Greasy hair is totally normal within moderation, but it doesn't exactly make you feel your best. But as much as we adore dry shampoo (thank you hair Gods), if you're trying to cut back your use, there are lots of other ways to disguise your Snape-like tresses. If you're looking for a quick fix for hiding oily roots, we've got you (besides helping you track down the very best shampoo for greasy hair).
Whether you want an extra 30 minutes in bed or just fancy giving your strands a break from all that washing, there are plenty of choices for disguising oily locks. From something as simple as switching up your hair parting to a more intricate style like the halo braid, there are a lot of options. Trust us.
So, if you need a little inspiration, let me introduce you to 12 of the easiest ways to hide oily roots (without the faff of washing your strands)...
1. Get clippy
Hide greasy hair days by styling it out with a bunch of cute clips. Whether you opt for a side or centre parting, adding a couple of slides can instantly make 'slicked down' hair look totally intentional. Spritz the mid-lengths to ends of your hair with a dry texturising spray and the extra volume will disguise any dirtiness.
2. Try a sporty headband
Wide headbands had their moment in the early 2000s, but now, they’re back thanks to the likes of Bella Hadid. It’s a super simple way to look cute on lazy hair days, as it covers most of the root.
Whether you pull your hair back into a ponytail or keep the ends down, finish with a wide headband to give the illusion of a polished, thoughtful style.
3. Add extra height to your crown
If you want to counter flat, greasy roots, use a clip to pull back the top section and then mist with hairspray. Leave it up whilst you're getting ready (for at least 10 mins), then take the hair down and run your fingers through the strands to separate. It'll help cheat extra height and lift roots, giving the appearance of fresher hair.
4. Hey 'hun' 👋
The half-up bun (aka, the hun), was made for can't-be-bothered-to-wash-your-hair days. Prep strands with a dry shampoo to add volume and thickness, then section off the top part and pull it back into a messy topknot. Secure with a few pins, then gently tug at strands to loosen the style and give an 'undone' finish.
5. Greasy hair? No! Wet hair
NGL, wet look hair can be hard for us regular folk to pull off. Most have attempted it at least once in their life, only to bottle it when they realised the look was more Nicholas Cage in Con Air than Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala. But if you’re feeling brave, slather on a generous helping of hair oil (on top of already greasy roots) and tuck the lengths behind your ears. Complete the ‘do with a styling paste to tame any pesky flyaways. Sleek, intentional and high-fashion.
6. Become a ‘model-off-duty’
The slick back bun is the ‘clean girl’ solution to hiding a sweaty scalp; it’s the hairstyle all the models wear when off duty! The natural oils in your hair will give you a bit of grit to work with, so, little-to-no product is needed. Top tip: Use a firm bristle brush for an even finish and tame flyaways with a styling gel.
Andrew Fitzsimons Repair Leave-in Conditioner for Damaged Hair
Andrew Fitzsimons Prism Shine Hair Spray Smoothing Mist
7. Embrace the beachy wave
Textured, wavy hair is the best way to hide greasy roots. Embrace this by spritzing your strands with a wave spray; it'll give you messy, dishevelled cool-girl hair with zero effort.
8. Claw clips are everything
Invest in a couple of claw clips, and trust me, your oily hair struggles will be over. Whip your hair up into a twist, fasten it into a bun, or pull half of it up into a clip. The added height and texture at your roots will hide any oiliness, instantly.
9. Switch to a side parting
Parting hair down the centre can leave the roots looking a bit flat - a no-no if you've got greasy hair as it'll emphasise the dirtiness. Opt for a deep side parting instead and your hair will instantly look thicker, plus it'll hide any straggly-ness.
10. A halo braid will help
Plaiting hair along the top of your head into a halo will act as the perfect cover for dirty roots. Pull out a few strands around your hairline to soften the style, and you're all set.
11. Channel your inner Blair Waldorf
Let's be honest, our Gossip Girl fave would never get caught with greasy hair, but we can't all be as on it as B. We can all steal her signature hair accessory though... Yep, a humble headband offers the perfect disguise on greasy hair days.
12. Tame that cowlick
Unwashed hair tends to emphasise any kinks and curls, particularly cowlicks, as the hair clumps together. Here's the best way to fight the flick...
13. Parting plaits = greasy fringe disguiser
Twin braids are an easy option if you need to hide an oily fringe. Braid from the parting along the hairline, and then tease the plaits to loosen and give a softer vibe. Pretty and practical.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
