Mary Jackson is a freelance writer with a degree in programming, passionate about the latest trends in health, beauty and makeup. She is dedicated to making a thorough research of each topic she covers and pointing to the latest technological advancements in diverse industries.
Read full bio Editorial guidelinesAs a creative person, musician and actress at heart, Stacey Bradshaw has experimented a lot with her hairstyles just out of curiosity: blunt and side swept bangs, layered haircut, long bob, highlights, dark toning etc. “Life is too long to be afraid of changes. Monotony is dull” is her motto. She is a freelance writer, keen reader, and just a curious person, who loves exploring new useful information on nutrition and beauty tips for keeping hair healthy and pretty.
Read full bio Editorial guidelinesMari Reed is a Philly based curl and shag/mullet specialist. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mari moved to New York City to specialize color after getting her cosmetology license from Toni and Guy Hairdressing Academy. Mari apprenticed under Louis Licari trained colorists and participated in major styling events such as NYFW. Finding that curly cuts were more her passion, Mari threw herself into cut education studying at Bumble and Bumble, Hairstory Studio, Goldwell, and Wella studios honing her craft. Now a curly cut specialist, Mari continues to sculpt hair into mullets and shags. She’s been in multiple publications such as Latest Hair sharing her knowledge and leading the way in curly cut education and styling.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines@salsalhair
Tousled at the top and complimented with arched bangs, you’ll love the face-framing qualities of this perky shaggy hairstyle. Ideal for women with straight hair, the cut has a slightly tomboyish look, but still remains feminine and cute. The razored layers gently graze the collarbone and add to the spiky appearance of the overall hairstyle.
Today, very few women opt to have their tresses cut in one-length styles. Shag haircuts look more modern, sharp and shapely, being at the same time easily-styled solutions. Shags are very versatile and can be crafted to fit your look, texture and lifestyle. Here is how!
Whether you’re looking to add texture, movement, or volume to your locks, the shag cut offers a versatile and on-trend option. From tousled layers and face-framing bangs to playful, choppy ends, there’s a shag style for everyone. Find inspiration for your next transformative hair adventure and get ready to revive your style with the carefree and effortlessly cool vibes of shag haircuts.
@tesssadidmyhair
A shag cut is perfect for women with medium textured hair. If you’re searching for a unique style, why not try swoopy layers? As well as offering instant volume and dimension, swoopy layers put a contemporary twist on the traditional shag cut.
Want more of an edge to your shag? Consider asking for the “shullet.” All the best parts of the mullet and shag combined to create a textured, low-maintenance, high-fashion look. Carving layers on the crown adds instant volume while the framing around the face makes your eyes the focal point.
For an even edgier look for your shag, ask for more of a disconnection from your layers and the length of the cut. Short layers around the crown create volume and shape all while maintaining the length. This style can also take the weight out of higher density hair or add volume to normally flat fine hair. Ask your stylist if this look is right for you and your lifestyle.
This wonderful shag haircut will boast of enviable thickness and inimitable texture enhanced by glossy auburn highlights. A shag that has softer layers towards the crown and shatters through the ends embodies class while maintaining texture. If you wish to view more prominent shag haircuts that are popular this season, please, visit this gallery.
The face-framing layers of this shag with bangs do a fabulous job of accentuating the model’s high cheekbones and making her look sultry and glamorous. The deep auburn color works well with most skin tones, and the tousled choppy style has a lot of sporty attitude.
@harryjoshhair
If you’re in search of a shag haircut that’s stylish and modern, look no further than a two-layer feathered cut, a little bit tousled at the top.
@moderntekniques
A forward-swept shag is a perfect choice for finer hair because the various layers work in tandem to create a sense of lift and movement. The straight wispy bangs and carved face frame accentuate and highlight the wearer’s face.
@i.do_hair
A center part and feathered waves of the copper-toned shoulder-length shag are ultra-feminine and easy to style. When you let the long bangs fall in front of your eyes, you create a sensual look.
@craft_and_mane
Not ready to fully commit to a full shag? Consider the lob with shaggier layers. It adds texture and depth without fully committing to the trending shags. The wavy tendrils are tinted with sexy white-blonde highlights and finished off with a razor for a complete shaggy touch.
@melanieathologram
A choppy shag cut that grazes the clavicle, enhanced with long side-swept bangs, is a great choice for thick hair. The chestnut brown base color has an overall rusty tone with warm richness, and the piece-y angled layers of the bob work well with most face shapes.
@hairtayloredtoyou
The mix of both short and long layers means that the hair seems to flow freely at every angle. Textured locks in this style work best for slender faces with petite features.
@buddywporter
This two-tone medium-length shag haircut is a feathery nod to the iconic Friend’s character, Rachel Green. It’s a straight, layered hairstyle that looks wonderful on women with thick locks. It alleviates the usual heaviness in thick hair while creating a playful and bouncy texture.
@hairartistholley
Distinctively rock and roll, the long bangs and straight hair of this below-the-shoulder shag cut frame the face and bring out your best features. The subtle copper highlights and the shaggy razored ends contribute to the modern, trendy, and youthful vibe.
@deeprootsatx
Multiple pronounced layers are lovely for shoulder length shags. Add in some waves with a large barrel curling iron to complete this sassy and fun style. If your hair is dark, consider some subtle highlights to lighten things up a bit and create a dimensional look. Think of some fun color to punch up the final look and brighten up your face.
The following images demonstrate that wispy shag hairstyles give off major retro vibes from the 70s and 80s. Think Joan Jett and Debbie Harry from Blondie for cut inspiration. Channel your inner rock chick by asking your stylist for wispy layers all-over your head to gain a fierce, eye-catching appearance.
@suzido_
Consider a crown-layered hairstyle when you want a perfect solution for fine hair that needs an uplifting boost. The strawberry bronde color is a unique way to make your medium shag the talk of the town.
@zealhairstudio
Tousled at the top and complimented with arched bangs, you’ll love the face-framing qualities of this perky shaggy hairstyle. Ideal for women with straight hair, the cut has a slightly tomboyish look, but still remains feminine and cute. The razored layers gently graze the collarbone and add to the spiky appearance of the overall hairstyle.
@salsalhair
Shag hairstyles never go out of fashion, so you can feel confident when you decide to snip your hair and get one of these edgy cuts. The chunky waves and the tousled top look fabulous when the hair is parted in the middle, and the side-swept bangs flow effortlessly into wispy, razored sides.
@tamirescorreas
Mid-length shag cuts are funky and distinctive when they graze your shoulders and flare out at the ends. Enhance the appearance of your spiky layers by adding a bit of styling product to naturally tousled locks for an edgy, fashionable look.
@gypsysoulhairandmakeup
Slightly boxy, the choppy texture and long bangs of this shaggy blonde bob add a lot of fullness to straight, fine hair. The long wispy bangs add a feminine touch.
@chrisjones_hair
If you’re after a shag cut with a more conventional aesthetic and you have thick hair, opt for flipped ends. Vintage-inspired, this cut utilizes the authentic texture and volume of your tresses. To flip your ends, merely blow dry them with an outwards curve, or use a straightener in the same way.
@prettypaintedhair
Make no mistakes, the 90s are coming back in a big way. Opting for full, straight bangs may be a throwback, but it’s worth experimenting with. Keep the locks shoulder length and try sharply angled layers throughout for a modern take on the shag that blends finishes and plays with textures.
@anhcotran
Shorter layers are a go-to not only for thick hair. Fine hair can look adorably wispy with layers around the crown. Layered hair isn’t always easy, but with a little feathering and styling you can work it.
@hairbysarahamala
Sure, most shag hairstyles do include layers, but this layered bob is definitely a champion among its peers. Layers through the length swept to one side create a beautiful texture whether you prefer to wear your hair straight or curled.
@steamspunk_studio
A medium shag with bangs is optimal if you want to wear your hair loose and tousled while spending minimum time on styling. It’s best suited for medium textured hair but can work for thin hair, too.
@salsalhair
For a more polished look to your short, shoulder-length shag, try a blowout with maximum lift at the roots and swoopy layers. Baby lights are something that will make your style irresistible and perfectly wearable.
@ashlindhair
Messy shag haircuts for women are a great option when you want to have a little fun and break away from a traditional bob. Sun-kissed blonde highlights on ash brown hair keep you looking carefree and youthful.
@ashleec615
Girlish and pretty, a layered shag offers a magnificent way to wear your hair down and have a current, effortless, lived-in look. The jet black hair color is down to earth and neutral. If it flatters you, pick it to compliment the textured shag style.
@hollygirldoeshair
Thick hair looks its best when it’s shaped and layered into stacked tiers. Parted on the side and gently tousled at the top, the shaggy copper wisps on chocolate brown hair are sophisticated and easy to style.
@beautiesbygrace
The feathered layers in your shag haircut can give the illusion that the hair is longer than it actually is. A blonde balayage with darker roots adds depth and texture to the below-the-shoulder hairstyle. It’s a cut that looks great parted on the side or down the middle.
@hairbybellanancy
The long feathered layers of this shaggy haircut help thick straight hair look pliable and soft. Style the hair so the ends are slightly flipped up. This trick gives the sporty and playful cut a little extra bounce as you walk or jog.
@ashleylanierhair
Beachy, lived-in shags attract people that want their hair to capture their carefree, effervescent lifestyle. Copper and blonde tones over the dark brown base have a feminine flair that balances out the more masculine vibe of the razored ends.
@modestspotcarrillo
The sassy brunette bob is a modern twist on the traditional short shag haircut. Slight teasing in the crown gives it a little extra height, and the wispy bangs swept to the side emphasize the eyes and cheekbones.
@anhcotran
Parted in the center and sliced into feathered pieces that seem to sprout from the crown, straight shag haircuts bring an air of sultry elegance. This platinum shag is cool and edgy, perfect for a girl with a matching personality.
@chrisjones_hair
Embrace your perfectly straight hair by going with the flow of the medium length shag. The razor-cut technique is the best way to emphasize the shaggy layers and wispy edges that barely touch the shoulders.
@hairstudiosarianokaufer
Wear your new gray shag with confidence, because it’s a color that looks amazing on women of all ages. The long feathery peek-a-boo bangs balance out the shattered shape of the overgrown pixie/bob and create a distinctively urban and edgy feel.
@stephanysmithhair
When you’re looking for a simple and carefree shaggy haircut that’s not too over the top, go for a lowkey, natural-looking style like this one. The solid chocolate brown color is neutral, yet pretty, and the feathered ends add a lot of texture and visual interest.
@beckychambers_stylist
Adding some height in the crown of a shag haircut with bangs makes it appear more elegant and sophisticated. It’s a versatile haircut that may also be worn with side pieces tucked behind the ears.
@hairicadavis
If you want to use a shaggy haircut to minimize the volume of extra-thick hair but aren’t too fond of super short layers, then razor the hair towards the ends, adding piecey-ness to the look. The honey caramel highlights over the dark brown base lend a summery, warm touch.
@chrisjones_hair
A choppy lob can be promptly updated with a rich red hue. The shagginess creates a beautiful texture that helps to show off your color.
@aerielengland
Your shag will look healthy and shiny if you leave lots of long layers in the back that slightly flip up at the ends. Wispy bangs frame the face, and copper highlights add extra sheen. A medium-length haircut can also be pulled back into a ponytail while leaving visual interest around the face.
@costellos.creations
Certain types of shaggy hairstyles have a distinctly rock flair, so you can dress them up with a heavy makeup and extra-long bangs that cover the eyes. The slightly wavy choppy locks touch the collarbone, accenting your neck and chin, and the subtle golden highlights liven up the medium brown base color.
@cutyourhair
If you want a celebrity haircut that brings back memories of Heather Locklear, an ash-blonde layered shag can just do the trick. Ideal for women with thick, straight hair, the cut can be parted down the middle or off-center. The slicing technique also helps to tame the volume and keep the hair neat.
@catherinelovescolor
A silver-blonde shoulder-length shag with feathered ends is a definite throwback to the 1970s when these were popular hairstyles for housewives and women on the go. The tousled choppy crown section tops the longer slim layers that touch the shoulders and add to the overall sense of extra length and volume for women with fine hair.
@hairbysamhostad
Naturally wavy hair and mid-length shag are a match made in hair heaven. Use some lightweight mousse to enhance your waves and define wispy ends. If you have a diamond face shape, consider styling your shaggy bangs to one side to balance the proportions.
@jensasser
For a romantic, windswept hairstyle, you just cannot go wrong with a long cut that features short and medium layers. Movement is everything here — use a styling wand to make simple ringlets at the ends of your layers.
@lj.sharman
Frame your face and shape your hair with a modern shag haircut and soft curtain bangs. Cutting thick hair in layers adds an extra whimsical touch to your hair and grants easier styling.
@saloncheska
Free spirits will fall head over heels in love with the grungy haircut. Chopping into mid-length hair and adding some boho flicks is a truly excellent way to try something new. You can even style this cut by hand and create fun waves in seconds.
@d_osalonmarin
The styles of today often have a touch of curl and bounce in them. The look is easy to style with Dyson or a blow-dryer brush, so if you are into the style, these tools will pay off soon. Remember, when wearing a shag haircut with butterfly bangs, the finishing touches are everything.
@kiyo_meynewyork
Allowing the ends of the hair to flick out may feel wrong, but it seems oh so right in this case. If you search easy, low-maintenance hairstyles, shags are a rewarding wash and go option.
@keriungerhair
Long centre-parted shags are good for oblong faces when you need to add volume on the sides on your face. This cute shag also offers incredible texture and eases your everyday styling. If your face is rather round and full, you can check this page for the most flattering haircuts and hairstyles for your face shape.
Medium to long feathered cuts provide a lot of bounce and body. This is because they’re typically done with a razor to achieve the fine-textured layers. Feminine and flattering, feathered cuts look great tousled to showcase their natural fluffiness and swing.
@suzido_
The razor cutting technique is amazing for removing weight and developing a wider range of motion. Razored wispy layers around your face will delicately frame it and point to your best features. Include a pop of color for a standout style.
@alyssonferreira__
Elongate your neckline by training your medium-length straight hair to dip inward towards your collarbone. The purposely razored shaggy ends create texture and bring a bit of whimsy to your cut.
@alchemyoakland
Add interest to the classic mid-length shag haircut with bangs by including layered ash blonde highlights. This works best with thin to medium textured tresses, as thick hair can seem bulky due to the amount of layers. Style with a bit of a wave for a sassy, chic aesthetic.
@susanfordhair
Wispy layers are stunning on longer hairstyles as their nature gives off carefree, casual vibes. You can straighten your locks using a straightener for a more pronounced layer definition; however, this style is best worn loose, tousled and flowy for maximum impact.
@brockstarhair
The best shag haircuts look natural and are easy to take care of. Let it air dry and allow your natural texture to do its thing. Watch out for the ultimate shagginess on the horizon — no special styling is required!
@dnosalon
A shaggy sliced bob is a cross between a traditional bob and a shag cut. It’s ideal for women who have super-fine tresses. Blonde highlights on a light brown base color provide additional depth and richness for limp and overworked hair.
@gleam_hair_studio
A long shag haircut that feathers down the back and flips around the neckline and shoulders is a wonderful way to wear your wavy hair. The two-tone color also helps to define the distinct layers of this chic shag haircut.
@hairbycaseybrook
A shoulder-length shag haircut can be given an instant style update with babylights. These are created using a very fine coloring technique and consist of delicate caramel highlights. The idea is to mimic the lighter hue that is naturally accomplished when your hair is exposed to the sun.
@toppcutts
Modern shags vary the amount of layers and finishes for the edges. If you find shags irresistible, welcome to the paradise of shag hairstyles.
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
Enter your email to receive a 20% off coupon directly in your inbox. Use it in our Virtual Styler to try on dozens of hairstyles on your selfie!
Shag cuts are great for allieviating the usual heaviness of thick hair and creating lift and movement in finer thin hair types. Carving layers on the crown adds instant volume, while shaggy ends add texture and bring a bit of whimsy to your cut. ”