#1: Choppy Blonde Shag with Curtain Bangs
A choppy blonde shag with curtain bangs is a trend to try. Shorter lengths on top around the crown will give hair volume. Soft textured curtain fringe on a choppy haircut will create a little more fullness—style with a ¼” barrel curling iron and spritz with She-Bang-A-Bang by Evo.
#2: Bottleneck Bangs on a Shaggy Cut
Consider adding bangs that taper down on the sides, or ‘bottleneck bangs,’ to your current layered haircut, often called a shaggy cut. Layered haircuts look best on medium to long-length haircuts. Including multiple layers and adding bottleneck bangs can give your hair more volume and create the look of longer hair.
#3: Middle-Length Shag
The choppy layers and unevenness in this cut give a modern and youthful vibe. This hairstyle works best for people with straight hair because its layers and texture can improve the natural sleekness and hold of the hair. Removing some hair weight from the sides stops the cut from looking too severe. Also, keeping enough length ensures the hair does not seem shorter.
#4: Short Shaggy for Fine Hair
This is a short shag for fine hair and gives great texture for edgy styling. Low-density hair can best support styles that are weightless in the silhouette. When styling, you can either air-dry or blow-dry your hair.
#5: Shag Cut for Fluffy Hair
Reshaping your hair doesn’t mean you have to lose length. This cut removes maximum weight, allowing a ton of movement in the crown and a wispier perimeter. If you’re considering deflating your fluffy hairstyle with a fun textured cut, consult your stylist on the best styling routine and products suited for your hair type.
#6: Jaw-Length Shag
The jaw-length shag gives a French bob a run for its money with a retro twist to a classic style—best fit for petite frames and hair density ranging from fine to medium. A variation of fringe, side parts, or face-framing can give this haircut evolving looks through the seasons.
#7: Rounded Shaggy Bangs
Try rounded bangs. This style gives you an edgy appearance that is hard to imitate. These bangs work well on long or oval-shaped faces.
#8: Chin-Length Shaggy French Bob
A shaggy French bob at chin length is perfection. This delicate look will have you feeling and looking utterly feminine. If you have a round or chubby face, you’ll want to have your hair cut a little longer than pictured to make it more flattering.
#9: Coppery Youthful Shag for Women Over 60
A perfect youthful mid-length shag haircut for women over 60 involves wispy bangs with long layers and voluminous waves. A choppy hairstyle is easy to maintain, playful, and youthful.
#10: Modern Shaggy Angled Bob for Brunette Thick Hair
Opt for an angled bob. Ask for some heavy layering to remove the weight and add texture. Instead of scissors, ask your stylist to razor cut your bob. A great product line for a soft feathered cut is IGK. To recreate, use Call Time as a primer to prepare the luscious locks. Follow up with Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel to create a shiny finish while adding some hydration. To finish your look, use Broken Dreams Texture Paste to add texture and the perfect amount of grit at the base to give that lived-in feel. Short shaggy bob haircuts look good on almost every face shape.
#11: Gorgeous Short Shaggy Bob for Modern Women
Spruce up your style with a gorgeous short shaggy bob, excellent for modern women. Texturizing the ends of this haircut creates a chic vibe. Part your hair in the opposite direction you normally would help add extra volume. Throw in some barrel waves and hairspray to show off the texture.
#12: The Modern Shag with Side-Swept Bangs
The modern shag hair cut with side-swept bangs is a beautiful option to add some shape to your lengths. A shoulder-length cut with bangs adds width to the face’s side. This has a stunning effect on the cheekbones, especially where the side fringe blends with the shaping. For rounder faces, the shag hair trend is still possible. How? Adjust the length of the fringe to sit a little longer.
#13: Soft Shag with Sombre
A haircut with soft layers combined with sombre color is great for natural levels 5 and under. Creating a soft brunette complements the skin without needing to over-lighten your hair. Mid-length textured choppy layers create the soft shag with bangs and also help elongate round face shapes.
#14: Flattering Blonde Shag for Women Over 50
A flattering short shag for women over 50 can make fine hair look fuller. Side-swept bangs and added layers, styled with a gorgeous wave, create the fullness you’ve been looking for in a layered haircut.
#15: Attractive Cut for Women Over 40
An attractive shag for women over 40 consists of face-framing layers that fade into long beautiful waves. The best haircuts for women are simple, easy to maintain, and with added texture, the perfect combo of volume and length.
#16: Gorgeous Long Layered Shag for Thick Hair
If you’re considering a long layered shag and have thick hair, it should have choppy layers throughout. Style your cut with luscious curls and side-swept bangs to help elongate your face and neck.
#17: Very Curly Shag Bob
A curly bob can be done well on fine or thick hair textures. Curls define the shaggy hair style with lots of crown layers. Style in sections with mousse, then gel on mid-lengths and ends while diffusing until dry. Add a little oil warmed up in your hands to break the crunch up and soften the curls.
#18: Dark Brown Shaggy Layers with Thick Bangs
Layers with thick bangs bring out a lived-in effortless hairstyle. Perfect for medium-density hair, wear it naturally wavy or bring out the waves using a soft texture spray. Create fuller bangs by adding texture, layers, and a good root lift powder after your hair is dry.
Related: More medium shags with bangs.
#19: Trendy Layered Shag with Feathered Ends
A trendy layered shag with feathered ends is great for thick-haired women. It will remove some weight to make the ends flick out of your hair like pretty little feathers. If you’re a working professional considering these haircuts, you’ll want long round layers around the face and curled back.
#20: Honey Blonde Textured Shag with Long Bangs
Consider a textured shag hairstyle with long bangs for a summery and beachy style. Add tousled waves to enhance such a long-length cut. Try Evo’s Water Killer Dry shampoo to keep your fringe looking fresh.
#21: Light Brown Medium Shag With Bangs
Achieve a medium shag with bangs by asking for feathered and textured layers. For styling, wrap sections of hair with a 1 ½ barrel curling iron, leaving the ends uncurled. GHD and Babyliss are affordable styling tools for that beachy shag. Spritz your hair with finishing spray and fluff using your fingers to comb through.
#22: Dark Brown Short Shag With Bangs
The short haircut with bangs is very low-maintenance. The versatility of a short shag hairstyle with fringe is endless. The bangs can be placed perfectly to sweep your eyebrows and accentuate your eyes. There are messy layers that lift and add playfulness to your hair. Short cuts are perfect for women with fine, medium, and thick hair.
#23: Disheveled Short Purple Shag
This textured shag is intended to look choppy and messy…that undone, just-rolled-out-of-bed look. It’s perfect for anyone who wants their hair to look disheveled. Styling cuts like this are key. While your hair is wet, throw in a product like Sea Salt Spray or Oil Non Oil by Davines to help give volume and separation and emphasize the razor-cutting technique. Once it’s dry, dose lightly from root to end with Puff Me by Design Hair to add a messy and tousled look. Puff Me adds grit to your hair, allowing you to shake your hair with your hands and have it hold the style.
#24: Soft Pixie Bob Shag
This pixie shaggy hair cut is somewhere between a bob and a pixie cut. It’s extremely versatile since it has so many layers; you can style it all messy and textured or be more conservative when needed. For styling this pixie, as well as other short haircuts, try Badlands Dry Shampoo Styling Paste by R+Co. Since it has dry shampoo properties, it’s lighter and matte, which is great. Many other styling pastes can weigh things down and make them look greasy. Apply it everywhere and stick your hair up all crazy to ensure the product is evenly dispersed. Then you can mold it down into the shape you want.
To maintain this haircut, ideally, you should get it trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. Since the modern shag has so many layers, this haircut is perfect for medium to fine density because it gives the illusion of having a lot more strands than you do. It requires little to no styling, so it’s ideal for women who want to air dry and throw some product in to give it texture.
#25: Playful Long Shag with Dark Roots
A playful long haircut can be effortless and low-maintenance. You only need a haircut every 6 months to maintain this style. Adding textured long layers to long hair creates beautiful styles. The best shags are great for all lengths and variations of textures.
#26: Long Shag With Bangs
This is a lovely and casual long shag with bangs. The choppy layers start at the cheekbones, acting as another focal point while encouraging more texture in your hair. This style should be more on the “undone” side of styling to keep a cool vibe. To style this Coachella-inspired look, add a tonic to damp hair to enhance your hair’s natural texture and dry it using a diffuser. Use a straightening iron to bend slightly through the mid-lengths of your hair. Finish with Aveda’s Light Elements Smoothing Fluid to separate the waves and add shine.
To maintain this cut, go in for a trim every 6 weeks and see your hairstylist at the 3-week mark for a fringe trim. Some stylists do bang trims for free between salon visits. Women with fine to medium density are ideal for this modern cut, and it’s great for any girl or woman who would like to embrace their hair’s natural texture.
#27: The Dark Auburn Mid-Length Messy Shag
If you love undone hair, the messy style will give you the loose textured vibe you’re after. Straight shags benefit from having plenty of levels of layering. These layers can add fullness and life to your locks. Straight-cut bangs, meanwhile, balance out the shape. Opt for a darker auburn color to match your skin tone.
#28: Mid-Length 70s Shag
A mid-length 70s haircut involves many even and choppy layers. A 70s cut is best for thicker hair with a lot of texture styled with gorgeous flowing waves. This allows for even volume and your layers to flow beautifully.
#29: Brunette Shag with Bangs for Thin Hair
This cut is inspired by the 1970s shag haircut. This modern style with bangs has stayed relevant for decades because it continues reinventing itself. The best thing about the cut for thin hair is that it’s meant to bring out natural texture. The less you style, the better it is!
#30: Face-Framing Light Brown Shaggy Layers
Get some layers to achieve a modern hairstyle if you have long hair. The layers in this cut with beach waves are sure to accentuate volume and texture. Don’t forget face-framing pieces to create a free-flowing, feathery look to complement your brown hair. Add a few curls and finish with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray. The spray will create instant lift and volume.
#31: Medium-Length Shag for Older Women with Dark Hair
This is a mid-length shag cut with lots of layers and is slightly asymmetrical. Layers are recommended for volume and to soften features around the face. Always use a volume shampoo and volume conditioner on fine hair. Try Pureology’s Pure Volume line. Use a lightweight heat protectant all over. At the roots, spray lots of mousse. Try Wella’s Root Shoot in the Eimi line.
#32: Longer 70s Shaggy Hair
A longer 70’s shaggy hair style can bring out the natural waves in your hair. It’s a low-maintenance style that can be cut and grown beautifully for 6+ months. Longer hair will benefit from this cut, giving it more movement with the medium-length layers. Long hairstyles soften a square face shape with eyebrow-grazing bangs and wispy ends that make the eye and cheekbones pop.
#33: Cute Shag for Older Women with Glasses
A messy shag cut for older women screams an adventurer who takes risks. Now older women can look edgy in one of these wild lobs. When styling, the Hairstory’s hair balm is ideal for giving this wavy haircut more body and texture.
#34: Messy Shaggy Layered Bob for Fine Hair
The layered bob for fine hair textures will surely get you all the textured vibes! Finer hair can benefit from a shag haircut as the layers will add width to expand the shape of your mane. Focus on going for a shorter bob length to allow the shape to stay strong and keep its fullness.
#35: Modern Short Curly Shag with Layers
A short curly shag with layers is a great modern hairstyle. For my curly and wavy hair girls, this cut will give you the volume your hair has been wanting. With super short layers on top and cute textured bangs, the style choices with this one are versatile. Add some leave-in conditioner and curl cream to your locks and see the magic unfold, or get up and go!
#36: Voluminous Long Shag for Curly Hair
A long shag gives you natural-looking waves if you have naturally curly hair. A curly haircut puts out a rock’n’roll vibe on the weekends with some root lift power for body, or it can be dressed up and professional during the week with a simple styling balm to bring out the waves.
#37: White Blonde Wispy Shag with Choppy Bangs
The platinum retro cut with choppy bangs is playful and fun. Every thickness and length of hair can have its ideal shag that adds a modern, retro vibe and texture. For styling, try Bedroom.Hair by Keven Murphy. It’s a perfect texturizing spray to give it that bedhead look. This cut could compliment many hair types. Fine and thin hair can enhance volume and create texture. Curlier hair can add softness.
#38: Texturized Long Wavy Shag for Thick Hair
With a long, modern shag haircut for thick hair like this, ask your stylist for more texture to get this incredible look. Pair with choppy bangs, and you’ve got a massively trendy style.
#39: Beautiful Medium-Length Curly Shag
A medium-length curly hairstyle is an excellent cut to help redefine your curls while keeping your length. The shorter layers created throughout this haircut will help remove excess weight from the curls, making them tight and bouncy again. To help keep your curls in tip-top shape, wash your hair only once or twice per week, and use a moisturizing curl cream to keep curls tame and hydrated.
#40: Dimensional Shag for Women Over 70
Try a shag for women over 70 for a youthful and soft look. This style is perfect for those who love short hair but want to try some extra length for something new. After styling, massage a dime-sized dollop of Schwarzkopf Osis Thrill all over your fingertips. Then, tousle your hair to give it an amazing texture. Finish with Redken Control Addict hairspray.
#41: Versatile Short Shag with Curtain Bangs
A short shag haircut with curtain fringe is a low-maintenance way to try a new style. You’ll need to style the bangs every morning, but the rest of your hair can easily be pulled back into a cute ponytail when needed. Before blow-drying a cut with curtain bangs, apply some Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil from mid-shaft to ends to protect your hair from the heat.
#42: The Fresh Feathered Shag
Try the feathered shag for a bold and sophisticated look. Not only is this cut extremely complimentary, but if you decide to grow it out, it looks great throughout the process. Ask your stylist to show you how to style this look before you leave the salon.
#43: Gorgeous Brunette Shag
A gorgeous brunette shag can work for almost any lady. This look is timeless and flattering; you can create many different looks. Sprinkle some Schwarzkopf Osis Dust It on your root area after styling to give it this amazing texture.
#44: Stunning Silver Shag
Try a stunning silver shag if you’re ready to wow the room. This color is extremely high maintenance, so ask your stylist about it before you take the plunge. To get this textured look, ensure that you leave at least two inches of the ends out when you’re curling your hair instead of curling them down.
#45: The Dimensional Shaggy Lob
A shaggy lob haircut is a great option for those who love your classic bob but want to try something different. The length in the back of this cut makes it easy to pull up when needed, which is a huge plus. Try spritzing some Redken Guts 10 on your root area and rubbing it before blow-drying to get this amazing volume.
#46: The Face-Framing Shag with Fringe Bangs
The face-framing shag is a keeper. Try this look for something fun and new this season. These bangs are a bold move but adorable. Ask your stylist if this look can work for your hair texture and face shape.
#47: Edgy Shag with Choppy Bangs
An edgy shag with choppy bangs is a daring and fun style. Although this look needs to be styled every morning, it doesn’t take much time. Seek out a stylist with an edgy style to create this cut.
#48: The Retro Shag with Curtain Fringe
The retro shag is a great long bob for those who want volume but want to keep some length. The angles and layers in this cut keep it lightweight, so you can easily get lots of volume that lasts. Ask your stylist if a version of this look could work for your face shape and lifestyle.
#49: Long Boho Shag with Braids
Try a long boho shag with braids for a fun and modern look. Messy hair is in style, and everyone loves it! This look would do best on thick hair but could be created on anyone with long hair. Try using Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo in your hair to give it more texture before braiding.
#50: Glossy Long Shag with Curtain Bangs
A long shag with curtain bangs is a flattering style for oval face shapes. The shorter layers and angles in the front half of this cut allow for tons of volume with ease when styling. Ask your stylist if this cut will work with your hair texture.
#51: Deep Brown Shag with Beach Waves
Try a shag with beach waves for the ultimate amount of movement and dimension. The shorter angles around the face and shorter layers in this cut allow for tons of volume while still keeping your hair long. Achieve this style by curling large sections of your hair away from your face with a 1.25-inch curling iron.
#52: The Gypsy Shag with Peekaboo Highlights
A gypsy shag is an amazing option for those wanting extra volume while keeping some length. This style works well with wavy textures but can also be customized for other hair textures. Adding peekaboo highlights like these can make the style more fun and dimensional.
#53: Younger-Looking Short Shag for Women Over 60
A short shag for women over 60 is always a great idea. This short haircut can work with almost any hair texture. After you get your hair cut, ask your stylist to walk you through how they style it so you can get the same great look at home.
#54: Disheveled Curly Shag with Bangs
A curly shag with bangs is an amazing, full-looking style. Make sure you see a stylist specializing in curly hair if you’re seeking this cut. Before defusing, apply Deva Curls’ Light Defining Gel to your curls for this soft style.
#55: Flattering Shag for Larger Foreheads
A flattering shag for larger foreheads can work wonders! This style will do the trick if it’s the size of your forehead or the wrinkles you’re trying to hide. When styling, blow dry your bangs forward with a round brush. Let them cool to room temperature, then part them if you desire.
#56: The Funky French Cut Shag
The French-cut shag is perfect for going short but not to a pixie. This style is fun, low-maintenance, and funky. Dip your finger into Moroccan Oil Molding cream and rub it into your fingertips before massaging it into the ends of your hair for this gorgeous, tousled look.
#57: The Bright Copper Mullet Shag
The mullet shag is an exciting style to try. This look gives you the softness of a layered pixie yet leaves some length to play with. This style works well with fine hair textures but can also work for thicker hair as long as it’s heavily texturized. Ask your stylist if this style works for your lifestyle and face shape.
#58: Flattering Shag for Women with Round Faces
A flattering cut for women with round faces is a perfect style if you want something different but like to keep your hair long. The fringe, layers, and angles in this cut help to give an astounding amount of volume without any loss of length! This style is also super cute when you put your hair up, leaving the fringe and some wispy pieces out to soften the look.
Related: See more long shaggy wispy haircuts.
#59: Daring Shaggy Rocker Cut
A rocker cut is for women wanting to make a scene! This daring style will have everyone turning their heads when you walk into a room. Before styling, apply a quarter-sized dollop of Deva Curl Light Defining Gel all over to help give you this textured, wavy look.
#60: Tousled Collarbone-Length Shag
A collarbone-length shag would be the perfect length for many women. This cut is extremely modern and flattering to almost any face shape. The softness of the angles can work wonders to make you appear younger. Instead of washing daily, spritz your hair with Kenra Dry Shampoo on day two and rub it in for extra volume and gorgeous day two hair.
#61: Golden Blonde Shoulder-Length Shag
If a textured look is what you are looking for, a shoulder-length shag is a great haircut choice. These haircuts showcase a lot of texture and layers. This haircut is great for any type of hair. Style products include a root lifter and tonic spray to get that volume and show off the texture.
#62: The Short and Shaggy Wolf Cut
A short and shaggy wolf haircut is the perfect blend of a mullet and shag. With lots of layers and texture, this cut shows off natural waves. Shorter pieces in the front and a crop top create a fun and sassy shape. Hand styling is the best style choice for this wolf cut to enhance the natural wave.
#63: The Lovely Pixie Shag Cut
Modern shags can come in various lengths, and a pixie shag cut is one of them. Super tight sides and longer length on top showcase a shagadelic look. The texture is a must with this one. Spray some sea salt spray in damp hair and let your haircut do the rest.
#64: Simple Shag Without Bangs
Not all shag cuts need to have bangs, a simple shag without bangs is just as gorgeous. Bangs aren’t for everyone, and a long textured front can still give you movement without sacrificing the length. Wand styling with this haircut will show off that movement while creating volume. A textured spray is a great finishing product for this look to create a more lived-in vibe.
#65: Dramatic Razor Cut Shag for Thick Hair
Thick hair is great for a razor-cut shag. Having thick hair with this cut allows for many layers without sacrificing the fullest of your hair towards the ends. Razor cuts help carve your hair out and reduce the weight that lives in your hair. A textured spray is a great product to show off the look, and hand styling would be the best drying method.
#66: The Red Shag
A shag that’s red screams retro 70s look all the way. With the bold choice of red hair color and flirty layers, this look will turn heads. A flexible hairspray and curling iron will show off this layered look.
#67: Jet Black Medium-to-Long Shag
A shag that is medium to long is extremely flattering if you have jet-black hair. This soft style can look amazing on almost any face shape. Textured cuts give an airy, messy look that will never go out of style.
#68: Short Straight Shag Mullet with Sideburns
A shag mullet that is short and straight is a daring choice. Make sure to find a stylist who is experienced in mullets for straight hair before scheduling. Ask your stylist what you’ll need to do to maintain your new cut to ensure you’re up to the challenge.
#69: Simple Wavy Shag for Women Over 30
Women over 30 can surely pull off a simple shag. This style is classic and can work with almost any hair texture. Use a 1-inch wand and curl away from your face to get these perfect waves.
#70: Cute Blonde Shaggy Bob with Bangs
You can’t go wrong when you take a bob with bangs and make it shaggy. This style softens the face shape and works best on women with straight hair. This style can still work for you if you have curly or wavy hair. It just may take a little more time to style. This is your hairstyle if you’re looking for a youthful new look.
#71: The Face-Framing Low-Maintenance Shag
Shag cuts can be low-maintenance, too! Opting for longer layers and face-framing, rather than shorter snips and a fringe, will prolong the life of this look. The low-maintenance cut can be trimmed every 8-12 weeks vs. every 6-8 weeks with your typical cut.
#72: Soft Shag with Swoopy Bangs
Consider a soft shag with swept bangs. A cut with softly textured layers below the cheek works great for round and square face shapes. Ask your stylist for curtain bangs that hit right below the eye and sweep out from a center part.
#73: Classic Shag with Ombre
Try a soft shag with an ombre color for a low-maintenance, lived-in look. Style this look by adding soft waves with a large 2-in barrel curling iron, and finish with a dry texture spray like O&M Desert Dry.
#74: Platinum Blonde Shag for Long Hair
A platinum blonde shag for long hair is a daring and flattering style. This is the haircut women with thin, fine hair must wear! The layers in this cut give the illusion that you have dense, thick hair. Ask your stylist if they think this style could work for you.
Shag haircuts are still trending in 2024! Below, I’ve put together pictures of some of the best and most modern ways to get this trendy cut. I’ve also included some of my best advice about how to choose the right one that works for you. But first…
What is a Shag?
A shag haircut is a versatile style characterized by many layers, especially around your face. Created by hairstylist Paul McGregor in 1971 for Jane Fonda, this classic cut is back in a big way (source).
Today, stylists customize shags to suit hair of every length, texture, and thickness.
If you have shorter hair, the layers will be choppy and extremely volumizing. This is especially true if you have fine hair.
With medium-length shags, you get the best of both worlds. The mid-length ends will make your face look longer and closer to oval, the ideal face shape. The layers will give you volume and tons of styling options.
Are you rocking long locks? That means you can ask for even more layers! A long shag haircut is perfect for creating maximum texture on any hair type.
The classic shag is also perfect for waves and curls. You can look forward to less frizz and balanced volume with this style.
This hairstyle can enhance appearance regardless of face shape, age, texture, or hair type.
The Best Shag Haircut for Your Face Shape
Your face shape is one of the biggest deciding factors in which shag hair cut is best for you. That’s why it’s so important to figure out your face shape first.
It’s also crucial to remember that we all have unique genetics. And they have a huge impact on our facial features (source). Odds are you won’t be a perfect match for the textbook definition of your face shape. And that’s okay!
Follow these guidelines based on whichever is the closest match. You can pick two if you’re torn. Most importantly, ask your hairdresser to confirm your findings before starting the cut. This guarantees you’ll get a gorgeous shag.
Here are my best tips on choosing a shag based on your face shape:
- Diamond: The goal is to bring your cheekbones into balance with your chin and forehead. A short shag mullet is a perfect choice if you’re willing to go bold. Try a medium or long shag with chin-length layers for a more timeless look.
- Heart-Shaped: Avoid volume in the crown and temples to create the illusion of an oval face shape. Any length of shag will be flattering, so long as you ask for face-framing layers. And bangs are perfect for your face—see the next section to learn more!
- Oval: You have what’s considered the ideal face shape. So, all you need to think about is your hair type and desired level of upkeep. Feel free to ask your stylist for their recommendation if you struggle to decide.
- Round: You’ll want a cut that elongates your face shape and features. A medium or long shag with lots of volume on top is the easiest way to create this effect.
- Square: Your face shape focuses on rounding and softening your features. Your shag shouldn’t have much volume at the top. Instead, you’ll want face-framing layers starting around your cheekbones. When it comes to length, you can go as long or short as you want.
- Rectangle: The goal is always to achieve the illusion of an oval face shape. The easiest way for you to do so is a chin-length shag. Ask for layers that add a lot of movement and bounce around your jawline. This combo is perfect for softening and rounding your features.
How to Decide on Bangs to Go With Your Shag Cut
Deciding whether to add bangs to your shag can be a tough call—I know, I’ve been there. Your face shape and desired level of maintenance are the biggest considerations.
Here are my best tips for choosing a fringe with a shag that suits your facial features without requiring tons of upkeep.
- Diamond: You want fullness around your forehead to balance your features. Curtain bangs or a heavy, side-swept fringe achieve this and draw attention to your eyes. Ask for layers or framing to help blend your fringe, and you can go 2-3 months between bang trims.
- Heart-Shaped: Bangs are an excellent choice for balancing the width of your forehead. And any variation will suit your face. If you opt for a full fringe, ask your stylist to cut them just above your eyebrow. With curtain or side bangs, ask for layers and wispiness. With these tips, you can go two months between bang trims.
- Oval: You have so many choices with this face shape. A center part with no bangs will give your shag a classic feel. Side bangs or a classic full fringe will also be very flattering. But remember, a full fringe will need more frequent trims.
- Round: Since the goal is to make your face look longer, avoid full bangs on your forehead. Side bangs or curtain bangs will add length to your face. Bonus: Both options only need a trim every 1-2 months.
- Square: Wispy side bangs will help soften and round your facial features. When paired with many face-framing layers, this option can look gorgeous for 3-4 months before you need a bang trim.
- Rectangle: You can wear any style of fringe you like, so long as the ends are soft and wispy. A blunt edge on your bangs will only make your face look more angular. Ask for your bangs to be layered and wispy. With this trick, you shouldn’t need a bang trim for up to 2 months.
Hair Type Considerations
Your face shape should be the first thing you consider when choosing a shag. But your hair type is a close second.
Remember your hair texture as you look through the photos in the gallery below. You might adore a curly, bouncy, effortless-looking shag. But if your hair is fine and straight, getting that look every day could take hours.
Here are the lowest-maintenance shag variations by hair type:
- Wavy: A short or medium-length shag with many layers will help your waves look their best. If you prefer wearing your hair straight, ask for a long haircut. The extra weight will keep your locks from getting too fluffy or wavy.
- Curly (including perms): Any length will look great on you. If you opt to go shorter, remember your curls will bounce up quite a bit. A long shag will be gorgeous if your stylist blends the layers properly. I suggest finding a stylist who specializes in curls for the best results.
- Coily: If you visit a stylist experienced with coily hair, a shag is one of the best haircuts you can get. This hair type varies quite a bit from person to person. That’s why I recommend finding a stylist to cut your hair dry. Layers are important, but they must be perfectly customized to your head of hair.
- Straight (including relaxed hair): Do you want maximum texture and movement? Then ask for choppier layers regardless of length. Getting your shag cut with a razor instead of scissors is a great way to achieve this. For a sleeker look, ask your stylist for a modern shag with longer, blended layers.
- Fine: The shorter you go, the more volume you’ll get. If you aren’t ready for short hair, that’s fine too. Ask your stylist for medium-length shag and razored layers to get the best of both worlds.
- Thick and/or coarse: A shag can make thick and coarse hair look more styled and intentional. Adding edgy, choppy layers will reduce bulk and unwanted volume. Best of all, you’ll need to do very little daily styling.
- Gray: First, consider the texture of your gray hairs. Are they wiry and unruly or soft and flat? For wiry hair, a short shag will make you look effortlessly youthful and on-trend. If yours are soft, ask for your ends to stay mostly one length. You’ll want strategic layers and a bit of thinning to add movement and infuse freshness into your look.
- Damaged or heavily processed: This haircut is perfect for damaged or processed hair. You can preserve your length while cutting off the most damaged hair to create layers. The punkier you’re willing to go, the more damage your stylist can remove.
How to Style a Shag
My favorite thing about shags is that you can customize it to any hair type or lifestyle. And with my pro styling tips below, you can easily make every day a great hair day.
Styling a Shag on Fine to Medium Hair
Volume and texture are the name of the game here. This haircut is full of movement and dimension. Showcasing these features will give you a fresh, youthful look.
If you fall into this category, I recommend Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse. This product is incredible for fine to medium hair because it offers all-day thickness and fullness. It’ll make your hair feel and look thicker without crunch or stickiness.
Bonus: it’s also a heat protectant! Apply this product to damp hair from roots to ends. Follow with blow-drying for maximum volume. As you blow-dry, brush your hair up and towards your face. This creates movement in your ends and lift at your roots.
Styling a Shag on Thick or Damaged Hair
Styling can be tricky when you have thick or damaged hair. You want your hair to look and feel fabulous, but too much heat styling can cause long-term damage.
As a hairdresser with damaged hair, I can’t speak highly enough of It’s a 10 Silk Express Miracle Leave-In. Every product from this brand offers ten distinct benefits, like heat protection, replacing lost proteins, and nourishing dry/frizzy hair.
Mist this product on damp hair from your roots to your ends. Start with a spritz or two on your roots and a bit more as you work down. Comb through with a wide-toothed comb. Let your hair dry naturally if you want to show off your natural texture.
If you decide to blow-dry, avoid lifting your hair too much. Instead, brush your hair down as you dry to reduce bulk and unwanted fluffiness. Then touch up your ends with a flat iron or add curls if desired.
Styling a Shag on Wavy, Curly, or Coily Hair
The shag and curly textures are a match made in heaven. You won’t have to do much in the way of daily styling to look amazing.
Focusing on your hair care routine is the key to these textures. Now is the perfect time to start if you aren’t already using a deep conditioner or hair mask. Taking this extra time when washing your hair will make daily styling much easier.
I’m a huge fan of the Davines LOVE Curl Hair Mask. This product adds softness and moisture to your curls without reducing their elasticity. You can say goodbye to tangles and frizz without sacrificing bounce and volume.
Use a dollop weekly (or monthly) in the shower after rinsing your normal shampoo and conditioner. Then style your shag as desired.
Maintaining A Shag Hairstyle
Another great thing about shag hairstyles is they don’t have to be high maintenance. At the same time, you can ask your stylist for a dramatic or more edgy version to show off your punky personality.
This huge spectrum of options is why I’ve broken things down by maintenance levels below. Consider your hair type, face shape, and preferred level of upkeep to choose the perfect shag.
Haircut frequency:
- In a perfect world, you’d visit the salon once every year or so. Ask for a shag with blended layers and bangs that’ll look good grown out. When your stylist knows you want a low-maintenance cut, they’ll customize it accordingly.
- You enjoy getting a wash and trim every 8 to 10 weeks. You can play with fun details like super-short layers in the crown area or trendy bangs. Trim up anything you enjoyed at your next visit, and don’t touch any areas you’d like to grow out.
- You have no qualms about visiting often for quick cleanups. Ask your stylist for their creative vision of your shag and see how it sounds. Shag hair cuts don’t need monthly trims unless you have precise bangs or a super punky style, like a shaggy mullet.
Daily styling:
- You need to be able to get out of bed and start your day right away. The best thing you can do is choose a hairstyle that suits your hair type. Whether you’re a busy mom or not a morning person, this will make mornings smoother. Be sure to tell your stylist if you need to pull everything into a ponytail— short shag layers are hard to pull back.
- You don’t mind spending 15 minutes or so doing your hair before going out. Again, try to pick a shag that’s mostly compatible with your natural texture. But feel free to go crazy with the layers. Don’t be afraid to add bangs and face-framing layers. These sections only take a couple of minutes to style each morning.
- You’ll spend up to an hour blow-drying, curling, or flat ironing your shag each day. Go with whichever inspirational photo speaks to you most! And confirm with your hairdresser that it’ll flatter your face shape. Finally, invest in a good heat protectant to avoid frizz and split ends.
Pictures of The Best Shag Haircuts Ideas:
Now you know exactly what varieties of the shag are perfect for you. Check out these photos of gorgeous shags below to get inspired before your next salon visit!
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