How to Style Straight Hair, According to Hairstylists

Straight hair might seem like the most low-maintenance hair type out there. Just wash, dry, and waltz out the door looking like you stepped out of a shampoo commercial, right? As anyone with naturally straight hair knows all too well, however, it’s definitely not that simple. This hair type frequently goes flat, falls victim to not-so-sexy bedhead look, and is prone to an irksome combo of greasy roots and dry, split ends.

The good news: By following a few golden rules, you can easily score salon-worthy volume and bounce, no matter how pin straight your hair may be. We tapped two industry experts, hairstylists Ashley Streicher and Marie Nino, to give us the lowdown on exactly how to style straight hair like a pro.

Experts Featured in This Article

Ashley Streicher is a celebrity hairstylist, co-founder of the Los Angeles-based beauty studio Striiike, and R+Co collective member.

Marie Nino is a New York City-based hairstylist and colorist at the hair salon, Arisa.

How to Care For Straight Hair

Before even thinking about styling, it’s important to establish a hair-care routine that’s best suited for your texture. Any type of curl pattern adds structure and fullness; because straight hair (obviously) lacks curls, it tends to innately have less volume, Streicher tells PS. She adds that straight hair also tends to skew oilier than other textures. (And excess oil can further weigh down and make already flat hair appear even limper.) But being intentional with the products you use and the cut you choose can make a world of difference when it comes to achieving volume and bounce.

Tip 1: Avoid Over-Conditioning

Proper care starts in the shower; both Striecher and Nino agree that glooping on heavy conditioning products can spell disaster before you even bust out the blow-dryer, weighing down your ends from the get-go. Use conditioner sparingly—a nickel-size amount for short hair, quarter size for shoulder-length or longer—and only from the mid-lengths to ends. You’ll also want to use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner if you have straight hair, adds Nino, who recommends the Kevin.Murphy Angel.Wash ($36). Look for options geared toward fine hair or ones labeled as volumizing, rather than hydrating, smoothing, or moisturizing formulas, which tend to be richer and heavier. If your hair is both straight and particularly fine, you can even skip conditioner altogether and instead reach for a leave-in formula after showering. Leave-ins tend to be lighter than their wash-out counterparts (although you should still only apply only from mid-lengths to ends) and help both condition and build volume. One to try: Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner ($48).

Tip 2: Minimize Styling Products

Straight hair calls for a styling wardrobe that prioritizes quality over quantity. “It’s important to be mindful of the amount and type of product used in order to maintain volume and a lightweight, airy finish,” Nino tells us. If you’re using hot tools, prep hair with a heat protectant, but opt for a spray format, rather than a heavier cream or lotion. Finish with texturizing spray; the combo of the two will help keep your hair healthy while also adding volume-boosting grit. “My all-time favorite dry texture spray is the IGK Beach Club Texture Spray. I cannot live without it,” Nino says, adding that it provides workable hold without leaving hair sticky or straw-like. And, as a general rule of thumb, he also suggests avoiding products like pomades, slick sticks, oils, and glosses, all of which tend to contain heavy ingredients that can deflate your style.

Tip 3: Consider Cuts Carefully

When choosing the best cut for straight hair, it’s important to balance your desired end look with the styling required to maintain it. A lived-in cut, like long, soft layers, adds texture and movement, transforming typically flat hair into a more dynamic and voluminous style, Nino says. “It’s also low-maintenance, allowing straight hair to fall naturally while still looking polished,” he adds. Prefer an edgier look? Streicher recommends a sleek chop: “A perfect bob is chic and timeless.” Opt for a blunt cut that’s chin- or shoulder-length, long enough that it’s versatile for styling but not so long that you risk hair looking stringy. Alternately, Streicher says the firefly cut, which features tapered sides that help accentuate volume at the crown, is another good option for those with straight hair.

How to Style Straight Hair

So, you’re ready for styling. Here’s what to keep in mind, depending on the length of your hair.

Short Hair

With the right cut, styling short hair can be a breeze. “The important thing is usually maintaining some volume,” Streicher says, adding that using a texture spray, like the R+CO Zig Zag Root Teasing + Texture Spray ($36). For more defined movement, you can also create gentle waves using a one-inch or 1.25 inch curling iron. “This size helps achieve soft, loose waves while the texture spray adds volume and grip, giving the hair a natural, tousled finish,” adds Nino. We love the GHD Classic Curl – 1″ Curling Iron. By leaning into a loose wave rather than a tight curl, you’ll create a natural-looking movement that isn’t a stark departure from your straight texture.

Medium-Length Hair

For those with medium-length hair, Streicher loves a classic collarbone-grazing lob paired with a smooth, bouncy blowout. Compared to other textures, straight hair requires less pre-styling to achieve that timeless, voluminous bounce that’s synonymous with ’90s supermodels. To get the look, prep damp roots with ColorWow’s Raise the Root Thicken + Lift Spray ($24) and blow-dry with a medium-to-large round brush. We like the Sisley Paris The Blow-Dry Brush N.2 for its supple bristles that easily grab and shape the hair while blow-drying. But you’re definitely not limited to a blowout. “Experimenting with half-up, and half-down styles or adding a fringe can further elevate the look, making a lived-in lob particularly chic and modern,” Nino says.

Long Hair

Similarly, long, straight hair benefits from the blowout effect by creating bouncy movement through volumized roots and gentle curls throughout. Nino suggests using grippy rollers, like the Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers ($12), to lift the roots, set hair in place, and create an incredibly satisfying level of bounce. If you’re short on time, using a heated round brush (a TikTok fave) is a good way to create this effect on dry hair in minutes. We’re big fans of the Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Round Brush ($100) for quick bounce and flips, which Streicher recommends as another great style option for long, straight hair. “I love an easy flip style. Form a deep side part and flip the bulk of your hair to either side for texture and cool volume,” Streicher says. You can also gently tease the roots to help anchor the deep side part and add even more volume.