Long, straight hair never really goes out of style, and the new year looks set to prove it once again. This year’s version is polished but relaxed: glossy lengths, soft layers and bangs that frame the face without fuss. Whether you want a fresh back-to-school look, an office-ready cut or a statement style for a special night, these celebrity-inspired ideas show how many ways there are to wear sleek, straight hair.
Celebrity hair trend: sleek, straight locks. Eva La Rue pairs her layered hair with long, side-swept bangs for a look that is effortlessly stylish. The layers add gentle movement without disturbing the smooth finish, while the side-swept fringe softens the forehead and draws attention to the eyes. Add a pair of cool sunglasses, and it’s hard not to love. It’s an easy template to borrow for everyday wear.
A fresh, youthful take on long straight hair. Melissa Rauch wears hers long and sleek with wispy, brow-length bangs. The bangs are smoothed down to frame the top of the face, pulling the whole look together beautifully. A touch of ombre color toward the ends adds depth and keeps the style from looking flat. It’s a great back-to-school choice, and it flatters round, oval, heart and triangle face shapes.
Reese Witherspoon: Long, Casual Straight Cut with Bangs
Reese Witherspoon shows off her golden blonde hair, long and sleek with wispy, side-swept bangs. Blow-dried smooth and left to fall over the shoulders, her hair highlights a jagged cut and long layers. The slightly uneven ends give the style a relaxed, lived-in feel. It’s a polished, medium-to-long look that works especially well in the office, and it needs very little styling time in the morning.
Helena Christensen wears her hair in tousled layers with long, side-swept bangs, in a rich brown shade that remains a favorite. Deep brunette tones reflect light beautifully, so a little shine serum goes a long way. This long, sleek brunette style is a great choice for women over 40, since the face-framing layers keep things soft and youthful.
Another celebrity favorite comes from Natalie Portman. Born Natalie Hershlag, the actress holds dual American and Israeli citizenship. She wore her hair straight with wispy bangs at the Rodarte fall show. It’s a great casual style for anyone with naturally straight hair, and fine hair in particular looks fuller when the ends are kept blunt and healthy. Plan on a trim every four to five weeks to keep it looking fresh.
Perrey Reeves keeps things sleek and sultry with long, dark hair. She recently stepped out with straight hair and short, side-swept bangs. Long layers around the sides and back lighten the length and add soft movement to the ends, so the hair never feels heavy. The shorter fringe also gives the style a modern edge. This look suits round, oval, heart and triangle face shapes.
Tired of curls? Why not give long, straight hair a try this year? Sleek, glossy locks with bangs are a popular choice for the new year, and they’re sure to turn heads. Here, Reese Witherspoon rocks a smooth style with wispy, lash-length bangs. The shorter fringe opens up the eyes, while the length keeps the overall effect feminine and elegant.
Ellie Kemper wears her glossy auburn hair ultra-straight, paired with long, choppy bangs. The bangs look fantastic on her, and the warm copper tone makes the shine even more striking. If you want to go very long, remember that length shows every split end, so regular conditioning treatments are worth the effort.
Cool and casual is the idea here. Taylor Swift wears her long golden hair super sleek and straight, with lengthy, soft bangs cut to flatter the face and finish off the look. The bangs are light enough to be swept aside when you want a change. This style works well for round, oval, heart and triangle face shapes, and it pairs easily with both jeans and dresses.
Medium-long straight hairstyles: Naomi Campbell paired sleek, straight hair and lash-grazing bangs with a dramatic dress, and the bangs look absolutely stunning. If you’d rather not wear your natural waves or curls every day, a sleek, straight style could be a fun change. Her brown hair looks gorgeous, too! A heat protectant and a gentle flat iron help you get that mirror-like finish safely. Looking for more color inspiration? Check out our hair color charts.
Lea Michele keeps it simple with a fresh, glamorous long straight style. Her super-straight, shiny locks pair perfectly with a rich red gown, proving that a clean silhouette needs no extra decoration. Long, straight hair also elongates the face, which makes it a flattering option for round face shapes. It’s a great hairstyle for any occasion, and one that many women love. How about you?
Here’s a stunning long, straight black hairstyle from Leigh Lezark. She wore her hair sleek and straight at the Jeremy Scott Spring show, and her lash-length bangs made her eyes stand out. Blow-dried smooth, the bangs frame the top of the face and tie the whole look together. Jet-black hair reflects light like glass, so it’s the perfect canvas for a high-shine finish.
Rose Byrne’s super-sleek style features bangs cut to frame the top of the face and complete the look. It’s a favorite among mature women, too, because the clean lines look elegant and put-together without requiring complicated styling. A simple center or side part is all you need to make it your own.
Long and simple is the goal of this hairstyle. Ombre hair has been popular for years, and it comes in a wide range of colors, from soft caramel to deep chestnut. Rachel Bilson recently stepped out with long, straight hair, finished with side-swept bangs. It’s a great look for round, oval, heart and triangle face shapes.
Final Tips for Wearing Long Straight Hair in the new season
Healthy shine is the secret behind every style above. Use a heat protectant before blow-drying or straightening, deep-condition once a week, and schedule a trim every six to eight weeks to keep the ends crisp. Choose bangs and layers that suit your face shape, and don’t be afraid to experiment with color. With a little care, long straight hair can look effortless all year long.
