing your hair may be just what you need to keep an oily scalp under the wraps. According to Maleeha, headbands and hair turbans are a fabulous way to not only keep greasy strands away from the face but also make a style statement. “You could also consider pulling your hair back and securing it with a bejewelled clip. Use a claw clip to twist your hair into a high or low bun. If all else fails, throw on a beanie, a cap, or a hat, to hide unwashed hair.”

Bun It Up 

Bantu knots—which originated in Southern Africa by the Zulu people—involve creating tiny buns throughout the mane. “It’s a unique alternative for those seeking a fun, protective hairstyle that also hides oily roots. Plus, at the end of the day, you’re left with bouncy curls! Feel free to opt for a brun—a combination of a braid and a bun—another intricate look that requires minimal work,” says Yuba Khan.