Straight hair offers a multitude of styling options for men looking to achieve a sleek and polished appearance. Whether you prefer short and low-maintenance cuts or longer, more dramatic styles, there’s a perfect haircut out there for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 20 of the most stylish and versatile haircuts for men with straight hair, providing you with all the inspiration you need for your next trip to the barber.
1. Classic Crew Cut
The crew cut is a timeless choice for men with straight hair, offering a clean and masculine look that’s easy to maintain. This short haircut features hair that’s clipped close on the sides and back, gradually getting longer towards the top of the head. The top is usually styled upright, creating a neat and tidy appearance.
To achieve the perfect crew cut, ask your barber to use clippers on the sides and back, typically starting with a #2 or #3 guard and fading upwards. The top should be left slightly longer, about 1-2 inches, and can be texturized with scissors for added definition.
Styling a crew cut is straightforward – simply apply a small amount of matte pomade or clay to towel-dried hair and brush it upwards and slightly forward for a natural, effortless look. This versatile cut suits most face shapes and is ideal for men who want a no-fuss, professional appearance.
2. Slicked Back Undercut
The slicked back undercut combines edgy style with classic sophistication, making it a popular choice for men with straight hair. This cut features very short sides and back, often faded or buzzed, with significantly longer hair on top that’s styled backwards.
To get this look, ask your barber for an undercut, keeping the top length at least 3-4 inches long. The contrast between the short sides and longer top creates a bold, eye-catching effect.
Styling requires a bit more effort but yields impressive results. Start by applying a strong-hold pomade or gel to damp hair. Use a comb to brush all the hair on top backwards, ensuring a smooth, sleek finish. For added volume, you can use a blow dryer while combing the hair back. This style works particularly well for oval and square face shapes and is perfect for those wanting to make a statement with their hair.
3. Textured Quiff
The textured quiff is a modern twist on a classic style, ideal for men with straight hair who want to add volume and movement to their look. This cut features shorter sides and back with longer hair on top, styled upwards and backwards to create height at the front.
Ask your barber for a cut that leaves 3-4 inches of length on top, with shorter graduated sides. The key to this style is the textured finish on top, which can be achieved through point-cutting or razoring techniques.
To style, apply a sea salt spray or texturizing product to damp hair. Use a blow dryer and your fingers to lift the hair at the roots while directing it backwards. Once dry, work a small amount of matte clay or paste through the hair to enhance texture and hold. This versatile style suits most face shapes and can be adjusted in height to complement your features.
4. Side Part Pompadour
The side part pompadour combines the classic elegance of a side part with the volume and drama of a pompadour. This sophisticated style is perfect for men with straight hair looking to make a refined statement.
For this cut, you’ll need significant length on top – about 4-5 inches – with shorter, tapered sides. The key is to maintain enough length on the sides to create a clear parting.
Styling starts with applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair. Use a round brush and blow dryer to create volume, directing the hair upwards and back. Once dry, use a comb to create a deep side part. Apply a high-shine pomade and comb the top section up and back, creating a voluminous pompadour shape. Smooth the sides down for a polished finish. This style is particularly flattering for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
5. Buzzcut with Line-Up
For those who prefer an ultra-low maintenance style, the buzzcut with a line-up offers a clean, sharp look that’s perfect for straight hair. This military-inspired cut features very short hair all over, with crisp, defined edges around the hairline.
Ask your barber for a uniform buzzcut using a #1 or #2 guard all over. The distinguishing feature of this style is the precise line-up along the forehead, temples, and neckline, which creates a sharp, geometric look.
Styling is minimal – simply apply a small amount of matte hair product to enhance the texture and control any flyaways. This bold look works well for men with strong facial features and is ideal for those who want a no-fuss, masculine style.
6. Textured Crop
The textured crop is a trendy, low-maintenance option for men with straight hair. This style features short sides and back with a slightly longer top that’s cut in a way to enhance natural texture.
Ask your barber for a short back and sides, usually with a fade, and leave the top about 1-2 inches long. The key to this cut is the texturizing on top, which can be achieved through point-cutting or razoring techniques.
To style, apply a small amount of texturizing paste or clay to towel-dried hair. Use your fingers to work the product through, creating piece-y texture and directing the hair forward slightly. This relaxed, effortless style suits most face shapes and is perfect for men who want a modern look without spending too much time on their hair.
7. Long Sleek Push Back
For men who prefer longer hair, the long sleek push back is an excellent option that showcases the natural smoothness of straight hair. This style involves growing the hair out to at least shoulder length and styling it back away from the face.
Growing out your hair requires patience and regular trims to maintain shape and prevent split ends. Once you’ve achieved your desired length, ask your stylist for long layers to add movement and prevent the hair from looking too heavy.
Styling starts with applying a heat protectant to damp hair. Use a round brush and blow dryer to direct the hair backwards, creating a smooth, sleek finish. Once dry, apply a small amount of lightweight serum to add shine and control frizz. This sophisticated style works well for oval and diamond-shaped faces and is perfect for those wanting to embrace their long, straight hair.
8. Modern Caesar Cut
The modern Caesar cut is a contemporary take on the classic Roman style, ideal for men with straight hair looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish option. This cut features short, horizontally straight-cut bangs with equally short sides and back.
Ask your barber for a uniform length all around, typically about 1-2 inches. The signature feature of this cut is the straight-across fringe that sits about halfway down the forehead.
Styling is simple – apply a small amount of matte paste or clay to slightly damp hair and use your fingers to create a tousled, textured look. Push the fringe forward slightly for the classic Caesar effect. This cut is particularly flattering for those with receding hairlines and suits most face shapes.
9. Faux Hawk
The faux hawk, or “fohawk,” is a less extreme version of the mohawk that works exceptionally well with straight hair. This edgy style features shorter sides with a longer strip of hair down the center of the head.
Ask your barber for a cut that leaves a strip of longer hair, about 2-3 inches wide, running from your forehead to the nape of your neck. The sides should be cut shorter, often with a fade effect.
To style, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair. Use your fingers or a comb to push the longer top section up and towards the center, creating a peak. The sides should be styled flat against the head. This bold look is great for oval and diamond-shaped faces and is perfect for those wanting to make a statement with their hair.
10. Ivy League
The Ivy League, also known as the Harvard Clip, is a sophisticated and timeless cut that’s perfect for men with straight hair. It’s essentially a longer version of the crew cut, offering a bit more styling versatility.
Ask your barber for a cut that’s short on the sides and back, gradually getting longer towards the top. The top should be left long enough to part, typically about 1-2 inches.
To style, apply a small amount of pomade to damp hair. Create a side part and comb the top section over to one side, with the front styled slightly upwards. This classic look suits most face shapes and is ideal for professional settings or formal occasions.
11. Brushed Up Front
The brushed up front style is a versatile option that adds height and volume to straight hair. This cut features shorter sides and back with longer hair on top, particularly at the front.
Ask your barber for a cut that leaves 3-4 inches of length on top, with shorter, tapered sides. The front section should be the longest to allow for the signature brushed-up look.
Styling involves applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then using a round brush and blow dryer to lift the front section upwards and backwards. Once dry, use your fingers to work a small amount of texturizing product through the hair, focusing on creating height at the front. This dynamic style works well for most face shapes and is great for adding perceived height.
12. Comb Over Fade
The comb over fade is a sleek, modern style that works beautifully with straight hair. This cut combines the classic sophistication of a comb over with the edgy touch of a fade.
Ask your barber for a high or low fade on the sides and back, depending on your preference. The top should be left longer, about 3-4 inches, to allow for the comb over.
To style, apply a medium-hold pomade to damp hair. Create a deep side part and comb the longer top section over to one side. Use a blow dryer for added volume and hold. The result is a polished look that’s suitable for both professional and casual settings. This style is particularly flattering for those with square or oval face shapes.
13. Textured French Crop
The textured French crop is a stylish and low-maintenance option for men with straight hair. This cut features a short back and sides with a slightly longer top and a blunt fringe.
Ask your barber for a short back and sides, which can be faded if desired. The top should be left about 1-2 inches long, with a blunt cut fringe that sits just above the eyebrows.
Styling is straightforward – apply a small amount of texturizing paste to towel-dried hair and use your fingers to create a messy, textured look on top. The fringe can be styled straight down or slightly to the side for variation. This versatile cut suits most face shapes and is perfect for those who want a trendy look with minimal styling time.
14. Long Layered Cut
For men who prefer longer hair, a long layered cut is an excellent way to showcase the natural sleekness of straight hair while adding movement and dimension.
Ask your stylist for long layers throughout your hair. The shortest layers should typically fall at chin level, with the longest layers reaching past your shoulders. This technique removes bulk and prevents the hair from looking too heavy or flat.
Styling can be as simple as applying a leave-in conditioner to damp hair and allowing it to air dry for a natural look. For a more polished appearance, use a large round brush and blow dryer to create smooth, flowing locks. This style is particularly flattering for oval and diamond-shaped faces and is perfect for those who want to embrace their long, straight hair.
15. High and Tight
The high and tight is a military-inspired cut that offers a sharp, clean look for men with straight hair. This style features very short hair on the sides and back with slightly longer hair on top.
Ask your barber for a very short buzz on the sides and back, typically using a #1 or #2 guard. The top should be left slightly longer, usually cut with scissors to about 1 inch in length.
Styling is minimal – simply apply a small amount of matte pomade or wax to enhance texture and control any flyaways. This low-maintenance cut is ideal for those with strong facial features and suits most face shapes. It’s perfect for men who want a masculine, no-fuss style.
16. Messy Spikes
Messy spikes offer a youthful, edgy look that works well with straight hair. This style involves creating textured, piece-y spikes all over the head for a deliberately disheveled appearance.
Ask your barber for a cut that leaves 2-3 inches of length on top, with shorter sides and back. The key to this style is the heavy texturizing on top, which can be achieved through point-cutting or razoring techniques.
To style, apply a texturizing product to towel-dried hair. Use your fingers to work the product through, pulling small sections of hair up into spikes. The goal is a messy, bed-head look rather than perfectly uniform spikes. This playful style works well for most face shapes and is ideal for those wanting a fun, casual look.
17. Slick Side Part
The slick side part is a classic, sophisticated style that’s perfect for showcasing the smooth texture of straight hair. This timeless look features a deep side part with hair combed neatly to the sides.
Ask your barber for a traditional taper on the sides and back, with enough length on top to create a deep part. The top should be about 3-4 inches long to allow for smooth styling.
To achieve this look, apply a high-shine pomade to damp hair. Create a deep side part and use a fine-toothed comb to smooth the hair down on either side of the part. For extra hold and shine, you can finish with a light mist of hairspray. This polished style is ideal for formal occasions and professional settings, and it particularly suits oval and square face shapes.
18. Textured Taper
The textured taper combines the clean lines of a taper cut with added texture on top for a modern, stylish look. This versatile cut works exceptionally well with straight hair, allowing for various styling options.
Ask your barber for a classic taper on the sides and back, leaving enough length on top for texturing – typically about 2-3 inches. The key to this cut is the point-cutting or razoring techniques used on top to create texture.
Styling can be as simple as working a small amount of matte paste through dry hair with your fingers for a tousled look. For a more polished appearance, you can use a blow dryer and round brush to create volume before applying product. This adaptable style suits most face shapes and is perfect for those who want a cut that can be dressed up or down.
19. Buzz Cut with Design
For those looking to make a bold statement, a buzz cut with a design offers a unique and eye-catching option. This style involves a very short all-over cut with a shaved design incorporated into one or more areas.
Ask your barber for a uniform buzz cut using a #1 or #2 guard. Then, work with your barber to create a design that suits your personality – this could be anything from simple lines to more complex geometric patterns or even images.
Styling is minimal, but you’ll need to maintain the cut and design with regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks. This daring style works well for those with well-proportioned head shapes and strong facial features. It’s perfect for men who want to express their creativity through their hairstyle.
20. Long Fringe with Undercut
The long fringe with undercut is a dramatic, fashion-forward style that works beautifully with straight hair. This cut features very short sides and back with a long top section that’s styled forward into a fringe.
Ask your barber for an undercut on the sides and back, keeping the top section long – typically 4-6 inches. The front should be the longest to allow for the dramatic fringe.
To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow dry the top section forward, using a round brush for added volume. Once dry, use your fingers to work a small amount of texturizing product through the fringe, styling it slightly to one side for a softer look. This edgy style is particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces and is perfect for those wanting to make a bold style statement.
In conclusion, straight hair offers a multitude of styling possibilities for men. Whether you prefer short and low-maintenance cuts or longer, more dramatic styles, there’s a perfect haircut out there for you. Remember, the key to any great hairstyle is regular maintenance and the use of appropriate styling products. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks to find the one that best suits your personality and lifestyle.