Best Hairstyles for Oily Hair Between Wash Days

We've all been there. It's day two (or three...no judgment), your roots are looking a little slick, and you're wondering how to make it through the day without anyone noticing. The good news? Oily hair between wash days doesn't have to mean bad hair days. With the right hairstyles for oily hair and a few clever styling tricks, you can turn greasy roots into your biggest asset.

Whether you're rushing out the door or want a polished look for work, these easy hairstyles for oily hair will keep you looking fresh with no shampoo required.

 

Why Does Hair Get Oily Between Washes?

Before we dive into the styles, it helps to understand what's happening. Your scalp produces natural oils (sebum) to protect and moisturise your hair. Some people produce more than others, and factors like fine hair texture, hormones, humidity, and even over-washing can ramp up oil production. The result is hair that looks flat and greasy faster than you'd like.

The trick isn't to fight your hair's natural oils, it's to work with them. Certain hairstyles actually look better with a little texture and weight, making second-day hair your secret weapon.

 

The Best Hairstyles for Greasy Hair

1. The Sleek Low Bun

Oily hair is naturally more pliable and easier to smooth, which makes it perfect for a sleek, polished low bun. This is one of the most elegant hairstyles between washes because the natural oils actually help you achieve that glass-hair finish without any extra product.

How to do it: Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, smooth any flyaways using our Wax Stick, it's perfect for taming frizz and edges without adding weight or grease then twist into a bun and secure with pins or a hair tie.

2. Braids and Plaits

Braids are arguably the best hairstyles for oily hair. The natural oils give your hair grip and hold, meaning your braid will stay in place all day without slipping. A classic three-strand braid, a French braid, or a fishtail all work beautifully on second-day hair.

Pro tip: Start your braid from the roots to disguise oily sections, and finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock it in. The more textured and intricate the braid, the less noticeable any oiliness will be.

3. Effortless Waves

This might surprise you, but waves are one of the best second-day hairstyles for oily hair. Adding texture and movement draws the eye away from the roots and gives your hair a lived-in, intentional look. The key is to focus the styling on your mid-lengths and ends, leaving the roots alone.

Our Double Waver is a game-changer here, it creates gorgeous uniform waves in minutes, and the added volume and texture make oily roots virtually undetectable. Work through your lengths and ends, and you'll look like you just stepped out of a salon.

4. The High Ponytail

A high ponytail is a classic for a reason. It pulls oily roots up and away, giving the illusion of volume and lift. Slick the hair back tightly from the roots (again, the natural oils help here) and secure high on the head for a chic, polished finish.

Use our Hair Gel Wand to smooth any flyaways and edges for a sleek, editorial look. The precise applicator makes it easy to tame baby hairs without disturbing the rest of your style.

5. Half-Up, Half-Down Styles

Half-up styles are brilliant hairstyles between washes because they conceal the oiliest part of your hair being the crown and roots, while letting the rest of your lengths flow freely. Twist the top section into a small bun, a knot, or a simple half-ponytail for an effortless, put-together look.

 

Styling Tips to Make Oily Hair Look Its Best

Brush From Roots to Ends

Before styling, use our Styling Brush to distribute the oils from your roots through to your ends. This not only makes your hair look less greasy at the roots but also adds natural shine and condition to your lengths, a win-win.

Focus Heat Styling on the Ends

When using hot tools between washes, focus on your mid-lengths and ends rather than your roots. This adds texture and movement where you want it without drawing attention to oily sections.

Embrace the Texture

Second-day hair has a natural texture and grip that freshly washed hair simply doesn't. Lean into it! braids, twists, and up-dos will hold better and last longer on hair that has a little natural oil in it.

 

How to Extend Your Wash Days Even Further

The goal for many people with oily hair is to stretch wash days as long as possible, not just for convenience, but because over-washing can actually stimulate more oil production, creating a cycle that's hard to break.

A few strategies that help:

• Use dry shampoo at the roots: before bed on wash day, so it absorbs oil overnight and you wake up with fresher-looking hair.
• Avoid touching your hair throughout the day: the oils from your hands transfer directly to your strands.
• Style with purpose: the hairstyles above are designed to work with your hair's natural state, not against it.
  

 

Your Oily Hair, Sorted

Oily hair between wash days is something almost everyone deals with and with the right hairstyles for greasy hair in your toolkit, it genuinely doesn't have to be a problem. From sleek buns to effortless waves, there's a style here for every occasion and every level of effort.

The secret is having the right tools to make it easy. Whether you're reaching for the Wax Stick to smooth flyaways, the Hair Gel Wand for sleek edges, or the Double Waver to add gorgeous texture, Mermade Hair has everything you need to look polished on any hair day.

Ready to upgrade your between-wash styling routine? Shop the full Mermade Hair collection and find your new favourite tools.