Greasy roots happen—especially in a busy U.S. summer when the gym, the school run, and back-to-back meetings stack up. The bright side: a few of the most wearable looks of 2025 actually flourish on a lived in texture. Here are 30 editor-proven ways to repurpose extra oils into polishes, styling guides guided by experts like Jen Atkin, Chris Appleton, Kristin Ess, and tricks you will also find repeated by beauty magazines like Allure and Byrdie. I’ve included the exact file names under each section so you can match the looks quickly when you upload.
Bow-Topknot with Face-Framing Pieces
This high, ribboned topknot is the definition of Easy quick. Hair can be swept up with a Brush and tied into a knot with a Hair tie; a spotted scarf or bow may be placed like a soft Headband, covering as it does any glisten at the crown. Keep two thin tendrils free to soften the jawline–this is REALLY pretty with Glasses, and run a spritz of little dry shampoo all over to lift the hairline. A hint of texture spray keeps the finish a little Messy (in the chic, model-off-duty way), which disguises oily roots even better.
Why it works for oily days
-
The volume on top redirects attention from the scalp.
-
Fabric accessories absorb a bit of excess oil while adding personality.
-
Fast enough to redo at lunch if you’re heading to a for work meeting or school event.
Pro note: If flyaways bother you, smooth only the perimeter with a pea-size of Gel—just the hairline—so the rest stays airy.
Sculpted Caramel Swirl Updo
A sleek, sculpted twist reads “evening” but doubles as a power Work updo. Brush hair backwards Slick and tight and then curl a soft swirl around the bun. The sides are glossy, provided by a boar-bristle brush and then a small touch of Gel, but not greasy. This works beautifully on medium lengths; if your bun needs bulk, tuck in small Extensions (the clip-in kind) and wrap with your natural hair.
Styling tips
-
Part cleanly or brush straight back to elongate the face.
-
Keep the swirl loose so highlights pop and movement remains feminine.
-
Pair with minimalist earrings and a red lip for instant polish for work dinners.
Bubble Ponytail (Sporty Crown Saver)
When time is tight, the bubble pony is your multitask hero—boardroom to Sports practice. Part with a little bit of serum in front, put in a mid-high pony, then put in elastics at every inch or so to form the stripey-bubble appearance. This confines oil on the head and the ends appear free to play and are clean. It’s brilliant on long hair and surprisingly supportive for Thin hair, because the bubbles fake fullness with nothing but Hair ties.
Make it yours
-
Tug each section gently to plump the bubbles.
-
For a school-run vibe for school, tie ribbons over the elastics or weave tiny braids into one bubble.
-
Finish the tail with a drop of glossing oil—only on the ends.
Satin-Scrunchie High Pony with Side Bangs
A high pony with soft Bangs looks bright, awake, and intentionally playful. The hair is friendlier with satin scrunchies and helps cushion against oil transfer. Smooth the crown lightly (no helmet head), secure high, then flip the tail for bounce. If you’re growing out fringe, angle the front pieces like Curtain bangs to skim the brows—flattering on round and oval faces and terrific on Work medium hair days when washing isn’t in the cards.
Styling tips
-
Curl just the ends for a lifted silhouette—keeps attention off the roots.
-
Edge it up for for work by wrapping a strand around the base to hide the scrunchie.
-
Keep a travel dry shampoo in your tote for a lunchtime refresh—one of my non-negotiables after a morning commute.
High Half-Up with Bold Money Pieces
The half pony is a classic greasy-day fixer because it lifts the oiliest zone while letting the rest Hair down. Pull the upper third up into high tie, slightly tease the pony and allow the streaks that frame the face to cascade like insubstantial Curtain bangs. This compensates a Big forehead and provides that going-out power to go out to have dinner. On fine or extra-long hair, a tiny ponytail insert or micro Extensions add oomph without extra heat.
Try it this way
-
Keep the top smooth and the bottom wavy for dimension.
-
If your part looks shiny, zig-zag it with a tail comb.
-
For date night, twist the half pony into a mini bun for a flirty Half up half switch.
Wispy Model-Off-Duty Bun
This airy bun leans into piecey texture so oil reads like intentional sheen. Pick up the hair in handfuls, turn and pin once–and some of it should hang about the face. It is the desk-to-drinks ideal and only takes two minutes at the most. I reach for it after Pilates when there’s no time to shampoo; the secret is embracing controlled Messy texture and keeping sideburn pieces softly waved.
Finish like a pro
-
Smooth only flyaways at the part with Gel on a spoolie; leave the rest undone.
-
Add a mini Claw clip under the bun for hidden support on for short hair or medium lengths.
-
Mist lightly with fragrance hair spray for a fresh-washed impression.
Polished Center-Part Ballerina Bun
When roots are shiny, lean in with a deliberately Slick ballerina bun. Blow dry a clean middle section, brush tresses smoothly back with a boar bristle brush, and twist into a tight coil; conceal the Hair tie by taking a length of hair with you and wrapping a sliver of hair around the bottom and holding in place by a pinch of Gel. The editorial- polish sides work as mirror-finish sides are the perfect to create a Work updo and go to work or to evening out. lf you are troubled by a Big forehead, keep a murmur of hair at the temples or pin micro tendrils softly behind you at the ears to disrupt the clearance. Works best on medium to long lengths; add subtle Extensions if you want more bun volume.
Clean Part, Low Tie + Soft Face Frame
Low, neat, and office-friendly, this style turns second-day texture into structure. Keep the centre piece clean and neat, tame the crown of the hair with a spoonful of a Gel and fix a low pony. Allow the fringes of the front pieces to cascade like soft Curtain bangs to light the eyes–suits most face shapes and is wonderful when you need to rush to work or run errands in a hurry. It is a Work medium hair trick: roots shine purposefully and the lengths are feelable. Tip: spritz dry shampoo only at the part, then use a flat brush to distribute; it keeps lift without dulling shine in Photos.
Single Long Braid with Scrunchie
A classic single plait is the definition of Easy quick—corrals oil at the scalp and keeps lengths tidy for the commute, the school run for school, or weekend Sports. Brush to a more mid-low ponytail and secure with a Hair tie and then braid all the way down; add a scrunchie to soften. Great on long hair and protective for windy days. If your strands slip, mist with lightweight texture spray before you start so the braids hold without crunch.
Minimal Half-Up with Padded Barrette
Half-up is a greasy-crown lifesaver: it lifts the oiliest zone while keeping the rest Hair down and swishy. Fold the upper third and pin in a fancy lined barrette; smooth out at the forehead only, so that too much of it gets ironed. This looks good to work, goes with silk shirts and lends instant body on Thin hair. It’s deliberately easy—a two-minute reset between Zooms. To hold better, tease the crown a little before pinning so that radius has soft bump. That “effortless” curve is what editors love when covering Half up half looks.
Boxer-Style Pigtail Braids
Center-parted, tight, and practical, these Dutch braids finish as twin Pigtails—a style athletes rely on because it stays put through everything. Oil does not have to be a concern since the roots are smooth and shiny, so it is one of the favorites during gym days and festivals in the summer. Easy quick, comfortable on medium lengths, and it is perfect to wear to school or over the weekend Sports. Work a touch of Gel along the part with a spoolie for that glassy finish and zero flyaways.
Micro Topknot, Major Attitude
Shorter lengths can absolutely rock a bun—just keep it tiny and intentionally Slick. Snatch all around, once around and pin mini knot at crown, smooth perimeter with Gel and add a bit of texture to perimeter with the tail to allow some movement. A simple solution to brief hair, of course, as a Work short look with a leather jacket or blazer. If your layers escape, anchor the base with a hidden bobby pin before adding the Hair tie—controlled Messy is the vibe, not chaos.
Sleek Mini Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils
A clean center part and a tight mini bun turn second-day roots into purposeful shine. Slick the crown Brush with boar bristle brush and a pea-size amount of Gel, then twist compact knot and hold with a Hair tie. Keep two long ones that brush along the cheeks so to speak-think of Curtain bangs soft-and it is pretty enough to take into consideration Big forehead. Oversize Glasses make the whole look feel downtown-editor; it’s a fast, polished option for work that reads minimalist and modern.
How to wear it now: Keep the tendrils straight and glossy for meetings; add a little dry texture for dinner to shift the vibe from precise to relaxed.
Micro Topknot, Snatched Hairline
When your wash day moved (again), this micro topknot is Easy quick and chic. Fluff and pile it all in, tame the fringe Neat with Gel, and pull a tight nub at the top-fine when you have short hair, or maximum lengths on a medium that simply won-t stay in a monumental bun. The glossy perimeter looks intentional on camera (thank you, “clean-girl” trend). I reach for this on errand days or after Pilates; it holds through light Sports but still looks refined with a sundress.
Low Twin Buns (Space-Buns, Commuter Edition)
Part down the middle, make two low ponytails, and twist into twin knots. The ending may be somewhat Sloppy–that is its style–and the sloppiest roots are out in the open. Tie sleek Hair ties and spray the part with dry shampoo to get lift. These are both fun and functional when running errands or going to the weekend markets or to drop the kids to school. If you crave extra hold, spiral the tails first, then pin; you get more grip without stiffness.
Ribboned Bubble Pigtails
Bubble Pigtails are basically braids without the braiding—perfect on long hair when you want cute over complicated. Make 2 mid-ponies, then insert elascetics every couple inches and carefully tug to make each bubble “inflated”. Fasten with narrow ribbons issued over the elastics and then tying with a play finish. This style is easy to wear to school, on coffee runs or road trips; it keeps the oil on the head and the lengths look festive. Pro tip: a dot of serum only on the ends keeps the bubbles glossy, not greasy.
Corporate-Ready Slick Pony-to-Braid with Bow
A glassy base with a structured plait is boardroom-meets-ballet. Pull back Slick the hair using a Hair tie, and then make a respectable braid–yes, a braid–though it be ribboned. Seal flyaways with Gel on a spoolie then tie a small bow. It is cut, helmet-less and at home when you need perfect edges and smooth travel through the tail. Works on Work medium hair and longer; add discreet Extensions if you want a fuller plait under a blazer.
Vacation Low Bun with Floral Accent
A sleek low bun plus a blooming accessory is the easiest route to “I planned this” on humid days. Smoothly brush back, coil the bun and pin, the finish has a delicate shine giving the look an editorial feel instead of greasy. Have a flower clip pressed in the side to give it that resort feel- lovely in wispy knits with a print skirt. This one is wonderfully easy and keeps hair off the neck for sunset walks; a touch of Gel at the part and temples ensures the petals, not the roots, steal the show.
Face-Framing Mini Braids with Soft Waves
Two slim face-framing braids along a center part are a clever way to redirect attention from shiny roots while keeping the rest Hair down and beachy. Work a pea-sized Gel just at the section to create a Slick line then plait the front pieces finely and tie them with micro elastics. The plaiting strands work as a fine Headband exposing the face to that of a fine Curtain bangs or simply date night or casual Fridays. It’s easy and Easy quick for medium to long lengths.
Sleek Side Braid for Busy Days
Brush hair back with a touch of Gel and create a deep side part, then form one substantial three-strand braid over the shoulder. The smooth underpart renders oil to appear purposeful and the plait remains tidy during errands and casual Sports. Tie up firmly with a band of thick Hair tie and pull a little to give it width in case of Thin hair. This streamlined look reads professional for work and off-duty chic on weekends—bonus: it holds up beautifully in Photos.
Curly Half-Up with Mini Clips
On curly and for short hair cuts, a crown lift is magic. Roll the best third into a soft Half up half and secure with tiny grips or a mini Claw clip so that the coils are left down to move. The lifted section hides any scalp sheen while keeping edges airy and a touch Messy (in the best way). This is a school-run staple for school and an easy desk-to-dinner fix; smooth baby hairs with a spoolie and Gel for a tidy hairline.
Athletic Dutch Braid Mohawk
A chunky Dutch braid through the center keeps everything controlled from commute to class. Slick the sides Slick with the Gel and braid tightly up to the ends and tie it off with a Hair tie. It is safe to work out and Sports in the open and the chiseled look is Too deliberate Like it is with long or medium length hair. If you want extra length or drama, feed in slim Extensions as you braid.
Low Side Pony with Clean Part (Glasses-Friendly)
A center part and a low side pony telegraph quiet luxury—and play perfectly with Glasses. Make sure to leave the roots Slick with a lightweight Gel then being lower and off to one side so the frame is not crowded. This sleek silhouette flatters a Big forehead, and is great when you need a sleek but effortless style, on Work medium hair days off. Leave the tail smooth or add a loose bend for softness.
Velvet-Tied Slick Braid
For evening or city strolls, pair a glossy base with a long braid and a statement bow. Rake hair back Slick, pin with a Low V. Back pony, two strand braid, seal flyaways with Gel. The ribbon attires the plainest fashion with roots under control and the framework stays against weather and moisture. Lacking length? Clip-in Extensions blend seamlessly into braided styles—an easy way to elevate everyday hair for work dinners or weekend plans.
Low Wrapped Pony with Side Twists
A refined low pony that turns shine into intention. The crown gets Slicked with a boar-bristle brush and some Gel and two fine rope braids enter the bottom. A strand is bound on the Hair tie in an inclusive manner. Great for work on Work medium hair or longer lengths, and an easy way to keep roots controlled while the ends stay soft and swishy.
Clean Girl Low Bun, Weekend Uniform
This minimalist low bun proves that second-day hair can look purposeful with denim and sneakers. Slick the hairline, tuck it all up in a tight knot and use a spoolie to smooth the flyaways with Gel. The result is unfussy, camera-ready, and genuinely Easy quick for coffee runs, school pickups for school, or casual meetings for work.
High Pony with Micro Face Braids
A lifted pony plus two tiny front braids is a Y2K-meets-2025 trick that hides scalp oil and frames the face like soft Curtain bangs. Secure the pony high with a sturdy Hair tie, leave the tail long and glossy (long hair shines here), and define the braids with a dab of Gel so they stay sleek. Cute for concerts, weekend Sports on the sidelines, or nights out—fast, fun, and easy.
Half-Up Topknot with Center Braids
Two mini braids trace the middle part and fall forward while the crown twists into a tiny knot—an effortless Half up half that keeps the oiliest zone lifted. Leave the rest down and straight for contrast. It reads playful in Photos, works on medium to long lengths, and is wonderfully Easy quick when you need polish without a full wash.
Micro Bun + Sunglasses, Street-Polished
A glassy micro bun and narrow Glasses give instant “editor off duty.” Stick-up the sides Slick, curl a small knot and lock the circumference with Gel to make the glow appear intentional. It’s a stealthy Work updo on hot days and a chic fix for work lunches; add small hoops and SPF glow and you’re done.
Runway-Polished High Pony (Wrapped Base)
The red-carpet high pony: ultra-smooth roots, lofty height, and a wrap-around base to hide the Hair tie. Brush up with tension and apply pea-sized Gel to hold and flat iron tail mirror to get the finish. And … don t forget anything extra and dramatic or just long in this style … clip-in Extensions do the trick. It’s powerful, feminine, and perfectly suited to evening events—yet sleek enough for work when paired with sharp tailoring.
Shine isn’t the enemy—it’s a styling asset. The above looks confirm that a brush, pea-size of Gel, solid Hair tie, Claw clip or ribbon in the right place make second-day hairstyles read contemporary and purposeful. Slick buns and bubble ponies to braids fringed with ribbons, there is an Easy quick option on each calendar line work commutes, school drop offs, even the sports at weekends. Make the final touches very personal: Small Curtain bangs in place of balancing a Big forehead, volume techniques in place of Thick hair; allow curly texture to do its own lifting when it does the heavy lifting. Even my busiest mornings now, the mini bun and sunglasses still rescue the day. So what do you think now: what style will you attempt first and what do you use when you have limited time to spare? Drop your tips and questions in the comments—I’m reading and replying.
