A wavy shag haircut is filled with plenty of layers and volume, resulting in a retro appearance. It’s essential for ladies wishing to enhance their locks’ texture and shape.
Layered to different lengths, shaggy cuts perform beautifully with wavy and curly hair. The layers alleviate weight and allow the strands to bounce, maximizing the curl or wave pattern of the hair.
Candace Ellersick is a cosmetologist from Spokane, WA, who is quite familiar with shags. She emphasizes that this cut is adaptable for women of any age with any hair length.
“I’ve styled a shorter version of shag on a woman with a thick, stick-straight mane. The layers introduced movement and feathering to her flat hair,” she shares.
Factors to consider when opting for a wavy shag cut include your hair length and texture, as well as your lifestyle.
Ellersick notes, “It’s crucial to determine if you have the appropriate type of hair. Additionally, ensure that your selected hairstyle would realistically fit into your lifestyle.”
With a heavily layered cut like this, it’s not recommended to wear your hair up or in braids. Furthermore, it’s not suitable for finer hair as it may only appear thinner.
Let’s go and explore this gorgeous hair idea. Channel your inner Julianne Hough or Alexa Chung. Browse through these images of the most beautiful and inspiring wavy shag haircuts!
Trendy Tousled Shag with Edgy Bangs

This trendy shag is a fashionable statement piece, perfect for thick, wavy hair seeking texture and movement. The edgy bangs draw attention to the eyes, while the , so it’s less suited for fine, straight hair unless you’re committed to styling. With the dark brunette color, it’s also low-maintenance on color care, and the layers mean longer time between trims, ideal for busy women who still want to look effortlessly polished.
Wavy Shag with Face-Framing Layers and Gentle Bangs

Shaggy crops are a fantastic fit for natural waves. By adding face-framing layers and soft bangs, you’ll effortlessly complete this haircut to highlight your most flattering facial features. Soft bangs are low-maintenance and integrate effortlessly with shags.
Shoulder-Length Shag Haircut Featuring Bangs and Waves

A shoulder-length shag haircut featuring bangs and waves is a true eye-catcher. If looking to embrace your natural texture, this haircut is perfect for you. When styling, use a hair diffuser to maintain the natural pattern of your locks and prevent a frizzy outcome.
Layered Shag with Dimensional Waves

This medium-length layered shag, adorned with soft waves and touched with light highlights, is ideal for enhancing volume. The layers are skillfully cut to highlight the natural wave, creating a vibrant bounce that flatters without being overpowering. It’s a look that suits young adults and can easily transition from the office to a night out. A light mousse can amplify the waves, while a smoothing serum will control frizz, ensuring a sleek finish. Although great for versatility, those with finer hair might require extra styling products to keep the volume.
Chin-Length Tousled Shag with Textured Fringe

Explore an edgy reinterpretation of the traditional shag with this tousled, chin-length style. The piecey waves and irregular, textured fringe beautifully frame the face, making it an adaptable choice for those wanting to emphasize their eyes and cheekbones. Ideal for thick hair, this look enhances movement and contemporary appeal. Yet, those with finer hair may find it challenging to achieve comparable volume without styling aids. Utilizing a gel or pomade can help recreate the wet-look effect, but be aware this necessitates a commitment to daily styling routines. The rich dark hue also offers a low-maintenance foundation for the textured cut, making it a chic yet practical choice.
Stylish Shag for Women Over 50 with Gray Hair

Women over 50 can totally rock a shag haircut! Whether you have silver hair or not, this crop with textured bangs can enhance your look, regardless of color, texture, or density. Women over 50 with fine hair will discover these hairstyles that perfectly suit their needs. The layers of the shag cut provide texture that allows lengths to spring up naturally, delivering increased volume and movement throughout the hair.
Explore these chic shags for ladies in their fifties
Textured Blonde Shag with a Middle Part

A textured blonde shag with a middle part embodies the essence of “bombshell hair.” The wavy style beautifully complements a blonde hue as it amplifies the hair’s dimension. To maintain this stunning blonde look, include a toning shampoo in your shower regimen. REFs Cool Silver Shampoo is a fantastic option.
Playful Fringe on a Curly Cascade

Celebrate the vibrancy of natural curls with this long, layered hairstyle. The fringe is designed to enhance a rounded face, while the layers throughout reduce bulk and highlight the natural curl pattern. For a young adult, this look offers a fresh and dynamic appeal without the hassle of frequent trims. It is perfect for those with thick hair wishing to achieve a balance between volume and shape. The bangs need minimal styling. A quick scrunch with curl-enhancing cream keeps them lively. Remember that while curls add volume, they may also require additional moisture to preserve their bounce and prevent frizz.
Charming Wavy Shag with Stylish Bangs

A shag like this offers a breezy, yet refined aesthetic. The charming full bangs and tousled waves bring out a youthful vibe, suitable for medium-thickness hair looking for a lift. The cut is designed to frame the face beautifully, with layers that encourage natural wave and movement. This is a go-to for easy styling, as the layers work with your hair’s texture, not against it. However, those with very straight hair may need a little extra time with a curling wand to achieve this tousled look. The natural brunette color is also low-maintenance, perfect for someone with a busy lifestyle who still wants to look effortlessly stylish.
Textured Waves Shag with Feathered Bangs

This stylish mid-length cut with feathered bangs offers a versatile and contemporary twist to the shag hairstyle. The dimensional brunette hue and layered waves create a rich texture, perfect for thicker hair. The layers lighten the hair’s weight while maintaining fullness, and the bangs draw attention to the eyes, softening the facial features. Ideal for those with a natural wave, this style is relatively low maintenance but may require light styling to define the waves, especially on non-wash days. It’s an excellent choice for a fresh, youthful appearance, although those with finer hair may need volume-enhancing products to achieve a similar fullness.
Beautiful Light Brown Shag

Choose a beautiful light brown shag with waves and bangs for a distinctive, captivating appearance. When styling this look, use a curling iron along with some styling product to create the waves. Afterwards, utilize your blow dryer to add volume to your bangs. For a relaxed vibe, you can finger-comb the waves and bangs for a more effortless finish.
Textured Shag with Waves for Heavy Hair

Considering a shag hairstyle but not ready to go all in? Opt for a textured shag with waves if you have heavy hair. Shags are ideal for reducing volume, especially if you find managing your hair challenging. Consult with your stylist about thinning your hair. Request plenty of texture. My go-to product for styling shags is Rabbit Brush Goods Shag Spray. It’s an excellent blend of sea salt spray and curl gel.
Chic Shag Cut with Bangs for Wavy Tresses

Chic shag cuts with bangs are trending across our social platforms at the moment. There’s a certain allure in the feathered layers of this style that feels both classic and fashionable.
Effortless Bob Shag with Soft Curtain Bangs

Showcasing a neck-length bob shag, this hairstyle strikes an ideal blend of simplicity and style. With curtain bangs that delicately soften your features and enhance the face, it’s a look that remains both flattering and trendy. The natural wave is effortlessly chic, providing a relaxed appearance replete with movement, particularly suitable for medium-density hair. The gentle highlights produce a sunlit effect, adding depth that brightens the texture. Styling is simple—air dry with a texturizing spray or diffuse for added definition. Just keep in mind, the secret to maintaining this look is ensuring those bangs remain well-shaped, so you might find yourself heading to the salon a little more often.
Radiant Waves with Heart-Shaped Framing

This medium-length cut, with its gentle layers, works wonders for heart-shaped faces, accentuating the cheekbones and adding a playful bounce. The blending of highlights brightens the face, enhancing the natural curves of the wavy texture. The loose curls provide a carefree feel, ideal for medium-density hair, and are easy to style with a light curl-defining product. Be mindful of maintaining the highlights to preserve the brilliance they lend to your overall style. This cut is especially fitting for someone who desires a low-maintenance yet refined look that transitions effortlessly from day to night.
Stunning Shaggy Hair with Soft Waves

A medium-length, shaggy style is elegant and charming. When you want this look, ask for a softly layered shape with shorter side sections. If you appreciate the look and feel of tousled waves, consider using a curling iron to create waves in your hair. For fullness and volume, always allow the hair to cool. After it cools, use a lightweight hairspray. Give your hair a gentle shake to break up the curls.
Bold Shag with Bottleneck Fringe

A bold wavy shag with bottleneck fringe is perfect for those with thick, short hair. It offers a fresh, contemporary style. The cut’s layered design enhances volume and movement. It maintains manageable hair length. The thick bottleneck fringe adds a touch of edginess to the overall appearance. This style is ideal for wavy hair. The hair’s natural texture elevates the layered effect. Start styling with damp hair. Apply a volume-enhancing mousse to amplify the waves. Then, apply a shiny serum. This will add shine to your hair and keep it healthy.
Textured Shag Hairstyle Featuring Curtain Bangs

Women sporting a balayage should consider a layered shag haircut with curtain bangs. This style will enhance lightened lengths and highlight the dimensions of your hue. For an added touch of impact, ask your stylist to pull lightener up into your fringe.
Medium-Length Shag featuring Gentle Waves and Layers

Shag hairstyles come in various forms, but a medium-length shag appears particularly stunning with gentle waves and layers. This haircut from the past has made a stylish return and can be effortlessly achieved at a medium length. To help your S-pattern waves hold, incorporate a body-building mousse into your styling routine. REF’s Fiber Mousse No345 is an excellent choice.
Sunlit Wavy Shag with Lush Fringe

This medium-length wavy shag with a charming fringe suits the relaxed yet polished look you might desire. Those in their late 30s or 40s will find the sunlit tips flattering as they brighten the complexion. While this haircut delivers movement and body, if your hair is finer, you may need a texturizing spray to maintain the volume throughout the day. However, the fringe will require regular styling to preserve its shape and fullness.
Easygoing Face-Framing Wavy Shag

This style showcases soft layered cuts and textured tips, creating a natural and effortlessly relaxed appearance. It’s a perfect pick for women aiming to emphasize their natural waves or curls. The layered cuts diminish heavy, bulky hair and frizz. This haircut enhances your facial features and complements your face shape. To style your hair, begin with damp hair. Apply a product to enhance the waves. Use the diffuser tool with your hairdryer for gentle hair drying. Finish by adding a shine serum to give your hair a glossy sheen.
Contemporary Shag Cut with Ocean Waves

While the shag cut may be reminiscent of the 70s, it can be effortlessly updated with the addition of ocean waves. In general, a shaggy cut will enhance long wavy hair styles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own waves! Try styling your crop with a waving iron like the BaBylissPro Triple Barrel Ceramic Waver to achieve S-waves.
Stylish Medium-Length Shag with Bangs for Wavy to Curly Hair

Wavy and curly hair appears even more beautiful when styled in a medium-length shag with bangs. The different lengths of this cut harmonize beautifully with natural textures, simplifying the styling process.
Textured Wolf Cut with Layered Chops

The term “wolf cut” has been trending lately, describing this layered, shaggy style. It’s a haircut with layered chops for added texture and attitude. The best part of this look? You can celebrate your frizz! Frizz is in, and the wolf cut is a fantastic way to highlight your natural texture.
Textured Disconnected Shag Hairstyle

Achieving volume can be tricky. Nevertheless, a disconnected shag might be the ideal choice for you. Consider experimenting with a disconnected haircut if you find it hard to achieve volume. It’s perfect because you can keep the length while still adding plenty of body in the shape. Incorporate a few face-framing layers to highlight your cheekbones and eyes when you’re uncertain.
Shoulder-Length Shag with Curly Bangs for Mature Women

Women of a certain age seeking to “pump up the volume” should consider a shoulder-length shag with curly bangs. The layering and style of this cut enhances all textures of mature hair. For those with curls, it’s an absolute must! Maintaining your length at the shoulders makes this cut exceptionally voluminous from root to tip.
Textured Shag Cut with Effortless Waves

Let’s talk about style! A textured shag cut with effortless waves is perfect for women’s brown, coarse hair. When opting for layered haircuts, requesting a razored style will enhance movement and body throughout. This technique is particularly effective with coarse hair as razored cuts minimize blunt edges and provide seamless blending.
Curly Silver Bob with Deeper Roots

This lively short bob offers a modern twist on traditional curls, ideal for individuals with a round face in need of added volume. Perfect for medium hair density, the curls provide a light, airy structure that doesn’t weigh down the scalp. Styling is simple with a touch of curl cream and a diffuser, ensuring those waves stay bouncy. However, the lighter ends may need a little extra care to maintain their freshness and avoid brassiness.
Textured Chocolate Brunette Shag with Defined Waves

The rich chocolate brunette hue of this medium-length shag highlights the dynamic waves and high hair density, making it a perfect choice for those with similar hair types seeking a voluminous style. The bangs, cut straight across yet textured, can complement various face shapes. With this haircut, the waves are naturally enhanced, which simplifies styling—a quick scrunch with a defining product can elevate the look. On the flip side, the style might not be as cooperative on less humid days, possibly requiring a touch-up with a curling iron to maintain shape. For maintenance, consult with your stylist about wave-enhancing cuts to preserve the style as it grows.
Extended Coppery Shag with Fringe

A shag cut looks stunning when styled wavy. To achieve this, let it dry naturally using a texture cream. Incorporating a short fringe can add a unique touch. A vivid copper hue creates a bold statement. It complements cooler, fair skin tones wonderfully.
Long, Luscious Shag with Crown Layers

Crown layers are essential for achieving a long, luscious shag with bangs. If body and bounce are your objectives, then a layered haircut will help you achieve them. This is a fantastic example of how layers can produce endless texture and volume.
Textured Bangs for Lush, Wavy Hair

Textured bangs are a fantastic option for women with lush, wavy hair. In many cases, ladies with thicker hair will shy away from bangs, believing that fringe won’t suit their hair texture. This isn’t the case! It’s all about finding the right cut. Ask your stylist for a shag with curtain bangs and see how perfectly they complement your hair while maintaining its volume.
Chic Shag with Soft Waves and Curly Bangs

What do women desire? A chic shag with soft waves and curly bangs, that’s what! If a shaggy haircut is what you seek, don’t hesitate to incorporate product into your routine! Utilizing thickening sprays, body-building mousses, and flexible hold hairsprays will all enhance your wavy or curly shag’s appeal. But the best place to begin? It’s in the shower. Always choose a volumizing shampoo and conditioner at the start of your regimen.
Dual-Tone Textured Shag with Soft Fringe

This textured shag features a dual-tone color that adds depth and accentuates the natural texture of your hair. The layers are expertly crafted to release weight and encourage the waves to take center stage, making this cut ideal for medium-density hair seeking volume. The soft fringe gently frames the face and can adapt to various shapes, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to update their style without a drastic change. While the layered cut fosters movement, it’s low-maintenance for those with a busy lifestyle. The only caveat is that this hairstyle may not suit very fine hair as it could lack the necessary volume to showcase the cut’s full potential.
Textured Curly Shag with Soft Bangs

This shag cut is a creative expression of volume and texture, a wonderful option for those who love a bold style. The mid-length offers a full-bodied appearance, enhanced by choppy layers that provide your curls with lightness and bounce. The balayage technique enhances a sun-kissed depth in your curls—ideal for accentuating those twists and swirls. While this cut works beautifully for medium-density hair, be mindful that the highlighted sections will need some care to maintain their vibrancy. For optimal curl definition, I suggest using a curl cream or mousse; simply apply it through damp hair and allow your locks to air dry beautifully.
Embrace Your Natural Curls with a Layered Shag

This long, curly shag enhances your hair’s natural volume and texture, making it a perfect cut for individuals with medium to high-density curls. The layers play a crucial role in avoiding that unwanted “pyramid” appearance, providing shape while allowing each curl to stand out beautifully. It’s an ideal choice for those with curly hair seeking a manageable style that highlights their natural allure. The grown-out bangs harmoniously blend in, framing the face softly, adding a significant advantage for versatile styling. Remember, while it’s refreshing to let those curls flow freely, this style does necessitate regular moisturizing treatments to keep the curls nourished and minimize frizz.
Textured Wavy Hair with Tousled Bangs

You don’t need to embrace “full shag” to achieve a layered, wavy look. Choosing tousled bangs along with a layered cut can produce a style akin to a feathered shag. This shaggy bob haircut appears particularly stunning on mid to shoulder-length hair.
Shaggy Wolf Cut with a Middle Part for Short Wavy Hair

Change it up! Flip your part! Take off some length! Try a short and shaggy wolf cut featuring middle-parted waves! There are so many ways to play with shags. Think of it as a bob haircut with some wavy, shaggy layers added in.
Elegant Shag Haircut with Curls

Searching for a contemporary shag haircut? Consider adding curls. The smooth integration and gentle layers of this style provide a refreshed, romantic interpretation of the traditional shag cut. For those with straight hair, use a curling iron to amplify the cut’s volume and form, then finish with a texture spray.
Shaggy Waves with Fringe Bangs

Fringe bangs paired with wavy, shaggy layers define the “It girl” look. The airy layers of this style keep it fresh while embracing a strong 70s influence. Choose this haircut and you’ll make a statement wherever you go.
Textured Mullet with Bold Bangs

A textured mullet with bold bangs can completely transform thick, wavy hair. Women looking to experiment with their style should opt for this shaggy, layered look.
Stylish Long Shag for Fine, Wavy Hair

Women with fine, wavy hair types are ideal candidates for a stylish long shag. This haircut enhances this texture as the “shaggy” layers provide more movement throughout the hair. To truly amplify the effect, incorporate a thickening spray into your routine like REF’s Thickening Spray No 335. Spritz this throughout your lengths and style as usual.
Mullet Shag for Curly Locks

A whimsical mullet shag is an excellent style for curly locks. Combine this cut with choppy bangs and you’ll embody a 70s fantasy.
Shaggy Black Haircut Enhanced with Natural Waves

A shaggy black haircut enhanced with natural waves is iconic. If you’re ready to release your natural waves and thick hair, get a razor cut to carve into the hair. Hand style your big hair with Hairstory products for a natural hold and texture to showcase.
Textured Copper Shag

Revitalize your copper-colored hair with a shag cut. This style suits oval and long facial shapes best, as heavy bangs can easily overwhelm a smaller face. Use a razor to shape the bangs, angling them away for weight removal and added definition. The layers will gradually get shorter around the crown to create a striking and adventurous appearance.
Edgy Wavy Texture for a Shagged Hairstyle

Calling all trendsetters! Here’s a wavy, shagged hairstyle just for you! Women with thick hair looking for major texture and a long shaggy look will LOVE this style. This haircut will reduce the bulk while providing significant volume and lift to the roots. This cut is also an excellent option for a woman with a round face shape.
Related: Most flattering long shags for thick hair.
Elegant Long Gray Shag with Soft Bangs for Women Over 60

Women in their 60s can allow their long gray lengths to shine with shag and soft bangs. Long shaggy wispy shag haircuts look stunning when paired with long layers. To keep your silver strands extra sparkly (and extra soft), incorporate a violet mask into your shower routine. My favorite is Lakme’s Teknia White Silver Mask.
Here are more shags for women in their sixties
Sunlit Waves with Full Fringe Shag

Sporting sunlit balayage and a voluminous shag cut, this hairstyle is tailored for those looking to combine color and texture. The waves provide body and movement, ideal for medium density hair, while the full fringe offers a youthful edge, perfect for softening the face. Great for those who wish to enhance their natural wave, this style is easily amped up with a curl-enhancing mousse. However, this look may require regular salon visits to keep the fringe and color looking crisp. Additionally, consider the upkeep of balayage highlighting—it’s lower maintenance than full coloring but still needs proper care to stay stunning.