We’ve all had those lazy days when we simply don’t want to shower or bother with styling, and we’d prefer to walk around in just our comfiest sweats and a scrunchie. But just because your hair is greasy or unwashed doesn’t mean you’re destined for a bad hair day. In fact, hair that hasn’t been washed in a few days can often hold a style way better than freshly washed locks. Also, while it might sound counterintuitive, over-washing can lead to even greasier hair, while cutting down on washes actually trains your scalp to produce fewer oils.
While you could use a dry shampoo, like IGK HAIR’s First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo, for a fresh start, we’ve compiled a few easy hairstyles that are perfect for first-, second-, and third-day hair. Whether you want to rock a topknot or a simple braid, check out our quick fixes for dirty-girl hair days with these cute and easy styles for greasy hair:
First-Day Dirty-Hair Look: A Classic Half-Up, Half-Down
A half-up, half-down look is a classic go-to for a reason: It disguises oily roots, makes frizzy layers look romantically unkempt, amps up your volume, and manages to look polished and sophisticated at the same time. On top of that, it takes little to no effort to look this good.
All you need to create this look is some texturizing spray, like CAKE BEAUTY's The Wavemaker Texturizing Beach Spray. It’s a body-building formula that instantly creates massive texture and beachy waves without drying out your hair. The secret ingredient? Sugar, a natural humectant that gives your hair body and bounce without stripping, so you can be sure your hair will stay glossy and hydrated.
To further fight frizz and define your curls, use a curling iron, like SLEEK’E HAIR’s Tourmaline Curling Wand, to create soft, multidimensional waves or ringlets; the negative ionic technology in this curling iron’s barrel keeps hair from frizzing and protects it from damage. Simply curl your hair in small sections, alternating directions as you go. Then, flip your hair and run your fingers through it for extra volume. Voila! Bedhead with a flourish.
Next, add some texturizing spray and pull half of your hair up and away from your face, securing it in a ponytail at the back of your head. For an added twist, braid a small section of the hair hanging out of your ponytail, wrap it around your hair tie, and secure it with a bobby pin. Aside from being quick and easy, this is such a cute style that nobody will even notice your hair is greasy.
Second-Day Dirty-Hair Look: An Angelic Double-Halo Braid
Is your second-day look starting to look flat and tired? Not to worry—revitalize limp hair with this elegant, soft glam updo.
If you find your hair is prone to tangles, spritz ANDALOU NATURALS’ Exotic Marula Oil Silky Smooth Detangling Spray across your hair. This nourishing hairspray uses a fruit cell complex and nourishing antioxidants to tame frizz and boost shine so you can style without worry.
Start the style by parting your hair and brushing out your curls. Create two low ponytails, and braid your hair below each hair tie, alternating braid styles if you like. Pull a chunk of your hair toward the front of your head to make a smaller braid. While you’re at it, pull some hair free around your temples to create romantic wisps that frame your face.
Now, lift each of the bigger braids up onto your head, crossing them over each other. Pin them in place with FOXYBAE’s Big Primpin Bobby Pin Tin, then intertwine the smaller braid through the center. Finally, feel free to cut out the hair ties that were holding the two ponies in place. With this look, you’re bound to stand out from the crowd!
Third-Day Dirty-Hair Look: A Cute Braided Ponytail
If your hair is feeling extra greasy or stringy by your third day without a wash, opt for a dry shampoo mist like R + CO Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist. This lightweight spray won't weigh your hair down, and its micellar-based formula will clean your hair and scalp without leaving a powdery residue for a lifting, volumizing clean.
After parting your hair down the middle, take a small section of hair and create a three-strand braid on one side, stopping at the middle of your head. Then, pull all your hair into a medium-high ponytail. Below the hair tie, continue the braid you started, but this time, turn it into a fishtail braid. Pull it apart for extra fullness and texture. Feel free to wrap a strand of hair around your hair tie to conceal it.
For especially greasy hair, feel free to add a hat or a cute patterned headband or head wrap, like PINK PEWTER’s Maxine Head Wrap. And there you have it—an easy, cute look that camouflages oiliness while taming flyaways.
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