7 Cute Hairstyles for When You're Too Lazy to Wash It

Quick and easy styles that look better on unwashed hair

We all have those days when washing, conditioning, drying and styling our hair is just way more effort than we're willing to put forth. Lucky for us, celebrity hairstylist Mika Fowler says we should be shampooing our hair only once a week -- two to three times, tops -- to avoid stripping it. 

But what to do with those greasy-looking strands? That's where these styles come in. They're easy, painless and cover up the fact that it's been a few days since the good old wash, rinse, repeat. 

Here, how to keep your hair looking freshly washed -- and super cute -- sans any actual .shampooing all week long. 

Your Best Hair Day

You can generally expect your second day of hair to look the best, Fowler says. That's because it's hydrated and glossy, thanks to the natural oils. Instead of tossing your hair up, try throwing some waves into your hair using a curling iron. To give it a boho-vibe, loosely braid corresponding 1-inch sections of your hair .and secure them at the nape of your neck with bobby pins

Messy Hair FTW

According to celebrity hairstylist Chaz Dean, braided hairstyles, like a side braid, are always easy. "Additionally, a messy bun is always an effortlessly chic look," he says. This style combines the best of both worlds, and the messy texture means it will work exceptionally well on your bedhead. Braid a 1-inch strand of your hair from the front of your head, and then pull all of your hair back into a loose, messy bun (the messier, the better). 

Channel Your Inner Ballerina

Messy, tousled hair not your thing? A sleek ballerina bun looks just as pretty. If your hair is Christina Aguilera levels ofdirrty, Fowler says that it may be time to make friends with your dry shampoo to help soak up any excess oil and to refresh your hair. She recommendsJoico Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo, $17.99, because it zaps grease without leaving any white residue (especially essential for dark hair). 

Business in the Front...

... Party in the back (only this style is a million times cooler than a mullet). This ponytail is great because it keeps you looking sleek and professional in the front, but the texture in the back is easier to achieve with dirty hair. Pull your hair back into a mid-height ponytail and secure with an elastic. Make a small braid in your ponytail and wrap it around the base so it covers the elastic, then pin it in place with bobby pins. You can spray your ponytail with a dry texture spray, like BlowPro Textstyle Dry Texture Spray, $19.75, to add extra body and to plump it up so it doesn't look straggly.

Feeling Knotty

This unusual take on a low ponytail is surprisingly easy to recreate. Just separate your hair into two sections at the nape of your neck, and then tie them into a knot (try it, it's just as easy as it sounds). Use a clear elastic to hold the two sections together, and follow with a hair refreshing spray. Dean recommends WEN Replenishing Treatment Mist, $27, because it keeps hair shiny, hydrated and smelling freshly washed. "A replenishing mist looks and feels like it's bringing your hair back to life or like a shower really did happen that day," Dean says.

Add Some Body

A beach-y, braided bun is nothing without a little tousled volume. But how can you achieve that on your limp, unwashed strands? "For those with wavy or curly hair, theWEN Nourishing Mousse, $36, can be used on dry hair to create body," Dean says. Then, plait one side of your hair into a loose Dutch braid (learn howhere). Repeat on the other side, and then gather your hair into a loose, messy bun at the nape of your neck.

Pick a Side

And, for the finale, a side braid like Dean mentioned earlier. If your hair is oily, he says an easy fix is a dry shampoo or root product -- just make sure you're using them correctly. His tip: "Whatever product you use, make sure to work it in after letting it sit for 30 seconds or until all the powder is dissolved from soaking up the oil. Don't leave your fingers in the hair and overwork the strands, or you'll just be adding more oil back into them from your hands." Then simply pull your hair off to one side and braid it. Use bobby pins to secure any areas that feel like they may fall out.