CARE FOR A SHAG?

31 Trendy Shag Haircuts for Any Length 

The textured style is having a moment again, so here's a little photo inspiration you can take to the salon.
sidebyside of people with different kinds of shag haircuts. Person on the right has straight blonde hair and t's a very...
Courtesy Wes Sharpton

If there's anything that's always in style, it's nostalgia. Some of the more popular beauty trends we see today include bright, colorful shadows that bring us back to the '80s; rhinestones and gems applied around the eyes, a throwback from the early 2000s; and of course, the shag haircut, which harkens back to '70s.

The distinctly layered style has been steadily rising in popularity since 2019, but this year, it's become impossible to ignore, thanks to hairstylists and celebrities. Holly Seidel, a Los Angeles-based stylist who counts the shag amongst her specialties, thinks it's the cut's inherently rebellious nature that's kept it relevant over decades. "Women are tired of being told to hide their natural textures," she tells Allure. "They want to wear it or at least have the option, and a well-cut shag gives them that freedom." 

Learn more about the style making its comeback, ahead.

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In This Story:

What Is a Shag Haircut?

In 2022, the shag cut can be as much or as little of a commitment as one wants it to be. It can be short, long, drastic, or subtle — but though the possibilities are endless, most shags are characterized by their volume-creating layers and face-framing shapes. "As a whole, a shag is cut by pulling everything forward with a more dramatic contrast of layering [rather] than the average long layers," says Nashville-based stylist Andy Judd. He prefers to razor-cut most layers on wet hair and make adjustments after drying, but says plenty of hairdressers have learned their own signature techniques that are just as effective.

How to Prepare For a Shag Haircut Appointment

Every salon appointment should start with a thorough consultation to assess your hair and face shape and establish whether the shag is a suitable haircut for you. Hairstylist Ona Diaz-Santin suggests clients arrive with natural, one-day washed hair that’s let down to allow for a proper consultation. This is also the time to pull out any photos you’ve brought with you that show the type of cut you want (and don’t want).

We’re all guilty of making big changes to our hair to emulate a look we’ve seen online without considering whether it will actually be manageable for our hair type, which is why Diaz-Santin suggests asking your stylist four specific questions before taking the plunge:

  1. Is this suitable for my face shape?
  2. Do I have enough density to carry this style?
  3. What is the maintenance for this style?
  4. How do I duplicate this style at home?
Shag Haircut Costs

The shag is a specialty haircut, says hairstylist Sofie Pok, so prepare to potentially pay more for your chop. Pok says prices will vary widely depending on the experience of the stylist. "If you go to someone who's exceptional at these styles, you may want to consider paying $200 or more for the cut," she says, warning that visiting an inexperienced stylist may result in you needing a correction, thus costing you more in the long run. However, she adds that you can also get the style for $55-$100.

How to Style a Shag Haircut

The beauty of a shag haircut is its ability to suit almost any hair texture and length. Below are tips on how to style your look, based on your hair texture.

Styling a Shag on Fine to Medium Hair

Styling a shag haircut on fine to medium hair is all about adding texture and volume to avoid a limp style that lacks dimension. "Start with a texturizing product like the O&M Surf Bomb Sea Salt Spray and lightly mist it onto damp hair from roots to ends," says Frankie Flanagan, a hairstylist and owner of Adilla Colab salon in Sydney. "Next, blow dry your hair using a brush. Pull the hair forward at a 90-degree angle — to keep the root flat and the ends straight — and encourage movement and volume through the mid-lengths."

Styling a Shag on Thick Hair

When styling a shag haircut on thick hair, Flanagan stresses that keeping the hair below the occipital bone pin-straight will help to stop the look from feeling too bulky. "Start by working a liberal amount of blow dry cream or spray, like the Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray, into your hair to cut down on drying time and add a beautiful sheen," she says. Next, straighten the bottom section. Smooth the remaining hair at a 90-degree angle to avoid adding too much texture to the roots.

Then, add some bends with a curling wand. "Less is more when curling a shag, so don’t overthink it! Just pick up a few pieces randomly and give them a light bend — then wait for the hair to cool before brushing it out." She also suggests tapping the ends straight to refine the look further.

Styling a Shag on Curly Hair

Every stylist interviewed for this story agrees that the modern shag haircut was made for people with curly hair (though Flanagan cautions that finding a stylist who knows how to properly cut and remove bulk from curly hair is a must). There are three three rules Flanagan follows when styling a curly shag haircut: The first is to always add extra moisture (via a mask or emollient products) to the hair because dehydrated curls will appear more frizzy. Second, avoid using a towel when drying your hair and opting for a cotton t-shirt or microfibre towel, instead. And crucially, Flanagan always suggests applying products to sopping wet hair, then either leaving the hair to dry naturally or using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to speed up drying time and keep your curls defined. Once dry, you can use a pick to add additional volume, as desired.

How to Maintain a Shag Haircut

Similar to a bob or pixie cut, regular trims are crucial to maintaining your desired shag length and shape. According to Pok, the maintenance doesn’t vary between curly and straight hair textures, and all are best being freshened up between six and eight weeks. Diaz-Santin seconds this, adding that if you’re the kind of person who enjoys change, you could stretch this to ten weeks to enjoy all the variations of this cut as it grows out.

Shag Haircut Inspiration

Below, we've rounded up the best and most diverse shag haircuts from recent years. Just be warned: Some of these examples will have you calling your hair salon to book a last-minute appointment, so be sure to bookmark this page, or at the very least, save one of these images on your phone. You'll probably be needing it. 

  • Getty Images
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    Curly Moon Bangs

    Also a long-running fan of the shag, Natasha Lyonne's go-to cut has those signature layers all over and wispy, curly moon bangs. Need another reason to say yes to the shag? Wes Sharpton, New York City-based hairstylist and Hairstory's resident hairdresser, notes, "The shag, as a general rule, works on everyone because it's a strong look that doesn't overpower the individual's face. The bangs bring attention to the eyes and the areas around the face frame to create a contour-like-effect which highlights the cheekbone."

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    2/31

    Curly Shag Haircut

    Shag haircuts aren't limited to shorter styles, as proven by Ciara with this long curly shag cut. If you have tighter curls or coils, Zateesha Barbour, a London-based hairstylist specializing in Afro and curly hair, suggests keeping your layers longer, especially with the hair that frames the face and crown. "The shag cut is achieved by creating soft layers, often with a razor, to create featherlight softness," she says. "It suits absolutely everyone, and it can be adapted to all face shapes and hair textures."

    To create more volume and texture when styling curlier hair types, Barbour suggests applying Davines This Is A Sea Salt Spray to damp hair before drying. Once dry, she works in the OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray for more texture and hold, then uses a rake comb or Afro pick to lift the hair at the roots.

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  • Getty Images
    3/31

    The Classic Shag

    Forever and always the queen of the modern shag haircut, Alexa Chung is rarely seen without her midlength curtain bangs and long, highlighted layers. Here, she accentuates the shag look even more with her hair pulled back at the sides.

    "Made famous in the '60s by Jane Birkin, the heavy curtain bang is what really makes this cut stand out," says Seidel, who notes it works for fine or thick hair. "On fine hair, the bangs will add an illusion of fullness, but only very light layers for movement in the back should be added," she says. "For medium to thicker hair, interior layers to strategically remove bulk where needed will create movement and flow. Soft layering at the crown gives it fullness and shape." If your hair is wavy, you can finish by styling with a flatiron. "Make sure to use a heat protective product like the Cult and King Setspray," says Seidel.

  • Getty Images
    4/31

    Endless Volume

    The choppy layers in Zendaya's long and curly shag cut give it mile-wide volume in every direction. "This is a really fluid cut for curly hair," says Jenny Balding, New York City-based hairstylist and co-owner of Cutler x Arlo Salon. She notes that it's heavy on the fringe, yes, but the shag isn't severe thanks to the weight removed from the sides. "Keeping plenty of length is important so it does not shrink the curls too much which will in turn shorten the look."

    To style, Jacksonville, Florida-based hairstylist Pekela Riley recommends starting with completely wet hair then building in a volumizing mousse "to create stretching and separation with a slight toiling motion to encourage curling." Follow by scrunching your hair lightly with a micro-fiber towel to remove excess moisture without frizzing. Then, diffuse it dry. Another tip: You can also use a pick to gently fluff at the roots for added volume.

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    Sleek Shag

    The sleek shag is a great choice for those with a fine or medium hair texture, "as the blunt lines help maximize fullness in the hair," says Tom Smith, a London-based hairstylist. "Ask your stylist for a collarbone-length shag that retains extra thickness in the length with a smooth curve of layers around the face that flow from a middle-parted bang." 

    Smith recommends using a flat iron to straighten the hair, adding a very slight bend to the ends so that they curve towards the face. Keep this style looking sleek and shiny with the help of the lightweight Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum.

    More from Allure
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    6/31

    Dramatic Layers

    By definition, a shag haircut is a choppy, layered cut with a fringe, says Pok, and as you can see with this style worn by Katerina Tannenbaum, the natural curl in her hair makes these short layers on top really pop. "Shags look awesome when you can see the layers, so you definitely want some separation in the styling," she says. 

    For a soft, lived-in look, apply a styling clay like the STMNT Dry Clay to damp hair, concentrating on areas where you want to add volume — like around the crown, fringe, and through shorter layers. "Blow dry it together to melt the product into the layers and you'll have softer texture separation built in," explains Pok.

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    7/31

    Almost-Bangs

    Anne Hathaway's take on the subtle shag has face-framing frontal layers that almost qualify as bangs — but not quite. They're just over curtain bang length. To get the look, Nunzio Saviano, New York City-based hairstylist and owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon, says, "Start by keeping the length at the shoulders, adding layers to frame the face and at the crown to add movement." Finish by styling this cut with a leave-in product like the Rahua Leave-In Treatment to boost shine then use a round brush to create body to the hair. 

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    8/31

    Light and Wispy

    Though light and wispy shag styles like this one work best for those with naturally wavy hair. (It's a great wash-and-go cut for this particular hair texture.) For at-home styling, Smith recommends using a lightweight texture paste (his favorite is the aptly named Evo The Shag Beach Paste) for invisible hold and movement. "Be sure to really warm the product up in your hands before ruffling it through the mid-lengths of your hair," he says.

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    9/31

    Mullet Shag

    Miley Cyrus is rarely seen without a blonde shag or mullet, or as is the case with this haircut, a combination of the two. This head-hugging shape works best on straight or slightly wavy hair textures, though Smith says you can make it work on most hair types. To recreate this look, he suggests asking your stylist to remove lots of bulk from your hair to keep your style looking sleek and fluid. "Don’t shy away from styling products like thicker creams or balms, as that will give the best results when it comes to adding a sleek texture and modern, lived-in finish," he adds.

  • Instagram/@shelby.loos
    10/31

    Bowl Cut Shag

    Many have been conditioned to think that bangs and short hair together are a recipe for disaster, but that's simply not true, as proven by Kansas City-based stylist Shelby Loos's rendition of the shag on short hair.

    "What makes this shape different is the addition of the carved-in moon bangs that resemble a crescent shape," says Judd. "These will grow into beautiful curtain bangs. Also, a difference in this shape is that when tucked it will give off the idea of a mullet. [It gives] multiple looks without the cut in commitment."

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    11/31

    The Pixie Shag

    Gabrielle Union has worn many shag haircuts over the past few years, but none have been so bold as this intensely layered pixie cut, further proof that shaggy styles don't require a ton of length. "I would achieve this cut by starting with longer uniform layers on the top, long graduated layers towards the face, and graduated taper layers on the back and sides," says Riley. "I'd also soften the layers with point cutting and razor cutting to keep it nice, soft, modern, and not too choppy."

    With this style, Riley notes it's best to mold it with a foam wrap to lay the back and sides down. Once all your hair is dry, you can apply a light beveling with a flatiron. "Then, apply a little bit of texture wax (try the Kenra Professional Platinum Working Wax) to give it a little bit of piecey-ness. Also, texture wax can be used more on the sides and back to support with laying it down."

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    12/31

    The Lob

    Taylor Swift puts a vintage spin on the long bob with long, textured layers guaranteed to lift any fine hair type. "With this cut, it's important to not remove too much weight from the perimeter," says Balding. The focal point here is the heavier fringe area (aka the bangs) while loose layers frame Swift's face. "It's a soft shag which is still very versatile."

    To style, air-drying is usually best, Balding notes. Blow out the fringe a little and mist a texture spray like the Redken Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray lightly all over then shake out.

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    13/31

    Bouncy Curl

    The shag haircut doesn't have to be all about sharp layers or tight coils, as proven by this bouncy style worn by Bretman Rock. Smith explains that this look is all about the blow dry, which adds a healthy and luxurious shine to the hair that’s very on-trend at the moment, thanks to the Dyson Airwrap. 

    To achieve the bouncy curl of this style at home (without an Airwrap), "use a large round ceramic brush to lift and smooth the hair into soft curves," says Smith.  "Have your hairstylist keep the fringe area a little longer to allow for the extra root lift this style requires."

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  • Instagram/@highponys
    14/31

    Top-Heavy Shag

    Stylist Misty Green lets this client's naturally thick texture shine with a little layering near the crown and bangs that are styled in every direction. "This Stevie Nicks-inspired 'wolf cut' is a bohemian dream and coveted by '70s vintage lovers," says Seidel, who notes wavy to curly textures work best with this cut. "Otherwise, you will have to use a curling iron, rollers, or a perm to get the look."

    Judd adds, "What makes this haircut different is the amount of density that was kept in the fringe and the fact the stylist created more width in the crown while still giving height."

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  • Courtesy Wes Sharpton
    15/31

    Textured Shag

    There's an art to achieving just the right amount of texture when it comes to this kind of cut. "With all shags, you want shorter layers on top and shorter bits around the face," says Sharpton. His approach? "Personally, I'd cut these curls dry and start with the bangs. First, I'd carve them into the shape and length that feel best for my client, and then I'd layer the middle section by cutting each curl, starting from shorter to longer and making sure there are no blunt ends. This is because we want to achieve seamless layers, as opposed to shelf-y layers."

    Next, he says he would cut curl by curl, being sure to "over-direct" the sections toward the middle, repeating all the way around the head. "As I work, I'll shake the hair out to ensure the lift and shape is looking the way we want it to. [I'd finish with] some shorter bits around the face and frame all the way to lengths."

  • Instagram/@nunziosavianosalon
    16/31

    Wolf Cut

    There's a reason Saviano's TikTok is blowing up — his techniques for haircuts like this "wolf cut" are captivating to watch. "The new shags are way more layered than what we saw few years ago," he says. This updated version has evolved from a super layered bob to a bi-level haircut. The sides are way shorter than the length, and the crown is also a lot shorter to get more height and volume. "I love this cut on curly, wavy or straight hair, and the bangs can be cut to suit any face shape."

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  • Courtesy of Instagram/@andy_doesyourhair
    17/31

    Straight Moon Bangs

    Judd didn't need to make many cuts to add drama to this client's bright-blue hair. According to his Instagram, the biggest change he made here was widening the bangs and cutting them into a crescent shape, otherwise known as "moon bangs."

    "This dramatic shag mullet (a.k.a. the 'shullet') hybrid with its shorter bangs and more layers on top and around the face really sets the look apart," says Seidel. "It's about following the head shape and removing weight at the nape so that the hairstyle follows the curve of the neck." Seidel notes that using a razor lends to the overall soft piecey effect. Finish the look with the Cult + King Style Cream and Jelly and you're good to go.

  • Courtesy Wes Sharpton
    18/31

    Bowl Cut

    Can't decide between a short or long cut? You can have it both with this "bowl mullet" which has more shorter pieces at the front than a traditional mullet.

    On the cutting process, Sharpton says, "I would start by separating the back, just behind the ear and all the way to the crown. I'd then section off the back area with a clip so I could focus on one side at a time." Next up are the bangs: take a small section in front of the ears and cut  it into a rounded shape. "I'd then work my way toward the back of hair, taking section by section and cutting until I reached the back. Letting loose the section that we clipped up, I'd either free-hand some light layering or leave it more solid, depending on the finish we want."

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    Heavy Bangs

    This iteration of the shag amps up the drama. "Leaving extra length but creating movement throughout with shorter layers and texturing on top area gives it a very traditional shag look," says Balding. Sure, this shag look requires more upkeep than others, but it's more than worth it for the way it highlights all the face's features.

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    20/31

    Faux Bob Shag

    Smith says this highly texturized cut is perfect for thicker hair, as well as waves and loose curls. "If you want to create this look with a haircut, ask your stylist to cut your thick hair into a blunt bob with lots of texture around the face-framing area," explains Smith.

    If you're not looking to commit to such a voluminous bob, Smith explains that it's fairly simple to fake this look on "heavily layered, longer hair too by clipping the longest parts up into the nape of your neck to get the faux bob effect."

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    23/31

    Pageboy Shag

    This modern shag takes inspiration from a pageboy haircut with wavy and youthful, wispy face-framing bangs. Pok explains that the amount of volume you achieve in any shag look will depend on where your stylist cuts the layers, so telling them exactly how much (or little) body you want in your final haircut will help them determine this. "[For] straight hair or fine hair, the stylist will have to watch where to cut the layers because if you take it too high, it'll stick out or lay too flat," she says.

  • Instagram/@nunziosavianosalon
    24/31

    Long Shag

    This shag has a similar idea to the "wolf cut" — there are layers are aplenty, it's just longer in length overall. This cut can work for anyone who has hair that is straight or curly. "On curly to wavy hair, use a diffuser or let it air-dry," he says. "Using a diffuser helps enhance the texture and creates volume." Follow with a mousse (he recommends the Aloxxi Volumizing Whip) and a little styling cream (we like the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream). 

    For straight hair, Saviano suggests a light spray gel at the root and using a paddle brush to dry the sides and the back. Use a round brush for the bangs and crown. The last step is optional, but if your hair is on the straighter side and you want some more texture, use a curling iron to create loose waves.

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    Barely There Shag

    Halle Berry has had plenty of shag haircuts in her time, and while this is one of her more subtle looks, it still has all the hallmarks of a shag cut: a middle part, bangs, and voluminous layers. "This is a great option for those nervous to have lots of layers," says Smith. He explains that the hero of this style is the ‘bottleneck bang,’ which frames the face in the silhouette of a (you guessed it) bottleneck, where it's narrower at the top and sweeps wider around the eyes like the shoulders of a bottle.

    To style Berry's barely-there shag cut, Smith says it's as simple as taking random sections of hair and wrapping them around a curling wand, being sure to alternate the direction of the curl as you work around your head to achieve a more natural and effortless look.

  • Instagram/@madison.n.williams
    26/31

    Shag With Subtle Curtain Bangs

    This cut takes a subtle but effective approach that's perfect for anyone who likes the look but is (understandably) afraid of the upkeep that comes with lots of layers and bangs. The stylist responsible for this look, Austin, Texas-based Madison Williams, notes in an Instagram post that shags like this offer a way to make a visible change to your hair without cutting off much length. Finish the look by giving it a hit of dry texture spray.

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  • Instagram/@moonstonestudiola
    27/31

    Bouncy, Natural Curls

    Seidel, Los Angeles's self-proclaimed "shag queen," has fully earned to right to her nickname with creative cuts like this one. She's proof that people with curly hair do not have to shy away from this trend if they find a stylist with the right tools and techniques.

    Judd notes this cut works "because it frames their cheekbones and has face-hugging bits that hit right at the lip," adding that the stylist shaped it to accommodate the client's curl pattern and growth. To achieve this cut, "I would personally sketch in the shape wet with my razor, making sure to frame the face, taper in the length, and create fullness in the crown," he says. "Diffuse, and then sculpt in the details dry with shears."

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    Soft Shag

    Opting for glossy long layers is a good entry point to the shag haircut if you have fine or straighter hair and want to retain your length. Smith explains that Georgia May Jagger's rendition is a great example of a "soft shag" and can be achieved by "connecting the fringe area to the longest lengths with fluid layers."

    He suggests asking your stylist to keep the layers a little longer but to ensure they remove any bulk from the longest lengths of your hair, so you still achieve a true shag style. When styling this look at home, Smith recommends dispersing a small amount of hair oil through the lengths after styling for maximum shine.

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  • Instagram/@ahncotran
    31/31

    Straight Shag With Forward Layers

    Ahn Co Tran gives a 360-degree view of this shag cut he created on a client with stick-straight hair, which was a rarity when this look first became popular. Though this cut fares best over time on thick and wavy hair, a talented stylist can take thin, straight hair to new levels with the right layers.

    Sharpton notes this cut works for this client because of the softness in the ends. "It's not blunt. This great for finer, smoother textured hair because it allows the hair to move without looking 'choppy.'"

Written by Allure Staff
Keywordshairstylinghaircutshair trendshaircut trendsTrendsinstagram trendshaircut ideasshagshag haircut70sretrocurly hairstraight hairfine hairthick hairservicehaircutbangs
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