13 Chic Hairstyles to Help You Embrace Your Second Day Hair

It's time to make the most of your second day hair...  

While we love the look and feel of freshly-washed tresses, that’s not to say the day after you wash your hair, AKA, second-day hair, isn’t also full of styling possibilities!

Second-day hair can mean totally different things for different people. If you have naturally thick or curly hair, second-day hair might be the day your hair looks at its best. But for those with fine hair, day 2 hair can mean flat, greasy strands that are past their prime. But are they?

With a little know-how and a few essential hair products, you can embrace your second-day hair and still look chic and stylish.

Messy Ponytail

Second day hair: Laura Whitmore with blonde highlighted hair in a low ponytail with jewelled hair clip wearing a yellow jumper.
Amp up the texture on second-day hair. Credit: Instagram.com/thewhitmore

You can’t go wrong with a ponytail hairstyle and this lightly backcombed style is perfect for reviving second-day hair. Credit: @thewhitmore

Low Bun

Second day hair: Woman with light silver blonde hair in low messy bun wrapped with a silk scarf.
If you like it put a scarf on it. Credit: Instagram.com/salon.1925

Low undone buns have taken on a world of their own, even becoming dubbed ‘the blogger bun‘. Spotted on high fashion icons to our fave Insta stars, this style may be simple but it’s far from basic. Credit: @salon.1925

Editor’s tip: Dry shampoo is the cult fave hair product every woman needs in her hair kit, but did you know it can be used for more than just absorbing oil?

We love the Love Beauty And Planet Volume & Bounty Dry Shampoo for boosting fine or limp hair. Simply spray hair from root to tip and ruffle with your fingers to add texture to your strands.

Half-Up Pony

Second day hair: Woman with long brown balayage wavy hair in half-up, half-down ponytail wearing black jumper
Practical and pretty. Credit: Instagram.com/winroth_kahlo

Do like mega-babe Ariana Grande and make this half-up ponytail your go-to look for second-day hair. It’s fun and flirty, and best of all, you can wear this style on short or long tresses. Credit: @winroth_kahlo

Messy Braid

Second day hair: Woman with dark blonde hair in braid wearing white top
Give second-day hair an overhaul with a messy braid. Credit: Instagram.com/kristin_ess

We all know braids tend to last longer in second-day hair thanks to the added grit and texture on your strands, so why not opt for quick and easy single braid for a casual everyday style? Credit: @kristin_ess

Sleek Bun

Second day hair: woman with brown hair in sleek low bun wearing patterned shirt and ripped jeans in Dubai
Not even that gorgeous backdrop can distract from this sleek ‘do. Credit: Instagram.com/naomigenes

Is your second-day hair looking flat and on the verge of greasy? No, don’t reach for the dry shampoo, embrace it with a sleek bun.

Chic and professional, this style can be created on freshly-washed hair, but to achieve a smooth and frizz-free finish it always looks better on second-day hair. Credit: @naomigenes

Editor’s tip: Give your updo a gorgeous sheen with the VO5 Tame & Shine Spray. This does-it-all product has a non-sticky formulation which helps to tame flyaways and adds shine for a glossy, silky finish.

Bubble Ponytail

Second day hair: Woman with long golden blonde straight hair in low bubble ponytail with jewelled hair clip.
This effortless style will be the envy of all your friends. Credit: Instagram.com/mykitsch

Want your second-day hair to still look IG perfect? Then look no further than this cute bubble ponytail updo. Credit: @mykitsch

Mini Bouffant

Second day hair: Woman with blonde hair in half-up, half-down bouffant with finger in mouth wearing light pink top
Pump up the volume. Credit: Instagram.com/florenceclaire_com

Well hello, mini bouffant! This ’60s-inspired retro style is simply perfect for second-day hair but will require a few hair hacks to get it looking picture-perfect. Credit: @florenceclaire_com

Editor’s tip: To achieve this look at home, we suggest using the TIGI Bed Head Oh Bee Hive! Dry Shampoo to not only boost volume but also to help absorb greasy roots and for added volume.

And if that’s not enough height for you, we suggest backcombing your hair in sections, too.

Topknot

Second day hair: Woman with blonde hair in high top knot updo wearing big white jumper
We are making a case for the top knot for everyday. Credit: Instagram.com/cluse

Topknots were long considered the hairstyle for gym bunnies and lazy Sundays, but nowadays they have become totally trendy and, dare we say it, simply irresistible!

From hair donuts to twisted styles, make this updo your second-day hair go-to. Credit: @cluse

Fishtail Braid

Second day hair: Two women with long dark brown hair. One with a fishtail braid tied with a headscarf and the other with dutch boxer braids.
Friends who braid together, stay together. Credit: Instagram.com/aliceabdelaziz

We’ve already established that braids last longer on second-day hair, so why not show off your braiding skills with a fishtail braid? Credit: @aliceabdelaziz

Style tip: Give your fishtail braid a summer makeover by adding a silk scarf to the bottom of your braid.

Half-Up Dutch Braids

Second day hair: Woman with long dark ash blonde hair in half-up double dutch braids wearing black jacket
Double the fun with Dutch braids. Credit: Instagram.com/hairby_chrissy

Let’s face it, second-day hair mostly affects our roots, so sometimes you just need a hairstyle to disguise and distract attention away from that section – which is why we are crushing over these half-up Dutch braidsCredit: @hairby_chrissy

Headbands

Second day hair: Woman with long wavy dirty blonde balayage hair wearing a headband.
The only way to hide greasy roots in style. Credit: Instagram.com/lisa.villemaire

From baker boy hats to berets, there are so many clever ways to jazz up second-day hair but the classic and humble headband is definitely our fave. Credit: @lisa.villemarie

Editor’s tip: Give your second-day hair a quick and simple makeover with the help of the TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray. Spritz evenly over damp or dry hair to create a rough texture and tousled waves.

Scarf Braid

Second day hair: Woman with dark brown wavy hair in scarf twisted braid updo wearing a whit roll neck.
With or without a scarf, this hairstyle is worth a try. Credit: Instagram.com/saratess

Daring to go beyond second-day hair? Then hide any telltale signs of greasy strands with this twisted braid bun updo. Credit: @saratess

Style tip: Don’t fret about any loose strands as this will add to the overall look.

Side Braid

Second day hair: woman with blonde medium length hair in side braid wearing grey top
Simple and classic side braid will look great on second-day hair. Credit: Instagram.com/brideallwedding

Looking for a second-day hairstyle that takes only a matter of seconds to whip up? Then you can’t go wrong with a side braid.

Psst… Did you know the quickest and easiest way to hide greasy roots is by switching to a new parting? Yes really, try it. Credit: @brideallwedding

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