18 Hairstyles for Greasy Hair No Slick Back Using Braids

Greasy hair often feels like a styling nightmare. You want to hide the oil without looking like you used a tub of gel.

Slicked-back styles are popular but not for everyone. Sometimes you want texture and volume instead of a flat, shiny look.

Braids are the perfect solution for second or third-day hair. They hide oily roots and create beautiful, dimensional patterns.

These eighteen styles focus on volume and texture. No slick-back required to look polished and fresh today.

1. Messy Dutch Side Braid

The Dutch braid is the reverse of a French braid, creating a 3D effect that sits on top of the hair. This added height is perfect for disguising greasy roots by providing natural lift.

By positioning the braid to the side, you shift the focal point away from the scalp. Pulling the loops apart creates a “pancaked” look that mimics thick, voluminous hair despite the oil.

To finish this style, leave a few tendrils out around the face to soften the look. This ensures the style feels lived-in and intentional rather than tight or severe.

2. Boho Halo Braid

A halo braid wraps around the crown of the head, acting as a natural headband. This placement covers the areas where grease is most visible while adding an elegant, romantic touch.

Keep the braid loose and slightly undone to avoid the slicked-down aesthetic. The texture of the braid breaks up the flat appearance of oily strands, making them look like part of a complex design.

Secure the ends with bobby pins tucked under the braid. Gently tug at the crown to add a bit of “poof” so the hair doesn’t lie flat against the skull.

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3. Textured French Braid Pigtails

While pigtails can sometimes look too tight, a textured version is ideal for hiding greasy patches. The crisscross pattern of the French braid effectively masks the scalp’s shine.

The key to avoiding the slick look is to avoid using a fine-tooth comb. Use your fingers to section the hair, which maintains a natural, slightly messy volume at the roots.

Once the braids are secured, use your thumbs to pull the sections outward. This creates a wide, airy silhouette that looks fresh and disguises any lankiness in the hair.

4. Loosely Braided Low Ponytail

This style combines the security of a ponytail with the disguising power of a braid. By braiding the hair before securing it at the nape, you create surface interest.

Focus on keeping the top of the hair loose and airy. You can even use a bit of texture spray or dry shampoo to ensure the roots have some “grip” and height.

The braid itself should be relaxed. This style works well because the oil in the hair actually helps the braid stay together without flyaways, looking deliberate rather than dirty.

5. Waterfall Braid with Texture

A waterfall braid allows you to keep your hair down while still incorporating a braided element. The braid runs horizontally, drawing the eye across the head rather than toward the roots.

This style is excellent for masking oil because the braided section “traps” the hair that is usually the flattest. The cascading strands add movement that distracts from any lack of volume.

Pair this with some sea salt spray on the ends. The contrast between the structured braid and the textured lengths creates a balanced look that thrives on second-day hair.

6. Pancaked Fishtail Braid

Fishtail braids involve many small sections, which is perfect for breaking up the “clumping” often seen in greasy hair. The intricate pattern provides a matte appearance to the hair.

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“Pancaking” refers to pulling the edges of the braid out to make it look flat and wide. This maximizes the surface area of the braid, hiding the most problematic parts of the hair.

Avoid pulling the hair too tight at the beginning of the braid. A bit of slack at the base of the neck ensures the style looks effortless and voluminous.

7. Pull-Through Side Braid

A pull-through braid isn’t technically a braid but a series of linked ponytails. This structure is incredibly effective at creating massive volume and hiding greasy roots.

Because each section is looped through the next, it creates a bubble-like effect. This hides the natural parting of the hair, which is often where oil is most apparent.

This style is very sturdy and can last all day. It gives the appearance of a very thick, healthy head of hair while completely obscuring any signs of oiliness.

8. Braided Headband with Loose Lengths

Using your own hair to create a headband is a classic trick. By braiding a section from behind the ear and pinning it across the top, you hide the hairline.

The hair behind the braid can be left loose or teased slightly. This prevents the hair from looking slicked back because the braid provides a physical barrier and height.

This is a great option for those who want to keep their hair down. The braid acts as a focal point, making the rest of the hair appear as a supporting feature.

9. Double Dutch Messy Buns

This style involves two Dutch braids that end in loose, voluminous buns. It is a playful way to manage grease while ensuring no part of the hair is slicked down.

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The Dutch braids provide the necessary lift at the scalp. When the braids reach the nape or the crown, they are coiled into messy buns that add further dimension.

Allow some “fuzz” to exist within the buns. The oil in your hair will actually help the buns hold their shape without needing excessive hairspray or pins.

10. Infinity Braid Side Style

The infinity braid uses a figure-eight pattern that creates a very unique texture. This complex weave is excellent at catching light in a way that doesn’t look oily.

Keeping the braid to one side allows you to sweep the hair across the forehead. This sweep adds volume and prevents the flat look associated with greasy roots.

This style looks professional and polished but relies on the “grip” of unwashed hair. It is a sophisticated way to handle a no-wash day without a traditional ponytail.

11. Scarf-Wrapped French Braid

Integrating a silk or cotton scarf into your braid is a brilliant way to hide oil. The fabric adds immediate volume and covers large sections of the hair surface.

Simply weave the scarf in as one of the three strands of a French braid. The colors and patterns of the scarf will be the main attraction, masking any dullness.

This style avoids the slick back by using the scarf to create a fuller, wider braid. It adds a pop of personality while keeping greasy strands tucked away safely.

12. Half-Up Fishtail Crown

A half-up crown focuses on the top half of the head, where oil is most concentrated. Two fishtail braids are brought together at the back to create a textured “nest.”

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By pulling the braids apart, you create a wide band of hair that hides the crown of the head. This area is notoriously difficult to style when greasy, making this a perfect fix.

The bottom half of the hair can be left natural. The presence of the intricate braids makes the slightly unwashed texture of the lower half look like a boho choice.

13. Loose Rope Braid

A rope braid involves twisting two sections of hair around each other. It is simpler than a standard braid but provides a very chunky, textured appearance.

To avoid a slicked look, twist the sections loosely and pull them apart once secured. This creates a thick “rope” that looks matte and full of body.

This style is particularly effective for thick hair that feels heavy when oily. The twist keeps the hair contained while the looseness maintains a soft, approachable silhouette.

14. Four-Strand Textured Braid

Moving from three to four strands adds immediate complexity and width to a braid. The flatter, wider shape of a four-strand braid covers more of the head’s surface.

When hair is greasy, it tends to clump, which actually makes four-strand braiding easier. The sections stay distinct, resulting in a very clean but voluminous pattern.

Pull the edges of the four-strand braid to give it a 2D ribbon effect. This looks incredibly chic and completely hides the “stringy” look of second-day hair.

15. Braided Bangs with Natural Texture

If your fringe or front sections are the main problem, braiding them back into the rest of the hair is a lifesaver. This prevents the hair from hanging flat against the face.

Use a lace braid technique where you only add hair from the hairline side. This creates a “rim” of braid that lifts the hair away from the forehead.

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Ensure the rest of the hair is tousled and not brushed flat. This maintains a cohesive, textured look that looks intentional and stylish regardless of the oil levels.

16. Voluminous Bubble Braid

Bubble braids are excellent for creating the illusion of extreme thickness. By using elastics every few inches and “poofing” the hair between them, you hide the hair’s true state.

Start with a loose section at the top to ensure the roots aren’t pulled tight. This prevents the slicked-back look and keeps the style feeling modern and airy.

The “bubbles” can be made as large as you like. The bigger the bubbles, the more the hair’s oil is hidden within the shadows and folds of the style.

17. Upside Down Braid to Loose Top Knot

This style involves braiding from the nape of the neck upward toward the crown. It provides incredible lift to the back of the head, which can often look flat.

Once the braid reaches the crown, tie it into a loose, messy bun. The key is to keep the bun fluffy rather than tight to maintain a textured appearance.

The upside-down braid acts as a structural support, giving the top knot more “perk.” This style is great for active days when you need your hair out of the way.

18. Snake Braid Accent

A snake braid is a modified three-strand braid where one strand is held taut while the others are pushed up. It creates an “S” shape that looks very intricate.

Using this as an accent on the side of the head draws all the attention to the detail. It breaks up the smooth surface of oily hair with a complex, wavy texture.

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Keep the rest of the hair loose and slightly teased at the roots. The snake braid provides a focal point that suggests a high-effort style, effectively masking the need for a wash.

Why are braids better than buns for greasy hair?

Braids create texture and shadows that mask the shine and clumping associated with oily hair. Unlike buns, which often require hair to be smoothed down, braids allow for “pancaking” and volume, which hides the greasy look more effectively.

Should I use dry shampoo before braiding?

Yes, using dry shampoo before braiding can provide much-needed “grip” and matte texture. It helps the braid stay in place and adds volume at the roots, making it easier to avoid the slicked-back appearance.

How do I make my braids look thicker when my hair is greasy?

The best technique is “pancaking,” which involves gently pulling the outer loops of the braid once it is secured. This flattens and widens the braid, creating the illusion of much thicker, cleaner hair.

Can these styles work for short hair?

Many of these styles, like the braided bangs or the side Dutch braid, work perfectly for short hair. Using smaller sections and securing them with pins allows those with bobs or lobs to enjoy the same benefits.

Will braiding greasy hair cause more oil production?

Braiding itself does not increase oil production, but touching your hair frequently while styling might. Once the braid is set, it actually helps by keeping your hair off your face and preventing you from running your fingers through it.

How do I keep the braids from looking “wet”?

Avoid using gels or heavy pomades. Instead, use texturizing powders or dry shampoos to maintain a matte finish. Loosening the hair at the roots with your fingers will also help prevent a “wet” or slicked-back look.