In a perfect world, we would wake up every morning with flawless, perfectly styled hair. Unfortunately, in Singapore, where sun-soaked days and high humidity are the norm, a girl can only dream. Oily, greasy hair is a common beauty concern here. We’ve all been there—mentally calculating whether today warrants a hair wash based on our busy schedules, from office meetings to weekend plans. This kind of girl math feels tougher than an actual math problem. And on those days, having a few go-to hairstyles up your sleeves might just be a life saviour.
Hair that looks flat and oily can be daunting to work with. But when paired with the right styling products, greasy hair can hold its own just fine. It’s not just about covering up those oily roots—it’s about reviving our mane without making it look like a last-minute fix. We asked make-up artist and hairstylist Rolana Lim how she tackles those tricky in-between wash days. Her answer: strategic product placement. “Rather than applying dry shampoo all over, I focus it only on the crown where volume is needed,” Lim explains. “Then, to bring back a healthy finish, I apply a shine mist or oil like the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil through the mid-lengths and ends.” Her go-to products? Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo paired with Gisou’s signature oil—a perfect combo that keeps the hair feeling fresh without leaving that chalky, powdery residue behind.
So, if you’re struggling with your scalp’s natural oils, fret not; we’ve got you covered. From sleek buns to twisted updos, below, see Lim’s curation of the best hairstyles for greasy hair.
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Elevated slicked back bun
A favourite of top supermodels, the slicked-back bun is the perfect hairstyle for days when your hair has a mind of its own. “I start by brushing the hair tightly into a high ponytail, then twist it into a bun and pin it securely,” Lim says. The secret to keeping it from looking sloppy? A smooth, taut base. For the final touches use a boar bristle brush or some styling gel to tame any flyaways.
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Half-up, half-down bun
Perfect for individuals with shorter or shoulder-length hair, this hairstyle is great for those who want to disguise their oily roots, but still want to show off their tresses.“Pull the top half into a small knot or bun, and let the rest fall naturally,” says Rolana. “To control any flyaways, I use a bit of R+Co Dart Pomade Stick, or spray hairspray onto my fingertips to smooth things down.” It’s the kind of look that says you didn’t try too hard—even if you did.
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Sleek pony braid
Greasy hair, meet your new best friend—the sleek pony braid. This hairstyle is a fuss-free solution that not only embraces your hair’s day-old texture, but turns it into an advantage. “Pull the hair into a low ponytail and braid it straight down. Keep it sleek and tight around the crown—that’s what gives it edge,” Lim advises. Spray a bit of hairspray to achieve that snatched look.
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Twist updo
This retro hairstyle works exceptionally well when you’re dealing with excess oil production at the roots. “Take small sections from either side of the head, twist them back and pin them in place,” Lim suggests. Let a few wisps fall loose at the front to soften the look.
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Half-up, half-down pony
When you want the best of both worlds—hair off your face, but still some movement—go for a half-up ponytail. “Section off the top half and tie it back. You can add volume underneath if you want more lift, or leave the texture natural,” Lim says. This style is a great way to look pulled together without putting in a lot effort.
