If you’ve been thinking about doing something different with your curls, but still want to keep things wearable and low-effort, the curly shag is about to be your favorite move. It’s that perfect balance between volume, shape, and natural texture — without over-layering or leaving you with a frizzy mess. Medium-length curls shine with this cut when layers are dry-cut to respect your curl pattern and shrinkage, especially around the crown and jawline.
Pro tip? Always ask your stylist for soft face-framing layers and interior texture — not thinning — to avoid a bulky base.
Ready to see which curly shag shape will bring your curls to life this year? Let’s get you inspired.
#1 Bouncy Curly Shag Haircut for Shoulder Length Layers
Shoulder-grazing curls are layered to perfection in this lively, bouncy curly shag. The cut features airy, tapered ends and natural volume that flatters oval and heart-shaped faces. Ideal for medium-density curls, it adds movement without bulk. The soft, full fringe blends seamlessly into face-framing layers, giving it a youthful lift. A great pick for clients wanting shape without sacrificing fullness.
#2 Fine Curly Hair with Lightweight Shag Layers
A feather-light approach to the shag, this cut was made for finer curls. The layering is delicate, ensuring the curls aren’t thinned out too much. Wispy bangs blend into the upper layers, creating volume at the crown without weighing down the overall silhouette. A fantastic choice for clients with thinner density who want movement without sacrificing fullness. Be sure to use curl-enhancing mousse to plump up the definition without stiffness.
#3 Medium Shag Haircut with Defined Spiral Curls
The defined spiral curl pattern here shines through with structured layering and a bold rounded fringe. The shape is stacked subtly to lift the crown and give height, great for elongating shorter face shapes. This is best for tight, uniform curls and clients willing to maintain the fringe. Benefits include amazing volume and curl separation; downside is that spiral curls can shrink significantly, so length checks are a must during the cut.
#4 Layered Shag Haircut for Naturally Curly Texture
For those with naturally curly texture, this shag relies on carefully placed layers to open up the curl and prevent bulk. The bang is softly curled and lightly feathered, blending into temple-length layers. Great for clients with mid-to-high density curls who want to control volume without cutting too short. This shape grows out beautifully and works well with diffused or air-dried styling. Just watch for frizz control in humid climates.
#5 Medium Gray Curls in a Shag Cut
Gray curls take center stage in this elegant shag, which uses mid-length layering to showcase natural silver tones. The fringe is subtle and blends smoothly into the overall shape, flattering oval and angular faces. The curl pattern is medium-tight, making it ideal for defining without frizz. Best for mature curls looking for shape and softness, this style embraces natural texture while giving the silhouette a youthful lift.
#6 Medium Shag Haircut for Curly Hair and Round Face
Designed with round face shapes in mind, this cut lifts the crown and slims the sides through strategic layering. The curls have volume in all the right places—especially the top and bottom—while avoiding width at the cheekbone. The full, rounded bangs fall above the brows, drawing attention upward. Great for those with 3B curls and medium thickness who want to elongate their silhouette without losing softness.
#7 Textured Curly Bob with Shaggy Finish
Compact and playful, this textured curly bob uses choppy shag ends to create movement without losing fullness. It hugs just above the shoulders, perfect for someone with thicker hair looking to shed bulk. The shaggy finish keeps the shape looking effortless and not too “done.” No fringe allows for versatile parting. This is a great wash-and-wear cut, though tighter curls may need light scrunching for definition at the ends.
#8 Medium Shag Haircut for Curly Hair with Bangs
This haircut pairs defined curls with a strong fringe for full facial framing. The curl pattern is uniform and springy, and the layered structure keeps the shape round and bouncy. Great for dense curls and square face shapes needing some softness at the edges. The bangs are cut short and full, enhancing eye-level focus but requiring more styling upkeep. Moisture-based products will be key to keeping that curl pattern juicy and frizz-free.
#9 Curly Haircut with Long Shag Layers
Long shag layers add flow and softness to this medium curly look, making it great for folks wanting definition without sacrificing length. The curtain-like fringe falls apart naturally, blending right into the longer layers—a smart cut for medium to long face shapes. Ideal for thick curls, the weight is cut out through the mid-shaft while preserving curl integrity. Expect more styling time with longer layers, but the payoff is graceful movement and volume balance.
#10 Shaggy Curly Haircut with No Bangs Option
This cut embraces natural curls without bangs, letting the coiled texture frame the face freely. The shaggy layers are slightly elongated near the face, which helps elongate rounder features. It’s a versatile shape for low-maintenance types, especially those with medium density and a looser curl pattern. Without fringe, there’s more styling freedom—updos, side flips, or natural parting. Just note: no bangs mean less framing around the forehead, which some clients may miss.
#11 Blonde Medium Shag for Curly Hair
Bright blonde curls are shaped into a flattering shag with full bangs and mid-length layers. The contrast between lightened curls and the textured cut adds depth and dimension. The fringe is structured but soft, offering face-framing without heaviness. Works well for medium to thick curls and adds bounce without frizz. Great for those wanting a fresh, youthful look that shows off both color and curl pattern effectively.
#12 Shag Cut with Defined Curls and Bangs
This look highlights tightly defined curls and bold bangs that create a full, rounded frame. The layering enhances natural definition without disrupting the curl pattern, and the volume is balanced evenly throughout. Great for thicker curls that need shape control rather than bulk removal. The fringe is cropped thickly, making a bold statement and offering forehead coverage. Ideal for clients wanting a dramatic yet wearable curl-forward style.
#13 Medium Curly Shag Haircut for Thin Hair
Fine curls benefit from this light-layered shag that gives maximum shape with minimal weight. The layering is concentrated near the crown and fringe to boost volume and prevent a flat top. The fringe is soft and eye-skimming, helping to draw attention upward—a smart strategy for those with thinner hair. Great for petite face shapes or narrow features, this cut adds body without needing excessive product or heat styling.
#14 Medium Curly Shag Cut with Side Part Styling
Side-parted styling gives this medium shag a casual, flattering asymmetry. The curls are defined but loose, and the layering adds movement while controlling bulk. It’s especially flattering for square and angular face shapes, softening strong lines with curl curvature. Ideal for medium-density curls, this cut creates fullness without puffiness. A light mousse or curl gel enhances shape while letting the side part do the face-framing work.
#15 Shaggy Layers for Naturally Curly Hair
Tailored for naturally curly textures, this medium shag adds airy lift through mid-length layering. The fringe is cut with a soft bend, blending into the curls effortlessly without overpowering the face. This style suits medium to thick densities and gives movement without feeling bulky. The shape frames the face without narrowing it, making it flattering for oval or longer face shapes. A go-to for those wanting shape with easy upkeep.
#16 3B Curls in a Medium Curly Shag Haircut
Perfect for 3B curl types, this medium-length shag uses consistent layering to define curl clumps and create a balanced shape. The fringe is textured and rounded, blending naturally into cheek-grazing layers. This cut thrives on natural volume and benefits from lightweight curl creams to prevent puffiness. Great for oval and square face shapes, it softens features while maintaining body and texture throughout.
#17 Medium Curly Haircut with Layered Shag Shape
Bouncy, medium-length copper curls cut into a layered shag create volume without overwhelming the face. This style suits dense, naturally curly hair types best, giving structure while allowing curl movement. The rounded fringe adds softness and frames the brows beautifully. It’s a great pick for oval or heart-shaped faces, but can require curl creams or diffusing to manage daily frizz.
#18 Defined Curls in a Medium Shag with Curtain Bangs
Clean and defined curls cascade through this structured medium shag, enhanced with symmetrical curtain bangs. The layering opens up the face and reduces weight, ideal for thick curls with natural density. The center-parted fringe adds softness around the eyes and works beautifully on long or diamond-shaped faces. Perfect for clients looking to show off curl definition while keeping the style lightweight and breezy.
#19 Voluminous Curly Bob with Shaggy Texture
This curly bob stands out with its rounded silhouette and shaggy texture. The layers are stacked subtly to maximize volume without adding width at the jaw—perfect for round and heart-shaped faces. Designed for tight, springy curls and medium to thick hair, this look offers bounce and softness. The bangs are lightly feathered, making them easy to grow out or blend. A great wash-and-go option for low-maintenance styling.
#20 Curlush Haircut
A dense, full-bodied take on the shag, the Curlush cut is all about volume and curl definition. The fringe is rounded and full, helping balance the heavier lower layers. Best for high-density hair with a tight curl pattern, this shape carves out volume while keeping the edges soft. Perfect for triangle and oval face shapes, though the shape does require regular sculpting to avoid puffiness. A favorite for drama and curl impact with structure.
#21 Shagrella Cut
Rich, dimensional curls give the Shagrella cut a bold yet balanced silhouette. This medium-length shag features voluminous layering that’s carefully graduated to avoid the dreaded triangle shape—perfect for high-density curls. The full curly fringe softens the brow area while enhancing facial symmetry, especially flattering for longer or heart-shaped faces. The subtle golden highlights create depth, giving the curls added pop without overwhelming the texture. While it’s a show-stopping style, it does require consistent moisture and curl refresh days to keep the shape polished.
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