The short shag haircut may sound odd at first, but modern short shags are transformative. I can’t explain the feeling these hairstyles give me, but you just get an overwhelming sense of satisfaction when you try it. More often than not, I get compliments on the change to my client. I remember one client from last year who kept the same hair for 11 years. She had the same bangs, and the same blowout. I felt as if she was confessing a crime against fashion when she showed me the picture of the shag cut. In less than an hour she transformed into a new person, and that was before the big reveal. The change was so different, and not like all the other hair cuts I had done to her before. This is what a good shag should do. A shag will take your fine and slippery hair, or your thick and wavy hair, and combine them to create a style that has structure and flow. The shag cut creates effortless style and looks just as good, if not better, when it’s messy. I wanted to share some of my favorite shags right now, and some things to think about when considering these cuts.
#1: Textured Short Shag with Soft Waves
This haircut is designed to give off the impression that you just rolled out of bed looking fabulous, and the layers certainly assist with that. They add volume, and the best part is, you don’t have to touch it with a heat tool every single day to keep it looking good. If you have medium to thick hair, and some natural waves, this haircut is going to be super easy for you. With even damp hair, some mousse and a little bit of scrunching will have you set. The bangs will add to that undone vibe which makes it even better.
#2: Romantic Tousled Shag with Subtle Waves
The star feature on this cut is the curved fringe. It sits just right on the cheekbones and gives a nice softness to the style which is really flattering on just about everyone. If you have thinner hair this is a nice silhouette to go for because the tousled layers form a good illusion of thickness without actually needing to have it. The downside to this particular shape is that it will lose its magic as it grows out so you need to make sure you keep regular trims to keep it looking purposefully styled and not just overgrown.
#3: Stylish Espresso Tousled Shag with Side-Swept Bangs
The espresso color further enhances the richness of the cut and deepens the dimension more than any lighter color would offer. The side-swept bangs softly frame the face, and if you aren’t quite ready to commit to a full fringe, this is an excellent option as well. This style works especially well for thick hair so the layers have enough weight to hold it in a slightly tousled way, without it constantly falling flat. If your hair is finer, you may need to work a texturizing product into your hair to achieve the desired shape, so that is something to keep in mind.
#4: Dark Chocolate Layered Shag with Subtle Highlights
Their arrangement is precise to provide an impressive layered appearance with the optimal color and glow of caramel highlights. Knowing precisely where to position highlights is what separates an exceptional colorist from a mediocre one. Even if those two attributes rarely come together, the asymmetrical layers are both captivating and flattering. The greatest part is that the style requires just a bit of mousse and a scrunch while it air-dries. However, if you happen to have very fine and straight hair, you may have to put in more effort than the haircut suggests.
#5: Dark Brown Textured Crop with Voluminous Bangs
This is an honest commitment cut, which is a compliment. The big bangs add height and frame rounder faces nicely, and the textured crop is full of personality. It can go very short without looking too harsh. I’ll be real with you. If you are one to miss your trimming appointments, this is not the cut for you. Short textured cuts need maintenance. Once they start growing out unevenly, it changes the entire look. But if you are someone who can do the maintenance, then this cut is one of the best.
#6: Ebony Tousled Shag with Natural Undulations
The color depth is gorgeous and the true black with natural highlights keeps it from looking flat. If you have fine hair this is a fantastic choice because the cut is made to add volume where it’s needed, which is shorter in the back, longer in the front, and face framing. The natural movement in the texture creates movement that is so much more than what a flat iron will give you and that’s what this hair is all about. You might need a little bit of a light styling cream on your ends to keep things defined in the middle of the day, but that’s it.
#7: Vibrant Chestnut Curls with Soft Layering
We have a cut that works with your naturally curly hair, not against it. Our soft layers strategically cut out bulk, allowing your curls to spring up and keep their shape, instead of being weighed down. Knowing how to cut curls makes a big difference, and so does using the right color. This chestnut color is warm and flattering, and looks great in the natural light! To keep these curls bouncy (and frizz free), you’ll want to use a good moisture-based product, but that’s probably already something you know if your hair is curly.
#8: Chestnut Shag with Vibrant Crimson Tips
In this hairstyle, both color and shape draw equal attention. The crimson tips add interest without fully committing to a fashion color. It creates a good entry point for those who have been interested but a little scared. The asymmetrical layers provide fullness and movement, while the sweeping fringe keeps it all soft around the face. The red will fade quickly as that’s what reds do, so make sure to factor in some color-depositing shampoo to stretch out the time between appointments.
#9: Copper Tousled Pixie with Artistic Flair
Copper is a unique color choice, but the color is very high maintenance. If you have a fair to medium skin tone, coppr will warm up your complexion. The layered cut is nice and adds more volume and texture The subtle nape undercut keeps everything clean, soft, and elegant. If you have fine hair, this shape will give your hair a lot of body. It’s best to keep in mind that copper hair fades quickly, and you will have to book weekly color appointments to maintain this look.
#10: Burgundy Waves with Soft Fringe
The deep burgundy color here looks classy rather than costume-y, which is the goal with such a dark color. It compliments the rounded fringe nicely, and adds a touch of richness to the overall look that lighter shades could not offer. This is ideal for thicker hair as you want enough volume to sustain those big waves without them wilting by midday. Remember, burgundy likes to fade so be ready to splurge on a color-safe shampoo if you want to get your money’s worth from the appointment.
#11: Sable-Toned Layered Shag with Subtle Waves
What I appreciate about this cut is its quiet confidence. The sable shade is universally wearable; if anything, it seems to enhance your natural hair color (and that’s always the goal). The combination of color and cut allows for the lightweight bounciness that medium to thick hair really craves. The cut features some very light waves for a bit of added dimension which is perfect for those who don’t want to spend time on their hair every morning with a curling iron. This style is particularly suited to oval and heart shapes, but the shape is actually forgiving enough to work for a lot of people.
#12: Burgundy-and-Black Tousled Waves with Peek-a-Boo Bangs
The recess in this haircut is attributed to the burgundy lengths and the darker roots, while the peek-a-boo bangs introduce a level of playfulness to the overall effect. The asymmetrical slope in the back of the cut modernizes and elevates what could have otherwise been a run-of-the-mill style for those seeking medium-length hair. I value the versatility of this look, and I love being able to transition from daytime to evening activities without having to do anything, which is an underrated quality in a haircut. The burgundy color will be high maintenance, but with dark roots, you will have some time to work with between color appointments. The roots also offer some grace time between color appointments.
#13: Magenta Textured Shag with Layered Bangs
Magenta can be a tricky color but in this case it works well. The choppy layers of The Shag cut give it some character. The striking color further enhances all the action in the shape. This is a real wash-and-go haircut; right hair texture is essential, mid-density hair with a natural wave will look best. You’ll need to touch up the color frequently, and a good texturizing spray will be needed to control the choppy bits, but the reward is a style that really expresses itself without the need for an hour of preparation in the morning.
#14: Black Bob with Soft Curled Bangs
What makes this bob different from the others are the curled bangs. The glossy jet black color adds depth and intensity to the regal look while the layered shag shape gives it a more casual feel. It’s more of a chill vibe haircut but if you want those curled bangs, be ready to style them every morning to make sure they look this good. If you don’t want that, maybe consider some flat bangs instead. The volume on this style is pretty much instant, especially if you have medium to thick hair.
#15: Chestnut Curls with Natural Bounce
This style lets the curls shine, which is the best way to go. The chestnut tones create warmth and depth, and the shape grows out beautifully, which is a luxury if you don’t want to be in the salon every six weeks. I won’t lie. Humidity will be your enemy with this one. The curls will puff up and lose definition on days that are damp, so having a lightweight anti-frizz cream with you is a good idea. But on a good hair day this cut is effortlessly beautiful in a way that straight styles can hardly achieve.
#16: Curly Shag with Natural Texture
One of the things I personally value about the ear-tuck style is how it changes the overall proportion of the cut. Additionally, it creates an opportunity to showcase some earrings, which is a nice touch that alters the whole look. I’m really fond of the curls when they are this beautifully defined, and that bouncy structure works best on medium density hair. For those who are fortunate enough to have this specific curl pattern, the styling routine is a breeze. Of course, this assumes you’re using the right products, because if not, you might end up battling with unwanted frizz and a serious loss of curl definition by midday. This style requires and rewards good hair care habits.
#17: Brunette Cropped Shag with Feathered Bangs
The length at the jawline makes it one of the most versatile styles here, softening sharper angles while giving definition to rounder faces. The feathers in the bangs help maintain a light and airy look instead of a more solid appearance along the forehead, which is a difference most people don’t appreciate enough. It requires a regular maintenance for trims to keep the style intentional, but in the best way, this is a low maintenance haircut. It will look nice as it grows out without needing daily styling, and if you are the kind to extend your appointment, you are going to want something that is slightly longer to be more forgiving.
#18: Auburn Tousled Pixie with Volume
This auburn is the shade everyone wants but so few colorists get right, so if you find someone who does, save their number. The tousled texture gives fine hair volume for the first time, while the tapered neckline keeps everything looking neat as it grows out. The longer pieces on top give you some options, either push them forward to loosen the look or smooth them back for something more polished. The color will need to be maintained every four to five weeks which is the brutal truth about any warm fashion shade.
#19: Textured Shag with Angular Contouring
This shag style nice complement for rounder face shapes. It has a lived-in texture which means it is cut really well. If you have naturally wavy or curly hair this would be your dream style because you would be halfway there. Stick straight hair might need a little more assistance. This would mean a waving spray to create some texture and possibly a little bit of scrunching, but it is definitely achievable. The cut falls into the mid-length range which gives you enough versatility to play around with the style and also provides some change with the length.
#20: Seafoam Textured Shag with Tapered Ends
Let’s be honest: seafoam green is a color that looks nice in pictures and will fade quickly. If you are attracted to it, plan to spend money on color appointments more frequently than you would for a more natural color. The cut is nice, the tapered ends add good movement and the texture layers keep medium density hair from looking heavy. This style works in casual and more dressed up situations, which I can’t say for every bright color. The commitment is real, but the fun you get out of it is top tier.
#21: Charcoal Wavy Shag with Bangs
This is the hairstyle I would recommend to someone who doesn’t want to do much effort. The colour choice in charcoal is practical and something people should consider more. It is close to most natural darker shades and means root maintenance is minimal. The waves and soft bangs create a texture that is flattering and offers a nice frame and also shags layers to forgive the days when you don’t have time to style it. This will get the best results with medium to thick hair without a lot of persuasion.
#22: Espresso Layered Shag
The dark espresso color gives a certain richness to the look of fine to medium hair and makes it a bit denser, which is what darker tones do for thinner textures. The subtle asymmetry around the face adds interest without being too pronounced and is the sort of detail that people appreciate, even if they can’t put their finger on what it is. If there is even a slight natural wave, this chop will accentuate and cooperate with it. A texturising paste will help to maintain the shaggy quality in the cut between washes.
#23: Tousled Chestnut Shag with Soft Fringe
If you have naturally wavy hair, this cut will suit you. Stand out with this effortless style that features soft bangs and is free-flowing. Fine or coarse, the fringe will benefit from a bit of styling, or you can let it do its own thing. If your hair is fine, the cut will give the appearance of more fullness in the places needed. You will want this style if you’re comfortable with the trimming and shape maintenance every 8-10 weeks. That is the only downside. This cut is as close to a wash and go styled cut as you can get.
#24: Platinum Textured Bob
Platinum hair is stunning, and it has the right amount of demand in the hair industry. The modern edge of this platinum bob comes from the choppy layers and asymmetrical design. This diverges from the standard look a blunt bob would offer. The matte finish breaks up the usual high gloss look. This bob platinum style works best for fine and medium hair. The do-it-yourself look is what most people want, but when it comes to this hair it will require a lot of maintenance. The color will need to be toned to avoid brassiness and the edgy look will require frequent trims. If you are up for this commitment to your colorist, this look is bold.
#25: Black Textured Pixie with Wispy Bangs
An example of the effectiveness of simplicity, this style’s solid black color adds to its strength, while the soft silhouette created by the wispy bangs balances and contrasts the more structured elements of the look. This style is quite low-maintenance as it is, but it will need to be trimmed regularly, as this length, even a quarter inch of growth will impact the overall shape quite dramatically. If you’ve been contemplating a more short and bold look, this is a simple and great option to go with.
#26: Modern Textured Shag with Soft Bangs
The best part about this specific cut is the softness of it. The bangs are light and not blunt. The layering is designed to give the feeling of movement as opposed to just adding bulk. There is a nice airy feel to this cut that a lot of finer hair can struggle to achieve. The cut being shoulder length creates versatility as it is long enough to tie back if needed, but short enough to feel like a style. It will most likely need a bit of volumizing mousse to provide the lift to fine hair needed to maintain this shape, but the cut does most of the work.
#27: Short Shag with Playful Curls
This cut showcases the beauty of natural waves rather than fighting against the flow! The shoulder length cut is perfect as this is the length at which waves and curls form their best shapes. They will be able to bounce and spring freely without the weight of the hair pulling it down. Textured layered styles give your hair depth and dimension and this cut will allow your hair to frame any face shape beautifully. It will require some curl defining products on styling days but the end result will be so worth it!
#28: Textured Shag with Soft Curls
This option is great if you want to make fine hair appear thicker. The soft curls will also add volume and a bounce that straight styling won’t achieve. A medium length will keep everything in proportion. The layers in this cut are going to let the curls move without getting tangled. This happens too often in curly cuts that aren’t layered enough. A light color wash throughout the lengths will bring even more dimension to the curls so consider that at your next appointment!
#29: Curly Shag with Soft Bangs
There’s no need for all the fighting against your natural texture anymore. This curly shag loves all wave and curl textures. The bangs are soft and frame the face so you don’t have to deal with the heaviness of blunt fringe. This is a mid-length style that is perfect for medium to thick hair that sits just above the shoulders, where curls have the most spring. This style is a little more high maintenance than others, but the good news is the maintenance is the kind that is more like 3 minutes rather than 30.
#30: Textured Shag with Playful Bangs
With some clever root growth, there is certainly value in that. Instead of having to pay for added dimension, the haircut offers built in dimension with darker roots and lighter ends growing in. There is movement added with the choppy layers and all the ends are feathered to keep it light and youthful instead of heavy. This shape is ideal for fine to medium density hair since the layers can really work without it being too much. This style will likely need a bit more maintenance in order to keep the messy look between washes, which could call for a quick scrunch with product every other morning.
#31: Choppy Textured Shag with Soft Volume
This unique cut features subtle face framing that softens the overall appearance while maintaining the edge of the choppy layers. Not easy to achieve, it’s a great balance. The layered shape provides thin hair with a lift that a one-length blunt cut cannot do. The soft waves help to give that relaxed appearance. It looks like you spent twenty minutes styling it, but in actuality, it only took five. This style is most flattering for round and oval face shapes, but is also quite versatile.
#32: Blonde Shag with Soft Waves
Caramel balayage offers subtle dimension to the blonde so it doesn’t become one flat color especially in the danger zone of lighter shades on fine hair. The soft waves are not defined but create interest. The length just above the shoulders offers versatility and the medium density gives fullness without creating bulk. The framing is naturally flattering without specific placement which makes it a simple recommendation for heart or oval shapes.
#33: Curly Shag with Defined Layers
I wish more people with curly hair would ask for this kind of layering; it’s soft and bouncy, and the layered curls fall into place instead of looking chaotic. This is a great style for everyday wear. The warm brown color is natural and feels healthy and also adds some nice dimension. The shorter length means the curls are less likely to get weighed down which is a big complaint I hear from people with thicker curl patterns. Just a good curl cream and you’re all set.
#34: Short Shag with Natural Volume
The light layers on this cut really help with the style. For fine hair, some weight relief helps create the look and feel of more volume, and this has been done well. The length hits just above the shoulders so it can swing and move without too much effort needing to be put in on a daily basis. The colour looks a tad different indoors and outdoors to add some interest, and provides a rich subtle nuance that depth to the overall look.
#35: Textured Shag with Wispy Bangs
What immediately catches my eye is the hairstyle’s warm auburn tresses and the great things it is doing to the overall appearance. During the hot months, the decision to get bangs can be a real hassle, but wispy bangs are the perfect solution. Soft waves are the easiest way to create shoulder-length cuts that are flattering for oval and round faces. This cut, which is of a fine to medium density, takes little effort to create beautiful movement. I really love how the color choice elevates this hairstyle.
#36: Curly Shag with Bold Red Highlights
Changes involving color in your hair can be good for your look, however, red highlights can be a bit too extreme, especially when contrasting with dark brown hair. Good to know if you’re looking for a change without too much commitment. The short length should also frame the face nicely, and the curls give natural volume and movement, meaning the cut should not need much on the finishing front. This shape should be held well by medium density hair, but those curls can look a little fuzzy so they’ll need a good curl defining product to avoid the fuzzy look.
#37: Textured Shag with Red and Black Highlights
The color works because the cut has enough detail and texture to support it. If the hairstyle isn’t doing it’s job, the red and black combination can go towards a costume style. The layered shape and tousled waves keep everything down to earth. For some one with medium to thick hair, the added color with the layers allows for more dimension than thinner highlights would provide. The bright colors will need maintenance, as the color is this saturated will require upkeep, but the visual impact will be worth it.
#38: Textured Shag with Bold Green Highlights
Green highlights show a unique style and dedication. Not everyone has the guts to try to keep this shade of green hair, especially with the style chosen here. The shaggy cut adds tons of movement to the color, and the layered cut helps to even out the color so it doesn’t look like a flat plane of green. With fine to medium hair, the layers create enough volume to balance the hair and keep a nice visual flow. For heart shaped faces, the haircut is lovely along the cheek bone area and really captures the uniqueness in the style.
#39: Textured Shag with Wispy Bangs
The soft layering does what a lot of the heavier cuts can’t do: it gives the hair room to breathe and move naturally, creating a relaxes look that no amount of styling can replicate. The bare bangs add interest without commitment and can be swept aside when you want them out of the way to change up the look. For fine to medium density hair, this cut is also great because it creates the appearance of more hair which is one of the best things a good cut can do. Regular trims prevent the layers from blending into one another which is when a shag really starts to lose its identity.
#40: Textured Shag with Soft Bangs
This chin-length haircut gives an overall flattering look to the face and is thoughtful in its design. The soft layers provide some volume and movement to the hair and the look feels completely effortless. If you have wavy hair, the texture will work beautifully with the layers. Additionally, the bangs will grow out nicely which has to be a major consideration when getting a fringe. This will be true especially if like me, you are over bangs. This style will be very easy to wear for round and oval face shapes.
#41: Textured Shag with Platinum Highlights
Compared with warmer variations of the shag cut, the shag cut with platinum highlights is more modern. The layering and shorter lengths provide lots of movement and the color variation adds depth that is lost with a solid color. The cut is particularly flattering on girls with round or square shaped faces, since the layering combined with volume at the crown elongates the appearance of the face. Maintaining platinum hair requires regular toning, but the effort is worth it.
#42: Short Shag with Soft Layers
The playful lengths at the back of the hair provide a modern twist and help set the cut apart from the more block shapes. The soft layering around the face, adds to the volume through the crown, which is the area fine hair needs the most help. The layering also falls away from the face to soften an angular jawline which is a great fringe benefit from this cut. If you have really thick hair, you may find that the layers require more maintenance to keep them defined, whereas fine to medium textures will only need to use a light texturizing spray to achieve this.
#43: Textured Short Shag with Soft Volume and Fringe
A great detail is the shorter length around the crown which adds height and elongates the face more subtly. The fringe is soft and playful rather than harsh, and the overall texture gives fine to medium hair the dimension it lacks. This style encourages color experimentation since the shape has enough visual interest to allow a bolder hue without the color and shape competing. This is something to think about if you’ve been waiting for a reason to do something different.
#44: Choppy Shag with Soft Waves
This cut is short enough for a real change and feels soft and gentle. It lightly skims the nape and keeps the outline clean. Soft waves and choppy layers provide the texture and interest. The shape works best for fine to medium density textured hair. Daily styling is minimal because of the added movement. Regular trims are essential to keep this look clean and not grown out. The time in between appointments will be manageable.
#45: Short Shag with Subtle Highlights
Fine hair can be challenging to work with, but the feathery layers in this style take care of that! The subtle highlights that really pull the texture and make it stand out! This length suits most face shapes and sits nicely modern and not too trendy. The most important thing are the layers and how they give that extra bit of volume. A dry texture spray on second-day hair will keep everything looking fresh. It is a clean modern style that looks good for a long time!
#46: Soft Textured Shag with Natural Movement
The light blonde color on the waves and layers makes the texture stand out as opposed to using darker tones. The nape-grazing length is short enough to feel intentional and the back subtle layering creates a dimension that’s not as common in shorter styles. This form is best suited for fine to medium hair as it maximizes thickness, without the need for bulk. Those with oval and heart face shapes will find the framing naturally complimentary, and the overall effect will be fresh without any effort during the morning.
#47: Modern Textured Shag with Soft Waves
If you want a good shag cut and want an obvious change that isn’t too extreme this is a great option. The soft waves add personality, the layers create movement, the medium length adds practicality, and of course, the fine to medium density hair looks naturally effortless in this shape which is the point of the style. One spot I would recommend emphasis is staying on top of the trims, because layer looks lose their shape slowly and all at once. The moment when you notice is when you’re a handful of weeks past when you should have come in.
#48: Modern Textured Shag with Subtle Highlights
The way highlights have been done here shows that this colorist is working with the cut and not just slapping on some paint for the sake of it. The highlights fall perfectly along the waves and the layered waves are providing more volume. The shape is particularly great for oval and heart face shapes. I like that the ear adornments were considered as part of the styling here. The right jewelry can completely change the way a shorter cut reads, which is an opportunity a lot of people do not take. This cut ages well in both senses, it grows out nicely and it works for a lot of different ages.
#49: Soft Shag with Effortless Movement
While the soft, face-framing layers may not stand out, they help make this hairstyle very complimentary. The medium length, above shoulder, is perfect because you get versatility without having to put your hair back in clips or tie it up. Layered texture helps hair appear fuller, and, with less effort, this look actually gives you more ease. It will require some maintenance to keep its shape but as far as daily hairstyles go, it doesn’t get better than this.
#50: Soft Shag with Face-Framing Layers
The face-framing layers are cut to soften a jawline, which is a nice touch that elevates this whole cut. This layered look provides the added light airy feel that fine hair needs that a blunt cut would not offer, along with the highlights, which help to not overload with dimension. This is an effortless look that is chic. It looks good with little needed to be restyled or touched up each time. It only takes some product, which is needed to define the layers.
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