Straight hair shows every line of a cut, which is great news for sharp shapes. Its drawbacks are that it can look flat, hold a curl poorly and show uneven ends. The best hairstyles for straight hair lean into clean edges or add movement with layers. Here are 14 cuts and styles, with what to ask for.
Hairstyles for straight hair: what the cut should do
Straight hair reflects light well, so it shines when the ends are blunt and healthy. It also falls flat easily, so layers and texture are how you add volume. Heat styling holds a curl better with a bit of prep: use a heat protectant and let the curl cool before brushing.
Sharp, clean cuts
1. Blunt bob
A single line shows off straight hair.
- Who it suits: Fine and medium hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a crisp line with no layers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
2. French bob
A jaw-length cut with a short fringe.
- Who it suits: Oval and heart faces.
- How to ask: Ask for a blunt line.
- Upkeep: Trim every 5 to 6 weeks.
3. Lob haircut
A long bob with a clean edge.
- Who it suits: Every face shape.
- How to ask: Ask for a blunt perimeter.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
4. Pageboy haircut
Turned-under ends and a straight fringe.
- Who it suits: Straight, thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a chin-length line.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 weeks.
5. Hime cut
Blunt sidelocks and a fringe over long hair.
- Who it suits: Straight, smooth hair.
- How to ask: Show a photo.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
6. Jellyfish haircut
A blunt bob on top of long hair.
- Who it suits: Straight, smooth hair.
- How to ask: Go to a stylist who does disconnected cuts.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
7. Blunt bangs
A full fringe cut straight across.
- Who it suits: Long and oval faces.
- How to ask: Ask for eyebrow length.
- Upkeep: Trim every 2 to 4 weeks.
Cuts with movement
8. Long layers
Layers add lift to flat lengths.
- Who it suits: Medium to thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for long, soft layers.
- Upkeep: Trim every 10 to 12 weeks.
9. Hush cut
Wispy layers with light bangs.
- Who it suits: Fine to medium hair.
- How to ask: Ask for see-through bangs.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
10. Butterfly haircut
Short layers framing the face over long layers.
- Who it suits: Medium to thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a butterfly cut.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
11. Curtain bangs
Soft bangs add shape.
- Who it suits: Most face shapes.
- How to ask: Ask for a blended fringe.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
Styles that add shape
12. Slick back bun
A sleek low or mid bun.
- Who it suits: Straight, smooth hair.
- How to ask: Use gel on the hairline.
- Upkeep: 5 minutes.
13. High ponytail
A sleek tail that swings.
- Who it suits: Medium to long hair.
- How to ask: Wrap a strand around the elastic.
- Upkeep: 3 minutes.
14. Heatless curls
Curls made by wrapping damp hair overnight.
- Who it suits: Straight hair that resists curling.
- How to ask: Wrap on a soft rod and leave overnight.
- Upkeep: 10 minutes at night.
Adding movement without damage
If you want curl or wave, start with a heat protectant and use a medium temperature. Cool the curl before brushing, and spray at the end, not before. For all-day volume, get layers cut in: they make it easier to build shape. Learn more in our guide to hollywood waves.
Which cut for which face
A blunt bob or lob suits oval and heart faces. Round faces look better with long layers or an asymmetrical line that adds length. Square faces soften with a side part and wispy bangs. Long faces gain width from a chin-length cut with a fringe. You can check yours with the face shape detector.
Try a new shape
Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and compare up to four cuts on your own face, from sleek bobs to layered styles.
Related reading: hairstyles for wavy hair, blunt bob and women's haircuts.
FAQ
What is the best haircut for straight hair?
A blunt bob or lob shows off straight hair, while long layers add movement.
How do I add volume to straight hair?
Get layers, use a root-lift spray and blow dry upside down.
What bangs suit straight hair?
Blunt bangs for a sharp look or curtain bangs for a softer one.
Can straight hair hold curls?
With heat protectant and cooling the curl before brushing, yes. Heatless methods also work well.
