8 Hairstyles That Work With Second-Day Hair

1. The Textured, Low Messy Bun

The low messy bun is the undisputed champion of second-day hairstyles. Why? Because the natural oils and texture in unwashed hair provide the perfect amount of grip and volume, preventing that slick, overly-tight “ballerina bun” look. The goal is effortless chic.

Start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck, but keep it loose. Twist or coil your hair into a bun, but instead of securing it tightly, use your fingers to gently pull out face-framing pieces and loosen the bun itself. Use a coil-free hair tie or scrunchie to secure it. The beauty is in the imperfection—those escaped strands and the relaxed shape are what make it look intentional and stylish.

2. Braided Crown or Headband Braid

Second-day hair is a braider’s dream. The added texture means flyaways are minimized and the braid holds its shape beautifully without the need for excessive product. A braided crown or a simple headband braid is a romantic, boho-inspired look that disguises any lack of freshness at the roots.

For a headband braid, create a Dutch or French braid starting at one temple, working it across your hairline to the other ear, and tuck the end behind your ear. For a full crown, create two braids—one from each temple—and pin them around the back of your head. The slightly lived-in texture of your hair will make the braid look fuller and softer.

3. Voluminous Half-Up, Half-Down ‘Do

This style harnesses the natural volume second-day hair often has at the roots. By lifting just the top section, you create a look that is both polished and playful. The texture from day-old products and natural oils helps the style stay put without looking stiff.

Take a section of hair from the crown and temples, but leave out your face-framing layers. Gently backcomb the roots of the section you’ve gathered for a little extra lift, then secure it at the back of your head with a claw clip or a small hair tie. Gently pull on the sides of the “ponytail” to add volume and looseness. Let the rest of your textured hair flow down.

4. Sleek, Low Ponytail with a Twist

While a high ponytail might highlight greasy roots, a low ponytail is sleek, sophisticated, and perfect for second-day hair. The natural oils actually help smooth flyaways, giving you a sleeker finish with less effort.

Brush your hair back to a low position at the nape of your neck. For a polished look, use a small amount of serum on a toothbrush to tame the baby hairs around your face. Secure with a hair tie. For an elevated twist, take a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to conceal it, securing it with a bobby pin. This look is perfect for the office or a dinner out.

5. Accessorized with a Chic Scarf or Bandana

When in doubt, accessorize! A silk scarf or a bandana is your second-day hair’s best friend. It instantly adds color, style, and covers the roots where oil tends to gather first.

Fold a square scarf into a triangle and then into a long band. Tie it around your head like a headband, with the knot at the nape of your neck or on top for a more playful look. You can also wear it over loose hair, or use it to tie a low ponytail or bun. It’s a quick, five-second fix that looks incredibly intentional and fashionable.

6. Tousled, Beachy Waves

If you curled your hair on wash day, second-day hair is your opportunity for the ultimate beachy waves. The curls have softened, the texture has settled, and all you need to do is enhance it.

Spritz a texturizing or sea salt spray lightly throughout your mid-lengths and ends. Scrunch your hair with your hands to reactivate the wave pattern. Use a curling wand to touch up any fallen curls, but only in random sections for a truly undone look. Flip your head over, give it a shake, and you have perfectly imperfect, lived-in waves that look like you just left the shore.

7. The Modern, Puffy Space Buns

Space buns aren’t just for festivals! On second-day hair, they become less “rave” and more “cool-girl street style.” The texture prevents them from looking too sleek or severe, giving them a fun, puffy, modern feel.

Part your hair down the middle. Gather each side into a high ponytail, but don’t pull them too tight—keep some volume at the roots. Twist each ponytail around its base to form a bun and secure with bobby pins and a hair tie. The key is to pull and puff out the buns to make them full and slightly messy. Your hair’s natural texture will do most of the work.

8. The Sophisticated Twisted Low Knot

This is a step up from the messy bun—think of it as its more elegant, office-ready cousin. It’s a simple twist that looks intricate and holds remarkably well in textured hair.

Gather your hair into a low ponytail but secure it with a loose hair tie on the last loop (creating a loop). Split the loop in half to create a hole, then twist the remaining tail of hair and pull it up through the hole. Tuck the ends under and secure with bobby pins. You can leave the tail out for a different look. The texture of second-day hair gives this knot a beautiful, full appearance and keeps every piece in place.

Embrace Your Second-Day Glory

As you can see, second-day hair is far from a styling setback. It’s a versatile, texture-rich foundation for some of the coolest, easiest looks in your repertoire. The natural oils that we often fret about are actually the key to better hold, more volume, and a softer, lived-in aesthetic that is incredibly on-trend.

So next time you look at your day-old locks and think about reaching for the shampoo bottle, pause. Consider it a blank canvas for creativity. Try one of these eight styles, and you might just find yourself scheduling your wash days further apart on purpose. Your hair—and your extra morning time—will thank you.

What’s your go-to second-day hairstyle? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!