Straight hair is a sharp canvas a man can have – sleek, structured, and endlessly versatile. But while it naturally leans toward a polished look, it can also fall flat without the right cut or technique. If you’ve ever found your hair too heavy or lacking texture, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best men’s hairstyles for straight hair – from classic slick-backs to modern textured styles – and how to make them work for you, inspired by icons like David Beckham, Brad Pitt, and Ryan Gosling.
Understanding Straight Hair: Sleek, But Sometimes Flat
The Challenge: Weight and Lack of Texture
Straight hair looks refined but its smoothness often means it lacks body or lift. It can sit flat against the scalp, especially if cut too evenly or left too long without layering.
How to Add Volume
- Blow-dry your hair in the opposite direction of your final style. This builds lift at the roots. Then comb or style it back the way you want and it will hold shape and volume more naturally.
- Use a round brush or vented brush while blow-drying for added control and body.
Products That Help:
- Salt spray (apply on damp hair) – adds grit and natural texture
- Matte clay – for a natural, fuller-looking finish
- Pomade – for shine and hold in more classic styles
💈 Pro tip: Ask your barber to cut texture into the top. Subtle point cutting or feathering will prevent hair from falling heavy and flat.
1. The Classic Slick Back
Why It Works
Timeless, powerful, and razor-sharp. The slick back is a signature style for men who command the room without saying a word. Think James Bond exiting a Monte Carlo casino, or Michael Corleone sitting in quiet control. It’s a cut that pairs perfectly with straight hair, offering a smooth, structured finish that feels both cinematic and unmistakably masculine.
How to Style
- Start with damp hair and apply a salt spray to add texture and grip – this prevents the style from falling flat.
- Blow-dry your hair backwards using a brush, lifting at the roots for natural volume.
- For a classic, high-shine finish, go with a light pomade. Think red carpet suave.
- Prefer something more modern and understated? Use a matte clay for a natural, lived-in slick back that still holds shape.
David Beckham promoting his H&M range while sporting a messy slicked back hairstyle. (Source: davidbeckham via Instagram)
2. The Side Part
Why It Works
The side part is a true classic – clean, masculine, and endlessly adaptable. It’s been worn slick and sharp or soft and natural, depending on the setting and the man. David Beckham has leaned into both versions. Sometimes polished with high shine, other times more relaxed with a matte finish. Brad Pitt often pairs the side part with his signature cool minimalism, while Leonardo DiCaprio has made it a red-carpet staple. For men with straight hair, the side part is effortless: it falls into place, frames the face, and never goes out of style.
How to Style
- Start by applying salt spray to damp hair. This adds grip and prevents straight hair from lying too flat.
- Blow-dry your hair against your natural part to build lift at the roots, then comb it into place on your preferred side for lasting volume.
For a Classic, Slick Look
- Use a light pomade or shine-enhancing cream
- Define the part with a fine-tooth comb for that sharp, vintage-inspired finish
- Ideal for formal occasions or when paired with tailoring
For a Natural, Matte Finish
- Apply a matte clay or styling paste
- Finger-comb into place for a more relaxed, modern version of the side part
- Perfect for everyday wear or dressed-down suiting
💈 Pro tip: Ask your barber to cut the part in softly or use clipper guards to enhance contrast between the sides and top. It makes styling much easier.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt on the September cover of GQ – Both sporting the side part. (Source: gq via Instagram)
3. The Buzz Cut
Why It Works
Minimal. Masculine. No-nonsense. The buzz cut draws its roots from military tradition. Sharp, clean, and built for utility, Though, it’s also evolved into a modern power move. It puts your bone structure on full display and gives off an air of quiet strength. Style icons like Brad Pitt, David Beckham, Tom Hardy, and Channing Tatum have all worn the buzz cut at different points, each proving that this stripped-back style is anything but basic. Whether you’re going for rugged, refined, or rebellious, the buzz cut is pure confidence, no distractions.
How to Style
- While the buzz cut doesn’t require traditional styling, maintenance is key. Keep the cut sharp with a trim every 1–2 weeks, especially around the neckline and temples.
- Use a lightweight matte moisturizer or styling balm to keep the scalp hydrated and give the hair a healthy, low-sheen finish.
- For a more elevated look, apply a small amount of matte paste to the top. It can add subtle texture and dimension if your buzz has a touch of length.
- Don’t overlook the skin-care around the hairline. Exfoliating and moisturizing the scalp ensures the overall look stays clean and intentional.
💈 Pro tip: Ask your barber to taper the neckline and around the ears for a more polished, tailored version of the buzz cut. It makes all the difference.
Channing Tatum on the Red carpet demonstrating a Buzz cut can still look great dressed up. (Source: gq via Instagram)
4. The Crew Cut
Why It Works
The crew cut is the natural next step up from the buzz cut – same sharp edges, just more length on top to play with. That added hair gives you the flexibility to push it forward, brush it to the side, or add a touch of texture. It still leans clean and masculine, but with a bit more versatility. David Beckham, Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, and Justin Timberlake have all worn variations of the crew cut – proving it’s one of the most dependable, straight-hair-friendly styles out there.
How to Style
- Towel-dry or lightly blow-dry your hair after washing. If you’re aiming for a more textured finish, mist some salt spray into damp hair before styling.
- Use a small amount of matte clay or matte paste to add light hold and definition to the top.
- Style by brushing forward, sweeping to the side, or leaving it slightly tousled for a casual finish.
- Keep the sides and neckline tight with a regular trim every 2–3 weeks to maintain the sharp shape.
💈 Pro tip: If your hair tends to fall flat, blow-dry the top in the opposite direction first to add root lift, then style it into place. This trick works especially well for straight hair
David Beckham promoting his Eyewear brand while sporting a classic Crew Cut. (Source: davidbeckham via Instagram)
5. The Long, Swept-Back Style
Why It Works
There’s a certain effortless cool to longer hair when it’s done right. The long, swept-back style is the best example of that. It’s relaxed, masculine, and layered with character. From Jared Leto’s red carpet flow to Brad Pitt’s mid-length looks, Jake Gyllenhaal’s grown-out waves, and Charlie Hunnam’s rugged take in Sons of Anarchy, this style proves that long hair can be just as powerful as a sharp cut. For men with straight hair, it creates a clean, elegant silhouette, as long as it’s properly styled and well-maintained.
How to Style
- Start with damp hair and apply a generous mist of salt spray. This adds texture and prevents straight hair from falling flat.
- Use a blow-dryer with a vented brush or your fingers to sweep the hair back, lifting at the roots to build natural volume.
- Once dry, finish with a matte cream or light styling paste to hold the shape without making it stiff or greasy.
- For extra polish, tuck the sides behind the ears and use a drop of hair oil on the ends if needed – especially if the hair is shoulder-length or longer.
💈 Pro tip: Ask your barber to layer the hair subtly. It stops the style from looking heavy and gives the sweep more movement
Jake Gyllenhaal in The Covenant. (Source: thecovenantmovie Via Instagram)
6. The Man Bun (Done Right)
Why It Works
When done right, the man bun is sharp, clean, and surprisingly refined. It’s a style that takes patience and discipline, but the payoff is a look that pairs just as well with sharp tailoring as it does with rugged minimalism. Style icons like David Beckham, Jared Leto, Chris Hemsworth and Loris Karius have all worn the man bun at various stages, proving it can be both polished and powerful. For men with straight hair, it offers a sleek silhouette that still feels masculine, intentional, and modern.
How to Style
- Start with damp hair and apply a light salt spray to add grip and prevent the bun from slipping or falling flat.
- Use your fingers or a comb to pull the hair back into a tight, clean bun at the mid-to-low crown. Keep it centered and smooth for the most refined finish.
- For a more natural hold, finish with a small amount of matte cream to tame loose strands and define the texture.
- To manage flyaways, run a tiny amount of styling balm or a touch of pomade along the sides and top avoiding anything too greasy.
Barber’s Tip: Stay Sharp Around the Edges
Even a man bun should look intentional. Not grown out.
- Keep the neckline and around the ears trimmed regularly
- Ask your barber for a subtle taper or low fade around the sides to keep the silhouette clean and masculine, especially if you wear it tied up most of the time.
💈 Pro tip: A well-kept man bun with neat edges instantly elevates the entire look from effortless to intentional.
Loris Karius for Besiktas 2018 with a great Man Bun. (Source: loriskarius via Instagram)
Final Thoughts
Straight hair gives you the foundation for some of the most iconic men’s hairstyles in history. Whether you’re channelling Channing Tatum’s buzz cut, Brad Pitt’s side part, or David Beckham’s slicked back look, the secret lies in precision, texture, and control.
Use the right cut, prep with the right products, and treat your hair like your wardrobe. Intentional, timeless, and powerful.
