How to Style Straight Hair for Men: Hairstyles for Short, Medium & Long Hair

Straight hair is undoubtedly the easiest hair types to manage, and there are lots of different hairstyles that work well for men with straight hair.

But it can sometimes feel like there are too many options to choose from – which isn't a bad problem to have. You really do have the pick of the litter when it comes to styling your straight hair, whether that's embracing your natural texture or adding waves to switch up your daily 'do.

If you don't know where to start, or you want a change from the same 3 straight hairstyles you have on rotation, we've got you covered…

From a classic quiff to a modern mullet cut, there are plenty of hairstyles that work for straight hair. Depending on your hair’s length, you'll be open to even more styling options.

You don't have to spend a lot of time on your 'do either – there are some great low-maintenance hairstyles that are perfect for guys on the go.

We've rounded up the best hairstyles for straight hair, broken down into short, medium, and long hair lengths.

Screenshot these, save this page for reference, or show them to your barber for inspiration.

Despite having less length, short straight hair is very versatile. Short hair is really anything length up to 2 inches, so we're covering everything from buzz cuts to cropped fringes.

Some of our favourite short hairstyles for straight hair include...

A buzzcut is one of the most trendy hairstyles as of recently, and a slightly outgrown buzz cut gives a more casual, relaxed look.

This one is great for men who find they don't have too much time to schedule in regular barber appointments, as you can just get your head buzzed and let it grow out for a month or two until you're ready to get it trimmed again.

You can keep the same length all over, or opt for a fade or taper on the sides and back for a more structured look.

A fringe that's chopped to the perfect length can really enhance your facial features and make you stand out, and this works particularly well on straight hair.

If you have a square face shape, a cropped fringe can soften your features. If you have a round face shape, this hairstyle can create the illusion of a longer face. So it's really a great all-rounder.

A squared-up hairline also works really well with a cropped fringe and straight hair, creating a clean, sharp look.

A crew cut is up there as one of the most popular hairstyles for men with straight hair, and it's not hard to see why. It's simple, timeless, and can work well on almost all face shapes.

This style is characterised by short sides – usually a skin fade – and a slightly longer top.

A deep side part can look really sharp and elevated on straight hair, and it's a great option for guys with short hair that's on the upper end of the short hair spectrum.

Like the look above, combining this hairstyle with the trendy wet hair look can create a more edgy and modern appearance, and we think it suits guys with a more angular or squared face shape really well.

Medium hair is probably the most versatile length in terms of styles. We consider medium hair to be between 2 and 4 inches, often reaching down the back of the neck.

It'll require a bit more attention than shorter hair since you've got more length to work with, but the styling options are endless.

Some of our favourite medium hairstyles for straight hair include...

A quiff is a really timeless hairstyle, so, naturally, it has to make it onto our list.

You can create a quiff hairstyle of any length, but the more hair you have, the more pronounced the style will be and the easier it'll be to get the volume you want.

Adding some messy, lived-in texture to straight hair can create a really effortless and cool look, and it's a good way to switch up your typically straight locks.

It's also an easy way to create the appearance of thicker hair if you have hair on the finer side, as texturising adds volume and body.

A slicked-back hairstyle works great for when you need to look more put-together and groomed, whether that's for a special occasion or an important work meeting.

This is one of the more low-maintenance hairstyles on our list, as it requires minimal styling once you've got the length to do so.

All that's required is to take a good amount of hair clay and glide it back through your hair, pushing it back and away from your face. Use a comb or brush to help smooth your hair back, and use a hair dryer on a cold setting while you do this for extra hold.

If you thought modern mullets were just another micro-trend, think again. They've been around for a while now and are showing no signs of disappearing anytime soon.

There are a few different takes on what we're calling a modern mullet, but the one above as seen on Paul Mescal is probably the most popular. It's a modernised take on an old-school mullet, with a bit less length and structured layers.

Fluffy hair is becoming increasingly popular, and it's a style that really works for guys with straight hair.

This is also a very good style if you don't like to spend an awful lot of time on your hair, as you can essentially just make your bed-head work in your favour.

We'd recommend using a small amount of hair clay to smooth any particularly unruly areas, but for the most part, just let your hair do its thing.

When it comes to long hair, you're really only limited by your imagination. You can wear your hair in a man bun, let it flow naturally, or opt for an updo of some kind.

Sure, it'll require a bit more upkeep and care, but your 'do is guaranteed to be unique.

Rather than going for the typical all-up man bun, the half-up half-down style is a bit more modern and sleek.

It's a good choice if you're growing out your hair and either don't want to go through the awkward stages or want to try something new.

We mentioned a slick-back style for medium hair earlier, but this is also a great option for long straight hair. You can pull it back into a ponytail, too, which will keep your hair out of your face or create a more polished look for special occasions.

To achieve this look, simply pull your hair back into a ponytail and use some hair clay or gel to slick back any flyaways.

This hairstyle is very Prince Charming-esque and is great for men who like an old-money, gentlemanly look.

You'll need to have some long layers cut into your hair, which will create more shape and dimension. Use a round brush and hairdryer to blow dry your hair, flicking the front layers away from your face.

Overall, straight hair is a great canvas for a variety of hairstyles. From trendy cropped cuts to classic quiffs and modern mullets, there are endless options for men with straight hair to choose from.

With the right products and styling techniques, you can easily achieve a variety of looks.

You can shop our full range of men's hair styling products below, and be sure to check out the rest of our blog for even more hair inspiration and grooming tips.