Hairstyles That Prove Straight Hair Doesn't Have To Be Boring

Bouncy beach waves and textured tresses have dominated our feeds for years, but that doesn't mean that straight hair is out of style. With the '90s and Y2K hairstyles coming back around, sleek, stick-straight locks are having a major moment. Straight hair can have a reputation for being boring, but that's far from the case — especially as long as you have some good straight-hair inspiration!

With the right styling, there are plenty of ways to dress up straight tresses and give your hair movement and volume. Straight hair can have just as much oomph as wavy or curly textures, but it might take a bit of finessing. Some of the main complaints of those with this hair texture include frizz, split ends, and lack of volume.

To combat these issues, you'll want to keep some moisturizing hair serum or oil close by. And when reaching for your hair straightener and blow dryer to give your tresses an ultra-straight and voluminous look, don't forget to use a heat protectant spray to help maintain your hair health. From sleek Y2K-inspired styles to classic voluminous blowouts, we've rounded up some trendy and timeless straight hairstyles.

Almost too adorable to handle, half-up, half-down pigtails are just so youthful and fun. This hairstyle can work with pretty much any hair texture, but it offers the benefit of volume if you have straight locks. Start with a middle part so you can create even sections on each side. Tie the pigtails high up on each side of your head to give your overall look a height boost.

There's almost no hairstyle that a ribbon doesn't make prettier — straight styles included. Use a hair elastic to tie your hair in its regular half-up, half-down arrangement (this will keep it in place better than a ribbon alone). Then, wrap the ribbon around the hair elastic and double-knot it to make sure it doesn't accidentally come undone.

A lob is a classic but trendy haircut, and if you have naturally straight hair, it's a very low-maintenance one too. If a plain lob feels a bit boring, add curtain bangs for a prettier look that's still relatively easy to keep up. Longer curtain bangs can be pulled forward for a face-framing effect or tucked behind your ears to keep them out of the way.

Long and luscious waist-length straight hair looks so feminine and pretty; it's a stunning style in its own right. Add a blunt bang, and it becomes even more fashionable. When you have long, straight hair, a blunter cut can help you maintain volume towards the end of your strands, where thinning often occurs.

Straight hair, curly hair, or anywhere in between, you can't go wrong with some adorable barrettes. Not only can they help keep the hair out of your face, but they can add some color to the front of your hairstyle as well. You can use a single barrette on each side or opt for a double barrette look for even more cutesy appeal.

One of our favorite slick and straight styles is the slicked-back braided ponytail. Use hair gel or hairspray to keep your hair well and truly in place — this gives it its sleek look and also keeps it out of your face. A regular ponytail can feel a bit plain, so opt for a braid instead, which gives this hairstyle its edgier look.

Whether your hair is naturally straight or it takes some work to get there, you've probably tried a half-up, half-down hairstyle before. It's simple and versatile, but if yours needs a bit of sprucing up, why not consider bangs for your next haircut? There's something about half-up, half-down styles and bangs that just work together — it looks put-together and frames your face nicely.

An extra long and extra voluminous ponytail can make you feel like a pop star (think Ariana Grande's iconic looks). A bedazzled hairband can bring the glam to an otherwise simple style. Most of us aren't lucky to have ultra-thick hair, so to get that popstar look, you can use hair extensions.

Baby braids are all the rage right now, and ribbons are having a moment two. Combine these two popular styles into one by tying off braided pieces with satin ribbon. It's a little girly and a little grungy, especially if you're styling stick-straight dark hair. Choose a ribbon that contrasts against your hair color to really make the accessory pop.

This extra-high ponytail looks like it belongs in an '80s workout class, and the scrunchie is really just the cherry on top to set the theme. A regular slicked-back ponytail looks gorgeous on straight hair, but it can feel a bit boring for some. If you want to look a bit more fun and casual, adding a colorful scrunchie is one way to do it.

Favored by anyone looking for a trendy and youthful hairstyle, space buns are just downright adorable. You can place them up high on each side, like in this inspiration photo, or go for two low buns. Pull out a couple of strands in the front to give your space buns a more undone vibe.

Another take on bubble braid hair, this style uses ribbons to add flair. Start this look with your regular slicked-back ponytail, then section off "bubbles" using more hair elastics. Tie thin ribbons around each elastic section. The elastics help each section stay even throughout the day, whereas ribbons alone might slide around.

While you might think of a low bun as a lazy day hairstyle, with a little finessing, you can make it look glamorous. This low chignon is a great example. To recreate it, start with a low ponytail. Take your hair and twist it around itself to create a neat bun — think about creating the shape of a cinnamon roll rather than a messy topknot. Bun pins can help keep the chignon in place.

The early '00s baby part is another trend that has made its way back into current styles. This style involves parting your hair only in the front, along the first inch or two of your hairline. The rest of your hair is pulled back with no part. If you want a little more oomph in the front of a slicked bun look, a baby part is a perfect solution.

Hair trends: They come and go. So even if you're obsessed with your middle part right now, there might come a time again when you're back to rocking a deep side part. A dramatic side part and stick straight hair are nostalgic, and when styled sleek and silky, so stylish too.

A high bun looks just as nice at the office as with your favorite street-style outfit. It's truly one of those versatile styles that work for all hair types, including stick-straight hair. To give your hair some texture and keep it in its bun, you might want to use some texturizing or hair spray, which can help give your hair that extra neat look.

Channel your inner Blair Waldorf with a preppy headband. Satin, silk, and velvet are all gorgeous materials that give that preppy look. To make the hairband pop, choose a color that contrasts with your hair. For example, this white headband stands out against brown hair beautifully. 

A couple of face-framing braids can instantly take your straight hair from plain to trendy. It has a cutesy but slightly grungy vibe to it that fits right in with your edgier outfits or makes a girly vibe look a little more chic. Use mini hair elastics that match your hair color to help make the ties as subtle as possible.

A hair scarf looks classy on all hair types, including straight hair. Best of all, hair scarves come in so many colors and patterns that you can find one to fit almost any outfit, including matching options like in this inspo photo. Easy to bring in a purse and throw on, scarves are a low-maintenance choice for straight hair styling.

Similar to face-framing braids (but a little more boho), these French braided sections are summery and sweet. If you have naturally silky straight hair, you might have trouble getting it to stay in a braid. A texturizing spray can help give your hair a little grip to stay neatly in this style.

If you don't like slicked-back hair (for some of us, it makes our head look a little, well, egg-like), then a baby part is the fix. It lets you keep the appearance of a part while also slicking back most of your hair. Adding a headband makes the part section even more noticeable.

A hair wrap is easy to do and automatically elevates a regular ponytail. Best of all, hardly any extra accessories are necessary! To create a hair-wrapped look, tie your usual ponytail, then take a small section of hair and wrap it around the hair elastic. A bobby pin and hairspray will help to keep the hair-wrapped section in place.

Messy buns and topknots have been all the rage for decades, but if those feel overdone, try a looped bun instead. A looped bun is made by folding a ponytail in on itself to create that looped section. Often, the bottom section of hair is then wrapped around the elastic, but you can also leave that step out for a more undone look.