The diversity and versatility of the shag haircut is the main reason for its widespread popularity. One of the most pleasant things about this cut is that it never looks the same, as we all have different hair types and lengths. The shag is more than just a haircut; it's a statement of boldness and individuality. Icons like Cara Delevingne, Billie Eilish, and Jennifer Lopez have all turned heads with their renditions of the shag, proving its timelessness and adaptability.

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Публикация от BILLIE EILISH (@billieeilish)

Before customizing your own shag, you should know how different they can be and what to expect from its popular variations. We’ve selected the most versatile ideas for long, short or medium layered haircuts so that you can get inspired before your next salon appointment. Let’s go!

Short Messy Bob With Standout Texture

Short Messy Bob With Standout Texture #bob #messyhair #wavyhair #shaggy
by @chrisjones_hair

We want you to show how you can beautify your simple bob with this perfect example from our expert Chris Jones: look at how the classic short haircut has improved with just a soft touch of layering. The body is full, and the wavy silhouette is lively and dramatic.

 

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Short Shaggy Bob For Thin Locks

Short Shaggy Bob Style
by @julia_alesionok

Ladies with thin hair can ask their stylists to shape up the ends of the top layer: it will add more lift to the crown and spice up a short bob with a new, lovely texture.

 

Layered Shaggy Bob With Feathered Ends

Layered Shaggy Bob Style With Feathered Ends
by @ryabchik.moscow

One of the most versatile and eye-catching ways of getting a shag is to focus on the ends. You can make your hair look fuller, embellishing it with pointed ends. A simple feathering is all you need; it won’t take a lot of time, yet will make your hairstyles pop.

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Lightweight Shag Cut For Thick Curly Bob

Lightweight Shag Cut For Thick Curly Bob #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @nubiarezo

Curly shag haircut is different than curly bob haircut. The truth is, your shag can tame your curly texture, giving it a more manageable, lightweight body, thus making you feel comfy with your locks and helping you to reach easy styling routine.

Styling tips: keep it low-maintenance by using a lightweight, moisturizing curl-enhancing cream to define your curls while maintaining their natural bounce and volume.

Choppy Bob Cut With Balayage

Choppy Bob Cut With Balayage #bob #wavyhair #shaggy
by @chrisjones_hair

When giving you a choppy cut, your stylist changes the thickness of your locks one by one to make each strand super airy. Also, to enhance such a lift-up effect, he or she can offer you to try classic balayage that will highlight the movement of your hair.

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A-Line Shaggy Bob

A-Line Shaggy Bob #alinebob #angledbob
by @paulolinn

A-line haircuts are all about precision, and you can always intensify its sharpness with the help of a lively shag. Ask your stylist for cascading layers that follow the pattern of your cut so that they get longer as they move to the front. This haircut was made by stunning Brazilian stylist Paulo R Linn.

Styling tips: This haircut will look wonderful on both sleek and wavy texture, so your task is to find the most flattering option for you.

Shaggy Layered Bob With Brown Ombre

Shaggy Layered Bob With Brown Ombre #ombrehair #brownhair #brunettes
by @chrisjones_hair

The main reason why more and more women go for shag is that it allows them to experiment to their hearts’ content. Apart from giving a nice frame or spicing up the hair with movement, they can form a stunning duo with other cuts like bobs, lobs, and pixies.

Shaggy Pixie With Side Fringe For Fine Hair

Shaggy Pixie With Side Fringe For Fine Hair #pixie #shorthair #shaggy
by @ryabchik.moscow

Pixie haircut has always been the number one salvation for unruly fine hair. So if you are about to find a perfect shag haircut for fine hair, don’t look any further shaggy pixie. First of all, the soft texturizing will make volume stay longer. Secondly, this idea features bangs which means it can frame up your face with little gentle layers.

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Shaggy Spiky Pixie

Shaggy Spiky Pixie #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @andrewdoeshair

When all you want is to rock a distinctive, yet minimalist cut and fascinate with its texture, a shaggy pixie with spikes is the key. The lively layers will make your spikes look natural and spice them up with lovely movement.

Shaggy Pixie With Undercut

Shaggy Pixie With Undercut #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @kamila.seksenalina

A lightweight, carefree, and voluminous look. Is there something that can compare to this pixie? A chic, neat undercut that gradually turns into a shag will draw all attention to the top. And due to the texture contrast, you will make your crown even more voluminous.

Styling tips: to enhance the shaggy texture, use a styling product like texturizing spray or wax for a tousled finish that showcases the layers and adds a playful edge to your pixie.

Inverted Shaggy Pixie

Inverted Shaggy Pixie #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @exotismos

Those who like to crush stereotypes can’t do without inverted and asymmetrical haircuts! This pixie is another proof for the variability of the cut: the long front tresses get shorter to the back, creating a very modern silhouette while the layers add more oomph.

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Dark Layered Bob

Messy Bob With Standout Texture
by @timurbegichevstudio

Medium Shag Haircut

Shag Bob Haircut
by @salsalhair

It just so happens that medium hair length is one of the most flexible and versatile options ever. Popular stylist Salvador Salcedo knows well that a medium shag haircut with bangs is a great choice for anyone who wants to add volume but save length.

Feathered Shag With Long Side Bangs

Feathered Shag With Long Side Bangs #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @hairdreams.ny

When it comes to choosing a shag for medium hair length, shag haircut with bangs is the first thing that comes to hairdressers’ minds. Volumetric waves that move so lovely and the face-framing side fringe are enough to take your cut to the next level.

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Blunt Cut With Choppy Layers

Blunt Cut With Choppy Layers #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @styled_by_carolynn

No wonder that the majority of medium shag haircuts feature choppy layers. It’s no secret that messy and tousled silhouettes are the thing of today. Moreover, layers, whatever they are, can save your hair from falling flat, always keeping a well-groomed, presentable look.

Soft Wavy Blonde Shag

Soft Wavy Blonde Shag #mediumhair #wavyhair #shaggy
by @salsalhair

Carefree beachy waves that can be seen from a mile away, while melting gently with one another, is the beauty dream of all women.  You can replace loads of salt sprays with just a shag haircut.

Styling tips: wave your hair softly, working with a flat iron and running your fingers through your hair, and your hair will look like you’ve just left the sunny beach.

Medium Bob With Light Ends And Thick Bangs

Medium Bob With Light Ends And Thick Bangs #mediumhair #bangs #shaggy
by @salsalhair

Ladies who are tired with fine hair styling mornings can lighten up the texture of their hair, leaving bangs as thick and full as possible. Such an approach will provide you with comfortable styling, making your locks behave, and giving a fresh, accentuating touch that falls on your brows.

Styling tips: To style thick bangs, use a round brush while blow-drying for volume and shape. Apply a small amount of texturizing product to add definition, and consider face shape when deciding on a straight-across or side-swept look.

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Side-Parted Blonde Shag Bob

Shaggy Bob For Thin Locks
by @ryabchik.moscow

Tousled And Shaggy Bob With Waves

Tousled And Shaggy Bob With Waves #mediumhair #wavyhair #shaggy
by @chrisjones_hair

One thing about the shag haircut that you should always keep in mind is that there are no hair color restrictions. It can be a blonde base with dimensional balayage, rainbow-colored chevelure, or a rich chestnut hair color like the idea above: the cut will create an unbelievable tousled look with charming movement in your hair, regardless of the color you sport.

Styling tips: wave your shag to make it even more eye-catching.

Messy Haphazard Medium Cut

Messy Haphazard Medium Cut #mediumhair #messyhair #wavyhair #shaggy
by @ryabchik.moscow

As you might have noticed from their appearance, haphazard haircuts involve various lengths with many different layers. The shorter ones build the voluminous body; the longer layers give the needed movement.

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Shaggy Cut With Center Parted Layered Bang

Shaggy Cut With Center Parted Layered Bang #bob #bangs
by @salsalhair

Medium shags work ravishing when layered bangs accompany them. In simple words, mixing these two is nothing but volumizing magic for fine hair. Once you get your medium haircut layered, you will see your front locks volume up and will love the way the bangs frame your forehead.

Medium Layered Shag With Beachy Waves

Medium Layered Shag With Beachy Waves #bob #wavyhair #layeredhair
by @salsalhair

Only layers can reveal the real potential of wavy hairstyles. For example, everyone’s favorite beachy waves that are known to have a lively texture as if you’ve just left the beach can only reach such appearance with the help of layers.

Shaggy Bouffant Hairstyle

Shaggy Bouffant Hairstyle #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @andrewdoeshair

You may have seen bouffant hairstyles in English movies from the fashionable 60s. The super voluminous crown washes away any traces of thin hair, while the sharply cut locks pointing up will add some flirty, contemporary vibe.

Styling tips: before recreating this style with a round brush and hairdryer, make sure to prep your hair with a softening mousse or conditioner.

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Shaggy Curly Lob

Shaggy Curly Lob #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @exotismos

Although you’re used to seeing the good old shag on straight hair where you can see every single angle and edge clearly, it looks fab on curly hair too. On top of that, shaggy layers actually work wonders shaping and defining curls to make them look distinctive.

Styling tips: style your carefree locks with moisturizing texturizing products to get the most of your bouncy curls.

Shag Haircut With Rocky Bangs

Shag Haircut With Rocky Bangs #babybang #hihglights
by @ryabchik.moscow

Shag haircut gives your hair a lot of texture and a lot of bounce to play around with. And, with the bangs, you get a very grungy punk rock look.

Shag Hairstyle For Curly Hair

Shag Hairstyle For Curly Hair #curlyhair #mediumlenghthair
by @ryabchik.moscow

This is something all curly-haired girls are wary off, but medium shag haircuts will use the dense texture of your curls to work them around into a funky cut. One pro tip while opting for a shag haircut on your curly hair is to get them cut when they are dry.

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Curly Shag Hair With Straight Bangs

Curly Shag Hair With Straight Bangs #curlyhairstyle #prettyhaircuts
by @danibarroshair

This is one of those medium layered hairstyles that makes wavy curls sit comfortably on your cheeks. If you are wondering how to style medium shaggy hair like these, just use some mousse to tousle the waves.

Styling tips: enhance your natural curls by using a hydrating and curl-defining product. Blow-dry the straight bangs with a flat brush for a sleek and polished effect, creating a dynamic blend of textures in your hairstyle.

Shag Wavy Bob Cut

Shag Wavy Bob Cut #bobhaircut #messyhair
by @ryabchik.moscow

With medium length shag haircuts, scrunch up those choppy curls to give a defining volume to your thick layered hair. It is a cute cut with just the right amount of teasing around crown of your head to really bring out the pompousness and give it a height.

Colored Long Bob Cut

Colored Long Bob Cut #colorfulhair #shaggyhair
by @ryabchik.moscow

This shoulder length haircut is so effortless and it even makes thin hair look full and bouncy. You can add highlights and play around with color to show off the texture too.

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Layered Long Side Parted Bob

Layered Long Side Parted Bob #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @headrushdesigns

A mid length haircut where your hair is styled into beautiful chunky waves with twisted shaggy layers is bound to make you look ravishing. The top of your hair is slightly tousled to flaunt the few wispy fly-aways.

Wavy Lob With Bangs

Wavy Lob With Bangs #bang #stylishahircut
by @jhonatan.klagemberg

This classic shag haircut for women who prefer bangs works best for someone who has medium textured tresses. It brings out the bounciness and adds thickness to the hair by adding a numerous amount of layers.

Long Shag Bob Cut With Balayage

Long Shag Bob Cut With Balayage #ombrehair #balayage
by @jhonatan.klagemberg

The long layers and slightly choppy locks of this hairstyle accentuate your collarbones and neck. For blonde or brunette hair, you can even go for golden highlights that subtly fade into the ends of the hair.

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Long Shag Haircut and Curtain Bangs

Long Shag Haircut with Curtain Bangs
by @salsalhair

Now, it’s time to see how you can add some edge to your long chevelure. Instead of cutting your hair short and yielding to the changes completely, you can just shape up your ends or crown and freshen up your look without length loss.

 

Long Wavy Blonde Shag With Bangs

Long Wavy Blonde Shag With Bangs #longhair #wavyhair #bangs #shaggy
by @salsalhair

Unfortunately, despite all our attempts to make volume stay longer, flat looks are inevitable when styling long hair. Yet, long shag hairstyles are an exception: such cuts look at long locks from totally different perspective. Once you opt for slight layers on the midway and frame your brows with thin bangs, you will see your long hair in a new light.

Texturized Loose Wavy Long Shag

Texturized Loose Wavy Long Shag #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @salsalhair

Let’s be honest, the waterfall of gentle waves that fall on your shoulders is to die for. And we all get envious when we see a girl with cute and full wavy hair. Luckily, we all can look that glorious! Just call your stylist and ask for a long shag haircut.

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Long Choppy Shag With Feathers

Long Choppy Shag With Feathers #longhair #layeredhair #shaggy
by @salsalhair

If you choose this cutting technique, you will be surprised by the difference. Feathers don’t cut the length, they work on the ends, making them pop by moving from layer to layer. In this way, you can keep your favorite length, while getting a graduated, modern cut.

Razored Shag With Curtain Bangs

Razored Shag With Curtain Bangs #longhair #wavyhair #layeredhair #bangs #shaggy
by @salsalhair

While the classic shag haircut is achieved with scissors, you can go for a more distinctive and contemporary look of a razored shag. To complement this idea, it’s better to combine it with curtain bangs of the same thickness. As for styling, nothing can compare to its wavy variation: everything is so effortless and seamless!

Long Wavy Shag For Thin Hair

Long Wavy Shag For Thin Hair #longhair #wavyhair #layeredhair #shaggy
by @chrisjones_hair

Swirling layers and edgy ends can really say goodbye to your weak, thinner locks. Yes, when dealing with hair that lacks volume, texturizing is crucial. But don’t worry: it will volume up each strand, working on the ends only.

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Long Choppy Shag With Thin Bangs

Long Choppy Shag With Thin Bangs #longhair #wavyhair #bangs #shaggy
by @salsalhair

Has your hair ever had a twisty look like this? The hair is noticeably full, and each wave stands out in its own, choppy way. Isn’t that a truly perfect look that every thick chevelure deserves? Pair it with a thin curtain bang and be ready to catch people’s eyes.

Shaggy Messy Layers

Shaggy Messy Layers #layeredhair #messyhair
by @salsalhair

We’ve got good new for those who love messy and tousled looks! With shaggy layers, the charm of chaotically styled strands will reach the next level. Of course, once you combine messy styling with the power of layers, you will forget about thin hair troubles and make volume stay.

Long Layered Hairstyle With Torn Bang

Long Layered Hairstyle With Torn Bang #layeredhair
by @salsalhair

Meet one of the latest types of bangs that can complement your shag with its edgy, yet airy texture. Not only does this cutie enhance the movement of long layers but it also gives a slight framing touch without overlapping the eyebrows.

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Long Pink Shaggy Hairstyle

Long Pink Shaggy Hairstyle #pinkhair
by @salsalhair

As for those who love to steal the show with uncommon and jaw-dropping hair colors, a shag can be a palette for your color experiments. Every single edgy layer and every pointed twist will accentuate your color play, making it dynamic and alive.

Hair tips: maintain the vibrancy of your long pink shaggy hairstyle by using color-safe products, washing with cool water, and protecting your hair from UV rays.

Blonde Shaggy Curls

Blonde Shaggy Curls #curlyhairstyle #blondehair
by @soraverly

When working with curls, shaggy layers provide exceptional definition to every strand, making the curly pattern very balanced and distinctive. In other words, a shaggy cut is something that can reveal a stunning curly hair pattern you never knew you had.

Long Bob With Highlights

Long Bob With Highlights #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @jeffersonbolina

Don’t ever forget that haircuts go hand in hand with colors when you want to take your image to the next level. For example, you can always accentuate your haircut with the right color technique, as well as intensify the beauty of your color with the right haircut. This highlighted inverted bob is an example of a unique approach to hair changes.

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Shaggy Peach Bob Hairstyle

Shaggy Peach Bob Hairstyle #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @hairbymisskellyo

Soft pastel shades have become a huge trend in the past few years, and they don’t seem to ever take a backseat. Such colors as peachy, lilac and ligh navy blue pastels are the best matches to shaggy layers: together, they create a lovely airy silhouette that no one has the power to resist.

Short Layered Bob

Short Layered Bob #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @jeffersonbolina

No matter how short your bob is, there’s always a place for layers. Most short bob haircuts feature longer tresses on the front to allow for face-framing hairstyles while rocking short lengths. And this is where layers should come in.

Retro Shaggy Style

Retro Shaggy Style #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @coiffeurstory

The fun fact is, this cut has turned out to be ageless; today, it can nicely fit any modern outfit and complement any image. What makes this look so reminiscent of the retro times is the texture and the way the fringe is blended with the rest of the locks.

To make this fantastic cut a part of your modern look, we recommend you wearing it with a wispy fringe and keep it at a moderate length. Some curl foam at the ends will be a good idea, too.

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Celebrities with Shag Haircuts

Taylor Swift with Shag Bob Cut
Credit photo: Phil Stafford/Shutterstock
Gabrielle Union with Shag Dark Bob
Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Viola Davis with Short Shag Dark Bob
Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Lucy Boynton With Blonde Messy Bob
Credit photo: Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock
Meg Ryan with Blonde Layered Shag Bob
Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Zendaya with Curly Shag Bob
Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Halle Berry with Shag Brown Bob
Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Natasha Lyonne with Layered Blonde Shag Bob
Credit photo: lev radin/Shutterstock
Kerry Washington with Shag Dark Bob
Credit photo: DFree/Shutterstock

Now that you know how many shag variations there are, including those that you can design yourself, it’s time for you to give one of them a try. A shag haircut is all about getting the most of your texture and taking your cut to the next level. Let the upgrade into your life!

What Does A Shag Haircut Look Like?

What Does A Shag Haircut Look Like? #shaghaircut #shaghair
by @brianaguilarhair

The variety of shaggy options is so vast that no wonder if you’d like to know what features make a haircut a shag.

Initially, shag haircuts had a punky, carefree character conveyed by a voluminous crown with lots of sharp little layers and a longer top with flowing long layers. The cut has changed a lot to introduce its modern facet, however, it has still left this casual feel and sense of freedom in the hair.

Brown Shag Haircut with Bangs
by @salsalhair

Modern shags consist of sharply cut layers that can adapt to any hair length and any texture possible. What makes this haircut so special is that it can equally improve thick and thin hair types, enhancing volume and movement in the latter, and providing a balanced shape to the former. Choppy ends, lots of texture, and edgy finish - that’s how we describe this ever-popular masterpiece.

The best thing about shaggy looks is that you can always customize your cut to flatter your features. You can regulate the length and sharpness of your layers, as well as decide how dramatic and disheveled your shag would be. In other words, with a shag, you can create anything from punky to lovely casual looks.

How Do I Cut My Hair Shaggy?

How Do I Cut My Hair Shaggy?#shaghaircut #shaghair
by @brianaguilarhair

If you wonder whether you can leave your shag up to DIY rather than to a professional, we strongly recommend you to change your mind. This haircut requires a thorough approach to details and texture, which would be hard to perform. However, you still need to know how the cut is actually done to know what to ask your stylist for.

In general, the shag is cut in two variations. The first, or the classic one, involves bangs and various increasingly-longer layers that progress along the head from the top to the neckline. The second cutting method is slightly different: the hair in the center features a greater lift straight over the head, which allows for creating especially long layers.

Gray Shag Hair
by @salsalhair

To create this cut, your stylist will:

  1. Section off the hair to cut the bangs first.
  2. Shape your hairline by cutting the perimeter at a sharp cascading angle.
  3. Create a guide for top layers, blending the length with the bangs.
  4. Take thin vertical sections of hair, and cut them in a straight line horizontally.
  5. Work her or his way from back to front to cut all the hairs to the top guide.
  6. Blend the lengths of the perimeter, switch to an angled cutting technique for very long layers.
  7. Texturize the hair with thinning shears.

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FAQ: Shag haircut

What is a wolf cut?

The wolf cut lies somewhere between shag haircut and mullet. It features a long mullet style with voluminous feathered layers. Usually, it’s also accompanied by a set of face-framing curtain bangs or a heavy fringe adding some extra shape towards the front.
Otherwise, the ‘wolf cut’ requires little upkeep and looks especially well on wavy or curly hair.

What degree is a shag haircut?

Shag is the 180-degree haircut, also known as the reverse elevation. This haircut is generally reserved for longer hair, whereas the rest of the cuts can be used on any hair.
The hair is divided into five sections, then each section is combed straight up and then cut straight across.

Should I get a shag haircut?

The shag is a great haircut for people with curly or wavy hair, naturally having the movement and volume.
The good thing is that there’s no need to hold yourself back from getting shag haircut if you have got straight hair; this cut suits most hair types and textures.

REFERENCES:
  • A shag cut is a hairstyle that has been layered to various lengths. Source
  • Feathered hair was a hairstyle popular in the 1970s and the early 1980s with men and women. Source

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