Whether you routinely hit the snooze, are too busy for a shampoo session, or are on a wash less often kind of schedule, grungy hair happens to us all. The good news is that just because your mane is less than fresh, doesn’t mean you have to look it. One of the perks of sporting a dirty do is that all that extra grease helps to hold a style much better for a lot longer. Check out five no-brainer second day hair options below to help both you and your locks look chic sans shower:
Messy Side Braid
Mastering this trendy style is really as effortless as it looks. Mist mane with texturizing spray, and create a deep side part to help hide oily roots. Gather hair over one shoulder and separate into two sections. Hold strands loosely, and starting just above your ear, make a fishtail braid by taking a thin piece of hair from the outside of the left section, and bringing it over to join the right section. Alternate sides all the way down and secure with an elastic band. Gently pull on the braid to give it a thicker, slightly undone look. Finish with hairspray. Fishtail first-timer? Don't worry, a simple, classic braid works just as well.
Braided Topknot
As most of us can confess, the no fuss topknot is THE go-to hairstyle for second day hair. Make yours more fashion forward by adding a slight twist. First, work dry shampoo through roots to soak up any oil near your hairline, and pull your mane into a high ponytail, securing with a thin elastic band. Split your pony into two braids, and carefully wrap the finished plaits around each other. Secure loose ends with bobby pins. Finish by gently tugging out face-framing strands to up the sex appeal by keeping your look a little less than perfect.
Chic Chignon
While looking polished with less than squeaky-clean hair may seem like a challenge, it’s not impossible. Go from bedhead to put-together in minutes by first working dry shampoo throughout strands to camouflage second day grease and add volume. Out of dry shampoo? Using a small amount of baby powder on lighter coloured locks is a great DIY alternative. Create a center part, and gently tease hair at the crown. Finish by brushing locks into a neat, low bun at the nape of your neck. Match the understated glamour of your mane with a red lip, and you’re good to go.
Retro Low Pony
Nothing could be simpler than throwing second day hair into a ponytail. Keep yours from falling flat by spiriting sea salt spray throughout your mane to re-activate fullness and natural texture. Next, use a one-inch curling iron, or flat iron on random sections to add bounce with loose, natural looking waves. Create a side part, and carefully tease your crown before pulling hair into a loose, low pony. Self-conscious about your oily roots? Top off your style with a headband. Opt for braided fabric or leather for a more casual feel, or reach for a thin, black band to up the chic factor.
Boho Side Braids
Skipping a shampoo seems to hit the hair around your face the hardest. Conceal the grease with this carefree style by first working dry shampoo through roots. Make a center part, and grab one-inch sections from each side. Braid each section away from your face, and then tie both braids together at the back of your head, using an elastic or ribbon. Locks not long enough? Secure plaits with bobby pins on either side. Finish off with texturizer and scrunch hair to give it that loose-locked hippie vibe. Those with skilled fingers can opt to create french braids in place of regular plaits, a la Lauren Conrad.
