Straight hair is boring. Straight hair is hard to style. Straight hair is the worst hair type. All lies you’ve been led to believe. The hair texture gets a bad rap for being basic, but armed with some insight from an expert stylist, we’re here to tell you that’s far from the truth. “Straight hair can be incredibly chic when it’s treated with intention,” says Los Angeles–based hairstylist Chris Greene. He does note that “it can be tricky for the hair to hold certain styles, and the key is tailoring the cut and products to the individual.”
With the right products, straight hair can pull off just about any style. And Greene has a few personal faves he recommends for you to try on your strands. Scroll below for the best hairstyles for straight hair of all lengths!
Chris Greene, a master at coloring and cutting, works with a discerning clientele in Los Angeles, ranging from on-camera talent to everyday clients who value elevated, personalized hair.
An easy hairstyle to zhuzh up your straight hair, glass hair is all about the shine. Greene, who is a big fan of the style, appreciates how it allows for “movement with super sleek strands.” The best part? The trendy hairstyle is easy for anyone to recreate, whether you have fine hair or thick hair, shoulder-length hair or long hair. Simply grab the COLOR WOW HAIR Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, which Greene says “makes a huge difference in frizz control,” and spritz it onto dry hair. Next, take the flat iron of your choice to your strands to create this glossy hair look. Simplicity at its finest.
Another simple straight hairstyle, pairing a deep side part with the tucked-behind-the-ear look is an effortless way to jazz up your naturally straight hair. While this style is often seen on long hair types, it looks just as stunning on short to medium-length hair. Use a rattail comb to create your part, along with a lightweight hair gel (like the ALTERNA HAIRCARE Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Smoothing Gelee) to help the style stay put without weighing down your hair.
There’s no better combination than short hair and a blunt cut. It’s chic and low-maintenance—two things we love most, especially when it comes to hair. Give your strand strands an extra pass with a straightener to ensure no hair is out of place. Greene reminds us that for a look like this, a heat protectant is a non-negotiable. The DRYBAR Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist is great for all hair textures, especially straight, because it’s lightweight and protects up to 450°F. Maintain the sleekness of this style by keeping the INH Hair Quick Slick Hair Essence on you to tame flyaways on the go.
Add some movement and dimension to your straight hair with this hairstyle by Greene. “This mid-length layered cut I did with long layers and beveled ends is polished but still sexy,” says the stylist. Snag your blowdryer and round brush (or take the easier route and use the FOXYBAE HAIR Rose Gold Hot Round Brush) to recreate this faux blowout look at home. Focus on the ends but don’t forget the roots—they deserve some love too, especially if you want to add volume to thin hair.
On days when you’re feeling like you want something edgy, you can’t go wrong with this classic updo style. Brush your hair back to show off your face shape (you’re stunning) and slick it back with the R+CO Grasp Intense Hold Shaping Balm. Depending on the day, you can keep your pony sleek straight, take a curling iron to it, or braid your lengths for a more styled look.
Break out of your styling rut with this low-bun hairstyle. It’s perfect for date nights with your partner or evenings on the town with friends. Again, a rattail comb will come in handy to create the sharp part required for this look. Greene recommends going in with a volumizing spray or mousse on the roots “to give straight hair some lift.” Something like the COLOR WOW HAIR Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer will add a thickening effect that lasts for days while still allowing for movement in the style. Don’t forget a hairspray to keep your low bun in place all day long, no matter what you get up to. We always recommend DESIGN.ME HAIR Hold.ME Three-Way Hairspray for its versatility (it offers three levels of hold in one can).
A top knot is the ideal style for when you can’t be bothered to do more than throw your hair up—we get it, we’ve been there. Even if the top knot is snatched, you can show off your natural texture by keeping the hair that’s down appearing as though it has been unstyled. Of course, some styling products will be required to create this just-woke-up style. That’s where the AMIKA Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray comes in to help by adding touchable texture and volume to your natural hair.
Spice up your long hair with the addition of a blunt bang. Whether you have thinner or thicker hair, pairing your straight hair with a straight-across bang gives it some much-needed dimension. Bangs are often thought to be high-maintenance, and while they can be, this look on straight hair requires way less effort. A simple blow-dry with a round brush (maybe followed by a straightening sesh) will give you a look that lasts. Because even if the style doesn’t hold, you know your bangs are going to be straight regardless.
Ah, the long bob—the best haircut for those who can’t decide if they want long hair or short hair. We haven’t seen much of the lob as of late, though we’re sure it will make quite the comeback, given its the ideal hair length for straight hair. Greene says to style your lob pin-straight and with a high-gloss finish to elevate your everyday style. The DRYBAR Liquid Glass Miracle Sealant works with your hot tools to melt into each strand, delivering frizz-fighting properties and split-end mending for up to three washes.
Face-framing layers give body and movement to straight hair, which is why curtain bangs are a must for the hair type. No matter your face shape (yes, even round faces), there’s a style of curtain bang that will suit you best. Do know that your bangs will require regular trims to maintain their shape, so maybe steer clear of this style if you’re wanting something more low-maintenance. But for those who have the patience to style bangs, we hear this style calling your name.