50 Popular Soft Shag Haircuts Women In Their 40s Are Getting Right Now

I don’t see many reasons to not try a soft shag haircut because they are so adaptable. It never seems like a client will walk up to my chair and then say they want a suitable haircut for their age. When I help them decide on a shag, they become a different person. It always feels like they got to rediscover their own identity. That’s because shag haircuts are free flowing and light, and the way the individual hairs fall and frame the face changes with movement. Shags are a new look completely.

I remember a teacher client I had about three years ago. She didn’t change her hair from her 2014 style for years. She came to the salon with a shag picture of a women way younger than her, and almost felt sorry for the age difference like asking for a shag was weird. After I gave her the haircut she messaged me immediately after she got to her car, telling me she was sitting there for almost ten minutes just swinging her hair around. That’s what I like to call a good shag, and I’m sure it was the goal for her haircut. Here are some variations of soft shag haircuts that I think look great on women in their 40s, because the style and cut is perfect for you!

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Chic Soft Shag Haircut with Subtle Layers

#1: Soft Shag with Those Perfect Barely-There Layers

Cuts like these may appear effortless, but your stylist worked hard to make it look that way. The layers may seem like one length, but as the hair moves, you can see the burst of dimension. If your hair is fine, this is ideal because it has volume creating layers without sacrificing any length. To style, I would use some texture spray in damp hair and give it a scrunch and walk away. That’s about it for the routine.

Playful Dark Wavy Bob with Textured Bangs

#2 Dark Wavy Bob That Does All the Work for You

I love how a chin-length bob looks on people with a natural wave. It’s as if the hair styles itself and you just get the credit for it. Textured bangs soften the look and the vibe. They really help break up the bangs so it seems more laid back rather than rigid like the rest of the cut. If you’ve been straightening your hair to get rid of any wave or curl, consider this your permission slip to stop. It’s meant to move. You might appreciate a curl enhancer on second or third day hair to keep things defined, but the truth is this cut looks better a little undone.

Textured Chestnut Shag with Natural Fringe

#3 That Low-Key Chestnut Shag with an Unstructured Fringe

This haircut is like an old leather jacket, it doesn’t try hard to look better. Bangs growing out unevenly is usually a downside for clients, but with this cut it’s actually preferable to come in for a trim. The chin-length layered style is also modern and casual, and it’s going to air-dry great for you if you consider blow-drying it optional.

Breezy Lightweight Blonde Shag with Feathered Bangs

#4 Feathered Blonde Shag That Actually Looks Effortless

The collar-length cut is ideal. You get to keep enough hair that it won’t feel like a big loss, but it won’t feel heavy and bulky on your neck. Plus, I love the 70s retro feel of the feathered bangs. In about four weeks, your roots won’t be as noticeable, and the light blonde looks so natural here. I do think the layers may need a bit of coaxing to fall the right way, so keep a round brush handy to get that finished feathered look. Even without, this style look the way it want to look.

Soft Blonde Shag with Curtain Bangs

#5 Blonde Shag with Curtain Bangs That Just Flow

Curtain bangs are a hairstyle I always encourage. I know it might sound repetitive, but I see such great results on people when they get them. They grow out without reaching that awkward phase where they cover your eyes, and they even end up parting themselves! Curtain bangs help with face framing without covering your entire face, and work with any length of hair, even short ones. If you have a textured cut or some waves in your hair, it’ll super great. The only thing I will say to budget for is bang trims, because they are mandatory with this style.

Chic Espresso Shag with Side-Swept Bangs

#6 Espresso Shag with That Perfect Side-Swept Bang

I don’t know why, but I think dark, rich shags look high-end. This looks like a shoulder cut, which is the length I usually encourage when clients say they want short, but I can tell they’re getting a little anxious in the chair. It’s short enough to feel like an actual change and long enough to tie it back if that’s what you prefer. The side bangs add a touch of sophistication so it doesn’t look unkempt if you’re not styling it. A little mousse at the roots and that’s all you need!

Effortless Chestnut Curtain Bangs with Textured Waves

#7 Chestnut Curtain Bangs with Waves You Didn’t Have to Work For

Describing this cut as “effortless” may call for a little generous thinking because it certainly will take some know-how to get those waves to look this good. However, there is enough of a solid foundation for this cut so that it still looks intentional even on a lazy day, which is all one really can ask for. The curtain bangs are nice and open and frame it all beautifully, and the layers give that volume to fine to medium hair that usually takes a lot of effort. If you’re bold enough to grab a curling iron for a wee touch-up, you will find this cut pays off in upkeep.

Lightly-Tousled Sunlit Blonde Shag with Natural Highlights

#8 That Sunlit Blonde Shag You Can Just Shake and Go

If you picture someone at a farmer’s market, this is the kind of hair you want to see. It has that shoulder length wavy texture, with hair colors that shift in tone to look fuller. I mean this in the best way possible, but I consider this a weekend haircut. This type of style looks like it belongs outside, in motion, as opposed to sitting under the fluorescent lights of an office. Although the texture needs to be refreshed every so often, maintenance is really easy.

Sunlit Golden Layered Waves with Face-Framing Highlights

#9 Golden Layered Waves with Highlights That Actually Look Natural

These highlights on this haircut are doing something clever! They dip and reflect light to high points on the face that make you look pretty refreshed. Even a little sun-kissed in February! Also, I love the uneven part because it gives the entire thing a flow that a neat center part simply doesn’t have. This is a cut for medium to thick hair where the layers are meant to do something as opposed to just existing on paper. The color of the highlights will need maintenance to stay this vivid and that’s just the deal with maintenance f dimensional color. But the cut itself is very forgiving between maintenance!

Soft Chocolate Waves with Natural Textured Bangs

#10 Chocolate Waves with Bangs That Have That Lived-In Feel

This chocolate color on this cut is an everyday admiration shade. It’s color shifts with the light and attracts warm and depth energy without being overbearing. It perfectly matches every season and is something I consider when clients pick colors; no one wants to look great in October and washed out in March. It is a calm and casual look. The layers add a casual effect and the bangs have an undone quality that I think is day three, not day one. You will need to comfortable with wave spray to keep those bends up, but the structure is solid.

Layered Golden Tresses with Voluminous Waves

#11 Golden Waves with Volume That Doesn’t Quit

This haircut really gives *main character vibes.* The layering has been expertly done, creating movement without any thinning, so you won’t have see-through ends in six weeks like most layered cuts. The golden blonde color is gorgeous, and with naturally wavy mid to thick hair, the style will keep itself. Be prepared to do some work with a diffuser or large barrel iron to achieve waves like this (although it would look great air dried too).

Golden Caramel Shag with Curled Layers

#12 Golden Caramel Shag with Curls That Bounce

The curled layers stand out the most to me, and I appreciate the playful attitude they’re bringing. A lot of shags end up feeling flat, but this one really goes for a curl and I think it really pays off. Collarbone length is ideal here because it means the curls won’t be weighed down. Plus, the golden caramel color is warm and really makes your skin glow. Keeping that richness and dimension means you’ll be seeing your colorist every 6 to 8 weeks. I think it’s worth it but I want you to know what you’re signing up for.

Layered Caramel Waves with Soft Fringe

#13 Caramel Waves with a Fringe That Knows Its Place

This cut is soft all around. The waves add body to the hair without making the silhouette feel heavy. This is a common feature with medium to thick hair. Unthoughtful layering often results in a prominent triangular shape, but that is not the case here. The fringe that softly grazes the brow is my preferred bang length as it opens the face without making you feel like you are peering through a curtain. The cut will likely require a few minutes to create the defined wave, but most of the work is already done because of the cut.

Elegant Silver Waves with Gentle Flair

#14 Silver Waves That Make Going Gray Look Like a Power Move

Many of my clients have tried to battle with their gray hair for so long, but when I help them complete the process, the end result is stunning! This is such a great example of doing it right! The middle shag has plenty of space to flaunt all sorts of shades from pewter to white. And the face-framing layers really help keep it nice and soft! If you are starting to get gray hair, or have it already, this is such a nice way to embrace it! You’ll definitely want to get a nice purple shampoo to help keep it from getting brassy, but that’s a small price for hair this beautiful!

Vivid Copper Layered Bob with Bangs

#15 Copper Layered Bob That Commands a Room

I love copper color! It looks great with mid-range skin tones, and the 3D look of the reflection on the layered bob cut is unreal! The bob also makes thin hair look really full and voluminous, giving the illusion of extensions, which always starts fun conversations. Bangs are a bit controversial, but these are subtle enough not to feel like a huge commitment. They are also prominent enough to give the hair a strong perspective. Although bright copper is beautiful, it fades faster than other colors, which is the downside to this hair goals look. You will definitely need to stay on top of your toning appointments, along with a color-depositing conditioner for between appointments. Nothing will beat the feeling of freshly done color though!

Chic Chestnut Waves with Light Layering

#16 Chestnut Waves That Look Good Without a Tutorial

In response to someone saying, “I want to look put together but I’m not going to do anything to my hair in the morning,” I would offer this particular haircut, and I mean that in the most endearing way possible, because the most un-done haircuts are often the best ones. The hair just falls, and will never need any round-brushing to fluff things up, and the bangs are going to just sit there without any coaxing to sit nicely. The subtle highlights in the chestnut color are universal and look good on everyone, and isn’t overly harsh. You can keep the layers nice and shaped with a trim every 6-8 weeks, but besides that, this haircut is as low maintenance as it gets.

Effortless Light Brown Shag with Natural Waves

#17 Light Brown Shag That Lets Your Natural Texture Shine

Haircuts that involve your personal style and don’t require you to change your entire look every morning are the best types of cuts, and this one is no exception. Shags are great because they are low-maintenance. If you have natural waves, the waves will look more intentional rather than being something you have to style every day. If your skin tone is warm, light brown is the best option, and will still look good whether you wash your hair daily or not. Those layers will eventually lose their shape, so keep in mind that you should get them shaped to maintain their interest. Feminine length with fun layers is the way to go!

Tousled Chestnut Shag with Soft Fringe

#18 Tousled Chestnut Shag That’s Fun Without Trying

Your new haircut looks great in pictures and in your reflection, as some haircuts only get one of these looks. The layers gain some depth thanks to the chestnut color, and the soft fringe adds just the right amount of imperfection so that whether it is styled or not, it looks perfect. This cut is ideal if you have natural waves because you won’t need to put in any effort. If your hair is straight, some texture paste will do the trick on the mid lengths and ends to create a slightly more tousled look.

Textured Tawny Shag with Wispy Bangs

#19 Tawny Shag with Wispy Bangs That Soften Everything

I normally wouldn’t say that bangs make a cut work, but in this case, the bangs do a lot. They bring the focus up, and the lightness makes the whole face look more open. The tawny color and soft highlights work here to make the texture look fuller. Fine hair needs this to look fuller without being fuller. In terms of medium length options, this is great because there is a lot of movement in the layers, which means it won’t look the same way twice. This is great if you want something manageable but not boring.

Soft Brunette Waves with Delicate Fringe

#20 Brunette Bob with a Fringe That Floats

I have always thought that bobs that are shoulder length and slightly above are killer and this one is probably one of my favorite styles I have seen in a while. The internal layering and soft fringe do a fantastic job. The layers aren’t traditional so they won’t call attention to themselves, they just create internal movement so the ends aren’t stuck in a straight line. The softly arching fringe is quite flattering on almost everyone, and on heart shaped faces, it helps balance a narrower chin. If your hair has even the slightest suggestion of a wave, this will reward you for it every day.

Effortless Silver Layered Shag for Mature Style

#21 Silver Shag That Makes Maintenance Feel Optional

Going silver involves more than simply counting how many appointments you have left. Choosing the right cut to complement your new color is also very important. These layers aren’t too heavy, and they also frame the face really nicely. Keeping it to a medium length also helps to ensure it stays modern instead of matronly (I use that term for my own peace of mind, since I know some people worry about it). If you’ve noticed that your hair is thinning a bit at the crown, the volume there will be really helpful since the layers create coverage and movement. In terms of keeping the color bright and cool, just do a toning treatment, and for the rest of this cut to stay bright and cool, otherwise this cut is genuinely low effort and high reward.

Sun-Kissed Chestnut Waves with Soft Fringe

#22 Sun-Kissed Chestnut Waves with a Fringe That Falls Naturally

Wow, I love your haircut! It looks so nice and the highlights look great. The highlights give warmth to the haircut especially since they are woven through the chestnut base color. I love the cut, it looks like you traveled somewhere awesome and got it done there. The waves look so good and the shoulder length cut is so versatile. It works with so many different face shapes and different types of hair. The bangs look so soft and they blend right in with the rest of the hair. You can style them forward for a bolder look. If you want the bangs to be in line just give them a trim every few weeks. If you leave them alone they will grow into curtain bangs which is a good fallback.

Subtle Midnight Brunette Cascade with Soft Bangs

#23 Midnight Brunette with Layers That Move and Bangs That Frame

The deep brown shade is both rich and luxurious and practical for concealing gray hairs. The layers add to the movement and thickness of the hair which is something I wish more people asked for. The length is also in the perfect place to wear the hair down, half-up, or even twisted back. The bangs also help to frame and draw attention to the face and cheekbones. The color will definitely fade, so ask your stylist for a shade that will take that into consideration.

Breezy Blonde Shag with Light Layers and Soft Bangs

#24 Breezy Blonde Shag That Forgives You for Not Styling It

If someone wants to look nice and is upfront about only having four minutes to do their hair, I imagine this haircut. The face-framing light layers create great movement to the hair and look good worn straight or curled. Soft bangs are best when they look a bit off, which is how they’ll look most of the time. For those starting to go gray, having natural blonde hair or subtle highlights is great because the lightness distracts from the grey. Those with thick hair may require additional thinning at the ends, but we can discuss this when you sit down.

Dark Wavy Bob with Soft Fringe

#25 Dark Wavy Bob That’s Equally Good in a Meeting or on the Weekend

One of my favorite haircuts is one that glides through the different stages of life without needing to be re-styled, and this wavy bob does just that. The shoulder length on thick and wavy hair gives you this gorgeous natural built in texture that is polished without being stiff. The detail on the slightly off centre fringe is nice too as it brings some interest without being the type of statement cut you have to live with long term as it grows out nicely and beautifully. For the waves to be defined between washes use a volumizing product as this cut has enough structure to work even without it.

Brunette Textured Bob with Wispy Bangs

#26 Brunette Textured Bob That Plays Both Sides

This bob hairstyle balances being professional and fun. The waves show a nice contrast to the more serious side of the corporate world, and the bangs give a little extra to complete the look without going overboard to the point where you’d need to have your mom explain the hairstyle. The length is easy to manage and will absolutely take five minutes or less to style, and yes, I have timed clients in this exact position. The only real concern with this hairstyle is humidity, so watch out for that. Weather can change this hairstyle from ‘intentional’ to ‘what happened’ in a flash. For those days, a light texture spray will definitely come in handy.

Textured Soft Shag with Face-Framing Layers

#27 Soft Shag with Face-Framing Layers That Actually Frame

It looks like the framing layers are going to serve a purpose and not just fade into the rest of the cut. These have been layered to fall right on the cheekbone and jawline and give thick wavy hair a gorgeous cascading effect, as well as add loads of dimension to the hair. The bangs are thick enough to feel like a real part of the cut, but not overly thick so they become the only thing you comment on. This is one I would want to return to with more volume at the crown, so your stylist may want to instruct you on how to create volume at the roots with a root lift spray before you head to the salon.

Chic Layered Bob with Soft Bangs

#28 Layered Bob with Soft Bangs and a Color That Glows

My favorite thing about this auburn hue is that it provides a warm, firelit glow to the right skin tone, and that is so beautiful. The subtle layered shoulder length bob is a definitive style that is able to be both dressed up or down, and the soft bangs are just enough to keep it from being too boring. This sort of layering is really great for fine to medium texture hair because it creates the appearance of fullness without creating bulk. The movement this cut allows is amazing and truly makes it a winning cut. Bangs, however, are definitely on the higher maintenance side and will need more frequent trims than the rest of the haircut.

Playful Textured Shag with Wispy Bangs

#29 Shag with Wispy Bangs and Highlights That Add Depth

The barely-there wispy bangs show great restraint and work even better. They bring softness and no weight. This is what fine to medium hair needs to steer clear of bangs that are glued to your forehead by lunchtime. The highlights sprinkled here and there add dimension to hair that otherwise might be a little one toned. The cut has great bounce from purposeful layers at the crown. A mousse applied pre drying will give you volume and lift, without any stiffness or crunch.

Textured Soft Shag with Bold Bangs

#30 Textured Shag with Bold Bangs That Actually Commit

I like a bang that goes for it, and these definitely do. They are thick and very present, and set the tone for the rest of the cut in a way that I appreciate a lot. The shag underneath is shoulder length and has all this great movement from waves, which keeps it interesting. The warm tones in the color job enhance movement and texture so that each layer becomes distinct. This cut has a point of view, which isn’t for everyone, but if you like your hair to say something when you walk in, this is a great option. If you have finer hair you’ll want to approach this differently, perhaps with softer, less blunt bangs, but on medium to thick hair this is perfection.

Chic Textured Shag with Soft Bangs

#31 Textured Shag with Soft Bangs and an Easy Disposition

With this haircut, I’m receiving the actual compliments I enjoy. Such as random people at the grocery store saying they love my hair. My hair length is right above the shoulders, so I can still throw it into a low ponytail. Soft bangs look piece-y. You know, the type that look nice even after you’ve just taken a nap. Highlighted hair is the same. Subtle highlights look so much more naturally done than screams of ‘look at me.’ They are just enough for a slight good look. You dry texture spray is so good for your hair type. If your hair is fine to medium, a light spray on your mid-lengths will keep your layers looking defined all day

Warm Curly Shag with Soft Bangs

#32 Warm Curly Shag That Embraces What Your Hair Wants to Do

If you have naturally curly hair but have straightened it for years, stop straightening your hair. This style is meant to work with your hair and give you an effortless, bouncy look. It gives off the “I stopped fighting with my hair” look and is actually put together. The soft bangs blend and melt right into the curl pattern so they look seamless with the rest of the cut, which bangs tend to do. This means these bangs were cut well. The less you work on it, the better it will look so an anti-frizz cream will do a lot for keeping your curls defined.

Elegant Soft Shag with Textured Layers

#33 Elegant Shag with Layers That Create Movement from Nothing

During my career, I’ve worked on fine to medium hair a lot. When it comes to flat vs full hair, it often comes down to where the layers are initiated and how blended they are. This cut nails it. The layers start high enough to create volume at the crown but smooth enough to not have that choppy look that gives the feeling that everyone lost 3 inches of thickness. Those subtle bangs are wonderful, and add softness without being overpowering. The whole cut moves as one while still holding on to all that internal dimension. This is a thinking person’s shag and I mean that in the best possible way.

Textured Soft Shag with Effortless Bangs

#34 Textured Shag with Effortless Bangs and Natural Dimension

What really stands out to me is the minimal amount of effort that went into the styling, and for that, even more credit is due. No curated faux ‘perfect curl placement’ vibes here! This looks like great hair paired with an even greater haircut. I can see that the bangs did not go through an extensive styling session and look to be positioned exactly where they are supposed to sit. The variation in color throughout the hair is also an incredible detail that is not lost on me. It breaks the monotony of fine hair and is more natural than a solid block of color. Therefore, if your hair does not keep its volume as the day goes on, a little texturizing powder at the base will give you a boost of volume without the need to re-do everything.

Modern Textured Shag with Soft Face-Framing Layers

#35 Modern Shag with Face-Framing Layers and a Soft Balayage

Because balayage looks more subtle, you might miss it at first. It focuses more on structure and is designed to highlight the layers more than the color itself. Pieces that frame the face are cut to define the jawline, and they look great on oval and heart-shaped faces. The natural wave also contributes to that coveted style of looking like you didn’t put in any effort. This haircut works best with fine to medium density hair. The extra layers create the illusion of added volume at the top without compromising the fullness at the bottom. Just a small amount of texturizing cream rubbed through damp hair is all you need.

Modern Soft Shag with Subtle Waves and Face-Framing Layers

#36 Warm Brunette Shag with Waves and Airy Bangs

The warm brown tones placed in this cut catch the light beautifully and at different angles and while adding richness, the cut will never be too heavy. My favorite feature is how light and airy these bangs are. They help to frame the face and I think a lot of bangs don’t accomplish this. The face framing layers with fine hair create an instant illusion of density along with soft waves at the ends that help to keep everything from falling flat. This is a style that is going to be lived in, not kept as is and is going to be better the more you let it do its thing.

Textured Soft Shag with Dynamic Layers

#37 Textured Shag with Dynamic Layers and Understated Highlights

Dynamic layers is an overused term, but not in this case as these layers actually move in different directions and add volume to the areas where the hair tends to fall flat. The shoulder-length haircut is practical, not boring and the subtle highlights provide just enough contrast to the hair to give it a three-dimensional look instead of looking flat and one-dimensional. This is the kind of haircut that gives the “I have good hair” look, and now you know the secret. The downside to this amount of layering is that it requires reshaping every six weeks or so to keep it looking intentional and not overgrown.

Textured Soft Shag with Playful Curls

#38 Curly Shag That Leans Into the Bounce

I love this cut!! Especially how she decided to go full curl with her shag instead of cutting it to some weird straight shape. The curls are flattened by the layering which means there’s volume at all different levels in the cut, and the soft highlights really capture some light inside the curls, creating a beautiful sparkle effect in person. This much texture is super helpful for fine to medium hair, and the shoulder length cut ensures the weight won’t pull the curls straight. Just keep a good curl-defining cream in your rotation and let the haircut do the rest.

Soft Layered Shag with Textured Bangs

#39 Layered Shag with Textured Bangs and That Brunette Depth

Visiting in person means you can appreciate how the highlights improve the layers. The bangs aren’t too heavy on the face, so they are softer. The color, bangs, and layers give an expensive look. Using a straightener to create soft waves would take this to the next level.

Chic Textured Shag with Soft Piecey Layers

#40 Piecey Layered Shag That Looks Different Every Day

Piecey layers can be risky as an unqualified stylist can easily mess it up, but when done right, they give you so many possibilities for different styles with only one cut. You can leave it to air dry and it will give you a cute, tousled, look but you can also blow dry it to achieve a polished look. The light wave with the medium length means that the hair will fall in a different way each time you dry it which keeps the style looking fresh. This technique gives a lot of volume which makes it ideal for people with medium or fine hair. One-length hair just can’t achieve this as well.

Textured Soft Shag with Wispy Bangs and Subtle Waves

#41 Chin-Length Shag with Wispy Bangs That Float

Framing the face at chin length helps draw the gaze to the eyes and cheekbones. Wispy bangs help keep the focus up and reinforce this effect. Most people won’t analyze the details of the cut but they will feel you look great. Soft waves add sufficient dimension and fullness to the hair which is my main concern with shorter shags on finer hair. The bangs will need to be trimmed every few weeks and this cut will definitely give you consistent good hair days.

Modern Soft Shag with Subtle Face-Framing Layers

#42 Shoulder-Length Shag with Face-Framing Bangs and Warm Tones

This cut really showcases those lovely warm tones, that deep brunette with amber undertones is glowing from within and instead of just sitting on the outer layer, these colors look so good. The bangs are nice because they are soft enough to push to the side and also enough to just leave them. I think that is really the true test to whether bangs are cut well. The layers that are around the shoulders help to show off the natural texture of your hair. With fine to medium hair, the feel provides the loveliest feeling of fullness without requiring too much effort and I like the way it looks. I would keep these bangs maintained and let the rest of your hair grow out because the shape of this cut is forgiving enough to handle.

Effortlessly Tousled Soft Shag with Rich Brown Highlights

#43 Tousled Shag with Brown Highlights That Warm Everything Up

This shag hairstyle looks awesome! It looks like it was just tousled and cut, and it looks great. The texture looks even better being fine to medium. It has no chunky highlights, just warm, rich brown highlights that add depth to the hair. It almost looks like a flat color, but the highlights add a nice color graduation. This cut won’t be too long, but it will give you enough to style. It won’t be too much work every morning. I think It looks great for the school pickup line and date night. I guess those aren’t the same occasions, but you get my point.

Textured Soft Shag with Playful Waves

#44 Textured Bob with Playful Waves and a Whole Lot of Personality

The shag cut bob sits above the shoulders with a nice bounce that is created by the layering and wave pattern rather than too much styling. On fine hair, it looks like you have natural volume which is always the goal. I love how the layers give that cascading movement as the hair swishes. It’s one of those haircuts that is much better when you are walking or turning your head as opposed to standing still. If you do not have any natural wave in your hair, it is super easy to achieve this look by curling the mid lengths with a curling wand.

Textured Soft Shag with Playful Curls and Bangs

#45 Chocolate Shag with Curls and Bangs That Play Well Together

The combination of bangs and curls provides a lovely balance and of course this is by no means a coincidence. The gentle bangs merge with the curl pattern which means there is no visible break as to where the bangs stop and the curls start. The dark chocolate hue adds a nice seriousness while remaining inviting. It also offers a nice fullness to medium density hair. This cut is a reward for people with a good amount of natural texture already as the layers really capture any curl or wave that’s present. However, more texture can also lead to more frizz, so keep some smoothing product handy for humid days.

Warm Textured Shag with Soft Fringed Layers

#46 Warm Shag with Fringed Layers and Natural Movement

The fringe layers soften the cut’s harshness on angular face shapes, something I try to do with clients with strong jawlines. For finer hair that is less voluminous, the relaxed waves style, and the cut has flow, there is no stiffness or overstyling. While warm shades suit all complexions, cool shades can be less forgiving. The warm shade adds warmth and health to the complexion. The bangs may be the only section that will require some styling in the morning, however the rest of the haircut is truly no fuss.

Chic Textured Shag with Soft Curtain Bangs

#47 Curtain Bangs on a Textured Shag That Gets It Right

A great style combination is curtain bangs with shag haircuts! Bangs that part in the middle and graze the sides of the face provide a soft, gentle, and open look around the face. Shag styles are great with fine and medium hair because the layers give a bouncy, alive look, and add lots of texture. This style is perfect for looking polished and sophisticated, and actually requires little time to style…seriously! The only maintenance needed is a little bit of styling cream on the mid-lengths to add texture, and that is only needed after a few washes.

Effortlessly Chic Textured Shag with Soft Layers

#48 Textured Shag with Soft Layers for Days When You Don’t Want to Think About Your Hair

It can be liberating to always have the same look for your hair, regardless of how you style it. This is one of those cuts. The soft internal layers offer just the right amount of movement to have a style without any effort. This is the best a haircut can do during a hectic morning. The bangs are blended enough to be dried naturally while the shoulder length hits that universally flattering point that looks good on everyone. This style works best for sleeker looks. This means that a blow dry and straightening can all be done to get it smooth. The more effort to make it look that way as opposed to a more tousled version is a trade off worth knowing!

Textured Soft Shag with Effortless Waves

#49 Medium-Length Shag with Waves That Look Accidental in the Best Way

The waves look natural and not too obvious. The reason for this is the subtle layering and texture that creates a bend as the hair falls instead of curls being added later. This wave technique is easier to maintain on fine hair as well because you aren’t fighting the hair’s natural pattern every morning. The subtle layering takes away bulk and fullness, and it keeps the hair moving easily instead of going for a big hair look. The face framing layers are soft and well done, and I really love this look. To be honest, polished casual is probably my favorite style.

Effortlessly Textured Shag with Soft Layers

#50 Effortless Shag with Soft Layers for Someone Who Has Better Things to Do

I am going to complete this with what I think everything a soft shag should be. Light layers, effortless volume, natural movement, and a finished look that enables you to go without finishing it. The practicality, smart layering and overall effect, combined, give the hair the look of good hair, which is good haircut. It’s the wisdom to not overthink it. Carefully light-handed layering best suits fine to medium hair since it adds volume and texture without stripping the hair of the necessary density. For the busy women who want to look great and not have a time-consuming routine, this is one of the best options.