As someone with naturally straight hair (1c hair type over here, whatuppp), I’ve basically spent a lifetime mastering every tip, trick, and hairstyle for straight hair. I’ve tried every ponytail in existence, I’ve tested a zillion volumizing hair products, and I’ve spent countless nights with velcro rollers, socks, and scarves in my hair, trying to achieve the perfect heatless curl. Basically, I am the Obi-Wan of straight hairstyles, so if you’re here in the midst of a styling rut or just want some new inspo, I gotchu. From side parts with barrettes to ‘90s style bangs, straight hairstyles are having a moment rn, and I’ve got proof. Keep scrolling for 43 of the prettiest straight hair pics from Insta.
A post shared by LAURA HARRIER (@lauraharrier)
Don’t ever underestimate the power of a really cute hair accessory in your straight hairstyle. To add a little bit of glam to your look, pick up some gold barrettes and pin them at the front of your hair, close to your part.
A post shared by Leslie Grace (@lesliegrace)
Listen, buns don’t have to be boring when you have straight hair. Proof: This very ~sophisticated~ bun with a long bang layer on Leslie Grace. To give the front section a bit of staying power, wrap it for a few seconds around a curling iron to create a soft bend.
A post shared by Leslie Grace (@lesliegrace)
This messy bun is perfect for straight hair because it doesn’t require endless teasing and hair-spraying. Just gather your hair on your crown, leaving two face-framing pieces loose, then tie off your bun haphazardly with an elastic. Pull out wispies from the bun to get a piece-y look—it’s those tiny intentional details that turn a last-minute hairstyle into a ~vibe~.
A post shared by Emily Cheng (@emilychengmakeup)
A deep side part and a little volume can take a straight short hairstyle to an entirely new level. To get that volume, rake a dollop of pomade or gel through your damp hair, shaping and smoothing it with a fine-tooth comb. Then, with an edge control brush or a clean toothbrush, smooth down your hairline for a sleek look.
A post shared by Marissa Marino (@marissa.marino)
No need to worry about getting your hair to stay where you want it, because the black hair barrette, as seen on Olivia Holt, will do it for you. With your hair straightener, bend pieces of your hair to create some soft waves, then follow up with a texturizing spray to give it some grit.
A post shared by David Lopez (@davidlopezhair)
To get Ashley Graham’s waves, wrap two-inch sections of hair around your curling wand, then, once you’ve finished curling (and fully let your hair cool) rake through them with a wide-tooth comb and tie off the top half of your hair into a ponytail. PSA: If you heat-style your hair frequently, I highly suggest picking up a heat protection spray to prevent split ends and damage.
A post shared by David Lopez (@davidlopezhair)
If you like to wear your hair down, this is your perf straight-hair hairstyle. Add some waves with a wide curling wand, then, starting from the right side of your head and about halfway back, braid a small section of hair across your part (like a headband), moving your arms over to the other side of your head as you braid. Half boho-chic, half Game of Thrones vibes.
A post shared by Nikki Lee | Hairstylist (@nikkilee901)
Got major layers? Meet your new BFF straight hairstyle: this low ponytail that’ll show off your choppy cut without feeling basic (especially when you add on a cute velvet bow). And don’t forget to style your curtain bangs with a round brush and a few spritzes of hairspray to give them some shape and hold.
A post shared by 🌵☀️Bridget Brager☀️🌵 (@bridgetbragerhair)
This super-sleek ponytail will need some strong-hold mousse to keep it smooth (or, you know, just wait until you’re on day-four hair, and you won’t need a GD thing to slick it back). To recreate Thomasin McKenzie’s ponytail, wrap the tail around a large curler after blow-drying it, then pin the ponytail to the nape of your neck after unraveling it. The effect? A ’50s-style bubble ponytail.
A post shared by 🌵☀️Bridget Brager☀️🌵 (@bridgetbragerhair)
Adding a shiny hair accessory to your hair is honestly the easiest way to instantly glam-up your look. Even better: This gold headband style on Constance Wu would work with straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair, etc.
A post shared by César DeLeön Ramîrez (@cesar4styles)
Hi, Winnie Harlow with the ponytail goals. Wrapping one piece of your ponytail around the base hair tie instantly takes your look from “I had no time to style today” to “I am Ariana Grande.” For an even sleeker look, swoop your edges with an edge control product before misting on a shine spray.
A post shared by Allen Thomas Wood (@allenthomaswood)
If you have long hair, a long side braid like this is a great easy hairstyle for straight hair. The best part? You can play around with it and add different hair accessories, like this mustard silk headband.
A post shared by Bobby Eliot (@bobbyeliot)
Tired of half-up straight hairstyles? Opt for Beanie Feldstein’s pinned-back look instead. Gather a three-inch section of hair across your hairline (think: arch of eyebrow to arch of eyebrow) and comb it straight back, securing with a bobby pin or a cute pink bow clip. For texture, add some soft flat-iron waves throughout the rest of your hair.
A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney)
Sydney Sweeney’s messy ponytail? Yes, pls. Just rake a few puffs of mousse (I like Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse and TGIN Honey Whip Hydrating Mousse) through your damp hair from roots to ends, then finger-comb your hair into a ponytail. Pull out some layers around the face to give it an even messier look.
A post shared by pooʍ pɐɥɔ (@chadwoodhair)
Nothing says ‘90s hair to me like curled, piece-y bangs, so if you’ve got ’em, make your bangs the main event. For Taylor Hill’s volume, blow-dry your damp bangs with a large round brush, then wrap the warm hair around a velcro roller to set the curl. (Psst: This look would go amazingly with this ‘90s grunge makeup trend).
A post shared by clayton hawkins (@claytonhawkins)
Take a page out of Olivia Rodrigo’s book and try these side braids. No French braiding skills required here, just section your hair into halves, tie then off at the base of your head with hair ties, and braid each pigtail, stopping a few inches from the ends.
A post shared by clayton hawkins (@claytonhawkins)
This spikey bun for straight hair gives me major early ’00s vibes. It’s a hairstyle that’s both easy to master and very much a ~lewk~. To get that slicked-down look, spray the top of your hair with hairspray to stick down any flyaways before combing it back.
A post shared by C Y N T H I A . A L V A R E Z (@cynthiaglam)
How cute is this high bun hairstyle for straight hair?! Pro tip: Once you secure your bun, smooth out your face-framing layers with a flatiron, lightly bending the ends for a little shape to offset the total sleekness of the look.
A post shared by David von Cannon (@davidvoncannon)
There’s a time and a place for a messy bun, but right now I’m kiiinda obsessed with this tight, sleek low bun. Add a little “lived-in” vibe to the bun by pulling out small pieces of hair at the back while still keeping the whole thing intact. The trick? A strong-hold hairspray that will keep everything in its place.
A post shared by Brittany Sullivan (@brittsully)
I’m all about hairstyles that don’t require a ton of styling—IYKYK. For this style, leave most of your straight hair as is (or add some waves with a curling wand or flatiron) and then take two front sections and braid them down the sides.
A post shared by Ruslan Nureev (@hairbyruslan)
Slicked-down ponytails are the perfect easy hairstyles for straight hair, since you can totally vary up what you do with the tail. Exhibit A: this sleek braided ponytail. To recreate this pic, rake a small palmful of your fav mousse through your roots, then comb it back into a low ponytail. Then braid it all the way down, securing with a hair tie or elastic.
A post shared by Kylee Heath (@kyleeheathhair)
This loose French braid is a great second-day hairstyle for straight hair. Before you braid, spritz your hair with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to give your hair some grit and soak up any excess oils. Then braid it loosely down the back of your hair and tie it with a ribbon or ribbon scrunchie for an even cuter touch.
A post shared by Matt Fugate (@mattshair)
A modern-day pigtail hairstyle that doesn’t make you look, like, six years old? I’m here for it. With a straightener or curling iron, add some waves to the length of your hair (and blast them with a texturizing spray). Then tie two elastics around the last quarter of your hair on each side. Pull up some of the hair above the elastic to loosen up the pigtails.
A post shared by Marissa Marino (@marissa.marino) on Jul 24, 2019 at 6:53pm PDT
I’m not going to pretend that this this chain-wrapped twisted look is the easiest thing in the world, buuuut it’s also not the hardest. First step: Find a hair chain. Then twist one side of your hair back, pinning it straight across your head. Twist the other side of your hair back and pin it on top of the other twist. Thread the chain in and over the twists, wrapping them together. BOOM.
A post shared by LACY REDWAY HAIR ARTIST (@lacyredway) on Dec 28, 2019 at 7:50am PST
Crazy how the way you style the ends of your hair can totally change the vibe. Whenever you’re not feeling your stick-straight hair look, try curling the ends under just slightly with a round brush and hair dryer.
A post shared by Marissa Marino (@marissa.marino) on Jan 13, 2020 at 8:35pm PST
All my friends with bangs, listen up: You don’t have to wear your bangs the same way every single day. To go with her retro straight-hair style, Selena Gomez switched it up and wore her bangs parted to the side.
A post shared by Chad (@chadwoodhair) on Nov 16, 2019 at 7:31am PST
Why is it when we think of straight hair, a middle part comes to mind? Lais Ribeiro shows us yet another way to wear the sleek look with this deep side part. Use a spritz of hairspray to keep your straight hair sleek and smooth.
A post shared by Makeup Artist Patrick Ta (@patrickta) on Feb 22, 2019 at 12:03am PST
Some say pixie cuts are limited with the styles they can do, but I beg to differ. Exhibit A: Katy Perry in these rhinestone pins. Short-haired peeps can wear fun accessories too.
A post shared by Irinel de León | Hairstylist (@hairinel) on Dec 19, 2018 at 4:20pm PST
If you usually just throw your straight hair into an easy ponytail without styling it first, might I suggest flatironing the ends first for a sleek ponytail look like this? Bonus points if you take the time to part your hair down the center too.
A post shared by CASH (@cashlawlesshair) on Dec 3, 2019 at 2:04pm PST
Remember what I said about taking the time to style your hair first? Same goes for half-ponytails too. Use your flatiron to flip out your ends just slightly, then pull half of it up with a scrunchie to finish.
A post shared by LACY REDWAY HAIR ARTIST (@lacyredway) on Jan 8, 2020 at 5:46am PST
Sometimes the littlest changes make all the difference. Take tucking one side of your hair behind your ear, for instance. Perfect compromise for when you want to show off your jewelry and your hairstyle at the same time.
A post shared by @flavia.ae on Jun 19, 2019 at 6:09am PDT
If you have short fine hair, wearing a large barrette like this seems more like a dream than reality, but I assure you it can be done. The trick is to secure your straight hair first with a few tiny rubber bands before clipping the barrette over the top.
A post shared by Kathleen (@kathleen_hair) on Mar 5, 2019 at 9:04am PST
When one straight-hairstyle ponytail isn’t enough, add a few more hair ties (or hair bungees if you want a super-tight look) to make a sleek, stacked, straight pony.
A post shared by Brittany Sullivan (@brittsully) on May 2, 2019 at 9:08pm PDT
The biggest misconception about straight hair is that it always needs to be perfectly combed and sleek, but this textured version proves that just ain’t true. On day two or three, blast your roots with texturizing spray and muss up your roots for a whole new look and vibe.
E L L A M A I 💅🏽 Hair Styled by Yours Truly, #KahhSpence for @ellamai for the @instagram Women’s Brunch #EllaMai #SLAYGAWD #KahhSpenceonHAIR #lahairstylist #nychairstylist #hairstylist
A post shared by S L A Y G A W D (@kahhspence) on Jan 28, 2020 at 10:43am PST
This vintage-inspired, flipped-out hairstyle is easy enough to DIY on your straight hair. All you need is a curling iron and a little practice.
A post shared by Irinel de León | Hairstylist (@hairinel) on Jan 7, 2020 at 9:08am PST
The trick to getting those front pieces to stay tucked behind your ears when wearing your hair straight? Tie both sides in a ponytail underneath your hair in the back and hide it with your hair on top. Stick around, I’m full of hair hacks.
A post shared by Kathleen (@kathleen_hair) on Feb 5, 2019 at 1:11pm PST
An ultra-high straight ponytail like this one is definitely worth the headache. And when paired with a super-straight tail? *Chef’s kiss.* If your hair isn’t quite long enough to get the effect, try adding a few clip-in hair extensions.
A post shared by Laura Polko (@laurapolko) on Dec 31, 2019 at 5:20am PST
Does Lucy’s blunt bob cut need a bobby pin? No. Does it look amazing with it in? Absolutely. A pearl bobby pin is always a good idea when styling your sleek, straight hair.
A post shared by Harry Josh (@harryjoshhair) on Sep 9, 2018 at 7:13pm PDT
How to make a ponytail formal: Make it sleek and add a bow with black velvet ribbon. The rough texture of the ribbon perfectly contrasts the ultra-smooth vibes of your straight hairstyle.
A post shared by justine marjan (@justinemarjan) on Jun 4, 2019 at 12:13pm PDT
When in doubt, wear a headband. And when you want to stand out, wear a padded headband or a statement pearl headband like this on your straight hairstyle.
A post shared by Irinel de León | Hairstylist (@hairinel) on Jan 28, 2020 at 2:11pm PST
If you’ve got a super-long ponytail, you need an equally impressive base to balance it out. To copy this look, take a sliver of hair and wrap it around your hair tie and down the tail for a cool finish. But first! Make sure to prep your straight hair with the right flyaway tricks and products for a smooth look like this.
A post shared by Chad (@chadwoodhair) on Nov 12, 2019 at 9:22am PST
Never have I ever seen a half-up, half-down ponytail look so regal. With not a hair out of place, this elegant version of the typically casual hairstyle has me second guessing everything.
A post shared by Jasmine Tookes (@jastookes) on Sep 8, 2018 at 1:00pm PDT
Just because you’ve finished straightening your hair doesn’t mean you’re done styling it. Finish with a few drops of hair oil worked into the lengths of your straight hair for crazy-good shine like this.