The shag haircut is a timeless, versatile style that has made a bold return, offering the perfect balance of texture, volume, and layers. Whether you’ve got short, medium, or long hair, the shag works effortlessly across various lengths and textures, making it a go-to for anyone looking for a low-maintenance yet fashion-forward look.
With its ability to transition seamlessly between edgy and sophisticated vibes, the shag can be tailored to suit your personal aesthetic, offering a chic, effortless appearance that never goes out of style. Whether you’re after something daring or a more refined finish, this haircut is as adaptable as it is striking.
What is a Shag Haircut?
The shag haircut is defined by its signature layered structure, with choppy, textured ends that create a deliberately undone, effortless look. Often paired with bangs, this style adds to the haircut’s rock-and-roll vibe, offering a bold, carefree appearance.
Unlike standard layered haircuts, which create a more uniform and polished look, the shag uses choppy, uneven layers to achieve a relaxed, lived-in texture. One of the key features of the shag is its versatility – it works beautifully across a variety of hair lengths, from short pixie cuts to longer, flowing styles, and it complements all textures, whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly.
Originally gaining popularity in the 1970s, the shag was synonymous with the free-spirited, rebellious style of the era. Today, it has made a strong comeback, refreshed and reimagined for modern tastes. Whether you’re after a more edgy finish or a softer, more refined look, the shag offers a timeless yet trendy option that’s as stylish as it is practical.
Key Considerations for Shag Haircuts
Hair Texture
The shag haircut enhances all hair textures, from wavy and curly to straight. For wavy or curly hair, the layers boost volume and movement, while straight hair gains added body and a tousled finish. Styling products like texturising sprays can further emphasise natural texture and define the layers without weighing the hair down.
Hair Length
The shag is adaptable to any hair length. Short shags create a bold, edgy look with sharp layers. Medium-length shags offer a balanced, voluminous style, while longer shags add depth and movement, giving the hair a fresh, lively appearance.
Face Shape
The shag works for all face shapes. For angular faces, the layers soften sharp features, while round faces benefit from added structure and definition, elongating the face and highlighting cheekbones. The versatility of the shag allows it to flatter every face shape.
Maintenance
One of the main appeals of the shag is its low maintenance. Regular trims keep the layers fresh, while styling with texturising products or sea salt spray enhances the natural movement and volume. It’s a fuss-free style that’s easy to maintain, making it perfect for those seeking a trendy yet effortless look.
Top 30 Shag Haircut Styles
1. Classic Shag
Description: The original shag, featuring choppy, uneven layers with bangs. This timeless look, popularised by icons like Joan Jett, exudes a carefree, rock-inspired feel.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair. Suits most face shapes, especially oval or heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Enhance texture with a sea salt spray and let it air-dry for an effortless finish.
2. Shag with Layered Bangs
Description: This hairstyle combines the classic shag’s textured layers with layered bangs that frame the face, creating a youthful, airy vibe.
Best for: Straight, wavy, and curly hair types. Ideal for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a texturising spray to add volume, and blow-dry bangs with a round brush for added lift.
3. Choppy Shag with Undercut
Description: Featuring edgy, textured layers with a stark undercut, this style offers a bold contrast. Kristen Stewart has been known to rock this daring, modern look.
Best for: Thick or medium-textured hair. Best for square or angular face shapes.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold texturising gel to create definition in the layers and sleekness in the undercut.
4. Wispy Shag
Description: A lighter, more delicate version of the classic shag, featuring soft, feathered layers. Alexa Chung often sports this softer, more feminine take on the shag.
Best for: Fine to medium hair types. Works well for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a lightweight mousse or texturising spray to define the layers without weighing them down.
5. Long Shag with Face-Framing Layers
Description: This long shag features face-framing layers that create movement and dimension, offering a relaxed yet chic look.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair. Works well on round, square, and oval face shapes.
Styling Tip: Blow-dry the layers outward with a round brush for extra volume, and use a light smoothing cream to tame frizz.
6. Short Pixie Shag
Description: A pixie-inspired shag with choppy layers, this short style offers an edgy, bold look. Rihanna has been seen with a short pixie shag that combines femininity with an urban vibe.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair. Ideal for oval or heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Apply a lightweight styling cream to enhance texture and blow-dry with a diffuser to add volume.
7. Side-Parted Shag
Description: This shag features a deep side part that adds asymmetry and volume to the layers, creating a stylish, sophisticated look.
Best for: All hair types, especially medium to thick textures. Suits oval and square face shapes.
Styling Tip: Use a texturising mousse to create root lift, and a blow-dryer with a side part to enhance volume.
8. Modern Shag with Highlights
Description: A contemporary shag, with face-framing highlights or balayage to add dimension and depth. BillIe Eilish has been known to sport this modern, high-contrast take on the shag.
Best for: Medium to thick hair types, especially straight or wavy textures. Works for round, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a colour-safe shampoo and texturising cream to maintain the highlights and enhance texture.
9. Rockstar Shag
Description: With voluminous, messy layers, this rockstar shag is perfect for a bold, rebellious style. David Bowie and Debbie Harry helped define this edgy, free-spirited look.
Best for: Thick, textured hair. Suits square or angular face shapes.
Styling Tip: Apply a strong-hold texturising spray to maintain the volume and messy finish, and dry with a diffuser for a natural, tousled look.
10. Curly Shag with Bangs
Description: This curly shag embraces natural curls, with layers and bangs that add structure and shape.
Best for: Curly or wavy hair. Works best on thick, voluminous curls and suits square or oval faces.
Styling Tip: Apply a curl cream or mousse to define curls and reduce frizz. Dry with a diffuser to maintain curl structure and volume.
11. Medium Feathered Shag
Description: This medium-length shag features soft, feathered layers that create a light, airy effect. The layers offer volume and movement without being too heavy.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair types. Suits oval, heart-shaped, and round faces.
Styling Tip: Use a volumising mousse to boost the layers, and blow-dry with a round brush for added movement and shape.
12. Fluffy Shag
Description: A voluminous, textured shag that’s all about the fullness. It features lots of layers and body, giving a fun, carefree vibe. Zendaya has been seen with a fluffy shag, rocking this bold and bouncy style.
Best for: Thick hair or those with natural texture. Ideal for oval and square face shapes.
Styling Tip: Use a thickening spray or dry shampoo to add volume and give the hair a fuller look. Blow-dry with a diffuser to enhance the fluffiness.
13. Shag with Curtain Bangs
Description: The shag with curtain bangs combines the layered texture of the shag with long, sweeping bangs that frame the face.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair. Works well with oval, heart-shaped, and square faces.
Styling Tip: Blow-dry bangs with a round brush to add volume and shape, and use a light texturising cream to keep the layers defined without weighing them down.
14. Wavy Shaggy Lob
Description: This shoulder-length shag combines the laid-back texture of a shag with the chic look of a lob (long bob). The wavy texture adds a beachy vibe, seen on stars like Gigi Hadid.
Best for: Wavy hair types. Ideal for oval, heart, and square face shapes.
Styling Tip: Use a sea salt spray to enhance natural waves, and scrunch the hair for a tousled, effortless finish.
15. Tapered Shag with Bangs
Description: The tapered shag with bangs features layers that gradually become shorter towards the sides, paired with bangs that add an element of structure. Jane Fonda has famously worn this style, offering a sophisticated yet edgy look.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair. Works well for oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a light styling cream to define the bangs and layers, and blow-dry with a round brush for volume and shape.
16. Shag Mullet with Bangs
Description: This unique, bold style combines the retro mullet with shaggy layers and bangs. The result is a daring, edgy look, reminiscent of Billy Ray Cyrus in the 1990s.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair, particularly thick hair. Suits angular or square face shapes.
Styling Tip: Apply a texturising spray to boost volume in the back and add definition to the bangs. Use a blow-dryer with a diffuser for a more natural finish.
17. Shaggy Asymmetrical Cut
Description: An asymmetrical shag features uneven layers that create an edgy, slightly off-balance look.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair. Ideal for round or square face shapes, as the asymmetry helps elongate the face.
Styling Tip: Use a light mousse to add texture and volume to the layers, and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to keep the shape intact.
18. Textured Shag with Fringe
Description: The textured shag with fringe features thick, choppy layers paired with a bold fringe. This combination creates a statement-making look. Celebrities like Alexa Chung have embraced this style, balancing edginess with a touch of femininity.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair. Works best on oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a volumising mousse to boost texture and blow-dry the fringe to keep it neat yet soft, while letting the layers fall naturally.
19. Relaxed Shag
Description: The relaxed shag is a laid-back take on the traditional shag, with softer layers and a natural, more effortless vibe.
Best for: All hair types, especially those with natural wave or curl. Suits most face shapes, particularly round and oval.
Styling Tip: Apply a lightweight texturising cream and allow hair to air-dry or scrunch it for a more relaxed, tousled finish.
20. Straight Shag
Description: A straight shag keeps the layered texture but omits the usual wave or curl, resulting in a sleek and sharp look.
Best for: Straight hair. Works well for oval and square face shapes.
Styling Tip: Use a smoothing serum to keep the layers sleek and frizz-free, and a flat iron for sharp, precise edges in the layers.
21. Voluminous Shag for Thick Hair
Description: This shag is designed specifically for thick hair, with layers that maximise volume and create a bold, full-bodied look. Camila Cabello has been spotted with this full, textured style.
Best for: Thick hair textures. Works well with oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a thickening mousse and a blow-dryer with a diffuser to enhance volume, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the shape in place.
22. Layered Shag for Thin Hair
Description: The layered shag for thin hair adds the illusion of thickness and texture, with lighter, choppier layers that don’t overwhelm fine strands.
Best for: Thin or fine hair. Suits oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a volumising mousse to add body, and blow-dry with a round brush to lift the roots and add movement.
23. Cropped Top Shag
Description: This edgy shag features a cropped, shorter top with longer layers around the sides and back, offering a dramatic, textured look. Emma Watson has embraced this cut for its chic and bold vibe.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair. Ideal for round or oval face shapes.
Styling Tip: Apply a lightweight styling cream to define the layers and use a blow-dryer with a round brush to create volume at the crown.
24. Shaggy Bob
Description: The shaggy bob is a playful twist on the traditional bob, featuring tousled layers that create a casual, effortless look. Sienna Miller is known for rocking this carefree, stylish cut.
Best for: Straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair. Works well with oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a sea salt spray to enhance the texture and scrunch the hair for a natural, undone finish.
25. Wolf Cut Shaggy Lob
Description: Combining the edginess of a wolf cut with a lob, this style features choppy, shaggy layers with a longer length at the front, offering a wild, untamed look. Miley Cyrus has worn a version of the wolf cut, combining shaggy layers with a bold attitude.
Best for: Thick or medium-textured hair. Suits oval, heart-shaped, and square face shapes.
Styling Tip: Apply a texturising mousse and blow-dry with a diffuser to enhance volume and texture for a more defined, messy finish.
26. Shag with Baby Bangs
Description: This playful style combines shaggy layers with cute, short baby bangs, creating a quirky, youthful vibe. Brie Larson has been known to wear baby bangs with shaggy layers for a fresh, fun look.
Best for: Straight hair. Works best for oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Keep bangs trim and apply a lightweight texturising spray to define the layers. Blow-dry the bangs with a small round brush to maintain their shape.
27. Curly Shag with Soft Fringe
Description: The curly shag with soft fringe embraces natural curls, pairing them with a soft, wispy fringe to frame the face. Sarah Jessica Parker has sported a curly shag with bangs for a romantic, voluminous look.
Best for: Curly or wavy hair. Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl-defining cream and a diffuser to bring out the natural texture, and lightly style the fringe for a soft, effortless appearance.
28. Blunt Shag
Description: This shag features sharp, straight layers that give a more structured, bold look, while still maintaining the edgy texture.
Best for: Straight or wavy hair. Works well for square and oval face shapes.
Styling Tip: Use a smoothing serum to keep layers sleek, and blow-dry with a flat brush for sharp, defined edges.
29. Shag-Inspired Long Locks
Description: Inspired by the shag cut but with a longer length, this style keeps the choppy, textured layers flowing through the hair for a bohemian feel.
Best for: Straight, wavy, or curly hair. Suits most face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a volumising spray to boost body and dry with a round brush for added lift and fullness.
30. Shaggy Crop
Description: The shaggy crop is a short, edgy cut that features choppy layers throughout for a textured, carefree vibe. Rita Ora has worn this cropped, shaggy style for a fashion-forward, bold look.
Best for: Straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair. Best suited for oval and square face shapes.
Styling Tip: Use a lightweight styling cream or mousse to define the layers and finish with a texturising spray for extra volume.
Tips for Maintaining a Shag Haircut
Use the Right Styling Products
To keep your shag haircut looking fresh and defined, opt for lightweight styling creams, sea salt sprays, or texturising mousses. These products enhance the movement and layers, giving the style that effortlessly tousled look. Sea salt spray, in particular, can add texture and volume, making it perfect for achieving that natural, wind-swept vibe.
Regular Trims
A shag haircut relies on well-maintained layers to keep its shape intact, so regular trims are key. Schedule visits to your salon every 6-8 weeks to ensure the layers stay fresh and the style remains flattering. Without trims, the cut can lose its signature structure and begin to look weighed down or uneven.
Embrace Natural Texture
One of the best things about a shag is how effortlessly stylish it looks with natural texture. Rather than spending too much time on styling tools, embrace air-drying or diffusing your hair for a relaxed, tousled finish. This helps maintain the shag’s laid-back charm and gives it that ‘I woke up like this’ vibe, which is at the heart of the style.
Add Volume When Needed
Although the shag is naturally voluminous, sometimes a little extra lift can take it to the next level. Volumising sprays or blow-drying techniques can give your layers added body and fullness. For maximum lift, flip your head upside down when drying, or use a round brush to create extra volume at the roots.
Book Your Shag Haircut Appointment at Rush
Ready to upgrade your look? Book an appointment at your nearest Rush salon for a professional shag haircut tailored to your style.
FAQ's
What is a shag haircut?
A shag haircut is characterised by choppy layers that create texture and volume. It often includes bangs and is designed to give the hair a messy, undone look with plenty of movement. The cut is versatile, working for various hair lengths and textures, from straight to curly.
What is the difference between layers and shags?
While both involve layering, a shag haircut features more pronounced, uneven layers throughout the hair for a messier, edgier look. Layers, on the other hand, tend to be more structured and subtle, providing a more polished and uniform appearance. The shag is specifically known for its textured, choppy effect.
Is the shag haircut suitable for all hair types?
Yes, the shag haircut is incredibly versatile and can work with most hair types. It’s especially great for adding volume and texture to straight or fine hair, but it also looks fantastic with curly or wavy hair, as the layers enhance the natural texture.
How do I style a shag haircut?
To style a shag haircut, use texturising products like sea salt spray or mousse to enhance the layers and create movement. You can air-dry your hair for a more natural look or use a blow-dryer with a diffuser to add volume and texture. For bangs, blow-dry them with a round brush for shape or leave them to air-dry for a softer look.
How often should I trim a shag haircut?
To keep your shag looking fresh and well-shaped, it’s best to trim it every 6-8 weeks. Regular trims help maintain the layers and prevent the style from becoming uneven or losing its texture.
Can a shag haircut work with fine hair?
Yes, a shag haircut can work wonders for fine hair by creating the illusion of volume and fullness. The layers help add movement, texture, and body to finer strands, giving the hair a thicker, more voluminous appearance.
