Passionate author specializing in the vibrant world of hairstyling. With a knack for unraveling trends and sharing expert insights, Marissa crafts engaging content on the latest hairstyles, techniques, and industry innovations. Committed to empowering readers with knowledge, inspiration, and the confidence to embrace their unique style.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Born and based in San Jose, California, Nikki Goddard has always had a passion for hair styling and unusual makeup techniques. At the age of 20, she started her education in The Salon Professional Academy and went on an extensive program in hair salons. Today, Nikki is a certified hair stylist and makeup artist with an associate degree in cosmetology. Currently, Nikki is a senior editor at therighthairstyles.com. She takes pride in being the root of inspiration for not only herself, but the entire team at The Right Hairstyles magazine. Her mission is to make the beauty industry available to everyone, and she enjoys teaching people the basics of hairstyling and makeup through the magazine’s articles. Nikki’s attention to detail and her ability to create a unique look that complements each client’s individuality is what continues to motivate her each day.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
@yoavtauber
The shoulder length shag pairs well with an abundance of layers. Framing them into an angled bob lets the hair fall naturally into a pretty shape that doesn’t require an insane amount of upkeep.
Medium shag haircuts are all the rage right now! If you haven’t tried one yet, you might not realize just how versatile they can be. Check out these photos for some awesome medium shag haircut inspiration and great ideas to try out.
@bladerunnerhair
This modern shag features blonde highlights and a hint of silver. The soft rounded layers keep the body bouncy, while the length is good for a free-flowing hairstyle or a ponytail/bun whenever it’s necessary to pull hair back.
Ask your stylist to add some feathery layers to that balayage hair. Then, to give the look a little oomph, wrap sections around a 1 ½ -inch curling iron, leaving the ends uncurled. Spritz the hair with finishing spray and fluff it a bit with your fingers. You are ready to rock and roll.
@anhcotran
The sun-kissed blonde layers of this soft medium shag gently flip up at the bottom where the hair touches the shoulders. Long bangs caress the jaw and frame the face. The bob-shaped silhouette in the upper part of the hairstyle suits those women who are trying to grow out their hair.
@abreath.of.fresh.hair
A more professional approach requires a good blowout with ample volume. When you’re in the stylist’s chair, ask for wispy, feathered layers that begin at around chin-length, and request volumizing products for just the roots. The result is classy, chic, and far from boring.
@suzido_
Face-framing waves and razored bangs are the hallmarks of this sassy haircut done in a brown-to-copper balayage. The tousled top and shaggy layers provide enough volume and crisp texture to make you feel gorgeous. Long pieces on the sides cover both ears completely, and the wavy tresses around the cheeks give the face a slimmer appearance.
@belximenes
If you’re tired of your lifeless, blonde hair, treat yourself to an upgrade in the shape of a cool, shaggy haircut. A honey blonde shag is very retro-chic and a great way to mix things up a bit. You can also get away with messy, haphazard styling of this cut, so running out the door in the morning just got a little easier.
@anhcotran
Something about textured, carefree waves can give the shag that dreamy, ethereal vibe. For this look, wrap hair around a wand instead of a curling iron, and leave out the bottom inch so the ends have a natural finish. Don’t brush the waves together at the end — just run your fingers through to separate.
@anhcotran
Razored layers with beachy waves are the perfect accessory for every season. This length of bangs gives a peek-a-boo vibe, and they’re still long enough if you want them out of your face.
@cutyourhair
The razored look is back, this time in a shoulder-length shag with black roots to make the gray lengths pop. It’s a punky style for a night out but can be easily dressed down and pulled back to be professional at work.
@buddywporter
There’s something so rock and roll in a good shag haircut with bangs — especially on dark hair, that it really channels icons like the Ramones. The look is still flirty and feminine, and short, feathered layers paired with chunky side bangs can give the tough shape some girly nuances.
@suzido_
The thought of going gray is no longer something that induces fear. In fact, gray hair — both dyed and natural — is more popular than ever before. This razored gray bob complements every skin tone and hair texture. Implement some shaggy bangs to soften angular face shapes and add some visual interest.
@salsalhair
Remember, loose, imperfect waves in shags are your best friends. This approach makes even the thinnest hair look full and bouncy, and adding highlights really showcases the texture.
@amandarourkehair
A long shaggy bob looks sensational when you give it a big tousle in the back and on the crown. The dimensional bronde highlights are ideal for women with tired, flat hair because those piece-y locks show off a lot of texture and volume. The center-parted lob has a tomboyish vibe that’s perfect for active and sporty women.
@halohairbychristine
Curtain bangs: short enough to cover the forehead, long enough to be parted and pinned back. This shaggy blonde relaxed ‘do is cute when accented with tousled waves, and the different layers leave a lot to look at. When ready to switch things up, straighten your locks.
@salsalhair
Voluminous V-cut layers come to life in medium shaggy hairstyles. If you simply can’t commit to one hair color, a combination of brown and blonde tones is flattering on almost anyone and can be executed in an endless amount of variations.
@jodie.smith_hair
A full set of feathery bangs and long, face-framing side pieces set this haircut apart from the rest. Bright blonde hair is both sliced and razored; two cutting techniques that work great for thinning out coarse hair. To create the classic rocker appearance, blow it out and tease it a little at the top. The windblown style is a wonderful alternative for women who want to wear their long hair loose and natural.
@rachelwstylist
This style is low-maintenance, feminine, and features the perfect length for warm weather. Put in choppy layers to frame the face and keep shaggy bangs along for the ride.
@hairbylizvela
Show off your wild and carefree attitude with this sassy style! Blunt ends and angled layers generate a very chiseled, choppy and textured look. For the finishing touch, use a texture paste to give your hair the perfect amount of grit and achieve that lived-in feel.
@elisabeth.joy.hairstylist
If you’re striving to minimize a heavy appearance of thicker hair, try strategic layering that naturally lifts strands and pulls them away from the face. This not only brings your visage to the spotlight, but also adds a bit of volume to the mainframe, giving your overall style a touch of elegance that looks lovely in pictures and life.
@philippelusiwestmoreland
In the world of beauty, messy doesn’t mean a bad thing. Master the art of looking flawlessly disheveled. Try two-tone coloring and leave the hair product-free for a truly deconstructed effect.
@suzido_
The new trend of feathered ends really took flight, and not just as a part of the 70s trend anymore. Designed for straight hair, the layers look good whether side-parted or center-parted. Brush back to give lift and body boost.
@beckychambers_stylist
There’s nothing cooler than a cut featuring mid-length textured layers. If hair has some natural texture, layers like these will only enhance it, so you won’t even need to reach for the curling iron. Use a curl-enhancing shampoo, followed by a texturizing spray on damp strands.
@maryfulton_hair
If your hair is straight and you don’t feel like styling waves on a daily basis, consider this delicate svelte cut with long feathered layers. Making the upper pieces lighter and shinier while toning down the bottom creates a gorgeous dimensional look full of texture that straight hair often lacks.
@lisa_myreis
The shoulder length shag pairs well with an abundance of layers. Framing them into an angled bob lets the hair fall naturally into a pretty shape that doesn’t require an insane amount of upkeep.
@yoavtauber
If you want an airy hairstyle with bangs, go for this lived-in style with highlights in different shades. The balayage really pops with the darker base and will make facial features stand out. When you want a dressed-up look, either keep it down or pin sides back with cute clips.
@modestspotcarrillo
The shaggy fringe on this funky straight hairstyle is dense and goes just past the eyebrows for a Bambi-eyed innocent look. Using a textured hairspray will keep the choppy layers full-looking around the crown. Work in some highlights for added bling.
@angelinamarie72
Warm brown hair with golden undertones can really sparkle when styled in soft, shaggy layers. Hair cut with a feathered finish shapes straight strands and creates a whole new silhouette that emphasizes natural or dyed highlights and adds interest without being too fussy.
@craft_and_mane
The center part provides the symmetrical balance required for a hairstyle with lots of feathery layers. Each section falls next to the other, adding volume and fullness that’s flattering for women with naturally wavy hair. The light brown and blonde highlights shimmer in the sunlight, giving the ultra-feminine haircut a shiny and healthy look.
@theresalaudermilch
It only takes the right layers and subtle highlights to really amp up your natural texture and to transform unruly wavy hair into a gorgeous mane. The longer the strand of hair, the more weighed down it is, and the straighter it lays. Razored layers automatically boost volume.
@alldayhairday
Hairstyles with dramatic colors, like this gray and white wispy hairstyle, are timeless and reminiscent of Carol Brady from The Brady Bunch. With tons of body on top, who wouldn’t want to look like this hip 70s mom?
@hairbysamhostad
Nothing spices up your hairstyle like some tousled waves and uneven layers; the latter can double as a life-saving lift for your hair. Gather up all the shortest layers towards the back of the head and gently tease them to give your crown a boost, then smooth out the top layer so everything blends.
@erin.boha
If you’re planning to go platinum blonde, remember that the bleaching process really takes a toll on your strands. For those who have suffered some breakage or just notice their strands looking lackluster, adding in choppy, feathered layers throughout will hide the damage until the hair’s health is restored.
@alliedoeshair
In case your hair texture is rather fine, razored layers may build a chic, sliced cut that helps to fill out the overall shape and give added body to the hair. Contrasting darker roots with lighter ends also creates the illusion of a fuller head of hair, and a bronde shade is easy to maintain.
@gypsysoulhairandmakeup
Warm chestnut hair color is the perfect canvas for a medium length shag. The light brown shade will add some dimension to the cut and keep it from looking too uniform or dull, while the layers allow for unpredictable movement and styling versatility.
@modernsalon
A beautiful color on a cute cut – and you’ll be more than fabulous. This style is perfect for thin hair as the razored layers will make it look like the strands are thicker and fuller. The lighter blonde highlights accentuate the razored edges.
@catherinelovescolor
Amp up the volume of your shag with a texturizing spray for a messy vibe. The organized chaos of the cut and arched bangs that make eyes pop will inspire a feisty carefree attitude – just what you need for a season update!
@anhcotran
We’re pretty sure we’ve seen stars like Vanessa Hudgens rocking this sexy messy shag. Dark red and copper highlights on brunette hair mean an effortlessly edgy look. The uneven bang only adds to the character.
@nickarrojo
Not every shag has to be grungy. There are tons of options to choose from. Go for beach hair, rocker hair, or something like this: soft and romantic. When styling loose curls, make sure to use high hold products in low doses.
@cris_cobucci
Styling a thick mane can prove challenging – what to do with all that hair? Take advantage of your bountiful locks opting for a medium razored cut and wavy styling. These layered ends are ideal for downplaying your hair’s heaviness.
@veronicaa_dee
Wanna lighten up that thick, full hair of yours? Feathered hairstyles like this medium-length one, are the way to go. The layered, light-as-a-feather tips help take some of the weight out of your hair and give it some great shape and movement. So, kiss those days of being weighed-down by your hair good-bye!
@mizzchoi
Shake, shake, shake your super-straight hair into a carefree shaggy lob. The face-framing angled bangs blend with wispy, jagged layers for a casual hairstyle that’s easy to manage. The vibrant white-blonde color is youthful and has a natural hue that should be tuned to flatter your complexion.
@paul_jaspers_
This is a sort of a perfect razor job, meaning literally. Yes, sometimes the best layers can be made only with a sharp razor for a sharp look like this.
Those thin layered strands are fantastic: shattered, yet compact and moderately voluminous. This is a perfect haircut for active ladies.
A modern take on the shag haircut, make this wispy blonde bombshell your next glow-up. Platinum highlights and feathered flipped-out ends pack your style with detail. To freshen up in between errands, simply run fingers through hair to fluff it up.
@ashleylanierhair
The gorgeous shaggy bob is played up to be dimensional by subtle highlights. Centre-parted bangs are versatile and wispy for that weekend when you’re on the go and don’t have time to style hair. This look screams cool soccer mom.
@antoniovhair
If you have hair that has a slight wave to it, the shag is a breeze to style. While for many a simple wash-and-go routine works, a bit of texturizing product before roughdrying won’t hurt. This wavy shag makes the ultimate fashion statement that proves that gray and white can be attributes of a chic style rather than a dreaded sign of aging.
@timm.morrison
Uneven edges and textured layers are the basis of many cool hairstyles. Try trendy crisp bangs that part gently in the middle for a tomboyish appearance. Razored ends and a tousled crown complete the “shagadelic” nature of this current lob.
@g_deodato
The classic lob looks even hotter with feathered ends. Short layers give the crown body, while thinning out the bottom brings a breezy cool feel.
@sweptawaysalon
Are you ready to be known as a beautiful woman with fabulous shaggy hair? This hairstyle is classically feminine and glamorous. Light brown highlights add depth to the delicious light chocolate hair color. The center part is optional – the cut also looks fantastic when parted on the side.
@crystalburkheadhair
If you prefer a rocker or Harley hairstyle with bangs, look no further than a squared shag with lots of wispy face-framing locks to accent your delicate features. A multitude of sliced layers and tousled crown section give this light-brown shag a notably edgy quality.
@ramireztransalon
These jagged layers achieve a perfect edgy look that can be enhanced by a statement color. A shoulder length lob like this won’t take much of your precious time in the morning; just apply a bit of your favorite texturizing product and go.
@alecia_theblvd
This haircut has a neat straight-across bottom with textured layers added above. The feathery, tapered wisps at the top, sides, and back are a nice contrast to the bluntly cut ends. Shorter layers around the crown work well with super-straight hair and lend a healthy shine to fine tresses.
@vilmamakesmepretty
Scrunch up your choppy waves to make the most of your thick, textured hair. A sliced shag is one of the simplest cuts to style, just a little extra teasing in the crown section and you’ll have all the height you want. Dark brown roots with bronde highlights give your hair and complexion a sun-kissed appearance any time of the year.
@sdifilippohair
This medium shaggy bob features emphasized strands sticking out as if randomly. The black-and-brown combo is a sultry and chic medley that complements a variety of skin tones.
@cherise_cheveux
To add some grunge vibes and extra sex appeal to the classic beach hair, go for choppy, shaggy layers like these. Keeping the front pieces long and adding short pieces in the back creates a really cool shape with a lot of lift. A clipless curling iron is a must to style this look.
@brendakamt
This cut pairs well with any hair color, but bronde — the golden mean between brown and blonde — looks especially great. Layer colors in a balayage same like you layer hair. The dark chocolate, golden caramel and sunny blonde breathe magic into this basic layered cut.
@truenorthsalon
This model wears her shag straight — not pin-straight, though, just left alone in that “too cool to care” kind of way. To pull this style off without it coming off as messy or unintentional, spritz the ends with a leave-in conditioner to make sure they don’t look overly dry.
@timm.morrison
The look of ashy blonde is lightened and brightened by a white balayage. It’s a cool choice that’s not as traditional as the full-on platinum or silver. Bleached strands often dry out as a result of the process, so sticking with short hair and layers will ensure locks look fresh and not too straggly.
@ashlindhair
This shaggy haircut takes on a retro feel with thick, full bangs. Long eye-skimming bangs like these are super sexy and flattering — something every woman should try at least once. Paired with textured layers, these bangs are totally adorable.
@craigpiatti
Exuding a youthful charm and effortless playfulness, this shaggy bob is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet trendy haircut. The layers are the key to creating volume and shape around the face and enhancing the natural texture of your wavy hair.
@arefe.r.haircut
Long and luscious swoopy waves can be deliciously fashioned into an eye-catching style. Women who have naturally wavy hair can wear it in a cascade of feathered layers that stack one on top of the other building a voluminous silhouette. The ash-blonde hairstyle has a glint of metallic flair for extra shine and depth of color.
@kellysvanity
All it takes to achieve this style is a bit of cutting at an angle and then using a curling iron or hot rollers to shape the layers the way you like. The feathered ends of the long layers easily fall into place and rest peacefully on the shoulders.
@studio__77
The beautiful chunky waves are eye-candy. The shaggy layers twist and turn inside one another, creating a flattering silhouette with lots of volume and body. The top is slightly tousled, just enough to show off a few wispy flyaways, and the dark brown roots keep the color looking naturally sun-kissed.
@amandarourkehair
If you’ve been blessed with bone-straight hair, cut it into a wispy razored shag. Long shaggy bangs are an option, but in this cut, they blend perfectly with graded face-framing layers. The bright blonde highlights make the hair dazzle.
@bellezza_newark
For shoulder length hair that’s full of volume, ask for layers that start at cheekbones. Choppy layers are the best starting point for modern waves. When you curl layered hair in a variety of directions, you can achieve the best shaggy texture.
@mizzchoi
The dark shade, messy styling and eye-glazing wispy bangs contribute to a dynamic shag hairstyle exuding effortless chic. The look is easy to style using a straightener: apply some tension and direct all the strands away from your face.
@nevilleromanzammit
Long bobs can double as medium-length shag haircuts when they’re allowed to grow out naturally and styled into effortless waves. The messy lob accents the neck and shoulder area, and the face-framing peek-a-boo bangs bring out the best of your eyes and cheekbones. The light blonde highlights are almost white, sun-bleached.
@brianaguilarhair
The cheek-length curtain bangs offer a modern twist to the classic shag hairstyle. We love how soft, messy waves and root volume enhance texture and body of the hair. Complemented by a rich brunette tone, the haircut boasts trendy it girl allure.
@modestspotcarrillo
The deep reddish brown hair color makes the green eyes pop and the cheekbones look so prominent with fluffy waves caressing them. For even more wave, braid the lengths to sleep on overnight. When you wake up and shake hair loose, you’ll blow everyone away with beauty.
@harryjoshhair
A layered haircut can look very dynamic when it has fine delicate grades like in the photo. Those cute feathers create sufficient volume and a splendid visual effect.
Well, these were the brightest medium-length shag haircuts you may come across today. As you see, being made according to the same principle, they look very versatile. So, be free to mimic any ideas you like to create your own distinctive style.
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
