30 Beautiful Greasy Hair Hairstyles for Curly Hair

We’ve all been there – waking up to curly hair that’s looking a little too oily, and the clock is ticking before you need to head out the door.

But here’s a secret that seasoned hairstylists have known for years: greasy hair and curls can actually be your styling ally, not your enemy.

The natural oils in your hair provide incredible texture, definition, and hold that freshly washed hair simply can’t match.

This comprehensive guide on 30 Beautiful Greasy Hair Hairstyles for Curly Hair will transform the way you view second-day (or third-day) curls, offering you a diverse range of stunning styles that work with your hair’s natural state rather than against it.

From elegant updos to casual braids, sleek buns to textured ponytails, you’ll discover how to turn what you once considered a bad hair day into your most confident styling moments.

Whether you’re dealing with loose waves or tight coils, these hairstyles are designed to embrace the unique characteristics of greasy curly hair while keeping you looking polished and put-together.

1. The Slicked-Back Low Bun

The slicked-back low bun is a timeless classic that actually benefits from greasy hair, as the natural oils help achieve that coveted sleek appearance without additional products.

This sophisticated style works beautifully for both professional settings and elegant evening events.

• Brush your curly hair straight back using a boar bristle brush, utilizing the natural oils to create a smooth surface.
• Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie.
• Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a bun, securing it with bobby pins.
• Use your fingers to smooth down any flyaways, taking advantage of the grease for a polished finish.

2. The High Puff with Edge Control

The high puff celebrates natural curly texture while strategically using grease to control and define the perimeter of the style.

This versatile look transitions seamlessly from day to night.

• Apply a small amount of edge control or styling gel to your hairline and edges.
• Brush or smooth your hair upward toward the crown of your head.
• Secure the hair with a hair tie or elastic band, positioning it high on your head.
• Allow the curls above the band to form a voluminous puff shape.
• Use the natural oils in your hair to enhance curl definition within the puff itself.
• Smooth your edges with a soft brush for a polished appearance around your face.

3. The Side-Swept Glamour Waves

Side-swept waves transform greasy curls into old Hollywood glamour, using the hair’s natural oils to create definition and shine.

This romantic style is perfect for special occasions or date nights.

• Create a deep side part in your hair, positioning it about two inches from your natural part.
• Apply the natural oils from your roots through the lengths by gently scrunching your curls.
• Sweep all your hair to one side and secure it behind your ear with bobby pins.
• Arrange the curls over your shoulder in cascading waves.
• The grease in your hair will provide the weight and separation needed for defined wave patterns.
• Finish by pinning back any shorter pieces on the opposite side for a clean look.

4. The Twisted Crown Updo

The twisted crown updo incorporates your natural oils to create texture and grip, making this intricate-looking style surprisingly easy to achieve with greasy curls.

This bohemian-inspired look exudes effortless elegance.

• Divide your hair into two equal sections down the middle from forehead to nape.
• Take one section and twist it away from your face, working from front to back.
• Secure the twisted section with bobby pins along the back of your head.
• Repeat the twisting process with the other section, pinning it to meet the first twist.
• The remaining curls at the back can be left down or tucked into a low bun.
• The natural grease provides the texture needed to keep the twists intact throughout the day.

5. The Messy Top Knot

The messy top knot is the ultimate casual-chic style that actually looks better with greasy curly hair, as it provides the necessary texture and piece-y definition.

This go-to style takes less than two minutes to create.

• Flip your head upside down and gather all your hair at the crown.
• Secure the hair with an elastic band, but don’t pull it all the way through on the last wrap.
• Leave the ends of your curls sticking out to create a loop or fan shape.
• Use your fingers to gently pull apart the bun for a fuller, messier appearance.
• Allow a few face-framing curls to fall naturally around your hairline.
• The natural oils help create that coveted “undone” texture that defines this style.

6. The Braided Headband with Loose Curls

The braided headband style strategically uses the greasiest parts of your hair (near the roots) while showcasing your curls’ natural beauty.

This feminine look offers both practicality and style.

• Take a two-inch section of hair from behind one ear.
• Create a simple three-strand braid with this section, incorporating the natural oils for texture.
• Bring the braid across your hairline like a headband and secure it behind the opposite ear.
• Leave the rest of your curls flowing freely down your back or over your shoulders.
• The contrast between the structured braid and loose curls creates visual interest.
• This style effectively manages greasy roots while highlighting your curl pattern.

7. The Low Twisted Ponytail

The low twisted ponytail combines sophistication with simplicity, using your hair’s natural oils to create sleek twists and defined curl clusters.

This polished look works wonderfully for professional environments.

• Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
• Divide the ponytail into two equal sections.
• Twist each section individually in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
• Wrap the two twisted sections around each other in the opposite direction.
• Secure the end with a hair tie and allow the curls at the bottom to remain loose.
• The natural grease helps the twists stay defined and prevents frizz throughout the day.

8. The Half-Up Space Buns

The half-up space buns bring a playful, youthful energy to greasy curls while keeping hair off your face.

This trendy style embraces texture and works with your hair’s natural state.

• Section off the top half of your hair from ear to ear.
• Divide this top section into two equal parts.
• Twist each section and wrap it into a small bun on either side of your head.
• Secure each bun with bobby pins or small elastics.
• Leave the bottom half of your curls flowing freely.
• The natural oils provide the grip and texture needed to keep these buns secure.

9. The Sleek Low Ponytail

The sleek low ponytail is a minimalist’s dream, transforming greasy curls into a polished statement piece.

This refined style proves that simplicity can be incredibly chic.

• Use a boar bristle brush to smooth your hair straight back, utilizing the natural oils.
• Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck.
• Secure with a hair tie, ensuring the ponytail sits low and sleek against your head.
• Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to conceal it.
• The curls in the ponytail itself will maintain their pattern while the top remains smooth.
• This style beautifully showcases the contrast between sleek roots and textured ends.

10. The Curly Mohawk Updo

The curly mohawk updo makes a bold statement by concentrating your curls along the center of your head while using grease to slick down the sides.

This edgy style is perfect for those who want to stand out.

• Divide your hair into three sections: left side, right side, and center strip from forehead to nape.
• Apply the natural oils to smooth both side sections flat against your head.
• Pin each side section down with bobby pins or small clips.
• Fluff and arrange the center section of curls to stand tall and create volume.
• Use additional pins if needed to secure the mohawk shape.
• The grease on the sides provides the necessary hold for this dramatic style.

11. The Waterfall Braid with Curls

The waterfall braid creates an ethereal, romantic effect that’s enhanced by the definition greasy hair provides.

This intricate-looking style is surprisingly manageable with second-day curls.

• Start with a section of hair near your temple.
• Begin a French braid, but instead of crossing all three sections, drop the bottom section after each stitch.
• Pick up a new section to replace the dropped piece and continue braiding.
• The dropped sections create a “waterfall” effect cascading through your curls.
• Continue the braid across your head and secure it behind your opposite ear.
• The natural oils help define both the braid and the cascading curl sections.

12. The Pineapple Updo

The pineapple updo is a curly hair staple that actually thrives on greasy hair, as it enhances curl definition while protecting your pattern.

This style is both functional and fashionable.

• Flip your head upside down and gather all your hair at the very top of your head.
• Secure with a scrunchie or soft hair tie to avoid creasing.
• Allow the curls to fountain out from the top of your head.
• The natural oils will enhance curl clumping and definition.
• This style works excellently for sleeping and maintaining curl pattern overnight.
• Adjust individual curls around your face for a more polished daytime look.

13. The Braided Low Bun

The braided low bun combines structure with elegance, using your hair’s natural oils to create a secure braid that feeds into a sophisticated bun.

This versatile style suits both casual and formal occasions.

• Create a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
• Braid the entire length of the ponytail using a three-strand technique.
• Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail in a circular motion.
• Secure the bun with bobby pins, tucking the end of the braid underneath.
• Use the natural grease to your advantage for a smooth finish around your hairline.
• Pull out a few face-framing curls to soften the overall look.

14. The Side Fishtail Braid

The side fishtail braid showcases your curls’ texture while managing greasy roots effectively.

This intricate braid looks complex but becomes easier with the grip that natural oils provide.

• Sweep all your hair over one shoulder.
• Divide the hair into two equal sections.
• Take a small piece from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to join the other section.
• Repeat on the opposite side, alternating back and forth.
• Continue this pattern down the length of your hair and secure with an elastic.
• The natural oils help maintain the braid’s structure while showcasing curl texture within the weave.

15. The Curly Faux Hawk

The curly faux hawk channels edgy sophistication by using natural oils to create sleek sides while maximizing volume on top.

This contemporary style makes a confident statement.

• Section your hair into three parts: center strip and two side sections.
• Apply natural oils to smooth the side sections back toward the center.
• Secure the sides with bobby pins along the back of your head.
• Tease or fluff the center section to create maximum height and volume.
• Use pins to secure the center curls in an elevated position.
• The contrast between smooth sides and voluminous center creates the faux hawk effect.

16. The Twisted Half-Up Style

The twisted half-up style offers effortless elegance by incorporating natural oils into textured twists while leaving your curls flowing.

This versatile look transitions seamlessly from day to night.

• Take a section of hair from each side of your head, starting at your temples.
• Twist each section backward toward the crown of your head.
• Cross the two twisted sections at the back of your head and secure with bobby pins.
• Leave the remaining curls flowing freely down your back.
• The natural grease provides the texture needed for defined, long-lasting twists.
• This style effectively manages the oiliest parts of your hair while showcasing your curl pattern.

17. The Curly Chignon

The curly chignon embodies timeless sophistication, using your hair’s natural oils to create a secure, elegant updo at the nape of your neck.

This classic style works beautifully for formal events.

• Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
• Loosely twist the ponytail and begin wrapping it around the base.
• Instead of creating a tight bun, allow the curls to maintain their shape and volume.
• Secure the chignon with bobby pins, working around the perimeter.
• Leave the style slightly loose and textured rather than perfectly smooth.
• The natural oils help hold the shape while enhancing curl definition within the chignon.

18. The Bandana-Wrapped Ponytail

The bandana-wrapped ponytail cleverly conceals greasy roots while adding a pop of color and personality to your curly ponytail.

This retro-inspired style is both practical and fashionable.

• Gather your hair into a high or mid-height ponytail.
• Fold a bandana into a long strip.
• Wrap the bandana around your head, covering your hairline and roots.
• Tie the bandana at the top or side of your head, incorporating it into the ponytail.
• Allow your curls to cascade freely from the ponytail.
• The bandana disguises greasy roots while the natural oils enhance curl definition in the ponytail.

19. The Gibson Tuck

The Gibson tuck creates vintage glamour by tucking your curls under for a sophisticated rolled effect, with natural oils providing the necessary hold.

This elegant style evokes 1940s Hollywood charm.

• Gather your hair into a low ponytail, leaving it slightly loose.
• Create a small opening above the hair tie by separating the hair.
• Flip the ponytail up and through the opening, creating an inside-out effect.
• Continue tucking the remaining length of hair up into the roll.
• Secure with bobby pins along the bottom of the tuck.
• The natural grease helps the rolled sections stay in place throughout the day.

20. The Double Dutch Braids

The double Dutch braids offer both style and functionality, using greasy hair’s natural grip to create secure, long-lasting braids.

This athletic-chic look works for active days or casual outings.

• Part your hair down the middle from forehead to nape.
• Starting at your hairline on one side, begin a Dutch braid by crossing sections under rather than over.
• Continue braiding down to the ends, incorporating all hair from that section.
• Repeat the process on the other side.
• Secure both braids with elastics.
• The natural oils provide the texture and grip needed to keep these inverted braids tight and secure.

21. The Wrapped Low Bun

The wrapped low bun creates sophisticated simplicity by using a section of your own hair to conceal the elastic, with natural oils providing sleekness.

This polished style works perfectly for professional settings.

• Gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic.
• Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a bun.
• Secure the bun with bobby pins.
• Take a small section from the bun and wrap it around the elastic to hide it.
• Pin the wrapped section in place.
• Use the natural oils from your hair to create a smooth, glossy finish on the wrapped section.

22. The Milkmaid Braid Crown

The milkmaid braid crown brings romantic whimsy to greasy curls by creating a halo effect around your head.

This feminine style is perfect for outdoor events or bohemian-inspired looks.

• Part your hair down the middle.
• Create a regular three-strand braid on each side.
• Bring one braid up and across the top of your head like a headband.
• Pin it in place on the opposite side.
• Repeat with the second braid, positioning it behind the first.
• The natural oils help the braids maintain their shape and provide a subtle sheen.

23. The Asymmetrical Side Bun

The asymmetrical side bun makes a modern statement by positioning your bun off-center, using natural oils to create a sleek pathway to the bun.

This contemporary style adds visual interest to your look.

• Brush your hair to one side using the natural oils for smoothness.
• Gather all your hair just behind and below your ear.
• Twist the hair and wrap it into a bun.
• Secure with bobby pins, allowing some curl texture to show within the bun.
• Smooth down any flyaways on the opposite side.
• The off-center placement creates an artistic, fashion-forward appearance.

24. The Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail transforms a simple ponytail into a statement piece by creating volumized sections, with natural oils enhancing the texture of each “bubble.”

This trendy style is fun and eye-catching.

• Gather your hair into a high or mid-height ponytail.
• Place elastics down the length of the ponytail at even intervals (about 2-3 inches apart).
• Gently pull apart each section between elastics to create rounded, volumized bubbles.
• The natural oils help maintain curl definition within each bubble section.
• Adjust the bubbles for uniform size and shape.
• This playful style works wonderfully with the added texture that greasy hair provides.

25. The French Twist

The French twist epitomizes classic sophistication, using your hair’s natural oils to create a sleek, secure roll.

This timeless updo is perfect for formal occasions or professional presentations.

• Brush your hair to one side, gathering it at the center back of your head.
• Twist the gathered hair upward toward the crown.
• Continue twisting until you create a vertical roll along the back of your head.
• Tuck the ends into the roll and secure with bobby pins.
• Use the natural grease to smooth the surface and sides.
• This elegant style benefits from the added hold that oily hair provides.

26. The Half-Up Twisted Bun

The half-up twisted bun combines the practicality of having hair off your face with the beauty of showcasing your curls.

Natural oils provide the texture needed for a secure, stylish bun.

• Section off the top half of your hair from ear to ear.
• Gather this top section at the crown of your head.
• Twist the section and wrap it into a small bun.
• Secure with bobby pins or a hair tie.
• Leave the bottom half of your curls flowing freely.
• The contrast between the structured bun and loose curls creates dimensional interest.

27. The Rope Braid Ponytail

The rope braid ponytail offers a sophisticated twist on the classic ponytail, with natural oils providing the grip needed for this structured style.

This elegant look works for both casual and dressy occasions.

• Gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired height.
• Divide the ponytail into two equal sections.
• Twist each section tightly in the same direction.
• Wrap the two twisted sections around each other in the opposite direction.
• Secure the end with an elastic band.
• The natural grease helps the rope braid maintain its twisted structure without unraveling.

28. The Crossed Headband Braids

The crossed headband braids create an intricate crown effect by weaving small braids across your hairline.

This detailed style uses natural oils to keep the braids secure and defined throughout the day.

• Take a small section of hair from behind one ear and braid it.
• Bring this braid across your forehead like a headband and secure behind the opposite ear.
• Take another section from behind the second ear and braid it.
• Cross this braid over the first one and secure it.
• Leave the remaining curls flowing freely.
• The natural oils provide excellent grip for keeping these delicate braids in place.

29. The Voluminous Side Ponytail

The voluminous side ponytail brings playful sophistication to greasy curls by maximizing volume and positioning the ponytail dramatically to one side.

This glamorous style works beautifully for evening events.

• Tease the crown section of your hair for added height.
• Brush all your hair to one side using the natural oils for smoothness.
• Secure the ponytail just below and behind your ear.
• Use your fingers to gently pull apart curls in the ponytail for added volume.
• Smooth the opposite side sleekly against your head.
• The natural grease helps maintain the volume while providing shine and definition.

30. The Knotted Half-Up Style

The knotted half-up style creates visual interest through a simple knot rather than a traditional tie, with natural oils providing the texture needed to keep the knot secure.

This effortless look appears more complicated than it actually is.

• Take a section of hair from each side of your head.
• Instead of twisting or braiding, tie these two sections together in a simple knot at the back of your head.
• Pull the knot tight to secure it.
• Leave the ends of the knotted sections blending with the rest of your flowing curls.
• The remaining bottom half of your hair cascades freely.
• The natural oils provide the grip and texture that keep this simple knot from slipping throughout the day.

---

Conclusion

Embracing 30 Beautiful Greasy Hair Hairstyles for Curly Hair opens up a world of styling possibilities that you might have previously overlooked on those in-between wash days.

These diverse hairstyles demonstrate that oily hair isn’t something to hide or feel embarrassed about – it’s actually a valuable styling tool that can help you achieve looks ranging from sleek sophistication to textured bohemian beauty.

By working with your hair’s natural state rather than constantly fighting against it, you’ll save time, reduce heat damage, and discover newfound confidence in your curls.

Remember that the natural oils your scalp produces are designed to protect and nourish your hair, and when strategically incorporated into these hairstyles, they provide hold, shine, and definition that products often try to replicate.

Whether you’re heading to a formal event, casual outing, or professional meeting, there’s a greasy hair hairstyle here that will have you looking and feeling your absolute best.

The next time you wake up to oily curls, smile knowing you have an entire arsenal of gorgeous styles at your fingertips.