Shag haircuts are the cool-girl low-maintenance hairstyle options that the ‘70s have presented us with, and we love seeing the style revive in the modern beauty scene. Textured, messy, effortless, choppy, and with lots of layers, shag hair has always been the rock ‘n’ roll style many celebrities (especially in the music industry) would dare to embrace. The modern shag looks good on any hair texture and length, so anyone could look cool, rocking the style.
From the shaggy bob to short shag haircuts to medium and long options, our today’s article is celebrating shag hair in all its glory. We’ll take you through the history of the iconic haircut, will help you choose the best shag haircut for your face shape and hair type, and then will inspire you with 101 shag hairstyles, perfect for both short and long hair.
In this article:
- 50 Cool Short Shag Haircuts to Try
- 51 Medium & Long Shag Haircuts to Inspire
- What Is the Shag Haircut Like?
- How to Choose the Best Shag Haircut for Your Face Shape?
- Choosing the Best Shag Haircut for Your Hair Type
50 Cool Short Shag Haircuts to Try
Short shag haircuts are carefree, cool, and modern at the same time, and there is something stylish for every hair texture. Here you have 50 ways of wearing shaggy hair short!
1. Bettie Page Bangs Shag
Bettie Page turned heads in the 1940s with unnaturally short bangs and a figure to die for. Modernize that look with a bold hue and this short shag haircut that features a precision razor cut for that intentional, unintentional messy shag look.
2. Curly Shag with Short Bangs
Who says that curly hair and shag haircuts don’t mix? Switch it up with bold short bangs and a crop that grazes your shoulders. To achieve the perfect length, cut curly hair when dry.
3. The Swoop Bang Shag
If you prefer a shag haircut with a more sophisticated approach, pair a soft off-centered part with a swoop bang. Curl hair with a medium-width barrel curling iron or wand for a polished look that can go from day to night.
4. The Punk Rock Shag
Channel your inner Pat Benatar and Joan Jett with this classic punk rock look. To nail this short shag haircut, keep bangs shorter than your brows and keep the length long in the back.
5. The Modern Pixie Shag
No one said that short shag haircuts had to be on straight hair. To nail this look, keep hair at nape length and opt for shorter bangs. Use a texturizer to bring out your curls and tousle for an easy, laid-back effect.
6. The Quintessential Vintage Shag
Bring the 1960s back with this faithful recreation of the classic shag haircut. For versatility, be sure to create face-framing layers and keep length a little bit longer so you can still put your hair up on those “bad hair days.”
7. The Full Volume Shag
Not everyone likes flat shag haircuts. To nail this look, keep hair short but don’t skimp on the volumizer. Tease your roots a bit to get more lift – especially on the bangs.
8. The Windblown Shag
The wind is your friend with this look. You’re going full 1960s shag haircut with this cut that will have you looking like Mick Jagger on tour. To nab it, focus on a lightweight hold product that brings out your naturally curly texture and allows for movement.
9. The Bombshell Shag
Short shag haircuts can be more than edgy – they can also be sexy. To achieve this look, think a blowout on short hair. Focus on volume at the roots and very soft waves in the length. Keep it short around the face with brow-grazing bangs, and let the back stay long and shoulder length.
10. The Shag for Shag Haters
If shag hairstyles send you running for the hills, this is a compromise that gives you the best of both worlds. Your hair will be long enough to wear up on busy days and to create cute lob styles. But you’ll still have a shorter look that’s modern and easy to style.
11. The Wavy Longer Shag
Imagine a shag that’s not. This longer take on short shag haircuts can double as a medium-length haircut that’s perfect for the woman who doesn’t want to go too short. Get the look with bangs that hit your brows and maintain length throughout the rest of your hair.
12. The Piecey Short Shag
A good shag hairstyle relies on a precision cut. If you want to take it up a notch, opt for a shorter crop and be sure your stylist uses a razor to create the perfect ends. Lift at the roots, and be sure to use a volumizer.
13. The David Cassidy Hairstyle
If you prefer a more authentic vintage cut, then channel your inner Partridge Family with this David Cassidy-inspired crop. To win this shag haircut, feather your bangs, and keep the length long in the back.
14. The Big Curl Shag
Shaggy hairstyles are for anyone – even people with serious curls. If your hair is type 3 or 4 curly, opt for a rounder style, since your hair naturally lifts and defies gravity.
15. The Close Crop Shag
Shag haircuts come in a range of lengths, including this cute elf-like cut. To snag it, keep bangs longer in the front and trim the back to closely hug your neck. Take it to the next level with a bold hair color like this icy lavender hue.
16. The ‘90s Crop Shag
Everything old is new with this ‘90s era crop shag hairstyle. To get it right, keep hair ultra-short, but stick to piecey bangs that just brush your brows.
17. The Textured Lob Shag
Shag haircuts aren’t limited to being short or mullet-like. Get something modern that gives you something to play with thanks to this longer cut. An off-center part, swoop bangs, and texture created with a large barrel curling iron come together for a fresh take on a classic look.
18. The Mermaid Shag
Bring your short shag hairstyle forward with a dose of bold color. To get this look, find a colorist who can help you create an ombre hue using fantasy shades that will turn heads.
19. A Red-Carpet Short Shag
Make everyone think that you’re about to grace a movie premiere with this intense ombre color. A shag haircut that offers longer bangs and medium length is modernized with dark red into pink shades set on brown hair with lifted ends.
20. The Modern Blonde Shag
They say that blondes have more fun. Prove them right with this fresh shag haircut that features piecey layers in the length and longer bangs so you won’t go through that awkward “growing out” stage.
21. The Perfect Pastel Pixie Shag
Bold colored hair doesn’t have to be bright. This short shag haircut works with curly hair because of the expertly placed rose gold hair color that blends seamlessly with the blonde base. Opt for longer bangs, so it’s not too jarring.
22. A New Wave Shag
People will think you’re part of The Ramones with this short shag haircut that’s equal parts vintage and modern. Get it right by starting with a razor haircut that keeps ends sharp, and bangs just at your brows. Don’t have naturally curly hair? No problem – use a large barrel curling iron.
23. The Perfect Short Shag
Imagine a shag haircut that doesn’t need to be styled. This crop features a shoulder-grazing length and longer bangs so that your hair looks perfect, whether up or down.
24. The Ombre Shag
Bring your shag hairstyle forward with a strategic color. Dark roots combine with lighter ends to create a look that’s from this decade.
25. A Face-Framing Shag
The perfect short shag haircut could compliment your face shape. Oval shapes look best with a cut that features longer bangs and graduated layers in the front. Set hair on a large barrel curler to create soft, easy waves.
26. A Tousled Short Shag
The perfect shag combines a face-framing cut with a bold gradient color. To grab this look, keep bangs long, but don’t be shy with a razor. Sharp ends help to keep this look edgy instead of sweet.
27. The Shaggy Bob
The perfect cross between a bob and a shag hairstyle happens when you keep the hair even in length all the way around. Longer piecey bangs help to give this look a modern twist. Volume at the crown keeps this look fresh.
28. A Rich Brunette Shag
Playing with color doesn’t always have to mean going to extremes. Rich chocolate brown roots transition into warm honey brown hues at the ends. Thick razor bangs are paired against feathered layers around the face to create balance.
29. A Modern Feathered Shag
If 1970s shag haircuts aren’t your thing, bring it forward with a shorter crop and piecier design. You’ll need to rely on an expert razor cut for this look, and slightly short bangs help to bring a trend-setting effect.
30. The Natural Girl’s Shag
You don’t need straight hair to have a shag hairstyle that turns heads. Curly girls can get in on the action by embracing their hair’s natural pattern and going for a messier “windswept” look. Bangs complete the look but are kept just short enough while maintaining the curl.
31. A Laid-Back Shag
Instagram-worthy hair shouldn’t be a lot of work. This short shag hairstyle is perfect for slightly wavy hair, and features slightly longer bangs for a chill style that’s perfect for a day around town.
32. An ‘80s-Inspired Shag
To pull off this look, pair sleek bangs with curly and voluminous hair. Blow out bangs on a rounded brush and use a serum to keep frizz and flyaways under control. Tousle the rest of your hair with a volumizer for the perfect shag haircut.
33. A Bang-Focused Shag
Less is more with this fresh shag haircut. Long bangs are the central focus thanks to the rich brown color. A medium length is maintained throughout and lightened with warm honey blonde highlights at the ends.
34. A Short Shag with Long Bangs
While most people think shag hairstyles are all about length throughout, you can create interest by playing with the bangs. Long angled bangs help to create a dramatic effect, and intense volume helps to create dimension.
35. The Super Textured Shag
Most people think that shag haircuts are only allowed to be shoulder length. But with the right razored cut, you can break the rules. Long feathered bangs, full volume, and an overall length past your shoulders make this a bolder cut and great choice if you don’t want to go too short.
36. A Shag with Scaled-Back Bangs
Just because you want bangs doesn’t mean that they have to be thick. This short shag haircut keeps things balanced by thinning out the bangs so that your face isn’t overwhelmed. Ash blonde roots transition into a bolder platinum blonde for a fresh approach.
37. The Mullet Shag
Mullets are getting a resurgence. This short shag haircut manages to pair two styles, so you’re less Billy Ray Cyrus and more modern hottie. Bring this look forward with a bold color pairing that will keep all eyes on you.
38. A Bold Angled Shag
What if you could pair an angled bob with a shag? This is exactly what you get with this bold shag hairstyle that creates a sharp-angled cut with thicker bangs and a rich fuchsia hue that will make you stand out from the crowd.
39. A Classic Shag with a Colorful Twist
Classic short shag hairstyles can be brought into the 21st century by bringing the drama with a bit of color. Keep the cut traditional, but color outside of the lines with fantasy hues like this warm pink choice.
40. Shags for Anti-Shag People
There are so many options when it comes to shaggy hairstyles, you’re not limited to the iconic David Cassidy look. Make a shag your own by reducing your layers, keeping overall length consistent, and opting for bangs that aren’t too short.
41. A Shag that Emphasizes Volume on the Top
Streamline your short shag hairstyle by focusing on volume at the crown and in the bangs. Keep it balanced by thinning out the volume as you reach the ends. Opt for a longer length even through the bangs so that this style still looks hot when it grows out.
42. A Warm Shag
Color is the name of the game with this gorgeous short shag haircut. Warm honey brown and honey blonde hues are paired with slightly shorter bangs to create dimension. For the full effect, set hair using a large barreled curling iron.
43. A Short Shag with Feathery Volume
When short shag haircuts grow out, keep them relevant by embracing your curling iron and volumizer. Depth is created in the crown, while a large barrel curling iron or wand creates soft flips in the layers around the face.
44. A Shaggy Cut with Wispy Bangs
If your hair has waves and movement, don’t beat it into submission with a flat iron. Opt for a shaggy haircut that embraces your natural texture. Longer bangs and length throughout help to create an effortless look.
45. The Statement Short Shag
When you’re ready to make a statement with your hair, this bolder shaggy hairstyle is perfect. Extra-long bangs are paired with expertly razored length to create an extreme feather once volumizer and a medium barrel curling iron finish the style.
46. A Shag with a Dash of Color
A super short shaggy hairstyle that’s channeling a bold pixie cut gets an overhaul with this bold color combo. Warm blonde is paired with an intense pop of orange hair dye for a one-of-a-kind style.
47. The Razor Cut Shag
Protect your natural waves by choosing a razor cut like this shaggy hairstyle. Volume is maintained in the crown and bangs, while face-framing layers and length are carefully razored to work with your texture.
48. A Shag That Makes People Stop
Color is one of the best ways to update your look. This intense fire engine red hair color is paired with darker roots for a more natural “just grown out” effect.
49. An ‘80s-Inspired Short Shag
If binge-watching Stranger Things has you hungry for a touch of the ‘80s, this fresh razor-cut shaggy hairstyle will do just the trick. A warm brunette hue and bangs that are kept longer at the exterior face-framing sections help to solidify this look.
50. The Ombre Shaggy Bob
It’s easy to transition from a shag to a bob haircut. This fresh and short shag hairstyle features razored ends throughout the length and in the bangs. But to make it current, a bold brunette hue dominates throughout, while lightened ends help to create dimension.
51 Medium & Long Shag Haircuts to Inspire
These days, shaggy haircuts aren’t limited to short crops. With medium or longer hair, the world is your oyster. Get inspired by these 51 medium-length and long shag haircuts!
1. The Extreme Long Shag
Just because your hair is long doesn’t mean that you can’t invoke a shaggy hairstyle concept. Fluffy curly bangs are paired with intense length to create a vintage Gibson Girl-style vibe that’s perfect for the new Roaring ’20s of the 21st century.
2. The Patti Smith Shag
If you’re not ready to compromise on length, then this long shag haircut is perfect. Soft waves are paired with graduated layers and full bangs to create a look that invokes one of the most iconic new-wave, punk rock artists of the era. Opt for a precision razor cut so that you don’t disturb your natural curl pattern.
3. A Shag Fit for the Disco
Take a page from a glam era with this pairing of length and feathered bangs. Complete the look with a strawberry blonde hair color that would make anyone at Studio 54 jealous.
4. A Long Shag Farrah Fawcett Would Envy
Mainstream a vintage cut with a hint of bold yet barely-there color. This classic feathered shag haircut is brought into this era thanks to soft pink hair highlights that don’t overwhelm the beautiful blonde base hue of this cut.
5. The Modern Joan Jett Shag
Joan Jett’s iconic shaggy haircut with short bangs gets a modern twist thanks to a bold infusion of color. Make the cut less ‘80s and more ‘20s by adding a rich wash of strong red against deep brunette or inky black.
6. A Faux Shag that Turns Heads
Pair choppy yet fresh bangs with longer, mid-length throughout for a fresh shaggy hairstyle that’s perfect for updos and everyday activities. To keep it edgy, opt for gradient hair color that’s realistic with natural hued roots and highlighted ends.
7. The Long Beachy Shag
Effortless is the goal here with soft barely-there waves and minimal volume. You’ll look like your shag haircut was just made for the beach with light waves that can be achieved with texturizing spray or combing out curls from a large barrel curling iron.
8. The Pretty in Pink Shag
If you’re up for the challenge, the draw here is the color. An overgrown shag haircut features bangs that have grown out against a very long length. But turn heads with a pink so vivid that even flamingos will be jealous.
9. A Classic ‘70s Medium Shag
You can never go wrong with a classic twist. Look like your favorite ‘70s era icon with longer length throughout and full-blown out bangs. Keep it modern by making sure that your bangs are piecey rather than a solid block of hair.
10. The Perfect Hair Band Shag
Nail this shag that would make the most famous of 1980s hair band frontmen jealous by razoring on wet hair. For maximum lift, rely on a good texturizer and volumizer.
11. A Long Effortless Shag
Graduated length is the key to grabbing this style. Brow-length bangs seamlessly transition to hair that reaches mid-back length. Keep it edgy by transitioning from darker roots to blonde highlighted tips in the back.
12. The Un-Haircut Shag
You’re not ready to commit to losing length, but you still want the effect of a shag. Opt for big hair with intense volume at the crown and accent texture throughout your faux shag haircut by shaping strategic pieces with a large barrel curling iron.
13. A Sleek and Long Shag
Not all shag haircuts require massive volume that overwhelms your face. Keep it neat by using a smoothing serum as you gently curl longer bangs and create soft waves throughout the length.
14. A Killer Movement Shag
Shag hair isn’t just about getting a specific length but creating movement through a precision cut. To achieve this length, rely on a razor to expertly create layers and trim ends.
15. The Balayage Shag
Color is the key to winning this style. Effortless colors combine with this balayage treatment to create the perfect collection of hues throughout the long bangs and length.
16. The Frosty White Long Shag
Silver hair is getting a resurgence, and you can keep it modern with a fresh shaggy haircut. Long voluminous bangs are paired with soft waves. Keep bangs light by using sheers to remove excess weight.
17. A Model Perfect Shag
A fresh long, yet layered cut can give you that runway look even when you’re at the grocery store. Long frayed bangs are paired with big waves set by a large barrel curling iron for a shaggy hairstyle that looks effortless.
18. A Warm Balayage Shag
Finding the right color palette for your shag hair can be difficult. But a balayage long shaggy hairstyle can pull it all together by pulling warm reddish hues with cool brunette hints for a fresh spin on a classic look.
19. The Diffuser Shag
Curly girls know that diffusers are your friend. Keep this shaggy haircut light by using your fingers and diffusing to maximize airflow without disturbing your hair’s natural wave pattern.
20. A Rocker Shag That Isn’t
You’re not ready to let go of your length, but you still want to create a shag hairstyle. Grab this look by curling long face-framing layers on a large barrel for a soft feather effect. Piecey ends, and warm red hues help to create dimension and invoke an Avril Lavigne early aughts style.
21. The Orange Shaggy ‘Do
Orange never looked so good as on this shaggy haircut. Long bangs are feathered out at the edges, and full curls are added to the length to create depth and texture. Darker brunette hues are added in the bangs and at the ends to create dimension and prevent overwhelming the face.
22. The Bardot Shag
If Brigitte Bardot is your style icon, you need to grab this style. Length is kept long in the front and raised in the back to create dimension. Bangs are kept long but parted to create a fresh modern approach.
23. A Sleek ‘70s Era Shag
Hands down shag haircuts were one of the most popular trends of the 1970s. To keep it vintage, go sleek by using a smoothing serum. Keep your bangs long and blown out, while the length should feature large barrel waves to win the look.
24. A Modern New-Wave Shag
One of the most iconic new wave haircuts from the ‘80s gets a makeover with this fashion-forward lilac hair. To nail the look, keep bangs shorter than brow length, add soft waves in the length and opt for a pastel hue over blonde hair.
25. The Original Carly Rae Jepsen Shag
This is crazy, but you’re going to love this shaggy haircut with a fresh soft hue. To channel this hairstyle from the ear-worm artist, pair thicker long bangs with full length. Set hair on a large barrel curling iron but bring this look forward with soft pastel hues on the ends.
26. A Shag That Goes Green
A rich teal hue is paired with darker roots for an eye-catching color combination. Keep the look classic by pairing layered thicker bangs with a length that’s been styled with a large barrel curling iron.
27. A Long Soft Curly Shag
Stay faithful to classic shag hairstyles by keeping the look sleek. Add volume at the crown to create depth but tousle hair for an effortless effect. Work with your natural waves and add a smoothing serum to prevent flyaways and frizz.
28. The Barely-There Shag
You’re not ready to commit to a super short cut, but you still love shag haircuts. Channel that style by creating obvious bangs and reducing weight in the length through purposeful razor cuts. Style with a diffuser and use a curl supporting milk or serum to bring out your natural texture and eliminate frizz.
29. A Lightweight ‘70s Style Shag
There’s a lot to love about the ‘70s, and this lightweight shag gives you depth and dimension by thinning the length and creating shape around the nape. Add curls with a medium barrel curling iron and add a bit of volume at the crown.
30. The Vintage Face-Framing Shag
This classic shag haircut gets a rebirth with a cool color combo. Naturally, dark roots are paired with light blonde length to add interest. Soft waves are added to create texture, and layers create a natural feathered effect when styled.
31. The Racer Chic Shag
You need a shag hairstyle that works with a busy lifestyle. Simple face-framing layers, longer bangs, and a sleek finish with just a touch of volume in the crown give you a look that’s no fuss and perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle.
32. The Perfect Big Hair Shag
There’s no such thing as too big with this shaggy haircut that’s extra on volume and full of texture. To achieve this style, employ a serious volumizing product and large barrel curling iron or wand to help create soft waves. Fluff for full effect.
33. The Have-It-All Shag
When you’re not ready to cut your hair, but you still want volume, length, and bangs, this is the look for you. Achieve this shag haircut by razoring the length for precise ends and face-framing layers and throughout your bangs to help reduce weight.
34. A Fluffy Razor Shag
Build volume naturally with shag hairstyles like this one that relies on an expert razor cut to create layers, reduce volume where you don’t want it, and to ensure that hair lays properly – even when you aren’t purposefully styling it.
35. A Modern Weightless Shag
A medium-length shag haircut steps into the 21st century with strategic volume in the crown and soft waves styled through the length. Piecey bangs complete the look to help softly frame the face.
36. A Rosy Toned Long Shag
Color can do so much to bring a style forward. Shag haircuts can take on an edgy effect by pairing them with soft pastel hues like this bold yet delicate petal pink look.
37. An Effortlessly Messy Shag
Imagine a shaggy hairstyle that looks effortless every day. Expert layers, easy waves, and softly parted bangs help to make this the perfect “I woke up like this” look.
38. The Long Grunge Shag
A classic long shag gets a decidedly bold edge thanks to this stark color contrast created in the length. Natural roots transition into a blonde mid-length before shifting into a bold orange hue.
39. A Flipped Shag
Not all shag haircuts need to look like you just stepped out of the house with air-dried hair. A large barrel curling iron or wand can create lushly feathered out layers in the length and soft flips in the bangs for a modern approach.
40. A Warm Gradient Shag
Take long shag hairstyles to the next level with a gradient from dark to light. Pair natural roots with a warm auburn hair color and set with soft waves for a style that works in the office or after hours.
41. A Gentle Shag
Not all long shag hairstyles need to be edgy, piecey or counterculture. Smooth it out and make it more wearable by opting for a gentle transition between the bangs and length. Be sure to thin out the bangs to reduce weight on your face.
42. A Shaggy Bang You’ll Crave
If Bettie Page bangs are sending you running for the hills, know that you don’t need them to achieve shag hairstyles. Keep bangs long, and don’t lose your length throughout, and you can still have a drool-worthy style like this one.
43. A Razor Shag with Movement
An expert razor is the key to shag haircuts that compliment your hair’s texture. Wavy hair drops excess weight yet continues to move freely when razored through the bangs and length to create strategic layers and a soft fringe.
44. A Hand-Painted Warm-Hued Shag
Make the color the main event for shag haircuts with this bold yet warm shade. A perfect complement for winter or summer! Keep bangs and length sleek with a smoothing serum.
45. A Hi-Lo Shag
You don’t need a short shag hairstyle to rock above the brow bangs. Length is maintained in the back, and soft layers are built around the face, while bangs are trimmed to above the brow for a fresh modern approach to a classic hairstyle.
46. The Perfect Fall Shag
Cooler weather calls for rich brown hues, and this effortless shaggy hairstyle achieves this with warm dark roots that transition to lighter ends. Layers are kept long around the face, while the bangs have been thinned to reduce volume.
47. The Perfect Pat Benatar
Be a traditionalist with this classic representation for shag hairstyles. Hair has volume yet is still smooth while featuring brow-grazing bangs and medium length throughout. Make it modern with a touch of bold color like this rich copper red hue.
48. The “Shob”
When shag haircuts and bobs combine, you get the “shob.” Curls are left to their own devices with just a touch of product to prevent frizz. Bangs are slightly long, but the real winner is the balayage color.
49. The Bold Bang Shag
Make your bangs the main event with this shag that highlights a slightly shorter bang, while the remaining length is left almost untouched. To stand out, select a bold color that’ll have everyone looking at you.
50. A Sunshine Yellow Shag
Even Cyndi Lauper would want to snag this style thanks to the infectiously sunny hair color. Dark roots offer a more natural effect as rich yellow hair colors overtake the length. Soft layers throughout and a voluminous crown complete the look.
51. The ‘70s-Meets-Modern-Era Shag
Feathered out bangs on a long shag hairstyle help to open the face. Length throughout the remainder helps to build depth and give you a variety of options for styling your hair on a day-to-day basis.
What Is the Shag Haircut Like?
Created by barber Paul McGregor for Jane Fonda’s role in Klute, the shag haircut is probably one of the most iconic hairstyles to come out of the mid-20th century. While there are many origin stories, everyone agrees that shaggy hairstyles took off in the 1970s and have been a mainstay for trendsetting looks ever since.
Traditionally, a shag haircut features short bangs with neck or shoulder-length hair and feathered layers throughout the length. It’s characterized by its messy texture and face-framing layers, working perfectly for all hair lengths, from short to long.
The best thing about shag haircuts is versatility and low maintenance. You just blow-dry your hair and keep things natural, as this is how shag looks its best. A bit of hair serum or volumizing spray could add a better definition to your shaggy layers. Overall, your goal is to keep it as messy, textured, and carefree as it gets since this is the true nature of a shag haircut.
Faithful versions of this style can be seen from celebrity photos from the 1970s and 1980s, such as David Cassidy of The Partridge Family, Joan Jett, Jane Fonda, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Rod Stewart.
In later decades, the popular look would undergo a few alterations to include modern versions, such as the shaggy bob made popular by Meg Ryan in the 1990s, which was piecier and shorter than previous versions, and Jennifer Aniston’s cult-favorite shag haircut that was dubbed “The Rachel”. It was a style she wore when she played the role of Rachel Green in earlier seasons on the hit television show, Friends. It was a sleeker reimagining of the classic shag haircut with longer layers around the face, flipped and feathered ends, and a uniform shoulder length.
How to Choose the Best Shag Haircut for Your Face Shape?
Anyone can rock a shag haircut. However, to get the best look, you need to find the right cut for your face. Shaggy hairstyles can come in a range of lengths and can feature uber-short or longer bangs. Just use the layers correctly to bring out your facial features and make the style work for you. Find out how to pick the right length and cut to compliment your face shape!
Shag Haircuts for Oval Faces
People with oval faces have the widest variety of shag haircuts to choose from. They can pull off shaggy hairstyles that range from super short with Bettie Page-style bangs to long shags with lots of layers that you might not even think would fit in this category.
Shag Haircuts for Round Faces
Rounder faces should avoid going too short, as it could have unintended effects and make your face look shorter or rounder. Embrace the “lob” – a long bob – and add wispy layers to create depth. If you’re not ready to commit to a big chop, go for longer layers that start below your chin to create the illusion of length throughout your face.
Shag Haircuts for Heart-Shaped Faces
Bangs can do a lot here to help minimize your forehead by properly framing your face. Opt for shorter shag haircuts, like shaggy bobs and pixie cut-style shaggy haircuts that create balanced proportions on your face.
Shag Haircuts for Square Faces
Invest in layers that can help to easily contour your face without the need for Mac Daddy and his contouring wizardry. Face-framing layers can lengthen your face and soften your jawline – common areas that those with square faces wish to address. Curtain-style bangs, when paired with a shaggy haircut, can also help to elongate your face and balance out your features.
Choosing the Best Shag Haircut for Your Hair Type
Shag haircuts can look amazing on any hair type, whether you have straight hair or kinky, coily hair. But to get a look that maximizes your texture and compliments your face, you need to know how to find the right cut that puts your hair to its best advantage.
Best Shag Haircuts for Fine Hair
Shag isn’t typically the best hairstyle for fine hair, no matter your hair texture. However, strategically placed layers can give volume to your thin hair and make it look fuller. Short shag haircuts are perhaps the best bets since those are naturally bouncy and textured. Style your hair with waves for added texture, and you are good to go!
You can also consider a shaggy mullet with lots of volume on the crown that will make your hair appear thicker.
When it comes to shags with bangs, choose between long or short bangs, as well as mid-back-length hair. To make it wearable, opt for soft layers and create strategic volume in the crown to build definition. For an edgier effect, have your stylist create straight-across fringe bangs. Or opt for longer bangs.
Best Shag Haircuts for Thick Hair
If you are blessed with thick hair, shag is your way to go. You can go for medium-length and longer shag haircuts if you don’t want to chop your hair or consider a shaggy lob.
Using razor cut techniques will give your hair artsy edginess, making things appear extra-choppy. In general, whether you keep things long or short, feel free to experiment with more layers, since this will take away extra bulk from your hair and make things appear neater.
Best Shag Haircuts for Straight Hair
Any length of shag will work for straight hair! You just may want to style beachy waves to create the authentic look of the cut, while keeping it straight will give you more of a modern Rachel-style shag.
For short straight hair, creating depth should be the goal. This will require going for a piecier cut that creates texture. It will give you a length that is longer than a traditional pixie cut but comes with an edgier look for something more fashion-forward and modern.
Best Shag Haircuts for Curly Hair
Curly hair requires a precision cut so that, when dry, your hair is the right length and looks more like a purposeful style versus an extra for a clown show. You can’t just factor in texture, as you need to consider whether your strands are fine or thick. Finer strands should opt for shorter shaggy styles that showcase your curls and minimal reliance on a styling product to prevent your hair from looking weighed down.
However, “curly” is a big category and can also include members of the kinky-curly/ kinky-coily natural hair community. While you don’t see as many photos showcasing shaggy haircuts on ethnic natural hair, it can be achieved.
Again, you need to source a stylist with experience with this hair type and who understands how to cut kinky-curly hair so that the distinctive shaggy haircut shape is maintained without ruining your curls. Opt for a rounder style that creates long shaggy layers.
Best Shag Haircuts for Wavy Hair
Wavy shag haircuts are having a heyday now. Full waves, whether on shaggy styles with bangs or those that simply feature a fringe, are some of the most popular options available.
When paired with a precision cut that enhances the movement of your hair’s natural texture, this can create an effortless style that may require no more than a smoothing hair serum to prevent frizz and flyaways. Specifically, ask for a shaggy lob that pairs soft bangs with full layers in length.
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