10 Hacks That Make Dirty Hair Look Clean

Admit it: You don't always have time to wash, dry, and style your hair in the morning. And sometimes, you're just too tired at night to hop in the shower for that full shampoo and conditioning treatment your tresses desperately need. Even on the weeks when you do have time to deep clean every night, over-washing hair can be a constant struggle, too. It strips your hair of the natural oils it needs to stay healthy and shiny, so in some cases, the longer you can go between washing your hair, the better.

If you're worried walking out of the house with greasy hair means you'll get the stink-eye from a close-sitting coworker, fret not! Oily hair isn't the end of the world. And believe it or not, everyone gets greasy hair from time to time (even your coworker). Plus, it's not too hard to make your hair look freshly washed — without actually cleaning it. If you hair isn't approaching crazy grease levels yet, you can always choose a strategically designed hairbrush — or you can get crafty and invest in a full-coverage, sweat-wicking headband. If all else fails, dry shampoo will always be a strong trick of the trade when it comes to making dirty hair look clean. (Just be sure you're choosing the best option for your hair.)

There are dozens of products on the market catering to you dirty hair needs, but these guys are the cream of the crop. So next time you want to go three, maybe four days between a wash, don't worry about it. No one will ever know you haven't showered since last week.

Conceal Grease With A Water-Activated Matte Pomade

Imperial Matte Pomade Paste , $21, Amazon

When it comes to styling an up-do or a braid, working in the Imperial Matte Pomade paste lets hair stay in place without looking greasy. It's formulated with green tea extract to protect weakened hair from the elements, and its water-activated formula means cool texture touch-ups whenever you need. This pomade's matte finish will disguise greasy hair without looking stringy, and the edgier look will be catching compliments all day.

Brush With Boar Bristles to Disperse Oil

Natural Boar Bristle Styling Brush, $16, Amazon

Your hair starts to look greasy when oil builds up at the roots. Keep that oil from concentrating in one area by brushing through build-up with this all-natural boar bristle styling brush. The bristles are flexible enough to smooth hair while freeing locks of tangles — and unlike your graveyard of brushes, these bristles won't fall out over time. Schima wood finishing makes the durable brush lightweight, perfect for this dispersing natural oils for locked-in moisture and (the good kind of) shiny texture.

Fake a Blow Out With Micronized Corn Silk

Blowpro Faux Dry Shampoo, $20, Amazon

When your hair is looking tired and flat, the Blowpro Faux Dry Shampoo will absorb excess oil and add texture with micronized corn silk and proactive proteins. The super-light powder is translucent, so it doesn't like a white dusting on your roots like so many other dry shampoos. Divide you hair into a few sections and use the special applicator to spray its finely-milled formula underneath — getting the maximum amount of volume. Users rave about how long the product lasts, so you won't need to run out to the store once a month to buy a new bottle.

Dry Up Oil With Ionic Technology

Conair Pro Conditioning Hair Dryer, $22, Amazon

You may not have time to wash and dry your hair, but giving your mane just a few seconds of hot air from the Conair Pro Styler Ionic Conditioning Hair Dryer will infuse roots with ionic technology. This minimizes static electricity, which makes for silky-smooth (grease-free) texture throughout your mane. This dryer's cool blast setting and removable diffuser ensure your hair won't dry out from heat, and users say this dryer's simple to clean and got them the most power at a great value.

When In Doubt, Slip On a Sweat-Wicking, Full-Coverage Headband

ELAN Headband, $14, Amazon

The ELAN Headband is thick enough to hide your roots, so you don't have to worry about anyone noticing that you didn't have time to wash your hair. Its contouring material won't stretch out, and it's moisture wicking, too (meaning that workout sesh will no longer lead to greasy-looking hair). Users say the headband soaks up sweat without slipping around, and looking stylish on top of that is just a bonus.

Add Some Volume with Silica-Based Powder

Osis+ Dust It Mattifying Powder, $10, Amazon

This silica-based powder is one of the best ways to soak up oils and and give additional texture to your hair. Apply the dusting at your roots for major lift, then lightly sprinkle throughout the rest of your hair for a cool tousled look. Users say it makes thin hair look fuller, and one even said she skips shampooing just to use this powder's next-day "just-woke-up model hair."

Prime Your Hair for Style That Lasts Two-Times Longer

Living Proof Style Extender Hair Primer, $15, Amazon

For days when you do have time to shower, use the Living Proof Hair Primer to ensure your style lasts two times longer between washes. The primer's patented Healthy Hair Molecule detangles and corrects cuticle texture, so you don't have to touch your hair up nearly as often. Apply the dirt-repelling formula to clean, damp hair, and blow dry as you usually would.

Absorb Oil, Add Texture, and Make Volume Last

ORIBE Hair Care Dry Texturizing Spray, $44, Amazon

Oribe is the king of luxury hair products and the Dry Texturizing Spray is a serious standout: It's the perfect hybrid of a dry shampoo, hairspray, and texturizing agent. Users said their hair felt twice as thick and the body-boosting spray kept their hair looking fresh sans-shower. Shake up the bottle and spray it onto your hair at the roots and on the ends. Once you try it, you'll be converted for good.

Get Rid of Build-Up With Soothing Peppermint & Avocado

Philip B Volumizing and Clarifying Shampoo, $28, Amazon

Use this Philip B Shampoo once a week to detoxify your hair, so your style lasts longer between washes. Its peppermint and avocado will invigorate your hair and sooth your scalp. After all, when you use a lot of products in your hair, they can build up at your roots, causing hair to look greasier faster. Once your hair is free of all that build up, it'll stop looking dirty so fast (and that means more time to sleep in).

Use Bump-Free Elastics for Braiding Dirty Hair

Monotone Popbands , $12, Amazon

When a boho braid is all you need to hide unwashed hair, finish it off with a cute geometric patterned Popband to add a little color. These hair ties are made with super soft elastic, so they won't damage your hair or leave any dents. Separate your hair into three sections and start braiding, keeping it loose for a just-back-from-the-beach look.

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Images: Ariana Prestes/Unsplash, Amazon (10)