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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- What Does A Shag Haircut Look Like?
- How Do I Cut My Hair Shaggy?
- Short Shag Haircuts
- Layered Shaggy Bob With Feathered Ends
- Choppy Bob Cut With Balayage
- A-Line Shaggy Bob
- Medium Shag Haircuts
- Soft Wavy Blonde Shag
- Wavy Lob With Bangs
- Long Shag Haircuts
- Celebrities with Shag Haircuts
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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
by @chrisjones_hairWe 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.
Short Shaggy Bob For Thin Locks
by @julia_alesionokLadies 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
by @ryabchik.moscowOne 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.
Lightweight Shag Cut For Thick Curly Bob
by @nubiarezoCurly 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
by @chrisjones_hairWhen 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.
A-Line Shaggy Bob
by @paulolinnA-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
by @chrisjones_hairThe 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
by @ryabchik.moscowPixie 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.
Shaggy Spiky Pixie
by @andrewdoeshairWhen 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
by @kamila.seksenalinaA 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
by @exotismosThose 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.
Dark Layered Bob
by @timurbegichevstudioMedium Shag Haircut
by @salsalhairIt 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
by @hairdreams.nyWhen 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.
Blunt Cut With Choppy Layers
by @styled_by_carolynnNo 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
by @salsalhairCarefree 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
by @salsalhairLadies 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.
Side-Parted Blonde Shag Bob
by @ryabchik.moscowTousled And Shaggy Bob With Waves
by @chrisjones_hairOne 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
by @ryabchik.moscowAs 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.
Shaggy Cut With Center Parted Layered Bang
by @salsalhairMedium 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
by @salsalhairOnly 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
by @andrewdoeshairYou 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.
Shaggy Curly Lob
by @exotismosAlthough 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
by @ryabchik.moscowShag 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
by @ryabchik.moscowThis 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.
Curly Shag Hair With Straight Bangs
by @danibarroshairThis 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
by @ryabchik.moscowWith 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
by @ryabchik.moscowThis 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.
Layered Long Side Parted Bob
by @headrushdesignsA 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
by @jhonatan.klagembergThis 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
by @jhonatan.klagembergThe 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.
Long Shag Haircut and Curtain Bangs
by @salsalhairNow, 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
by @salsalhairUnfortunately, 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
by @salsalhairLet’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.
Long Choppy Shag With Feathers
by @salsalhairIf 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
by @salsalhairWhile 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
by @chrisjones_hairSwirling 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.
Long Choppy Shag With Thin Bangs
by @salsalhairHas 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
by @salsalhairWe’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
by @salsalhairMeet 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.
Long Pink Shaggy Hairstyle
by @salsalhairAs 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
by @soraverlyWhen 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
by @jeffersonbolinaDon’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.
Shaggy Peach Bob Hairstyle
by @hairbymisskellyoSoft 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
by @jeffersonbolinaNo 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
by @coiffeurstoryThe 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.
Celebrities with Shag Haircuts
Credit photo: Phil Stafford/Shutterstock Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock Credit photo: Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock Credit photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock Credit photo: lev radin/Shutterstock Credit photo: DFree/ShutterstockNow 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?
by @brianaguilarhairThe 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.
by @salsalhairModern 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?
by @brianaguilarhairIf 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.
by @salsalhairTo create this cut, your stylist will:
- Section off the hair to cut the bangs first.
- Shape your hairline by cutting the perimeter at a sharp cascading angle.
- Create a guide for top layers, blending the length with the bangs.
- Take thin vertical sections of hair, and cut them in a straight line horizontally.
- Work her or his way from back to front to cut all the hairs to the top guide.
- Blend the lengths of the perimeter, switch to an angled cutting technique for very long layers.
- Texturize the hair with thinning shears.
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.
- 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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