The 14 Best Hairstyles for Dirty Hair

We all look great on Monday morning after spending Sunday night washing, drying and styling our hair. But by Wednesday, our locks are falling a bit limp — and no amount of dry shampoo will help. We don’t always have time for a fresh blowout and sometimes we tire of top knots. What’s a girl to do when her several-day stale ‘do goes limp or gets frazzled? Take a cue from the French and make that days-old hair wilder. Scrunch in some texturizing spray for some cool-girl beauty waves, or try experimenting with fun accessories. Pins, scarves and barrettes are a great way to add a bit of flair to your lackluster locks. Braids are another option, since slightly dirty hair has great texture, allowing it to hold the style like a champion. Behold: 14 easy tutorials and hairstyles for dirty hair that not only make third- or fourth-day hair look great, but actually work better on slightly lived-in locks.

[ Next: 26 Easy Hairstyles That Will Save You a Ton of Time in the Morning ]

Hairstyles for Dirty Hair (update)

The Bouffant Bun

The secret to making dirty hair look glam; backcombing. A lot of it.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via The Freckled Fox
The Pull-Through Braid

Ponies don’t have to be boring.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via Twist Me Pretty
The Curly Fauxhawk

The edgier, the better. Just pin the sides up and go.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via Cosmopolitan
The Double Braid

Slightly dirty hair holds braids best and has great texture.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via SheKnows
The Fishtail Bun

A fresh twist on the classic top knot.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via Hair and Make-up by Steph
The Twisted Side Braid

Easy and effortless! This hairstyle is also a great growing-out-your-bangs hack.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via The Everygirl
The Braided Bun

No one at work will know you haven’t washed for days.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via YouBeauty
Boxer Braids

Yep, you can be cool and dirty at the same time.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via Missy Sue
The Milkmaid Braid

Leave a few tendrils hanging, if you want.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via Swann & the Berries
The Side-Twisted Turban Wrap

This looks so fancy — no one would ever guess that you have something to hide.

Image: Pinterest via Bustle
The Party in the Back 'Do

Distract them by clipping fun barrettes to the back of your head. Plus, the days-old texture in your hair will help them stay put.

Image: Pinterest via MIMI
The Tuck and Cover

You can try this trick with any braid, but we think the fishtail version is extra special.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via Missy Sue
The Looped Bun

Trust us, this super easy look will take less than a minute to do.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via Twist Me Pretty
The Bandana Wrap

If it was good enough for Jackie O, it’s good enough for us.

See the step-by-step guide to creating this look here.

Image: Pinterest via AllDayChic