TBH, I Forgot About My Flat Iron Until I Discovered These 11 Sleek, Straight Styles (2025)

Hair trends have gone in and out almost as quickly as clothing (well, we’re not at micro-trend level yet, so I guess hair still has some integrity there). But one thing that never goes out of style? An sleek, straight hairstyle. (Yes, even in the age of the Dyson Airwrap blowout.)

If you’re like me and pretty much forgot about your flat iron after 8th grade graduation, you might be shocked to learn that celebrity stylists still acknowledge the pin-straight look as a timely, current one, especially these oh-so-2025 iterations that they shared with me.

“Straight hair can absolutely be a statement—it just needs intention,” says celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance. To Ballance, who regularly prims and polishes the strands of Hollywood elite, it comes down to good form. “It’s all about how the hair is cut, how it moves, and what you’re doing to give it shape without overworking it.”

I surfed the socials of tastemakers and celebrities alike, saving the styles that made me want to finally unearth my flat iron and wrestle with its years-knotted cord. Below, see 11 styles that will have you itching for sleek, straight strands this season.

'90s Blowout

One of the hairstyles that looks good every time—no matter what—is the ’90s-inspired blowout. It’s an easy style that anyone with straight hair can do to give their locks some oomph. “Sleek at the root, movement through the ends,” Ballance visualizes. “It’s giving ’90s supermodel, but modern.” Honestly, thank God for that Dyson Airwrap.

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Siren Strands

We all can picture it—the shining, waist-skimming tresses posted ad nauseum to any of the Kar-Jenner sisters’ Instagrams. Though achieving length like theirs may be exceedingly difficult without the use of extensions, you can achieve their glassy strands if you use the right hair oil.

“After flat ironing, I like to use Virtue Healing Oil and run it all over the hair from roots to ends to achieve a reflective shine,” says celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel. “Plus, it smells amazing, and [the] hair is left with a luster.”

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Bardot Layers

One of the easiest ways to give straight hair body is by cutting tactful layers. Ballance recommends snipping “long layers with face-framing shape” to keep your hair long without letting it weigh you down. He says that these volumizing layers are an easy way to “add life or movement to straighter hair.”

“Straight hair gets called ‘easy,’ but making it look good takes a lot more effort than one would think,” he muses. “A great cut will frame the face, give shape to the right areas, and let the natural texture shine through—not fall flat.”

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French Lob

Unless you’ve been on a social media fast for the past (give or take) two years, you’ve heard of the term “French bob” before. “The bob is the moment,” Marjan previously told Who What Wear. “Everyone has short hair right now, you know?”

If cutting your hair to a chin-grazing length feels a smidge too daunting, Ballance recommends trying a blunt lob (aka long bob). “Minimalist, strong” is how Ballance defines this shoulder-length shear. “[It] doesn’t need much styling and always looks sharp.” If you want something a little more fashionable, a uniform, same-length cut (this looks great flat-ironed). If you’re looking for movement, try adding a few layers for that effortlessly chic French-girl feel.

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Model-Off-Duty Movement

If your hair tends to hang limp, there’s one celeb hairstylist trick that takes minimal effort, yet adds a flattering touch to everyday styles. “With naturally straight hair, I add volumizing primer at the roots and blow-dry it upside down. This creates a little volume,” explains Abergel. The next part is where the magic happens: Using a two-inch curling iron, Abergel creates “a slight bend on the front hairline pieces by the eyes” to flatter and frame the cheekbones, offering an effortless, model-off-duty look.

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Face-Card Part

If you’re wearing a striking red lip or glamorous smoky eyes that deserves their own spotlight, try this super-slick look on for size. Ballance lauds this high-fashion style because of its “no volume, no fuss” presentation that won’t detract from your glam. “[It] lets the face do all the work,” he explains.

The key to this look is a “sharp middle part, super-clean part, [and hair] slicked behind the ears,” the stylist says. Marjan once told me she uses a tail-comb brush to achieve her perfect parts, which helps not only with clean sectioning, but also with ultra-sleek slicked-back styles.

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Flattering Fringe

Cutting bangs may sound like an axis-tilting life event, but for anyone with straight hair, Ballance says you need not worry. “Straight hair carries fringe well,” Ballance explains. But of course, we’re not just telling you to take scissors to your mane and cut straight across.

“Curtain bangs or short fringe add edge or softness, depending on the cut,” says Ballance. If you’re interested in elevating your straight strands, consider snipping wispy bangs or side-sweeping fringe. In the modern age, there are a handful of face-framing options for the fringe-curious—just don’t do it post-breakup (unless you really want to).

Blunt Bob

Ah, the uniform, chin-length bob. What makes this chic style even more alluring is that it's not only easy to style and maintain, but it also makes you look effortlessly pulled together—anywhere, anytime. But with this style, you’re going to nix the layers for something more blunt.

“You want something that works with your texture, not against it. One-length cuts are super flattering,” explains Ballance. Working with same-length strands looks painfully chic when styled straight with a flat iron or flipped out on the ends, and though this shear may lack movement, it looks like a graceful curtain with every move. “For fine hair, a blunt bob can make it feel fuller,” he adds.

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Parted Pony

Searching for a bit of updo inspo? Look no further than this model-esque style that puts your bone structure on full display. “You can do a perfect middle part and secure it at the nape, middle, or high on the head for a sleek pony,” suggests Abergel, a look he’s created versions of for clients Charlize Theron and Rooney Mara countless times throughout the years. Just make sure you’re using a good hair spray—and lots of it.

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Lengthy Layers

Say your hair hangs straight but is so full that it feels too laborious to style. Well, Ballance has a solution for that as well. “For thicker hair, subtle internal layers stop it from feeling bottom-heavy,” he explains. Shearing thin, barely there layers throughout your mane will allow the hair to dance more freely, holding onto product and offering body in a more flattering way. “And for long, straight hair, don’t skip the shaping around the face—it makes a world of difference,” he adds.

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Half-Up Wreath

A simple way to switch up your hairstyle is to try this Nicole Kidman–esque look that Abergel favors on straight strands. “With flat-ironed hair, I love [taking] tendrils from both temples and securing them in the back of the head,” he explains, a half-up option for those who don’t want to take drastic measures to elevate their styles. Slick these sections back with hair spray and a wax stick for a sleek, red carpet–ready look, or tie them together loosely to achieve a relaxed vibe that feels perfect for everyday wear.

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