Is short hair or long hair better for straight hair?

Both short and long hair looks great on those who have super straight hair. Take a look at the photo gallery above for inspiration. If you have straight hair that is also fine or thin, however, you should stick to haircuts that are medium-length or shorter to help your hair look thicker.

What is the best hairstyle for a round face with straight hair?

A long, sleek hairstyle would look great on those who have a round face, as it helps elongate your face. A shorter pixie cut with some height on top is another good choice, as this cut will also help slim a round face . Another great option for this face shape is a long bob haircut with a deep side part.

How can I get straight hair to hold a curl?

Straight hair is notorious for not holding a curl. First off, hair that hasn’t been washed in a day or two will hold its curl better than freshly washed hair. You should also use a volumizing mousse to prime your hair for curling. When using a curling iron, use a smaller rod and shake the curls—don’t brush them! Finish with a light spray of hairspray to hold your curls.

25 Haircuts for Stick-Straight Hair That Add Texture and Volume

hailey bieber with wavy brown hair and lip gloss — @haileybieber

Every hair type is beautiful, but they also offer their own challenges when it comes to finding the perfect cut. For those with super straight hair, finding a style that will give our tresses life while still working with its natural texture can feel like mission impossible. Fortunately, we asked hair pros Mark Townsend and Trey Gillen to share their 20 most flattering haircuts for straight hair, modeled by some famous faces.

Meet the Expert

Mark Townsend is Dove’s celebrity hair pro. His clients include the Olsens, Dakota Johnson, and Shay Mitchell, among others.
Trey Gillen is a hairstylist and director of education at SACHAJUAN.

01 of 25

Blunt: Mid-Length and Ombré

Jessica Alba curly shoulder-length and ombre bob — Greg Deguire/Getty Images

For those with fine, straight hair, a blunt haircut is the way to go. "Excessive layers will only cause fine hair to look thinner, so resist the urge to get 'choppy layers for movement,'" notes Townsend. "By keeping all the weight at the bottom, your locks will appear thicker and fuller in an instant." Add ombré color to get Jessica Alba's California beach vibes.

02 of 25

Blunt: Sleek and Smooth

Maya Jama sleek straight black hair — David M. Benett/Getty Images

No split ends here. Maya Jama's straight jet-black hair couldn't look healthier thanks to her clean ends (read: blunt) and all-over luster. Don't forget the shine spray if you're trying to replicate her glossy finish.

03 of 25

Blunt: Long With Heavy Bangs

Tyra Banks straight blunt hair with bangs — Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images

Tyra Banks looks fierce with her stick-straight strands and heavy bang. Not only is this long hair with bang combo very mod, but a bang is also one way to flatter a larger forehead, in case that's something you're interested in.

If you're looking to complement your straight, blunt cut, consider opting for bangs with a choppy finish. This will achieve balance and keep a blunt 'do from appearing too boxed in and perfect.

04 of 25

Blunt: Wavy With Side Flip

Rosamund Pike with a wavy bob with hair flip — ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images

If you have fine or thin hair, a side flip will give you instant volume. "Always top off your wavy look with generous amounts of dry shampoo (dry shampoo is the new hair spray, after all)," says Townsend. To separate the strands and add some shine, apply Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo, $28, from the mid-shaft to the ends.

05 of 25

Blunt: Long and Lustrous

Gemma Chan long, blunt haircut with red lip — Getty Images

Blunt cuts look amazing on straight hair but don't be afraid to add a slight wave to enhance texture and movement. Paired with a classic red lip and the perfect natural flush, this is a look that will transition easily from day to night—and back again.

06 of 25

Blunt: Angled Layers

Mila Kunis with blunt bob — Rich Fury/Getty Images

Mila Kunis has had plenty of hairstyles over the years, but we especially love this blunt cut. The Bad Moms star brought the drama with this style that is slightly shorter in the back and features angled layers and choppy, textured ends.

07 of 25

Bob: A-Line

Karlie Kloss with a posh bob and side bangs — Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

A sleek and sophisticated bob is classy and timeless—not to mention, it works amazingly well on fine, straight hair. "I love giving my fine-haired clients a bit of an A-line cut where the hair is snipped shorter in the back and has longer pieces in the front. By keeping some length around your face, you give yourself more options when it comes to updos and other styles," says Townsend.

08 of 25

Bob: Collarbone Grazing

Keke Palmer sporting a sleek straight bob — Ben Gabbe/Getty Images

Keke Palmer has a stunning rotation of hairstyles to fit every mood and occasion. "This bob also tucks nicely behind the ears for an effortless feel and convenience when working from a home office. Sachajuan’s Finish Cream ($34) is amazing for styling the finishing touches to keep this bob in its best shape all day long," says Gillen.

09 of 25

Bob: Chin-Length and Wavy

Freida Pinto with a textured bob — Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Take your hair from limp and lifeless to fun and flirty with a wave of a wand. "Be sure to leave your ends out for a modern feel," advises Townsend. "Avoid any 'stacking' in the back and keep this style fresh by going blunt," he adds.

10 of 25

Bob: Asymmetrical

Soo Joo Park with a asymmetrical platinum bob — Jason Merritt/WireImage/Getty Images

Asymmetrical cuts are like the one-shoulder dress of hairstyles: delightful and eye-catching. Model Soo Joo Park makes a statement with this chic, non-traditional cut that requires minimal styling (just keep in mind that on the maintenance front, platinum blonde is not the most care-free of colors). A chandelier earring strikes some balance and completes her look.

11 of 25

Bob: Textured Layers

Jourdan Dunn with a textured bob with center part — Karwai Tang/Getty Images

The modern bob is all about texture. "Be sure to invest in a good styling paste, like Sally Herberger 24K Texturizing Paste ($40), when you make the chop," notes Townsend. When it comes to color, light brown highlights can really work to brighten your complexion while still being super low-maintenance.

12 of 25

Bob: Face-Framing Layers

Hailey Beiber on red carpet with face framing bob — Getty Images

We love it when a cut brings out someone's natural beauty, Hailey Beiber's bob boasts face-framing layers that soften and accentuate her features. This look is universally flattering, slimming and contouring the face.

13 of 25

Pixie: Mussy

Ginnifer Goodwin with a textured pixie — Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Lots of stars rock gorgeous pixies, and this is a great haircut for straight hair, especially fine locks. "The messy hairstyle for straight hair adds texture and volume," notes Townsend.

Not only is this pixie cut ideal for a fine mane, but the length on top also serves to elongate a round face.

14 of 25

Pixie: Volumized Crop

Halsey with a volumized blonde pixie with dark roots — Michael Loccisano/WireImage/Getty Images

Halsey is a hair chameleon (need we explain why?). This bleached pixie with dark roots is glam meets grunge. Extra volume at the roots and crown breathes life into limp strands. Prep with a root-lifting product like Boldify Hair Thickening Spray ($23) before blow-drying.

15 of 25

Pixie: Peter Pan

Kate Mara with a "Peter Pan" pixie — Noam Galai/Getty Images

When it comes to pixie trends, those that are longer on top and shorter in the back are in. "And with this new cut, you'll be surprised by the amount of natural texture that comes from not having it weighed down," comments Townsend. "I love how Kate Mara incorporates a dainty side-swept bang, adding a bit of flair to this classic style."

16 of 25

Pixie: Feathered

Rowan Blancard in a pixie with bangs and rainbow glitter eye makeup — Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Rowan Blanchard is doing everything right with this casual-chic pixie, from her feathered bangs to her long, wispy sideburns that accentuate her cheekbones. Oh, and let's not forget to mention those arches (natural and rainbow). They are all kinds of wonderful.

17 of 25

Pixie: Slicked Back

Scarlett Johansson with slicked back pixie — Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Scarlett Johansson is living proof that super-short hair can be sexy. She rocked an extra-short, slicked-back pixie cut on the red carpet, looking extra glamorous in a sequin dress and muted makeup.

18 of 25

Pixie: Polished

Sarah Paulson with a sleek, side-parted bob with dark roots — Rachel Luna/FilmMagic/Getty Images

The ever-talented Sarah Paulson's super-sleek 'do is bold and beautiful. Her dark roots melt organically into her blonde mids and ends. "You'd be surprised how many times I've actually added a darker root to blondes on photo shoots using Rita Hazan Root Concealer Spray ($12)," admits Townsend.

19 of 25

Layered: Shag With Micro Bangs

Emma Watson with micro bangs and wavy shoulder-length hair

If you're the less traditional type, a shag paired with bangs can be a rock and roll haircut for straight hair. For a softer interpretation, curl your hair slightly like Emma Watson. Shag haircuts provide movement and add a little somethin'-somethin' to "hair that doesn't like to do anything," says Gillen. "Perfect for a fringe that doesn’t have any cowlicks or a wave, micro bangs are short, fun, and frame the eyes wonderfully (with an edge)," he adds.

20 of 25

Layered: Invisible

Elizabeth Olsen with rooted blonde hair and center part — John Shearer/Getty Images

Look closely: Elizabeth Olsen's layers are subtle, but they're still there. "Invisible layers" create texture and body—fine-haired friends take note—and coupled with loose curls, they can fix flat hair.

Want to fake thicker hair? Having darker roots provides more dimension at your crown and actually creates the illusion of fullness.

21 of 25

Layered: Long With Curtain Fringe

Sofía Vergara with long Chesnut hair with curtain bangs — Getty Images

Sofía Vergara freshens up classic, long layers with a curtain fringe. "Adding chestnut tones will bring in a color trend to add a wow factor," comments Gillen. "Use Sachajuan's Scalp Shampoo ($27) when washing hair to remove residue and buildup on the scalp and roots of your hair, this will keep the grease away and spread your washing days out," he adds.

22 of 25

Layered: Face-Framing Bedhead

Alexa Chung with "bed-head" shoulder-length hair and center part — Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Talk about bedhead. If you're looking for a haircut for straight hair that is trendy, low-maintenance, and charming, look no further. Alexa Chung's collarbone-grazing length and face-framing layers are flattering on nearly all hair textures as well as all face shapes. The finish is it-girl cool.

23 of 25

Layered: Beachy Waves

Chrissy Teigen with beachy waves and balayage — Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Just because you've got super straight strands doesn't mean that you can't rock perfect beachy waves. Paired with dark roots, Chrissy Teigen's mane is visually effortless. The added benefit of not getting your highlights done so regularly is that you save your hair a lot of damage. Go ahead and let it grow.

24 of 25

Layered: Subtle Side Curl

Sophie Turner on red carpet with long waves — Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Sophie Turner is giving off serious Jessica Rabbit vibes with her long locks that are carefully worked into a subtle curl. Wearing it to the side definitely ups the glam factor.

25 of 25

Layered: Sleek With Center Part

Selena Gomez with long straight hair with center part — Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

The simplicity of straight hair can be stunning. Selena Gomez shows off her hair's natural luster with this sleek 'do, parted in the middle and flowing down her back.

FAQ

Is short hair or long hair better for straight hair?

Both short and long hair looks great on those who have super straight hair. Take a look at the photo gallery above for inspiration. If you have straight hair that is also fine or thin, however, you should stick to haircuts that are medium-length or shorter to help your hair look thicker.
What is the best hairstyle for a round face with straight hair?

A long, sleek hairstyle would look great on those who have a round face, as it helps elongate your face. A shorter pixie cut with some height on top is another good choice, as this cut will also help slim a round face. Another great option for this face shape is a long bob haircut with a deep side part.
How can I get straight hair to hold a curl?

Straight hair is notorious for not holding a curl. First off, hair that hasn’t been washed in a day or two will hold its curl better than freshly washed hair. You should also use a volumizing mousse to prime your hair for curling. When using a curling iron, use a smaller rod and shake the curls—don’t brush them! Finish with a light spray of hairspray to hold your curls.

How to Curl Straight Hair for Full, Bouncy Waves