Hair Trends

The curly shag has tons of pretty texture and attitude – here's 7 ways to wear it

Cool, curled and collected.

6 May 2021

We've all been briefed on that shag haircut at this point. It's revival over the past year has taken it from all-but forgotten to the headlining act of summer 2021. It's brought the whole of the '70s along with it too – looking at you, Farrah Fawcett flicks, curtain bangs and fluffed-out 'fros.

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Rather than identikit beach waves and one-length strands, going forward, we're looking for hair that speaks volumes (and a little root-lift action that gives actual volume as well). We're after hair that has attitude, individuality, personality and a little rebelliousness to it, too, now that we're breaking back out of lockdown. And for that, texture is everything.

"Clients have had time to redesign their look over lockdown and the shag leans upon its '70's heritage to add a level of rock n roll to any tired heads of hair needing a revamp," explains Ricky Walter’s, founder of SALON64.

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"The right kind of shag is supposed to work with your natural curl, not against it," says Sophia Hilton, INNOluxe ambassador and founder of Not Another Salon. "This look is all about creating a textured fringe, soft layering and beautiful shape," she adds.

If you're taking notes to your hairdresser, ask for plenty of shorter layers, "this gives max attitude," says Ricky. As for styling, "this cut is best worn 'lived in'" he says. Super straight strands are out in favour of curls, waves and kinks.

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"For those lucky enough to have already naturally curly or wavy hair, this cut looks great simply scrunched," says Ricky. "The best thing about this trend is how low maintenance it is," agrees Sophie. "Literally wash your hair, pop in some a leave-in-treatment [try the INNOluxe Elixir, £25, or Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, £10.99], air dry, and your hair is ready to take on the world.

If not you can create extra texture and oomph with your heat tools. "Rough dry it, then wave it with a giant waver or crimper," says Ricky, you can even finish off the odd natural rogue curl with some light tonging to get it exactly how you want it.

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