20 Trendy Shag Haircut Styles for All Lengths & Hair Types
Before we delve into the realm of shag hairstyles, I would like to draw your attention to one of the most adored trends, “Curtain Bangs.” They did a fantastic job framing the face, as I had pointed out in my previous article, and could do this with nearly every haircut. And would you believe that shag hairstyles and curtain bangs go hand in hand!
Shag cuts like layering, movement, and texture, just as curtain bangs do. Pairing the two gives off an effortlessly cool, modern, yet retro-chic vibe. If you are still thinking about your next hairstyle, this is the combination you never knew you wanted!
Let’s discuss more so that we can get why the shag hairstyle is here for us.
The shag hairstyle has an appealing rock’n’roll vibe; it’s relaxed, untidy, yet stylish at the same time. Characterized mainly by tousled layers on the top with much texture, loose ends, and shags tend to suit people with most hair types and lengths. Hairstylist Erin Powers says shag hairstyle secrets rest in hair bangs. “If it’s off, then it’s not a shag,” says Powers. “A great shag has got to have the fringe right.”
Quick Tip: To enhance the texture of a shag haircut, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo for that effortless, tousled look!
The New Shag
The latest shag is softer layered for a more feminine approach and still has the essence of a shag. It has bangs, layers, swept bangs, waves, and the royalty of bangs. The length is entirely up to your preference. This is one great example.
Shaggy Bob
A French-inspired bob with a cropped shaggy length in the bangs for that choppy shaggy effect. This is more suited to oval face shapes than round or heart shapes.
Sleeker Shag
Our favorite has to be this modern shag-inspired style with softer and smoother waves and tousled bangs. After drying, apply smoothing serum or oil to the hair for a sleek finish.
Shaggy Crop
This is our favorite modern crop cut. It has short, choppy layers and shaggy bangs for a longer cropped length. The cut is effortless to style while bold.
Old School
This haircut is as close as we’re willing to get to a retro shag, and it’s pretty impressive considering the trace of a modern touch which we may say is thanks to the hair products available today. The hair is heavily layered to give a lot of dimension to the face, and curtain bangs can effortlessly be swept to the side.
Cropped Top
This particular shag style, where the upper half of layers is preserved relatively short to achieve the volume and shape, gives credit to an original shag expert. It still works. The layers around the face provide framing and slimness to the hair.
Side-Parted Shag
This stylish bob provides a more classy approach to a shag hairstyle as a side part coupled with thick bangs goes well for anyone that wants to steer clear of the center part. The length perfectly adapts to the face, and the short layers add volume to the hair.
Subdued Shag
This stylish bob provides a more classy approach to a shag hairstyle as a side part coupled with thick bangs goes well for anyone that wants to steer clear of the center part. The length perfectly adapts to the face, and the short layers add volume to the hair.
Wolf Cut Shag
When Billie Eilish revealed her new bleached “wolf cut” shag on Instagram, the site nearly collapsed. (That picture has more than 23 million likes and counting.) She has now transformed her hair to a slightly shorter “wolf cut” shag, which combines elements of both a shag and a mullet. For this style, request short layers on the top with long, choppy pieces on the back and the sides.
Wavy Shag With Piecey Bangs
Kerry Washington has a medium-length shag hairstyle that is one of my favorite styles and adds soft, sultry waves. Even with this addition, the ‘shag’ still has remnants of that undone hairstyle, which makes it even sexier.
Baby Bang Shullet
To make your shag more striking and bold, add in baby bangs. Apply a curly cream or matte pomade to scrunch and add texture to your strands.
Pseudo-Shag Bob
As a general rule, opt to steer clear of overdoing shag cuts, although there are exceptions. You know the aesthetic: painstakingly styled, with every hair impeccably positioned. Regardless of the hair length, a mussy shag, like this one worn by comedian Heidi Gardner, is almost always better.
Short Curly Shag With Bangs
Alanna Arrington’s shaggy hairstyle is serving us major model off-duty.
Shaggy Mullet or Shullet
Why do you think Miley Cyrus shaved off her hair? The singer has been very experimental regarding clothes and hair, and there is no better way to flaunt this than getting a Shullet”, aka Shaggy Mullet. Sally Hershberger changed Miley’s hairstyle, which is currently very popular. If you are looking for a Shullet, ask for shorter layers on the front and sides and longer at the back.
Wet Look Shag
The wet-look bob on Ashley Graham looks fantastic as well. Her side part gives it an asymmetrical style.
Bouncy Sun-kissed Shag
A shag cut is perfect if you feel like your curls are lacking shape and bounce; it will help remove bulk without sacrificing volume.
Tapered Shag With Bangs
Flaunting her trademark shag hairstyle, Emmylou Harris looks nothing short of stunning. The split bangs paired with the long layers wrap her hair in sophistication and never go out of style.
Classic Shag
Chloë Grace Moretz is sporting an effortless shag with that trademark rock star edge. Soft bends with curtain bangs and fine feathering at the ends create the illusion of disarray, which requires substantial time and effort to achieve in reality.
Blown Out Shag
Rihanna’s shag cut, usually styled with texture, makes us feel all sorts of ways with its buttery blonde, blown-out finish.
Fluffy Shag with Semi-Parted Fringe
Halle Berry has cycled through different incarnations of the shag hairstyle over the years. Here, she wears a complete shag look with loose, sexy curls. “The key to really pulling off the full shag feel is the wave or curl,” says caster Powers. “It needs to have some spring and softness. Allowing this style to grow longer lets the curls beautifully frame her face.”
Shag With Curtain Bangs
- Lo’s shag is excellent by itself, but with her thick curtain bangs and slightly uneven part, it becomes a look we have to try.
Lob Shag
The vacant gaze that Alexa Chung gives us as she depicts the picture-perfect result of the lob shag is probably why this effortless wavy lob look ended up on the list.
Quick Tip:
For the perfect shag haircut, focus on the right fringe and layers to enhance your face shape and hair texture effortlessly!
FAQs:
What face shape do shags look good on?
Shag haircuts suit most face shapes, especially oval, heart, and square, as they add movement and balance features.
What’s the difference between layers and shags?
Softness, while shags have choppy, textured layers with more volume and an edgy look.
Do shags look good on everyone?
Yes! Shags can be customized for any hair type and face shape, making them a versatile and flattering choice.
Which haircut is best, feather or layer?
Feather cuts create a soft, wispy effect, while layered cuts add volume and structure. The best choice depends on your hair texture and style preference.
