Anyone with stick-straight hair knows it’s a challenge. You can never just roll out of bed good to go, because everything looks limp. If, like me, you’re intimidated by the prospect of styling your hair, I’ve got you covered. Below, hairstylists gave me the scoop on 18 of the best haircuts for straight hair. Some need nothing more than a rough blow dry, while others require more involved styling if you’re feeling ambitious. So whether you have coarse, frizzy hair and need a diffuser or ultra-fine and thin strands, here are the best haircuts for straight hair to bring to your stylist, from the butterfly cut to the classic bob.

Meet the Experts:

• Marilisa Sears, has been in the industry for over 25 years. During this time, she’s done everything from fashion shows for DSquared, Versace, Izzy Camilleri and Mikhael Kale to artistic direction for Marc Anthony Hair Care and L'Orèal. Sears’s portfolio also includes red carpet work, music videos and advertising campaigns for the likes of Nike, Samsung, MAC Cosmetics, Roots and  Cadillac Fairview. She counts Meg Donnelly, Anna Wintour, Justin Bieber, Fergie, Eva Longoria, and Tilda Swinton among her clients.
• Jeannetta Walker-Rodgers is a hairstylist, colorist and hair extensionist. Walker-Rodgers is currently the global technical director of haircare brand Joico. With 20 years in the industry, she is a Certified Master Colorist and Texture Expert.
• Jennifer Korab is the owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa and Revival Barber Shop in New Jersey. Korab has extensive experience working at New York Fashion Week and celebrity photo shoots.
• Nicholas Taylor is an extension and color specialist and Oribe beauty ambassador. Taylor’s work has appeared in film and television, in addition to red carpets and editorials. He is based in New York City, styling clients alongside celebrity stylist Ruben Colon at New Collective NY.

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First, What Type of Straight Hair Do You Have?

For celebrity hairstylist Marilisa Sears, everything starts with understanding your hair type. “There is fine straight hair, which tends to sit a little limp and gets oily quickly. There is also medium density straight hair, which has a bit of body to it. Finally, there is coarse straight hair, which does not hold a curl. Some straight hair has no bend, while other types have a bit of softness to them,” she explains. “Knowing this information is crucial because there is no hiding mistakes with straight hair. While curls and waves offer some forgiveness, every poorly executed snip will be visible in straighter stands, so you want to make sure the ends and any layers are diffused in a way that they blend in.”

How to Ask for the Exact Style You Want

The most effective way to ensure you get the cut you want? Bring reference photos to your appointment. “Words can easily be misconstrued, but visuals never are. Not only do visuals help us talk through the look with you, but they can also help a stylist recreate a version of a look that best suits your hair type,” she adds.

How to Style Straight Hair: Tips for Maintaining Shine and Texture

No one wants a head of dull-looking locks. To keep your hair smooth and glossy, follow these steps. First, prep your hair with a mousse if you want a root lift and some heat protectant. Then, Brook advises blow drying your hair with a paddle brush (adds sleekness) or round brush (adds movement). Drying hair in sections will ensure a polished result. “If you want added movement, wrap sections of hair around a curling iron or flat iron for loose waves, then brush them out for a softer effect,” she says. Finish with a serum to tame flyaways and frizz while adding shine. I also always top off with texture spray for added volume so that as my hair inevitably falls throughout the day, I still maintain some body.

Additional Experts

• Jamie Wiley is an editorial hairstylist and CEO of Hair Boss, a professional’s education platform. Wiley is also global artistic director of Pureology in addition to serving as a brand ambassador for Babyliss and Living Proof. An industry leader, she has been featured in myriad publications, including American Salon, Beauty Launchpad, InStyle and Marie Claire.
• Chaz Dean is a celebrity hairstylist, colorist and the founder of WEN hair and body care line. Dean has over 25 years of experience, and his salon has served the likes of Ming-Na Wen, Nicole Murphy, Gilles Marini, Alyssa Milano, Gwyneth Paltrow and others. WEN is also the winner of multiple QVC Beauty Awards.
• Sunnie Brook is a professional hairstylist and Biolage global ambassador with 20+ years in the beauty business. As a previous salon owner and educator, Brook's client list is composed of a who's who of Hollywood: Elisabeth Moss, Hailey Bieber and Ashley Park.

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