27 Cute Greasy Hair Hairstyles for Short Hair

We’ve all been there—waking up to hair that’s a bit too oily for comfort, and time is not on your side. But here’s the truth: greasy hair doesn’t have to ruin your day or your style.

In fact, short hair with a little extra oil can be your secret weapon for creating some of the most effortlessly chic and long-lasting hairstyles.

The natural oils in your hair act as a built-in styling product, giving you better hold, enhanced texture, and that coveted “lived-in” look that’s actually quite trendy.

This article on 27 Cute Greasy Hair Hairstyles for Short Hair will transform the way you think about second-day (or third-day) hair.

You’ll discover how to embrace the slickness, work with your hair’s natural texture, and create stunning looks that turn a beauty concern into a style advantage.

From sleek updos to textured pixie styles, messy buns to glamorous waves, each hairstyle is designed specifically for short hair that needs a little extra love. Get ready to save time, skip the shampoo, and still look absolutely fabulous.

1. Slicked-Back Pixie Cut

The slicked-back pixie is the ultimate power move when your short hair has extra oil.

This style takes advantage of your hair’s natural greasiness to create a bold, editorial look that’s both sophisticated and edgy.

• Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth your hair straight back from your forehead, letting the natural oils work as your styling gel.
• Apply a small amount of pomade or styling cream to the roots for extra control and shine.
• For added dimension, create a deep side part before slicking everything back.
• This style works exceptionally well for oval and heart-shaped faces as it emphasizes your facial features.
• Tuck any longer pieces behind your ears for a cleaner, more polished appearance.
• The natural oils will keep flyaways at bay throughout the day without any additional product.
• Perfect for professional settings, date nights, or any occasion where you want to make a bold statement.

2. Textured Side Sweep

A textured side sweep transforms greasy short hair into a deliberately styled, asymmetrical masterpiece that looks intentionally undone yet incredibly polished.

• Create a deep side part using your fingers or a comb for a more dramatic effect.
• Sweep the larger section of hair across your forehead and toward the opposite side.
• Use your natural oils to define individual pieces by twisting small sections around your finger.
• Pin the swept section behind your ear with bobby pins that match your hair color.
• Leave the ends slightly separated and piece-y for that modern, textured appearance.
• This style beautifully frames one side of your face while showcasing your cheekbone on the other.
• The asymmetry adds visual interest and distracts from any oiliness at the roots.

3. Messy Low Bun

The messy low bun is a lifesaver for greasy short hair, offering a romantic, undone aesthetic that actually benefits from a little extra oil for hold and texture.

• Gather your hair at the nape of your neck without worrying about smoothing every strand.
• Twist the hair loosely and wrap it around itself to create a soft bun shape.
• Secure with bobby pins, leaving the texture deliberately messy and lived-in.
• Pull out a few face-framing pieces to soften the look and add dimension.
• The natural oils help pieces stay in place without feeling crunchy or stiff.
• This style works wonderfully for casual outings, brunches, or relaxed weekend activities.
• Add a decorative hair clip or small barrette for an elevated touch.

4. Pin-Curl Vintage Waves

Pin curls bring old Hollywood glamour to greasy short hair, using your natural oils to set and hold beautiful vintage-inspired waves that last all day.

• Section your slightly damp or greasy hair into small squares all over your head.
• Twist each section around your finger to create a flat curl against your scalp.
• Pin each curl securely with a bobby pin or clip and let them set for at least an hour.
• Once set, gently remove the pins and separate the curls with your fingers.
• The natural oils in your hair help the waves hold their shape without hairspray.
• Brush through lightly for softer waves or leave separated for more defined vintage curls.
• This timeless style is perfect for special occasions, photoshoots, or when you want to feel extra glamorous.

5. Faux Hawk with Texture

A faux hawk transforms greasy short hair into an edgy, fashion-forward statement that celebrates texture and attitude while working with your hair’s natural state.

• Use your fingers to push the hair on both sides of your head downward and slightly back.
• Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to keep the sides flat against your head.
• Gather the hair at the center of your head from front to back.
• Tease and spike the center section upward, creating height and texture.
• The greasiness actually helps the sides stay sleek while giving the center section moldable hold.
• Use a blow dryer on cool setting to lock the style in place.
• This rebellious look is ideal for concerts, festivals, or whenever you want to express your bold personality.

6. Braided Crown

A braided crown takes advantage of greasy short hair’s pliability, creating a romantic, fairy-tale inspired look that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.

• Create a deep side part and begin French braiding from one side of your part.
• Continue braiding along your hairline like a headband, incorporating hair as you go.
• The natural oils make hair more manageable and easier to braid smoothly.
• Secure the braid behind your opposite ear with bobby pins.
• If your hair is very short, you may need to create multiple small braids and pin them strategically.
• Pull gently on the braid sections to make them fuller and more voluminous.
• This ethereal style is beautiful for weddings, garden parties, or romantic dates.

7. Slick Wet-Look Bob

The wet-look bob embraces the greasy texture entirely, transforming it into a high-fashion, runway-ready style that looks intentionally glossy and modern.

• Apply a generous amount of gel or styling cream throughout your hair while it’s damp or greasy.
• Comb through thoroughly to distribute the product and create a uniformly slick appearance.
• Use a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle to smooth the hair while directing it into your desired shape.
• The key is embracing the shine rather than fighting it.
• This style works best with blunt-cut bobs or asymmetrical short haircuts.
• Add a bold lip color to complete the high-fashion aesthetic.
• Perfect for fashion-forward events, art gallery openings, or making a style statement.

8. Tucked-Behind-Ears Classic

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective—tucking greasy short hair behind your ears creates a clean, classic look that’s effortlessly elegant.

• Simply use your fingers to smooth your hair back and tuck it securely behind both ears.
• The natural oils help the hair stay in place without sliding forward.
• Apply a small amount of texturizing paste to the ends for definition and control.
• This style beautifully showcases your face, earrings, and neck.
• Add a headband or hair accessories for extra polish if desired.
• The understated elegance works for virtually any occasion from casual to professional.
• If you have a cowlick, use a small amount of gel at the root to keep it flat.

9. Piece-y Shag with Definition

A piece-y shag celebrates the natural separation that greasy hair provides, creating edgy, defined layers that look intentionally styled with minimal effort.

• Apply a small amount of texturizing cream or light pomade to your fingertips.
• Work through your hair section by section, twisting pieces to enhance separation.
• Focus on the ends and face-framing layers for maximum definition.
• The natural oils help individual pieces stay separated and defined.
• Scrunch sections randomly to create varied texture throughout.
• This style embraces the “I woke up like this” aesthetic while looking deliberately cool.
• Perfect for creative professionals, artists, or anyone who appreciates effortless edge.

10. Half-Up Top Knot

The half-up top knot is a playful, practical style that keeps greasy hair off your face while maintaining a casual, on-trend appearance.

• Section off the top portion of your hair from temple to temple.
• Gather this section at the crown of your head.
• Twist and wrap into a small bun or knot, securing with a hair elastic.
• Leave the rest of your hair down to fall naturally.
• The greasiness helps the top section stay smooth and the knot stay secure.
• Pull a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer, more romantic effect.
• This versatile style works for everything from running errands to brunch with friends.

11. Side-Pinned Pixie

A side-pinned pixie uses decorative pins or clips to transform greasy short hair into an elegant, accessorized statement that distracts from oiliness while adding glamour.

• Create a deep side part to establish your styling foundation.
• On the heavier side, arrange decorative bobby pins, clips, or barrettes in a deliberate pattern.
• The natural oils help the pins grip better and stay secure throughout the day.
• Choose metallic pins for a modern look or jeweled clips for formal occasions.
• Keep the other side smooth and simple to balance the decorated side.
• This style instantly elevates your look from basic to special occasion-ready.
• Experiment with different pin arrangements like lines, clusters, or scattered placements.

12. Curled Under Bob

The curled-under bob creates a polished, vintage-inspired silhouette that works beautifully with greasy short hair’s natural weight and hold.

• Use a round brush and blow dryer to curl the ends of your bob under toward your neck.
• The natural oils help the ends hold the curl without requiring additional styling products.
• Work in sections, wrapping each section around the brush and applying heat.
• Allow sections to cool completely before moving to the next for longer-lasting results.
• This creates a neat, professional silhouette that’s perfect for work environments.
• The style offers a timeless elegance reminiscent of classic Hollywood starlets.
• Spray lightly with finishing spray if you need extra hold in humid conditions.

13. Textured Quiff

A textured quiff adds height and drama to greasy short hair, creating a bold style that projects confidence and contemporary fashion sense.

• Apply volumizing mousse or texturizing spray to the front section of your hair.
• Use a blow dryer and your fingers to lift the front section upward and slightly back.
• The sides and back should remain relatively flat and smooth.
• Create texture in the quiff by separating pieces with your fingers and a small amount of pomade.
• The natural oils actually help the style hold its shape better than freshly washed hair.
• Adjust the height based on your comfort level and the occasion.
• This modern style bridges the gap between professional and edgy perfectly.

14. Finger Wave Elegance

Finger waves bring 1920s glamour to greasy short hair, using your natural oils to create sculpted, glossy waves that are pure vintage perfection.

• Apply a strong-hold gel throughout your damp or greasy hair.
• Use your fingers and a fine-tooth comb to create S-shaped waves along your scalp.
• Pin each wave in place with clips while it sets.
• The natural oils combined with gel create the perfect medium for sculpting.
• Allow waves to dry completely before removing clips (this can take several hours).
• This dramatic style is ideal for themed parties, formal events, or costume occasions.
• Pair with vintage makeup and accessories for a complete transformation.

15. Asymmetrical Swept Style

An asymmetrical swept style plays with balance and angles, using greasy hair’s natural weight to create interesting directional flow.

• Create an extreme side part far to one side of your head.
• Sweep the longer section dramatically across your forehead and face.
• Keep the shorter side slicked close to your head using your natural oils.
• The contrast between the two sides creates visual interest and modern edge.
• Use a small amount of strong-hold gel on the short side for maximum sleekness.
• This style works exceptionally well with haircuts that already have asymmetrical length.
• Perfect for fashion industry professionals or anyone who loves cutting-edge style.

16. Mini Braids Accent

Adding mini braids to greasy short hair creates textural interest and bohemian charm while the natural oils make braiding easier and more secure.

• Section off several small pieces of hair from different areas of your head.
• Create tight, small braids with each section (aim for pencil-thickness or smaller).
• The natural oils help the braids hold their shape without elastics slipping.
• Leave the rest of your hair loose and natural for contrast.
• You can place braids randomly or create a deliberate pattern.
• These accent braids add dimension without requiring complex styling skills.
• Perfect for festivals, beach days, or embracing a carefree, artistic vibe.

17. Smooth Side Part Sophistication

A smooth side part is the epitome of classic sophistication, and greasy hair’s natural sleekness makes achieving this polished look remarkably easy.

• Create a precise side part using the tail of a rat-tail comb for sharp definition.
• Smooth both sides of the part flat against your head using a fine-tooth comb.
• The natural oils create a glossy, salon-fresh appearance without product buildup.
• Tuck one or both sides behind your ears for a cleaner profile.
• This timeless style conveys professionalism and attention to detail.
• Works beautifully for job interviews, business meetings, or formal occasions.
• Add a colored hair clip at the part for a subtle pop of personality if desired.

18. Tousled Pixie with Volume

A tousled pixie with volume proves that greasy hair can still have life and movement when styled with intention and the right techniques.

• Apply dry shampoo to the roots despite the greasiness to absorb some oil and add grip.
• Use your fingers to massage the scalp and lift roots upward for volume.
• Scrunch and tousle the hair in different directions to create intentional messiness.
• Apply a small amount of texturizing spray or sea salt spray for enhanced definition.
• The key is creating controlled chaos rather than flat, lifeless oiliness.
• Focus volume at the crown while keeping the sides closer to the head.
• This playful style is perfect for casual outings and everyday wear.

19. Low Ponytail Nape Style

A low ponytail at the nape is an elegant solution for greasy short hair that’s grown out slightly, offering simplicity and sophistication.

• Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck, keeping it low and centered.
• Secure with a small elastic that matches your hair color.
• The natural oils help smooth flyaways and create a sleek appearance.
• Pull out a few strategic face-framing pieces for softness.
• Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it for a polished finish.
• This understated style works for both casual and professional settings.
• If your hair is very short, bobby pins can help secure shorter layers.

20. Headband Glamour

A headband transforms greasy short hair instantly, adding a stylish accessory while pushing oily roots away from your face in a flattering way.

• Choose a headband that complements your outfit and personal style.
• Place the headband about an inch back from your hairline.
• Tuck the front sections of hair behind or over the headband depending on your preference.
• The natural oils help hair stay in place without slipping forward.
• Smooth the rest of your hair behind your ears or leave it loose.
• Headbands come in endless varieties from simple to embellished for different occasions.
• This quick fix instantly elevates your look with minimal effort required.

21. Spiky Textured Crown

A spiky textured crown adds punk-rock edge to greasy short hair, using the natural oils as a styling medium for dramatic, gravity-defying texture.

• Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade throughout your hair while focusing on the crown area.
• Use your fingers to pull small sections upward, twisting and separating them into spikes.
• The natural oils combined with product create maximum hold and definition.
• Vary spike heights and directions for a more natural, less uniform appearance.
• Keep the sides flatter to emphasize the dramatic crown area.
• This bold style makes a statement and showcases your confident personality.
• Perfect for concerts, nights out, or anytime you want to express your edgy side.

22. Swept Forward Fringe

Sweeping greasy short hair forward creates a mysterious, fashion-forward fringe that beautifully frames your face while embracing the oily texture.

• Use a comb or your fingers to direct your hair forward toward your face.
• The natural oils help create separation and definition in the fringe.
• Arrange the pieces to fall asymmetrically across your forehead for modern appeal.
• Leave some pieces longer to partially cover one eye for dramatic effect.
• This style works particularly well with layered cuts or long pixie styles.
• The forward direction creates face-framing softness and interest.
• Ideal for creative types and those who appreciate fashion-forward aesthetics.

23. Twisted Side Sections

Creating twisted side sections transforms greasy short hair into an intricate-looking style that’s surprisingly simple to achieve and stays secure all day.

• Section off the hair from your temple to behind your ear on both sides.
• Twist each section backward toward the center back of your head.
• Secure both twists together with bobby pins where they meet.
• The natural oils keep the twists tight and prevent them from unraveling.
• Leave the remaining hair loose or add subtle waves for texture.
• This style combines elegance with practicality perfectly.
• Beautiful for weddings, showers, or any semi-formal occasion.

24. Sleek Middle Part Bob

A sleek middle part bob offers symmetry and sophistication, using greasy hair’s natural shine to create a mirror-like, salon-quality finish.

• Create a precise center part using a fine-tooth comb from forehead to crown.
• Comb both sides perfectly smooth and straight down.
• The natural oils create a glossy, healthy-looking shine that appears intentional.
• Use a flat iron on low heat if needed to enhance the sleek appearance.
• This style emphasizes facial symmetry and works best with strong facial features.
• The clean lines and simplicity convey modern sophistication.
• Perfect for fashion events, photo shoots, or making a minimalist statement.

25. Pinned Back Layers

Pinning back the top layers of greasy short hair creates dimension and interest while keeping your face clear and highlighting your best features.

• Section the top layer of hair from temple to temple.
• Pull this section straight back and secure with decorative clips or bobby pins.
• Leave the underneath layers loose to create volume and texture.
• The natural oils help the pinned section stay smooth and secure.
• This two-level styling creates depth and visual interest.
• Choose pins or clips that complement your outfit for a coordinated look.
• Great for keeping hair out of your face during active days or hot weather.

26. Sculptured Pompadour

A sculptured pompadour adds vintage glamour and height to greasy short hair, creating a bold retro look that’s both sophisticated and playful.

• Section off the front portion of your hair from temple to temple.
• Tease this section at the roots for volume and structure.
• Roll the section backward and upward, creating height at the front.
• Pin securely at the crown to hold the pompadour shape.
• The natural oils help the sides stay smooth while providing hold for the height.
• Keep the sides and back sleek for contrast with the voluminous front.
• This statement style is perfect for themed events, rockabilly gatherings, or bold everyday wear.

27. Effortless Beach Waves

Beach waves prove that greasy short hair can still achieve that coveted tousled, sun-kissed texture with the right techniques and products.

• Apply sea salt spray throughout your hair, distributing evenly with your fingers.
• Scrunch sections of hair upward toward your scalp to encourage wave formation.
• The natural oils combined with salt spray create touchable, textured waves.
• Allow hair to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat for faster results.
• Separate waves with your fingers once dry for a more lived-in appearance.
• This relaxed style captures that just-off-the-beach vibe perfectly.
• Ideal for summer days, casual weekends, or embracing a laid-back lifestyle aesthetic.

Conclusion

Greasy hair no longer needs to be a source of frustration or a reason to reach for the dry shampoo every single time. As this comprehensive guide to 27 Cute Greasy Hair Hairstyles for Short Hair has demonstrated, your natural oils can actually be your best styling ally.

From sophisticated slicked-back looks to playful textured styles, romantic braided options to edgy punk-inspired creations, there’s a perfect hairstyle waiting for every mood, occasion, and personal style preference.

The key is shifting your perspective and seeing the opportunity rather than the obstacle. Your hair’s natural oils provide hold, shine, and texture that expensive products try to replicate.

By embracing these 27 versatile styles, you’ll save time in your morning routine, reduce the frequency of washing (which is actually healthier for your hair), and discover that second-day hair can look just as good—if not better—than freshly washed locks.

Whether you’re heading to the office, going on a date, attending a special event, or just running weekend errands, you now have an arsenal of beautiful styling options that work with your hair’s natural state rather than against it.

So the next time you wake up to greasy short hair, smile knowing you have 27 stunning solutions at your fingertips.