The thing people mention the least about shag haircuts is how much they help boost people’s self-confidence. Getting a shag haircut is the type of haircut you can stop worrying about. You let your hair do it’s thing, and you will probably look like yourself for the first time in a long time! One time, I had this client show me a picture of a straight lob haircut that she wanted because she thought an actress looked cute with it. I could tell from the way her hair fell that it was not going to make her happy, so I suggested a shag cut instead. When I turned her around to show her the cut, she started crying because that was the first time a haircut made her feel cool rather than just presentable.
When thinking about the New York hairdressing scene, I think about and appreciate the hairdressers who do not just follow the trends because they’re lazy and instead take the time to build a cut that works with the hair rather than against it. Everything I’m sharing with you has been constructed with this intention behind it. When looking for inspiration for your next haircut, I want this from you most of all.
#1: That Perfect Espresso Shag You’ll Want to Sleep In
It’s one of those cuts where the bangs are doing at least seventy percent of the work and they’re doing it beautifully, because they are wispy enough to move around but still thick enough to actually frame your face instead of just floating there looking lost. The color is what gets me though, it’s this deep espresso that catches light in a way that makes the layers really pop, and you can tell whoever cut this actually knew what they were doing when it came to building texture through the mid lengths without it just looking super choppy. This is the sort of cut that looks better on day two or three when it’s got a little bit of life in it which honestly is my favorite kind of cut to give someone because it means you’re not a slave to your blow dry every morning.
#2: Silver That Actually Looks Intentional
I see a lot of silver hair that looks like they have given up on their toner routine, but this is not that. This is a very intentional and pretty silver. I love how it deepens at the roots and then opens up to these soft, almost pearlescent ends. It has just the right amount of wave to keep it interesting. I love this style too! It looks super effortless, like it just came out from a finger tousle. This is a skill in and of itself. You will have to maintain this between appointments with a good purple shampoo. The grow out on this style is actually very forgiving. The technique that was used is designed around the deeper roots.
#3: Blonde That Warms Everything Up
The first thing I see is not the blonde but the face framing shorter pieces that soften everything. The length in the back gives you enough versatility to throw it up or braid it back when you need to. The color transition from a slightly deeper base to the brighter ends is well done, not stripey or chunky. It looks sun-touched rather than salon-processed. With a large barrel curling iron and texturizing spray, recreating this at home will be easy if your hair is naturally straight to wavy, but honestly some days you won’t even need that.
#4: Golden Waves That Earn Their Keep
If you have a lot of hair and you want to enjoy it and not fight with it every morning this is a great cut for you. The layers are removing bulk in the right places and so it moves as one piece, not like a helmet. Achieving that warm golden tone is actually harder than it looks. This is not a wash-and-go situation. To achieve this level of polish you are going to want a wave enhancing spray and probably twenty minutes with a dryer. The payoff is pretty incredible, if you have the hair for it and are willing to put in the time.
#5: High Contrast Balayage That’s Worth the Upkeep
High contrast balayage can actually go a bunch of different ways, and while I’ve fixed enough of them to know how to do them, this look, when done right, is one of the most stunning looks you can do to your hair. The way that seamless transition from rich deep brunette roots that effortlessly fades into bright blonde looks intentional at every single level, and those stunning waves at the end are the cherry on top that really showcase the brightness of the gradient. I’m not going to sugarcoat this. how you keep those strands that bright and clean requires a lot of upkeep every six to eight weeks, and while it is not for everyone, I really respect those who embrace this routine.
#6: The Silver Bob with That Little Bit of Rosewood Magic
I enjoy the surprise element to this, and I really like how effortless it looks. The silver is nice and modern and the rosewood bangs come in and change the whole game. They pull the focus to the face in a really nice way without over doing it. The haircut is nice and has clean and sharp lines and a really nice structure to it. It looks optimal when you keep up regular trims every five to six weeks because if the ends start looking scraggly, you lose the whole effect. This is such a good way to be creative if your work has a dress code.
#7: Silver Ash That Grows Out Like It Was Planned
It’s clear to see how the stylist has used these colors to give the illusion of depth, movement, and texture to the hair. The way woven the silver and ash tones in, and where the light hits it. The overall effect of the cut adds as it tapers down not to create a bunch of waves, but give the ends the room to have natural waves. What I appreciate most is this cut changes the negative greying conversation to something positive. It all creates an experience that most people don’t give enough credit.
#8: Chocolate Layers That Just Fall Right
Not every haircut needs to be fancy to make an impact. This hairstyle is a prime example. The hair color is a luscious, rich chocolate tone. Also, the warmth in this particular color gives the appearance of health and vibrancy even in the absence of highlights or lowlights. The added layers provide an added fullness which enhances movement around the ends. This is one of those cuts that works for medium to thick hair and makes it look like it is finally putting in the effort. For an added touch, using a volumizing mousse at the ends will help keep the hair bouncy and will provide that polished appearance for as long as you need it.
#9: That Chestnut Bob Everyone Asks About
In my opinion, a shoulder-length bob is one of the most, if not the most, flattering haircuts and this is a perfect example why. The warm chestnut color will work with probably a dozen skin tones, and the texturizing on the ends is just enough to keep it from looking like a mom haircut, no offense to moms, I’m one too! I like how it is denser towards the roots and then transitions to lighter and thinner ends because it gives the hair a sense of movement even when its just hanging there. Many hair types have more thickness towards the bottom, and removing that weight at the bottom allows the hair to fall more freely.
#10: Waves That Look Like You Didn’t Try
When clients ask for something easy to maintain, I recommend this hairstyle. I also give them an easy option. I try to avoid giving clients cuts that involve 4 products, a diffuser, and daily hours of styling. These hairstyles have a more laid-back vibe, and less effort looks. Clients won’t notice the subtle layers, which do not create volume, so it lets the waves and curls do their thing. This cut is ideal for air-drying. On a regular day, you shouldn’t have to apply any anti-frizz cream. It may need some anti-frizz cream to keep everything in place in New York during the summer, with all the humidity, but on a regular day you can just air-dry and walk out looking like you have a really good relationship with your hair, which is the goal.
#11: Blonde Layers That Give You More Than You Started With
It must be a verbatim COPY of the input.
#12: Caramel Layers That Stay Gorgeous Between Appointments
While inexperienced colorists may make caramel tones appear muddy, properly applied tones can contribute to an elegant, effortless look. The right amount of highlighting contrast ensures that the base and highlighting tones harmonize nicely, resulting in a desirable look. Layer design also becomes functional, such as removing weight from thick hair so it no longer hangs like a curtain. The hair will appear to have more volume. In terms of styling, you should have some casual waves. You probably won’t need to restyle it for some time, and that’s the ultimate goal. Brassy color upkeep typically requires a refresh every couple of months, and that’s a great trade-off for the cut shape lasting six to ten weeks.
#13: Pink Waves That Actually Commit
It’s so exciting to hear when a client walks in and says they want pink. I mean, I love bright pink! Not some dusty mauve or rose gold type of pink. It’s so awesome because they are ready to have fun and that always brings the best kind of energy to work with! The braid woven into the curls looks nice and adds some visual texture while making it feel less costume-y. The length gives you so many options for when you want to wear it down vs. pulled back vs. half up. I won’t pretend like this color doesn’t fade. If you want it this saturated you will have to get touch ups pretty regularly because you wash your hair with cool water, use a color-depositing shampoo to help stretch the time between washes, and you will want to wash your hair with cool water.
#14: Brunette Waves That Don’t Need Much From You
This haircut includes a highlighting technique that may seem subtle, but is what gives this style dimension as opposed to looking flat. The waves are soft and look natural. You can achieve this look in five minutes with a curling wand (or honestly by braiding your hair when it’s damp and letting it dry overnight). That is my favorite lazy day hair trick. I tell everyone about it. This is a cut that is forgiving on the days you don’t style it, and that speaks to how well the shape is designed.
#15: Long Blonde Curls That Handle Their Own Business
The natural roots actually aid with this look as they offer the eyes a diversion before all that blonde opens up across the lengths. It means your grow-out period looks intentional instead of neglected, making it a time and money saver. The curls have good body and don’t look stiff or crunchy, so whoever styled this did use the right products and didn’t go overboard. The layers are placed so each curl has space to form its own shape instead of clumping together. If your hair tends to frizz, keeping an anti-humidity spray in your bag is a must. But structurally, this cut will look good even when it’s not perfect, which is really what you want from long hair.
#16: Chestnut Waves That Move Like Water
I like how the cut moves and how the layers merge together so well that it feels like one solid unit. The chestnut shade has a lot of variation, and the combined subtler depth showcases a process done with mastery and skill. If your hair is thick/ medium in texture, the cut will feel like a burden has been lifted from your neck, as the layers provide ample bulk reduction, while the cut shape stays full and healthy. This is a cut that will demand minimal upkeep. When I say that it will be a low drama cut, that’s the highest praise I can offer.
#17: Golden Ombre That Doesn’t Scream “Ombre”
I love the subtle variation in color from the roots to the ends of the hair. It is a very nice change from the traditional ombre that we have all seen and had enough of. I really like how there is no obvious line that shows where the color changes. It also looks good how the face framing pieces go past the chin and help to define the jawline without being too short causing that awkward in between stage. That is something I always think about when I am trimming pieces around the face. The styling on this is good and having natural waves aids the low effort styling, so hair can handle whatever the day throws at it. Your color will hold up well between appointments as long as you are using the right shampoo.
#18: Fire Red That Refuses to Be Ignored
When a client asks for a vivid red color, my first question is always about commitment. Vivid colors are not something you can just “dabble” in. It’s more of an “I choose to be this” sort of color. And seeing people fully commit to this color is amazing. The long layers here keep everything feeling soft and feminine, which is a good balance to the color’s boldness. Those wispy bangs are light enough that they won’t date the look or make it feel too heavy. As this shade will shift with every wash, you’ll want to make it a point to get a sulfate free shampoo for color treated hair and a gloss every month or so, but I swear you will love it every time you see your reflection.
#19: Platinum Pixie with Just a Hint of Trouble
I’ve been doing a fair share of pixie cuts and while the most requests are a bit on the easier side, I get some that want a bit more and this purple tipped detail is just the right amount of more. The platinum base is super clean, crisp and modern while the wash of violet adds personality without going costume. Honestly, the fact that it takes about three minutes to style in the morning is what sells this look to most of my pixie clients, and these are cuts that work best on straight to slightly wavy hair. It’ll read the best with that structure and yes for the clean lines you’ll be needing trims regularly, but the trade off is that you’ll be spending virtually no time on your hair everyday while looking put together.
#20: Black and Copper That Plays Well Together
I like how deep black and copper are layered, because it is a nice contrast and is not too aggressive. The copper is layered, which allows it to move and show up as the hair moves rather than sitting on top of the hair. The modern asymmetry and end layering are great. It’s not predictable, and shows movement. This helps the hair look more full and dense than it actually is. If vivid colors are your thing, you will need to come in for color appointments often since copper is the first color to fade. Even once it does fade, it softens to a warm, pretty color instead of looking washed out.
#21: Sunkissed Balayage That Knows When to Stop
The best part here is that someone showed some restraint and didn’t take the blonde all the way to platinum, but instead stopped at that beautiful sunkissed range where it still looks like it could’ve happened naturally. Because of that, the whole look is so much more believable and wearable. The waves are the perfect amount to pull out the color variation without crossing into full-on curling iron territory, and the body through the mid-lengths tells me that the cut underneath is solid; probably some longer layers that are doing quiet work to keep everything lifted. If you have finer hair and are concerned about the waves weighing down your hair, your stylist can adjust the layers for you, but for most people this is going to be such an easy style to maintain and enjoy.
#22: Soft Balayage That Works Harder Than It Looks
Your new hair will be such an eye-catcher. The balayage blend is so seamless it will look like your hair is just naturally stunning without color. The waves look like they were thrown in there, and we mean that in the best way possible. We’re all about that classy but messy look. If your hair is medium to thick, this technique will give your hair so much more dimension and interest than just a single process will. You’ll need to return for toners every so often but as for lightening, it should grow out seamlessly so no touch ups will be required. This look is perfect for those who want to look chic and polished without putting in too much effort.
#23: Mid-Length Blonde Layers That Age Like Good Wine
I find myself recommending this haircut again and again because it works for people of all ages and from all walks of life and I love to see a cut that won’t date over the seasons. The subtle layers are enough to keep movement in the cut and look interesting without having to deal with all the drama and flipping, or pieces that are just going to sit there and require you to style them. The blonde achieved here is neutral enough not to pull warm or cool and clash with your skin. To maintain the shape, you’ll want to come in for trims every 6 weeks as the layers tend to lose their purpose after growing out past a certain point. But for a cut that allows you to have an effortless morning routine, that is a small sacrifice to make.
#24: A Clean Blonde Bob That Does What It’s Told
I love blunt bobs because there’s something really satisfying about the clean and even ends. They make everything look above them more intentional and polished, even when you don’t do anything. The bright blonde will lighten your whole face, and will be really flattering on fair to medium skin tones. It gives the cut more thickness which is good for fine hair because the thickness will be extra good when your hair doesn’t disappear by mid-afternoon. Blunt ends are said to require more maintenance because they can only go so long without trims, otherwise, they start to look thin and wispy which defeats the purpose of having blunt ends. Trims might be a higher cost, but with them you’ll have a haircut that looks expensive every single day.
#25: Curls That Don’t Pretend to Be Something Else
It would be great if people, especially those with beautiful natural curls, could feel good about not smoothing the hair out or trying to tame it. The ash-blonde highlights with darker roots provide gorgeous contrast that allows you to appreciate every curl. The hair length is great and the volume is perfect to provide lots of texture without pulling anything down or distorting the curl pattern. I’m assuming this is naturally curly hair, and maintaining this look is low effort. With a bit of curl defining cream on washing days, you don’t have to do anything (this is something I often recommend). The biggest no-no with curly hair is touching it; once you do, it all goes downhill.
#26: A Chignon That Actually Holds Up Through the Night
I’ve done a good number of event updos, and the ones that fall apart after the second course are all ones where someone was too dainty with the pinning. This one is different; it has enough structure and twist tension to allow it to last through a whole evening without the need to sneak off to the restroom to re-pin! Also, the contrast with the darker roots and the blonder pieces is really nice and gives a lot more visual interest than you would get with a single-toned updo. Finally, the low nape placement that isn’t matronly is much harder to do than you think. To make this a reality, you’ll need someone who knows what they’re doing with U shaped bobby pins, this is definitely a no DIY zone. But if your plans are for a wedding, gala, or when you want to be fully polished and put together, this look will be worth every minute in the chair.
#27: Midnight Black That Does Its Own Talking
Thick and shiny strands are more striking than any highlights and balayages. The waves are loose but intentional and soften the frame of the face. The layers are blended to create a single flowing look instead of haphazard chunks. Color that shines shows damage. With proper care the color will show for you every day. Plus, with darker shades, hair care becomes even more crucial. The uniform black shade is beautifully rich and the color exudes confidence.
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