People have been sporting shag haircuts for years, it may feel like a trendy cut, but most people probably just think of something inspired by a different decade. With medium shag haircuts, what I enjoy is that it feels adaptable. It is a framework that can change and really evolve into different looks, and the different options you choose to change the weight, the fringe, and the texture can change the entire feel.
A long time ago, I had a client who had been cutting her hair into blunt bobs for more than a year, and was quite stuck and bored with it. With her, there was no interest in losing length, no interest in changing colors, it was simply about the idea of making a change. We added shaggy layers through the middle, and a soft curtain bang in the front, and when that client saw herself in the mirror she laughed, and that is the beauty of just having a cut like that. The right amount of texture and well-placed layers can create a good transformative change in a hair cut. If you are toying with the idea of getting a shag haircut, look at a few of these options!
#1: Effortlessly Voluminous Shaggy Layers
This style is one of those cuts that looks like it just happened naturally (which means that someone did a great job with it). The layers start around the chin and build outwards from there, and the mix of light and dark tones through the lengths adds richness that a solid color wouldn’t provide. If your hair is wavy at all, this cut will rewards you because the movement in the hair does most of the work. For finer hair, a more styled look will be needed with a volumizing mousse, but for medium to coarse hair, this is just a wash and wear look because the hair simply scrunches and goes.
#2: Subtle Ginger Layers with Soft Fringe
Thank you for the trim on this one. I think the layers are subtle enough for people who haven’t had layered haircuts before, so it can feel like a leap, but the hair will still move and have some texture so it won’t look flat and boring. The fringe is doing some work here to draw the eye and open up her face without having a heavy bang. I think about this more than most people realize, but it’s the kind of haircut that looks good when it grows out. The ginger tone is warm without being too loud, and on her it’s just right.
#3: Vibrant Crimson Tousled Bob with Choppy Bangs
I love the crimson color! Integrating it into the cut makes it look less like an add-on and more like a cool design choice. The layered cuts look so nice and give an effortless vibe as it isn’t overdone. The bangs offer a really intentional sharp look. The aligned bangs take a lot of confidence since there is little room for error, but I believe the cut pulls this off well. I would say this is for someone who is very self aware of their hair and just needs a cut to energize the vibe.
#4: Chic Tousled Layers with Natural Waves
This haircut is perfect for you if you want to work with your natural beauty instead of fighting it every day. The waves will be able to do their own talking and provide that lived-in look that clients pay tons to achieve. If your hair is already textured, you’re already more than halfway to your goal. Simply adding a subtle amount of light mousse will provide definition to your hair without the crunchiness, and will keep the style nice for a few days before a refresh is needed.
#5: Brunette Waves with Dynamic Textured Bangs
What stands out to me most about this haircut is the bangs. The movement and texture are done well because the bangs won’t just sit there like curtain bangs. They add softness around the face. The rest of haircut is pretty standard when it comes to the layering and nothing is too crazy which gives room for the bangs to be the statement piece without too many competing elements. The haircut is a great option for someone wanting to do something different without making a huge change. You will have to keep up with trimming the bangs though because once they get to that length, they lose a lot of that look.
#6: Dynamic Black Waves with Feathered Bangs
The front feathering is designed to break up an otherwise solid section across the forehead, and makes it look as though it sits on top of the hair. A blunt fringe on dark hair can especially feel like a barrier, so that feathering really helps to soften the look. The body of the hair has good movement without looking too done, and the overall shape has enough structure to last all day. Those of you with wavy or curly hair are likely to appreciate this cut as it’s designed to work with your natural texture, rather than fight against it.
#7: Chic Jet Black Bob with Textured Bangs
I like how classy this haircut is. The length helps, and the bangs help make it more interesting instead of just boring. I also like the subtle asymmetry that most people won’t be able to identify, but will like. It gives the haircut a little touch of modern without being too obvious. The color is bold and nice, so I recommend it, especially jet black, but be ready to spend more time in the chair for touch ups than for a more toned down color.
#8 Casual Medium-Length Textured Shag with Bangs
This cut is a workhorse in the best way possible. It looks polished while also not requiring you to spend 20 minutes round brushing your hair every morning. The bangs finish the cut and look good even when the rest of the hair is doing whatever, and that is what a good bang does. For this level of medium density hair, this is a really good option. And the shag construction means it moves well without losing shape. On windy days or longer days, a bit of texturizing spray will be your best friend.
#9: Classic Chestnut Curtain Bangs with Soft Texturing
It’s great to see some realistic curtain bangs because they are super popular, and so many are done poorly. These bangs have that natural part and are pulled away from the face and accentuate the cheekbones, while still keeping things easy. The texture in the lengths is just right so that fine to medium hair can still have some volume without going so heavy that it looks like a case of excess layering. Overall, the look is very effortless.
#10: Jet-Black Medium S-Curl Layers with Bold Blunt Bangs
The S-Curl silhouette is doing something very specific, providing a lengthened shape which is the most flattering for rounder faces. Then you have this thick blunt bang which goes straight to brow line, making for a very stark contrast to all the softness in the area. It’s dramatic enough without going too costume-y, which is actually a much harder balance to strike than you’d think. The fullness in the bang draws attention straight to the eyes, which for the right person is the main feature. Keeping those curls nicely defined will require daily upkeep from you, but the look you’ll create will be very impactful, so the effort is worth it.
#11: Charming Espresso Tousled Layers with Side Bangs
The face of the model is effectively reshaped by the artistic side-swept bangs. With the bangs, an illusion is created that the face is stretched. Also, the more relaxed, tousled layers of the bangs add depth and avoid rigidity. The warmth of the espresso color catches the light in a way that a flat dark brown color would not. Layers will reduce enough weight on thicker hair so that the hair will move when styled, rather than just sit there. To keep the layers from growing out into each other, regular trims will be necessary, but for this much personality, that is a small price to pay.
#12: Natural Medium Waves with Subtle Highlights
This cut allows good hair to be good hair. The layers are meant to work with the waves, and the highlights are so subtle I could almost refer to them as sun damage, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. For most people with this hair texture, it’s wash-and-go, which is a rarity with layers. These cuts also improve after a few days, so expect this look to still be good come day three.
#13: Jet-Black Cascading Curls with Curtain Bangs
These curtain bangs feature soft, gentle waves which complement the curl pattern underneath. This creates an overall look that straight bangs with curly hair simply cannot achieve. For fine hair, this style gives added fullness that you never knew you had. This is because the curls and layers work together to create volume in all the right places. The jet black color provides a glossy finish and an intentional look. You’ll want to have a good curl defining cream to keep everything nice and bouncy and to avoid frizz. Other than that, this is a low maintenance hairstyle that really delivers.
#14: Textured Copper Bob with Graduated Layers
The graduated layers cleverly balance the weight of the style. Removing some bulk towards the bottom and keeping some density through the crown provides a rounded bouncy quality to the shape that a one-length bob would lack. The copper tone is especially great because it highlights all the cut’s texture and makes every layered cut pop. The ear tuck on one side is a small styling choice, but it elevates the whole look from polished to much more approachable. On fine to medium hair, this would be a really satisfying cut.
#15: Soft Chestnut Layers with Swooping Side Bangs
This cut is subtle. It won’t grab attention, But up close, it looks nice. The ends have a soft curve and look finished without the help of a curling iron. The side bangs are just enough to channel attention to the eyes. This layering adds volume in a very natural way without looking blown out. It adds warmth to the face and livens it up. It has just the right warmth to lift the face. This is a cut you give to someone who you have a trusting relationship with, and who wants to be the most self-possessed version of themselves.
#16: Eclectic Medium Shag with Bold Blue Tips
I find it more satisfying when color is integrated into a design element instead of being applied on top, and that is what is happening with the blue tips. The blue tips emphasis the movement of the layers at the ends of the hair so you can see the cut working with the color. The bangs do a nice job of keeping this look from being too wild, and they really anchor the hair. For medium and thick hair, shag shapes tend to hold their structure without too much upkeep, but make sure you take care of those ends, because the color will fade.
#17: Flowing Chestnut Tresses with Soft Bangs and Curled Ends
I think the layered curled ends of this style look extra classy even if the rest of the look is pretty casual. The model has just a slight outward curl which completely changes the look of the cut and adds a playful touch which would not be the same with a blunt finish. The bangs are soft and, with chestnut as the hair color, it’s warm, timeless, gentle on the eyes and very color choice. The hairstyle is a safe choice – there are no unpleasant surprises and it will still look great the moment you take your seat.
#18: Whimsical Dark Waves with Swooped Bangs
You can see the ideal weight on these bangs, so they have the ease of movement in a still image. The waves are dark and look a little tousled, which is great for someone wanting a more relaxed style without the “just came from the salon” look. This cut has a nice overall shape that is still soft. For those with naturally straight hair, be prepared to put in some work and use a curling wand to achieve these waves!
#19: Rustic Copper Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
The completed shade of copper is beautiful. It is warm enough to feel, but not distracting enough to dominate her features. The side-swept bangs are also versatile. They can be worn soft and forward or pushed back, and either way, they complement the shape of the bob instead of fighting against it. The movement is polished, but the overall effect is a little less than completely stiff. The finished copper color looks great, and we know that maintaining it will take toning and a touch-up, but the payoff is significant!
#20: Layered Shag with Soft Feathering
This cut’s difference from a standard shag is the ends which are cut feathery. This makes the hair look light on the ends, instead of making it look heavy. This is especially true for fine and medium density hair, because the goal is volume at the crown and not weight at the ends. There is a good amount of separation with the layers, so they will move on their own and provide a lot of texture without the need for a ton of product. A volumizing mousse applied on the roots when the hair is still damp should be enough.
#21: Modern Chestnut Waves with Contrasting Highlights
I love the way the highlights contrast with the dark hair. Rather than being smooth, they are layered, providing great depth especially with thicker hair, and you can see it from across the room. The depth with the relaxed shaggy shape and the complex layered colors work great together. It must’ve taken a great colorist to achieve that balance and maintaining the layered depth will take a lot of regular upkeep.
#22: Effortless Chestnut Tousle with Soft Bangs
This cut solves particular issues such as medium density hair that has a tendency to lie flat, and it is working. The fringe is nice and soft, and she won’t have to do any precise styling every morning, but it does give a nice finished look to the cut. The chestnut color is a great addition to the look as it will require less upkeep than a lighter color, and genuinely provides low maintenance to the whole look. You will want to go for a shaping trim every couple of months to keep the layers from losing that identity as the hair grows.
#23: Warm Caramel Waves with Soft Fringe
This caramel shade is warm and simple, yet ideal. With just enough golden undertone to reflect the light beautifully, The caramel color is warm and uncomplicated, yet perfect. For the fringe, it is cut straight across, thin enough not to overwhelm the face. The waves look like they might be partially untouched and partially encouraged, my favorite, because they’re never quite the same two days in a row. If you’re using heat to create or enhance the waves, a good thermal protectant is non-negotiable.
#24: Multicolored Midnight Blue Top Layers on Natural Curls
I like that the color choice respects the curl pattern rather than competing with it. The curls underneath the top layers of hair form a backdrop, making the blue look even richer and more intentional. Because there is a lot of hair and the curls are dense, the color will integrate differently than it would on straight hair. Each curl shows a slightly different angle of the color, which creates a unique dimension to this head of hair. The blue color will need refreshing more often than a natural color, but the effect while it’s bright will be stunning.
#25: Sun-Kissed Bronde Waves with Soft Layers
The way the colors blend from the darker roots to the lighter ends looks good. It looks like it was done by the sun instead of a salon. With fine to medium hair, these layers combined with the wavy style, they provide the best volume and define the layers more than what a one length cut can offer. The faded bronde color keeps the balance between the bright and dark colors. It works especially for the darker roots because they grow out more subtly and allow for longer time stretches between color appointments. That is such a smart thing about it!
#26: Rich Auburn Waves with Fringe Bangs
There’s no question she can pull off the color, and the bangs are just the right amount of heavy to feel like a commitment without being so thick that they’ll be a distraction every morning. The waves in the layers provide definition and highlight the warm tones from every angle. Wavy hair of this length and thickness adds a playful touch that balances what would otherwise be a quite standard cut. It suggests a fair amount of regular maintenance, and it seems to be paying off.
#27: Soft Brunette Layers with Natural Flow
When it comes to this cut, part of the skill is in the ‘what’ as the layers create movement in the hair rather than an imposed shape. It looks super effortless because it is. For hair with medium density and a bit of natural wave, the cut honestly does most of the work. A light spray gel or mousse on damp hair and you’re done. This is the cut you forget about because people are talking and that is a sign of an amazing cut.
#28: Textured Brunette Waves with Feathered Bangs
The chocolate brown color adds depth to all the movement in the layers. The feathered bangs are light enough so they don’t weigh the front down which keeps the whole cut airy, even with the texturing. I find feathered bangs interesting because everyone has a different growth direction, and different texture which causes them to fall differently. When they fall like this it really soften the face without trying. Just be sure to plan on trimming the bangs every few weeks to keep it looking fresh.
#29: Effortless Medium Shag with Curly Bangs
Curly bangs are so special and fun! Because they are cut to a different length than the rest of the hair, they’re mixed and varying in humidity. You need a special cut by a professional who knows what they’re doing with curls. When done correctly, as seen here, they become the most notable feature of your haircut. The graduated layers in the body balance everything, and let the curly and wavy textures form a shape that is intentional and effortless. This is a fab haircut for naturally curly hair that is just waiting for the right structure to form a shape.
#30: Subtle Blonde Balayage with Fringed Bangs
The combination of silky blonde tips and deep brown roots create an ideal warm blend. This subtle shift is dimension enhancing to the overall look. The wispy bangs add softness and balance to a stronger jawline which greatly improves the overall look. This cut shows that thought was put into it beyond just the fact that it looks good. The intentionality behind the textured layers means that the average amount of hair won’t fall flat. It will be very easy to maintain. As it grows, the balayage and layers will need to be refreshed to maintain the look.
#31: Burgundy Silhouette with Sliced Layers
This illustrates well what sliced layers can achieve. They remove weight more selectively than other techniques which work more uniformly. This provides more mobility and a lighter feel to the hair while still maintaining bulk where needed. On medium to thick hair types, this is what separates a cut that feels heavy at the bottom from one that actually moves and dances with you. The burgundy really compliments the hair and adds just the right amount of sophistication since the color is deep enough to be interesting without screaming for attention. There is a slight irregularity in the overall shape that is very pleasing.
#32: Soft Blonde Layers with Wavy Texture
The lighter overall base color being blonde makes the darker roots showing through the blonde give a more natural look that a fully blonde color would not provide, which is a huge part of why this color works with this style. The layers are cut to help the wave instead of hinder it, so most of the texture is the hair simply doing it, which reduces the need to style it, and looks GREAT second-day hair. This type of layering with average thickness adds bounce and youthfulness, and is able to create a fullness that is nice. An indicator of a cut being intentional is the ability to shift a look from casual to formal without needing to do much extra, and this cut does that.
#33: Brunette Tousled Waves with Soft Bangs
A two-tone quality is present, as there is a very slight transition from a darker to a lighter shade. Each hair strand will reflect more light and appear more dimensional than if all of the hair were a solid color. The hair has some light bangs which will also look nice when they grow out, so this is a positive for people who don’t want to go to the salon every three weeks! The tousled texture on fine to medium hair creates an impression of fullness, and is much different from how a smoother style would look. It captures a nice happy feeling.
#34: Bouncy Chestnut Curls with Wispy Bangs
I really enjoy doing this style of cuts because as the curls dry, the shape becomes more evident. With hair that is not curly, a good cut can have the surprise factor, but with curly hair, good cuts showcase the beauty of the curls. The design of the layering is meant for each curl to individually jump so that the hair has a bouncy, alive, touchable look. The wispy bangs help soften a potentially heavy frame around the face and juxtapose well with the round curls. This cut is ideal for naturally curly or wavy hair as it really brings out the best of what you have.
#35: Playful Curls with Soft Curtain Bangs
This style of curtain bangs works so well with the curl pattern here because they mirror the softness of the curls while offering some structure in the front. This type of cut improves as you as you develop your own curl routine, because the more defined your curls are, the more the layers are accentuated. It works especially for oval and heart shaped faces because it offers volume in all the right areas, and the end result is fun and flirty, without looking little girlish. Just keep in mind that this cut is going to need maintenance in order to keep your curls defined and to keep your bangs looking good. So, think about how much time you want to invest in this look.
#36: Teal-Tipped Textured Layers with Bangs
The teal at the ends of the hair is a good choice because it gives it a nice contrast to the dark roots. The layered look also helps the color to catch the light in different places giving it a more 3D look rather than a flat appearance. The bangs cut straight across at eyebrow height give a nice framing effect that holds the look together and keeps it all from looking too messy. This is definitely for someone who prefers a bold look on their hair and the length makes it a bit more sensible. Bright teal does fade really quickly so I’d suggest getting a color depositing conditioner to help keep the color looking fresh in between appointments.
#37 Textured Shaggy Layers with Soft Curtain Bangs
Your warm choice of tone for the cut is excellent; it really enhances the layers in a way a cooler tone wouldn’t, and I intentional. The curtain bangs are great as they won’t close the face in and do the work of framing it beautifully. The shag suggests texture and an effortless quality of movement, as if the hair is doing all the work. The shape will sit well in medium to thick hair, although you’ll want to keep it cleaned up every six to eight weeks to prevent the layers from growing into each other and losing their distinction.
#38 Textured Shaggy Layers with Subtle Highlights
These highlights add just the right amount of tonal variation, helping the layers and texture appear more three-dimensional. The bangs look soft as if they were razor-cut or point cut which gives them a more natural appearance. With medium to thick hair, this type of shag will grow out nicely between cuts. The natural waves will do half of the work for you. A good sea salt spray will help add texture on days when you want a little more definition.
#39 Warm Copper Shaggy Layers with Soft Bangs
In my opinion, shaggy layered cuts with copper tones always look good due to the combination of the warm tones and the movement of the shag cut. The bangs are soft and framing while the layering creates convincing volume on fine and medium hair that can be flat by midday, with the volume also lasting throughout the day. The subtle waves have a slight tousled appearance, which can be tricky to achieve with a haircut. For round and oval face shapes, the combination of layers and bangs is very flattering, and emphasizes the eyes.
#40 Modern Shaggy Layered Cut with Soft Bangs
In the balayage technique, every highlight position is calculated, as they are positioned where the layers break. This means that all parts of the cut’s dimension are colored. The bangs are subtle enough to be forgiving; whether they are pushed to the side or sitting there, they will be fine, which gives options without having to make a decision every day. For fine to medium hair, the overall result will be fuller and more textured than the hair likely appears without the haircut, and that’s exactly the goal. It is undoubtedly modern and versatile without straying too far into any one trend.
#41 Chic Shaggy Medium Cut with Face-Framing Bangs
Face framing bangs hit right at the cheekbones, which is what makes this length so flattering. It draws the attention toward the center of the face instead of chopping it in half. The body of the cut has enough wave and texture to create visual interest at the shoulders. The layering on fine to medium density hair helps to create the illusion of more thickness. This style is genuinely low effort once the cut is right. For those who like sleek and polished, the shaggy cut might feel quite the opposite.
#42 Effortlessly Tousled Shaggy Layers with Subtle Dimension
This kind of layered haircut is skilled because the different combinations of colors take time to create that unique sun-kissed effect and depth to the hair that people typically achieve from spending a summer outdoors. The bedhair look will be particularly effortless on fine and medium density hair. This style will also be ideal for an oval or heart shaped face, as it provides a balanced width to the face and softens the cheekbone area. The haircut also photographs beautifully because the different lengths and layers create a lot of movement and light reflection, making it look like you have interesting hair. Although this haircut will need some styling to maintain that deliberately messy look, it will require less maintenance than most haircut styles.
#43 Textured Shaggy Layers with Sun-Kissed Highlights
Highlights made to look like sun-kissed hair have been applied just at the beginning of the layers. This means that the color serves to add warmth and to visually add more texture. On fine hair, this type of shag layering gives the appearance of more volume and body than a blunt cut, and the highlights reinforce that. The tousled texture also has a sort of relaxed, effortless, and intentionally casual look, and that is always the aim. To maintain the appearance of effortless separation of the layers, keep up with your trims, and avoid losing that beautiful movement.
#44 Chic Shaggy Layered Cut with Soft Bangs
I appreciate cuts that honor the natural waviness of the hair and, in this case, the bangs are soft and fluid, sitting at the brow and not being too strong. The layers are graduated enough to promote free movement while also keeping enough weight to ensure the style looks full and healthy. With some light styling products used on damp hair and regular trims to maintain the shape, this will be a low effort look to keep up.
#45 Textured Shaggy Layered Cut with Subtle Highlights
I would suggest this shag for beginners as it has enough texture to allow for a change, but not so much to be dramatic or unfamiliar and the highlights won’t overwhelm the base color. The shape works well with oval and heart-shaped faces. On the lazy hair days where you need some more ‘cooperation’ from your hair, a texturizing spray would work well to boost the layers and enhance the definition. One of the best qualities of this cut is its’ forgiving nature, which is also true for this shag.
#46 Effortlessly Chic Shaggy Layered Cut with Soft Bangs
Different curling and waving techniques across the different layers create a unique lived-in effect for each section. The bangs keep things grounded in the front while the back layers create a lot of movement and dimension. The shag cut design for medium to thick hair density allows it to breathe and move rather than sit like a heavy mass. This haircut suits most face shapes, but the combination of bangs with chin-length layers is especially flattering to oval and heart shapes.
#47 Warm Toned Shaggy Layered Cut with Soft Bangs
The warm tone of this haircut brings everything together and makes the bangs and layers feel cohesive. That’s especially impressive on medium and fine hair, since the layers give it an airy feel that doesn’t make it read as thin. The bangs are nice frames for the face and the whole look is youthful and friendly which works really well with heart and oval face shapes. The natural wave is a huge time-saver and does most of the work for you, so it’s great for low-maintenance styles. After you wash it, just a quick scrunch and then you can let it go.
#48 Textured Layered Cut with Soft Face-Framing Bangs
The warm highlights on this cut are perfectly placed for a sun kissed effect. They will not come across as streaky, and on wavy hair, these highlights will move and shimmer in the natural light beautifully. The face framing bangs soften the forehead and bring more focus to the center of the face. They are cut with such great texture that daily styling won’t need to be too precise. Hair that is fine to medium will gain a lot more volume with this kind of layering and the whole look has a freshness that is younger without having to try too hard to be anything different.
#49 Soft Shaggy Layers with Face-Framing Highlights
The example given shows highlights focused around the face. This creates brightness and frames the face as well, which is better than the alternative of having highlights all over the head. Also, highlights on fine to medium hair are going to break and create an odd contrast. These soft layers are really soft layering more than dramatic shags and helps it be really versatile for various ages and lifestyles. Natural wave does a nice job of keeping things interesting without.
#50 Chic Shaggy Layered Medium Cut with Soft Bangs
The light balayage with this haircut is very well done and perfectly sits on the layers so it catches the light and adds dimension without making it look too chopped. The bangs are soft and work with the wave pattern instead of against it. This means they sit well and won’t need styling every day. The layering is done moderately so that there is enough movement and interest created, but without losing the overall fullness of the hair. This will continue to look good with regular trims every six to eight weeks. This will also keep the layers separated which is, in my opinion, the best part about this haircut.
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