If you’re looking for hairstyles for straight hair to change up your look and your natural strands lack any hint of a wave, then you’ve come to just the place. But welcome also anyone who's just a fan of regularly blow drying or straightening your locks.
Although straight hairstyles have been around since the dawn of time, they have only increased in popularity since the first hair straighteners were invented around 150 years ago (thank goodness the best hair straighteners are now much more evolved!) Fast forward to the 00s, however, and style icons such as the original supermodels and cast members of shows like Friends made poker-straight hair hugely popular.
"Depending on your face shape, most one-length precision cuts suit naturally straight hair," says Nick Willis, Senior Master Stylist at Charles Worthington Salons. “An oval face shape suits all styles, including a tight ponytail hairstyle or a center parting. One of my favorite straight hair looks is a classic, precision bob—I love the way it moves, guaranteed to give the wearer an incredible timeless elegance."
"Straight hair normally gives enhanced shine due to the cuticles lying smoother," adds his colleague, Senior Stylist Sonia Evans. In particular, she says "sharp, blunt bob hairstyles look amazing."
Best hairstyles for straight hair: the woman&home edit
As for this year's most in vogue looks? "Ask your hairdresser to add bangs which complement your face shape while adding shape and movement, as bangs in various forms still continue to be a hit," she continues. "Hair accessories, such as hair clips or headbands, are also on trend and add an extra touch of glam."
"I would say there’s a strong '70s beauty vibe when it comes to current hair trends. A center parting gives you a classic yet on-trend look," Nick adds.
When talking about hairstyles for straight hair, we’ll be focusing on styles for naturally straight hair and hair that requires straightening with flat irons or pro smoothing treatments such as the Brazilian blowout. If you’re looking for ideas for a textured look, however, head on over to our guide to wavy hairstyles, curly hairstyles or natural hairstyles instead.
Short hairstyles for straight hair
The shaggy bob with curtain bangs
Face shape: any | Hair type: fine to thick
The super short inverted bob
Face shape: all, except square| Hair type: fine to thick
The bowl cut pixie
Face shape: all | Hair type: fine to medium
The thick side parted bob
Face shape: all | Hair type: medium to thick
The boyish pixie cut
Face shape: all, except heart | Hair type: medium to thick
Medium hairstyles for straight hair
The long bob with rounded ends
Face shape: any | Hair type: medium to thick
The classic blunt lob
Face shape: all | Hair type: fine to thick
The rounded layered style with side bangs
Face shape: all | Hair type: thick
The centre parted shoulder length style
Face shape: all | Hair type: medium to thick
The lob with layered ends
Face shape: all | Hair type: fine to medium
Long hairstyles for straight hair
The classic long and layered style
Face shape: all | Hair type: medium to thick
The long style with block bangs
Face shape: all | Hair type: medium to thick
Face shape: all | Hair type: fine to thick
Face shape: all | Hair type: fine to thick
The long V-shaped cut
Face shape: all | Hair type: fine to thick
The long curtain bangs style
Face shape: all | Hair type: medium to thick
The best styling tips for straight hair
The number one must-have styling product when using heat on your hair—especially when it comes to the sky-high temperatures of straighteners—is using some form of heat protection for hair. "Always use a heat protector," Sonia stresses. "L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Pli Thermo-Modelling Spray is a combined protector and primer to give shape and volume. It's also great if you want to add some waves to your hair."
If you prefer a curved style with movement as opposed to poker straight look created with straighteners, a hot brush is a great tool for the job. “I love to use the ghd Glide Professional Hot Brush to smooth hair after blow drying it straight," Nick says.
After spending a load of time styling your hair, your next priority (especially if you don't have naturally straight hair) is keeping your sleek style exactly that. "My top recommendation to maintain a sleek, straight style would be to use Kérastase Discipline Oléo-Relax," Nick continues. "Use a few drops in your clean, towel-dried hair to nourish and calm any frizz. This product will keep your style looking dead straight, and is also perfect as a serum once you’ve blow dried or straightened your hair."
As for a bit of lived-in texture, should you desire it? A bit of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray can do the trick.
With all these expert tips at your disposal, consider your crash course in the best hairstyles for straight hair well and truly complete.
woman&home thanks hairstylists Nick Willis and Sonia Evans of Charles Worthington Salons for their time and expertise
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