Waking up with greasy roots can feel like a setback when you have a busy day ahead. However, excess oil is actually a secret weapon for achieving a high-fashion, polished look.
Natural oils provide the necessary grip and shine for sophisticated updos. Instead of fighting your hair texture, you can embrace it with these 18 Hairstyles for Oily Hair Easy Slicked Braids and Buns.
These styles are designed to be quick, efficient, and incredibly stylish. From professional meetings to casual outings, these looks ensure you stay confident even on your greasiest hair days.
1. The Classic Low Slicked Bun
The classic low bun is the gold standard for managing oily roots. By brushing your hair back firmly, you distribute the natural oils evenly, creating a deliberate “wet look” that appears intentional and chic.
Start by parting your hair down the middle or slicking it straight back with a boar bristle brush. Secure the hair into a tight ponytail at the nape of your neck, then wrap the length into a neat coil.
This style is perfect for professional settings or formal events. The natural sheen of your hair replaces the need for heavy shine sprays, giving you a sleek finish that lasts all day without flyaways.
2. High Sleek Top Knot
A high top knot pulls the focus away from the scalp and creates an instant facelift effect. It is one of the most effective 18 Hairstyles for Oily Hair Easy Slicked Braids and Buns for those with long or medium-length locks.
Flip your head upside down and brush your hair toward the crown of your head. Use a small amount of pomade or hair gel to smooth down any bumps, ensuring the sides and back are completely flat against the scalp.
Once secured into a ponytail, twist the hair until it curls around itself into a compact bun. Secure with a strong elastic and pins to ensure the weight of the hair stays centered and secure.
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Dutch braids are ideal for oily hair because the “inside-out” braiding technique masks greasy roots by incorporating them into a textured pattern. The oil actually helps keep the sections separated and neat during the process.
Section your hair down the center and begin braiding from the hairline toward the back. Because the hair is slicker, you will find that the braid stays tighter and looks more defined than it would on freshly washed hair.
You can leave the ends as pigtails or tuck them under for a more mature look. This style is particularly durable for active days or workouts where you want your hair completely out of your face.
4. Sleek Middle-Part Low Pony
A sharp middle part combined with a low ponytail is a minimalist dream. This look relies heavily on the “slick” factor, making it the perfect solution when your roots are looking a bit too shiny.
Use a fine-tooth comb to create a precise center part before brushing the sides down toward the base of the neck. The natural oils help the hair lay flat against the head, creating a high-fashion silhouette.
To elevate the look, take a small strand of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie. This hides the elastic and makes the entire hairstyle look like it was done by a professional stylist.
5. Braided High Bun
Combining a braid with a bun adds an extra layer of security and visual interest. This style is excellent for very thick hair that might feel too heavy in a standard top knot when oily.
First, secure your hair into a high, slicked-back ponytail at the crown. Once the base is secure and smooth, braid the entire length of the ponytail into a standard three-strand braid and secure the end.
Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to create a textured, rose-like bun. The braid ensures that no loose strands escape, maintaining a clean and polished appearance throughout the entire day.
6. The “Spiky” Y2K Bun
The spiky bun trend is a fantastic way to utilize oily hair because the “spikes” require a certain amount of product or oil to stay stiff. It is a playful and modern take on the traditional slicked-back look.
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This look is intentionally edgy and works best when the hair against the scalp is completely flat and shiny. It is a great way to turn a “bad hair day” into a deliberate fashion statement.
7. Bubble Braid Ponytail
Bubble braids are surprisingly easy and highly effective at managing greasy lengths. The sectioning of the hair helps to break up the appearance of oiliness while keeping everything contained and stylish.
Start with a sleek ponytail, using a brush to smooth the hair against the scalp. Every few inches down the ponytail, add another small elastic and gently pull the hair outward to create a “bubble” effect.
The tension from the elastics keeps the hair from looking limp, which is a common problem with oily hair. This style is youthful, energetic, and takes less than five minutes to complete from start to finish.
8. Slicked Back Rope Twist
A rope twist is a sophisticated alternative to a standard braid and is much easier to execute on hair that has some “grip” from natural oils. It looks intricate but is actually quite simple to master.
Pull the hair into a tight ponytail at your preferred height. Divide the ponytail into two equal sections, twist each section individually to the right, and then wrap them around each other to the left.
The opposing twist directions lock the hair in place, preventing it from unraveling. The result is a glossy, rope-like effect that shines beautifully under any lighting and keeps your hair perfectly controlled.
9. French Braid into Low Bun
A French braid is a classic way to hide oily roots because it weaves the hair from the very front of the hairline. This creates a textured look that disguises any separation caused by grease at the scalp.
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18 Easy simple braided hairstyles for black hair protective styles — Read moreBegin your French braid at the forehead and work your way down to the nape of the neck. Instead of braiding the full length, stop at the base and gather the remaining hair into a small, tight bun.
This hybrid style is perfect for those who want the elegance of a braid with the tidiness of a bun. It provides a romantic yet structured aesthetic that works well for both casual and formal occasions.
10. The Slicked Side-Part Bun
If a middle part doesn’t suit your face shape, a deep side part is an excellent alternative for slicked styles. The asymmetry adds a touch of sophistication and helps cover particularly oily patches near the crown.
Use a comb to create a sharp line starting from the arch of your eyebrow. Slick the hair down and back into a low or mid-height bun, ensuring the part remains clean and visible.
This style is a favorite for red carpets because of its sleek and polished nature. It frames the face beautifully while ensuring that your hair looks intentional rather than unwashed.
11. Triple Twisted Buns
For a more creative look, try dividing your hair into three vertical sections and creating three small buns in a row. This style is fantastic for distributing the weight of heavy, oily hair.
Create three mini ponytails stacked on top of each other down the back of your head. Twist each one into a small “macaroon” bun and secure them firmly with pins or small elastics.
This look mimics a Mohawk silhouette but in a much softer and more approachable way. It is a great conversation starter and effectively hides any greasiness by creating multiple points of visual interest.
12. Fishtail Braid Low Pony
Fishtail braids can sometimes look messy on clean hair, but on oily hair, they look incredibly intricate and sleek. The natural oils help the small strands stay in place without sliding out of the braid.
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The result is a dense, detailed braid that highlights the natural highlights and shine of your hair. It is a more elevated version of a standard braid and looks particularly beautiful on longer hair lengths.
13. Half-Up Slicked Top Knot
If you still want to show off your length but need to hide oily roots, the half-up slicked top knot is the perfect compromise. It focuses on the area where oil is most visible—the top of the head.
Section off the top half of your hair, from the ears up, and brush it into a tight ponytail on the crown. Twist this section into a small bun while leaving the bottom half of your hair flowing freely.
This style allows you to benefit from the “slick” look at the crown while maintaining a relaxed vibe. It is ideal for those who feel their hair looks too flat when fully tied back.
14. Wrapped Ballerina Bun
The ballerina bun is the ultimate “clean girl” aesthetic look. It requires a perfectly smooth base, which is much easier to achieve when your hair has a bit of natural oil to help it lay flat.
Secure your hair into a mid-height ponytail and use a donut-shaper or simply roll the hair around the base. The key is to ensure there are no lumps or bumps along the scalp for a truly professional finish.
Finish the look by spraying a bit of light hairspray or using a tiny amount of gel to smooth down any baby hairs. This creates a timeless, elegant silhouette that works for any occasion.
15. The Slicked Back Wet Look Braid
This style leans into the “wet look” trend by using the oil to your advantage. It involves a single, tight braid that starts from the very front of the head and goes all the way down the back.
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Because the hair is slicked back, the braid will appear very defined and glossy. This is a powerful, modern look that suggests confidence and high-fashion sensibility while keeping hair completely controlled.
16. Double Twisted Low Buns
Space buns don’t always have to be high on the head; low space buns offer a more understated and chic version of the trend. They are particularly good for masking oil at the nape of the neck.
Part your hair down the center and create two low ponytails. Twist each ponytail tightly until it buckles, then wrap it into a small, neat bun at the base of your skull.
This style is symmetrical and balanced, providing a clean look from both the front and the back. It is a playful yet sophisticated way to manage second or third-day hair with ease.
17. Reverse French Braid Bun
The reverse French braid starts at the nape of the neck and moves upward toward the crown. This is a brilliant way to hide oiliness at the back of the head while adding a unique element to a bun.
Flip your head over and begin French braiding from the neck toward the crown of your head. Once you reach the top, gather the rest of the hair and the end of the braid into a high bun.
This look is surprising and intricate, making it appear as though you spent a long time on your hair. In reality, the oil in your hair makes the braiding process much smoother and faster.
18. The “Slicked and Tucked” Chignon
A chignon is a more relaxed, folded version of a bun that looks incredibly classy. When your hair is oily, the fold stays in place much better, allowing for a structured yet soft appearance.
Create a low ponytail but do not pull the hair all the way through the elastic on the last loop. This creates a small “pouch” or loop of hair that you can then pin and adjust for volume.
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How do I make my hair look intentional rather than greasy?
The key to making oily hair look intentional is the “slicked” factor. Use a boar bristle brush to ensure every strand is perfectly flat and aligned, which mimics the look of high-end styling products used for “wet look” trends.
What tools are best for these hairstyles?
A fine-tooth comb is essential for creating sharp parts, while a boar bristle brush is best for smoothing the hair against the scalp. You may also want a high-quality hair gel or wax to finish the look and tame flyaways.
Can I do these styles if I have short hair?
Many of these styles, such as the sleek middle-part low pony or the slicked-back wet look, work beautifully on shorter hair. For bobs or pixies, focus on the slicked-back elements and use pins to secure shorter layers.
Will these styles damage my hair if it’s oily?
Slicked styles are generally safe as long as you do not pull the hair too tight, which can cause tension on the follicles. Ensure you use snag-free elastics and take the hair down gently at the end of the day.
How do I remove the oil and product after wearing these styles?
When you are ready to wash your hair, it is often helpful to apply shampoo to dry hair first if you used heavy products. This helps break down the oils and gel more effectively before you rinse and do a second thorough wash.
Are these styles appropriate for a professional work environment?
Absolutely. Slicked-back buns and braids are considered very professional and polished. They keep the hair away from the face and create a clean, organized appearance that is perfect for any office or corporate setting.