Giving your scalp a break from daily shampooing is very important, whether you decide to simply wash your hair with conditioner or opt for dry shampoo. However, it’s not always easy to make unwashed hair look fresh and cute.

Check out some of the best hairstyles for unwashed hair. Some work better when you haven’t shampooed in the last 24 hours, others manage to hide the fact that you’re not rocking freshly washed hair in a stylish way. Here are your best options.

1. Keep It Sleek

Using a flat iron is always better for your hair when it has a little oil build-up. You still have to use a good heat protectant, but you can get away with a sleek look easily on the days where you don’t shampoo. You can finish your look with a shine spray if your hair looks dull, but you should also take that a sign that it needs a little more TLC.

2. Try Side Braids

Side Braid Second Day Hairstylesphoto

A single braid is a simple look, but it adds texture to your hair, disguising any grease, which is why it’s one of the best hairstyles for unwashed hair. You’ll need to start with dry shampoo, and after you finish brushing it out of your hair, opt for a side braid. Secure with bobby pins to your preferred side. If you’re dealing with flyaways, a light-hold hairspray should complete your look.

3. Go for a Ponytail

Messy Ponytail For Second Day Hair

A slicked back ponytail is also a very easy way to give your hair a break from shampooing. Use either hair oil or a serum to fight any frizz and secure your ponytail carefully, whether it’s high or low. 

Hair Cuff Ponytail Dirty Hair Styles

You can also go for the messy look, but you’ll need a good volumizing texture spray to really make it work.

4. Get Beachy Waves

Beachy Waves For Second Day Hairphoto

If you don’t have the natural texture for beachy waves, you’ll get much better results if you’re not trying to style them on squeaky clean hair. Your curls will hold much better, which is why this is one of the best hairstyles for unwashed hair. Start with dry shampoo and use a blow dryer at the roots for a bit more volume. Use a 1-inch curling iron, and once you’re done, tousle the hair at your roots with your fingers and finish with a texturizing spray.

5. French Braid a Faux Undercut Look

Faux Undercut Hairstyle

For a more edgy look, you can create a faux undercut hairstyle using French braids. After parting your hair into three sections, one in the center and one for each side, braid each one separately. When you’re done, twist their ends together and secure at the back or over the shoulder. Finish your fresh new look with a shine spray.

6. Roll Your Braids into Buns

Rolled Up Bun For Dirty Hairphoto

One of the best hairstyles for unwashed hair when you have plenty of length also involves braids. After teasing your hair at the crown, part it into three sections at the back, and start braiding the center one at the nape of your neck and the side ones a little higher. When you’re done, roll them upwards and secure with bobby pins.

7. Try the Messy Bun

Messy Bun For Dirty Hair

Simple and quick, a low bun can solve your problem without any complications. Start with dry shampoo, and if you’re lacking texture, use a curling iron with a small barrel on a few random strands. After gathering your hair, twist it to create a low messy bun. Secure it well with bobby pins.

8. Opt for a Quick Top Knot

Top Knot For Dirty Hair

It’s one of the best hairstyles for unwashed hair and you can on your way in two minutes or less. Start with a high ponytail, then create a bun and secure it on your crown with bobby pins. Fight frizz and add a little shine with the right serum.

9. Choose the Faux Braided Crown

Faux Braided Crown For Second Day Hair

A simple way to create a braided crown, this hairstyle will conceal any greasy roots and it will add plenty of style points to your look. After parting your hair down the middle, part the two halves again and you’ll end up with four ponytails secured at the crown. Braid each one, not too tightly, stretch them out a bit, then create a continuous circle with them, before securing and tucking the ends underneath.

10. Try a Side-Swept Chignon

Side Chignonphoto

Definitely one of the best hairstyles for unwashed hair, the side chignon is fast and easy. Use a good styling cream on the ends, then twist your hair in a knot below one of your ears and secure it well with bobby pins.