Hairstyles for straight hair—15+ ideas for just about every length

We've rounded up the very best hairstyles for straight hair, whether you've got naturally straight hair or love using straighteners for a sleek look

hairstyles for straight hair main image of Gwyneth Paltrow
(Image credit: Future/Getty Images)

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."

hairstyles for straight hair Jennifer Aniston

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

Lucy Abbersteen

Lucy is a UK-based beauty journalist who has written for titles including Marie Claire, Glamour and OK!, as well as contributing to woman&home. Her work covers everything from expert skin and haircare advice to beauty trends and reviews of the latest products. During her career she regularly speaks to the industry's leading hairdressers, dermatologists and make-up artists, has covered backstage at London Fashion Week and interviewed many a celeb about their beauty routine.