34 Hairstyles to Wear With Dirty Hair (When Washing Isn't Going to Happen)

Bedhead Bun

Turn your bedhead into a chic bun. A hint of product will hide any lingering grease, and pulling out a few face-framing pieces will help maintain that undone feel.

Celebrity stylist Gina Rivera recommends braids, topknots, buns, and ponytails as go-to hairstyles for second-day hair. "If hair is dirty, these styles will tend to hold longer because second-day hair is not as soft as when you first wash and dry it. Hair that is less soft is also less likely to lose its hold or slip out of place," she says.

Accessorized Braid

Braids add enough texture to your hair to disguise grease and they're a great way to keep hair off your face when you just can't. Add a few barrettes to mask how dirty your roots are– no one will be able to tell, we promise.

Tousled French Twist

"Decorative head wraps and large decorative headbands will help to hide any birds’ nests, oil slicks, [and] frizz happening behind them," says hairstylist, Whitney White.

A smooth French twist on shiny, clean hair can feel a bit too prim and proper. Instead, work with the natural texture you get with day-three hair, and sweep it over into a slightly undone twist.

Twisted Low Bun

Simply pulling your hair back when it isn't at its best may be the oldest trick in the book, but only because it is so effective. However, this look ups the ante by twisting two sections of a low ponytail, then pinning them back up into the nape of the neck for a funnel cake-type look.

White recommends the low bun as an easy and chic hairstyle for dirty hair. "It can be achieved on both dry coily hair and oily straight hair," she says, "There are also many different variations on the look, but just be sure you don’t style it too tightly so that you don’t sacrifice the health of your hair—this is where proper products and tools will be your friend."

'60s Half Pony

This sleek, tight half ponytail is given the perfect amount of retro flare with flipped-out ends. Use a flat iron and gradually tilt upwards as you get to the ends to recreate the look.

Space Buns

A dirty hair day is no match for space buns, especially if you're sporting curly hair. Make them oversized for a more playful vibe (and to conceal oily ends).

Half Space Buns

Coarse, curly hair doesn't necessarily need dry shampoo, especially as this hair type tends to be drier and therefore only requires about one wash per week. However, vlogger Bianca Renee found that IGK's Jet Lag ($32) and First Class Dry Shampoo ($32) gave her already voluminous curls mega volume at the root (watch the video and see the difference for yourself).

Boost your own roots with a few spritzes, then part the hair down the middle and gather buns on either side of the part just at the top of the head while leaving out the bulk of the hair around the face and on the bottom half of the head.

Sleek Ponytail

Dry shampoo can be a godsend for silk-pressed hair, but rather than trying to hide that oily sheen we get when our hair is dirty, this style proves that it can look sleek—not greasy. Fight the urge and opt to work with the oil, which will make it easier to form into an architectural ponytail like this one. The result is chic, sleek, and extremely flattering.

Half-Bun

For this look, start with a little dry shampoo beforehand. Then, use the tips of your fingers and begin to massage it in– this will help to more evenly distribute the product throughout your roots.

Once you've thoroughly massaged the dry shampoo in, let it sit for three to five minutes. This gives the dry shampoo time to absorb the sweat and sebum. After the brief wait period, style by gathering the top layer of hair into a messy knot. Tie it at the crown of your head (where it is most oily) to fake volume.

Accessories

Sometimes, adding a barrette or pin can not only distract from your dirty hair but can also help give it some volume. Use your fingers to loosely pull back half of your hair and secure it with a pretty barrette or metal accessory.

Luckily, day-two hair is often easier to work with, especially if you naturally have fine hair. "On day two, the hair tends to have a bit more volume and texture," Rivera explains. "This is especially true if products are used the day before which makes styling quicker." Bonus points for easier styling as there's a good chance that if you don't have time to wash, then you don't have time for an elaborate (and time-consuming) hairstyle.

Sleek and Free

Slicked-back hair isn't only appropriate for ponytails, particularly if you're getting ready for a night out. Just brush and slick down with a layer of your favorite loose-hold pomade. If necessary, you can straighten after brushing, just don't brush through again once things are slick—it'll show up as little lines.

"A good smoothing boar brush is also key for getting your hair as smooth and sleek as possible," White says in response to getting the most from your second-day hair. We recommend using a boar bristle brush when prepping your hair for this look to evenly distribute the natural oils in your hair from roots to tips. This acts as a conditioning agent for shinier, sleeker hair.

Bubble Braid

Bubble braids give all the Princess Jasmine vibes. The best part? The style is so easy to achieve. After creating a ponytail, mark off even sections with a hair tie (or pieces of fabric, like in the photo above) until you get to the ends.

Topknot With Face-Framing Pieces

A little extra grease on your roots will actually serve you well with this style. Gather your hair into a ponytail at the top of your head, leaving out two small pieces on either side of the face (a rat tail comb will help you expertly separate the pieces). Then, secure with a bungee elastic (they hold a much tighter ponytail than a regular hair tie) and twist the ponytail into a topknot, securing it with bobby pins. "You definitely need bobby pins; you can never have enough bobby pins," White recommends.

Accessorized High Side Pony

A '90s-esque high pony worn off to the side with snap clips gives all the nostalgic feels. To achieve this simple look, simply gather your hair into a high pony. But, instead of centering it, gather the hair slightly to the right or left of where a center part would lay depending on your preferred look. Just be sure not to position the pony too far forward on your head.

Once you're happy with the position and your hair is secured with a band, reach for your favorite accessories. We recommend snap clips to pin back pesky strands of hair that won't stay put. Go with bold, bright, or sparkly clips to make a statement, or keep the look reserved with natural colors and tortoiseshell patterns.

Dutch Braids

To achieve this look, simply part your hair in the middle and create an inside-out French braid down both sides. And don't worry—any mess will look intentional.

Low Pigtails

Slicked-back low pigtails and beautifully laid edges? Yes, please.

Pull off the look by combing your hair into a side part and securing each pigtail at the nape of your neck. Use hair gel or pomade for sleek strands that scream off-duty supermodel. Then call in a product like Creme of Nature Argan Oil ($5) and use an edge tamer to slay your baby hairs.

Pinned Back

Embrace the grease and slick back your style, creating a deep side part that's pinned back with several bobby pins on the side with less hair. Use a curling iron to wave out the opposite side, and your unwashed hair will look like a red-carpet moment.

Headband Tuck

This one is easy, particularly if you have thin hair. Just place a stretchy headband on your head around the crown, then roll your hair starting from one side and tuck the rolled hair over and around into the headband. If it falls, use a bobby pin or two to secure it.

Voluminous Ponytail

Dry shampoo has the power to really boost your roots, even when your hair isn't dirty. Use the product to your advantage to help create a super voluminous wavy ponytail by first wrapping small sections around a curling iron to create chic waves, then spritz your roots with it. Tackle your hair in sections, spraying directly onto the roots. You should try to avoid spraying any onto your scalp as it can cause your skin to dry out, resulting in a tight and itchy sensation. If you have darker hair, shop for a dry shampoo that won't leave a white residue behind.

Rivera recommends Moroccan Oil dry shampoos as an excellent go-to for avoiding white residue. She says, "I love the fact they have a dry shampoo for lighter tones as well as darker tones. This is especially beneficial for dark hair as the tone of the hair can be matched as well."

With the dry shampoo properly worked into your hair, fluff up your strands with your fingers, and finally gather it all into a high pony.

Side Braid

For this low-effort style, just start a French braid on one side of your head and let it swoop to the other side, working across.

Twisted Ponytail

Pull back the underside of your hair into a ponytail with an elastic, and separate the top so there's a hole in the middle above the elastic. Flip the ponytail through the hole to create this twisted effect, then cover the elastic with a decorative bow.

Surprise Accessory

How do you jazz up a basic ponytail? With an elegant clip, of course. Snap one right at the top of the ponytail for a little extra flair that will take 0.5 seconds tops.

Slick Back Twisted Ponytail

Braids are usually the go-to when wearing a sleek ponytail, but why not switch it up like Kate Bosworth and opt for a twisted braid instead? If you want even more dramatic volume, you can add in a few extensions to the braid.

1920's-Inspired Bob

Storm Reid's sleek and shiny bob is what second day hair is made for. If you really want to lean in to the 1920s look, add in a black winged liner and a bright red lip.

Slick Back Middle Part

There's no easier (and more chic) hair style than the slick-back, middle-part ponytail. To make sure the flyaways stay at bay, use a wax or pomade stick like the Bed Head Hair Wax Stick ($27).

Half-Up, Half-Down

Half-up, half-down is such a chic style to do on 2-day-old hair and happens to be one of Brager's favorite styles.

"The half up/half down hairstyle is happening everywhere right now and happens to be a perfect option for a second-day style," says Brager, who explains who she created this look for Michelle Monaghan. 

"First, I used Rodan and Field’s Refresh dry shampoo ($39) at the roots and brushed through to absorb oil and add volume. Then I started the style by separating the top section, smoothing it completely back with a boar bristle brush and created a small ponytail and secured it with an elastic band. Next, I used my T3 Switch Kit ($370) which is always in my kit. (1 base & 3 barrel sizes) I use the 1.25 barrel to create loose waves and rake through with a wide tooth comb to finish. I added Rodan and Fields Defrizz oil to smooth the lengths and add shine. Lastly, a light hold hairspray and she was out the door looking hot," says Brager.

Side Part Bob

When your hair is too short to style in an updo or a ponytail, take a cue from Ayo Edebiri's sleek bob. Part your hair to the side, spritz on a bit of oil in your hands and use your palms to slick back your hair and tame any flyaways.

Braided Bun

If you've ever tried a textured look or a messy bun on too-clean hair, you know that it just doesn't fall right. A little grit from two or three-day hair can give a bun more hold and shape. Add braids, and the look goes from a simple bun to a beautifully detailed statement style.

Casual & Cool Bun

When it comes to this chic, ballerina-off-duty look, the messier you can make it, the better. It's easy to replicate, too. First, use a texturizing spray to add body and grit. Then flip your head over, arrange your hair into a high ponytail, and style the strands into a bun. Pull out strands as you go for a little mussed-and-unbothered effect.

Low-Maintenance Chignon

Even duchesses need a day off from washing. To replicate Meghan Markle's hairstyle, start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail. Wrap the ponytail into a bun, tucking the end of the tail underneath the chignon. Pull out a few tendrils of hair to give the style a chic, unstuffy edge.

Bejeweled Bun

Add a little bling to your bun to make it shine—even when it's (technically) dirty. To replicate this glittering hairstyle, pull your hair into a high bun and accessorize it as you wish. You can use a ribbon, a headband, or jeweled hair pins to give your unwashed hair a dazzling effect.

Just Add Glitter

A surefire way to bring some luster to unwashed hair? Just add glitter! In the example shown here, a braided updo looks positively dazzling with flecks of glitter scattered in. Just use gel and hairspray to make the glitter hold.

Tie it Up

There are plenty of stylish ways to wear a headscarf. Why not test one out on your next dirty hair day? In the example shown here, Zendaya wears a bright headscarf with a giant bow in the back. She matched the accessory to a cute, bow-embellished minidress.

Crown Braid

For anyone looking to style a silk press that's a few days old, look to Ciara's goddess-style crown braid for inspiration. To add texture and casual flair, pull a few pieces out as you style the braid.