How to Pull Off The Curly Shag Haircut

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief
Photos

#1: Effortless Razor Shag

Try an effortless razor shag and transform your lank locks. I highly recommend this shape if you want fullness on the sides and a style with texture. The square layers cut with a razor lighten the ends and give you a wispy and full shape. One of the best ways to style your shag is to use a diffuser and try not to disturb the curls as they dry. You will be rewarded with defined and voluminous waves.

Curly Frizzy Shag with Fringe for women with long curly hair
Instagram @hollygirldoesgirl

#2: Frizzy Shag with Fringe

Women with long and naturally curly hair should consider the curly frizzy shag with fringe. The cut is ideal when you want volume and movement in your hair but still wish to maintain your curl length. This hairstyle works best for ladies aspiring to add texture to their curly hair for a chic, messy look. Begin styling using a curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner to control frizz and highlight the curl shape. Apply a cream or gel that defines curls to wet hair and scrunch the hair to boost curl formation. Leave your hair to air dry, or use a diffuser for the best results.

#3: Lived-In Shaggy Curls with Natural Texture

If you’re a girl with long hair and want a rough yet simple look, lived-in shaggy curls can give a natural texture and are a great choice. Shaggy curls are versatile. They give your curls both body and motion. They do this by lessening the weight on the sides but keeping the length. The shaggy curls cut is perfect for you if you have naturally curly hair and you want to make your curl stand out more without making it overly equal or frizzy. To style it, use a mousse that adds volume. Put your hair into a tight roll with a micro-fiber cloth. Do not use one made of terry cloth, as it can make your hair frizzy. Dry your hair with a diffuser, then gently lift at the roots with a pick for extra height.

#4: Razor Cut Iconic Shag

A razor-cut iconic shag is a flattering, low-maintenance hairstyle. It’s perfect for women with mid-length hair seeking a fresh yet non-drastic new look. This versatile cut brings lots of volume and body, allowing easy styling and maintenance. The razor used in this cut creates texture and movement, making it ideal for fine or medium-textured hair. To style this cut, I recommend a lightweight styling cream or oil. These products help define the hair’s natural movement and boost its texture without adding weight.

#5: Middle Part Textured Shaggy Hair

Change your medium hair into a shaggy style with a middle part. Hair trends now prefer more volume and less droop. Think about adding layers to your hair. The volume on the sides will compliment narrow face shapes perfectly. You can soften your shaggy hair using a curl booster for a modern, natural look.

#6: Beautiful Copper Rounded Shag

If you want to keep your hair long and add volume, consider this beautiful cut known as a copper-rounded shag. You should ask your hairdresser to add a fringed look, like a shag cut, and layers to your hair. At home, use curl foam from hair root to tip, and then blow-dry for maximum bounce and volume.

Shoulder-Grazing 80s Curly Shag and Bangs
Instagram @magdalena217

#7: Shag and Bangs

The curly texture adds a fluffy and voluminous look. It enhances the overall style and creates a dynamic and eye-catching appearance. The shag haircut, with its layered and tousled look, adds a sense of movement and playfulness to the hair. Paired with the bangs, this hairstyle becomes a statement-making look that exudes confidence.

#8: Loosely Curled Shag Cut

A loosely curled shag cut is a soft and pretty style. My advice is to ask for medium layers and an angle that flows away from the face. Make sure your stylist allows for shrinkage, especially if your hair is naturally curly. You’ll want to blow out your shag with oil and/or a smoothing serum for shine and control. Touch up with a 3/4 inch iron to reduce frizz in your shape, and love the results.

Enhanced Curly Shag for brunette women
Instagram @victoria.hairart

#9: Enhanced Curly Shag

Enjoy the benefits of an enhanced curly shag. You will be able to air-dry this beauty. Ask your stylist to create short layers, especially around the face. Then have them blended into the back. These short layers will take the weight off your locks to give you natural movement. Make sure to use curl products to help you out.

The Curly Shag for Blondes
Instagram @rachelwstylist

#10: The Shag for Blondes

Embrace your organic texture in a shag for blondes. The gorgeous shape is simple to air dry or invest in a diffuser for more volume. The focal point of the cut is the full fringe, which is cut with a deep bang section. Adding blonde color is a great enhancement as well. The rest of the cut should contain medium layers to encourage a rounded and fuller finish.

#11: Shag with Interior Razor Carving

A shag with interior razor carving will set you apart. Interior cutting will free your waves and give your hair a messy vibe. This cutting technique will also remove bulk from hair that is too thick. You’ll also want to ask for a nice face frame starting at the chin and continuing down through the side. Ask about the length of a bang that complements your face shape, as round faces might want a longer fringe.

#12: Textured Shag with Natural Curls

For ladies with natural curls who want to add texture and volume to their hairstyle, I suggest a textured shag cut. The layers in this cut remove weight from the sides and bring attention to the face with a heavy fringe. This cut works best for those who have curly locks with some length to them. To style, begin with wet hair and work in a volumizing mousse to create separation and volume. Don’t forget to scrunch the hair while blow drying to help maintain curl definition.

#13: Curly Rocker Shag

Try a curly rocker shag if you want a fun style. This rocker shag is perfect for women who have a little natural curl or texture to their hair. I recommend having your hairstylist use a razor to cut this shag. By using a razor it will give a lighter textured look to the hair. One of the best ways to style this hair is to use a diffuser and scrunch the hair dry. After it’s dry don’t forget to spray texture spray to give a wild flair.

#14: Messy and Lived-In Shag

Enjoy the free style of messy and lived-in shag. Face-framing angles and shaggy layers make this irresistible shape easy to manage. Be aware you might have to touch your hair with an iron if you lack enough curl naturally. Try diffusing your hair with L’Oréal’s Curl Expression Line, scrunching as you go to get the most out of your locks. Hair spray when you’re done drying to help hold the waves you have achieved.

All-Natural Short Curly Shag for older women aged 70 and older with style
Instagram @felix.lynn

#15: All-Natural Short Shag

A short shag is perfect for older women wanting a low-maintenance and stylish look. With its easy-to-manage layers and texture, this cut adds volume and dimension to the hair. And all while keeping it short enough to avoid tangles and fuss. It works best for women aged 70 and older with curly or wavy hair looking for an effortless yet chic look. Your best bet to maintaining this cut is to have it shaped up every 4-6 weeks. To style, apply a curl-defining cream while your hair is damp and scrunch upwards for a frizz-free look.

#16: Shaggy Cut for Natural Loose Curls

A shaggy cut for natural loose curls is a great choice for those who want to utilize their wavy texture. Curly hairstyles will all lie differently, depending on your texture and wave pattern. So don’t be frustrated, and go with what you have naturally. Ask for medium layers that start around the nose and a lob length to create a shape that frames your face. You’ll want to air dry or diffuse your hair, and if your hair appears frizzy, a touch-up with a 3/4-inch iron can help.

Iconic Shag with Messy Curls for ladies with medium-length hair
Instagram @stonefoxhair

#17: Iconic Shag with Messy Curls

An iconic shag with messy curls is a cute and sustainable style. Ask for a face-framing cut with many layers, shorter through the crown. If you are lucky enough to have a bit of wave or curl, you’ll rock this shape and be able to air dry with a bit of curl product.

Cute Shaggy Wolf Cut for Curly Hair for ladies with an oval face
Instagram @thesambullen

#18: Cute Shaggy Wolf Cut

Consider the untamed style of a cute shaggy wolf cut for curly hair. A wolf cut includes lots of layering throughout the entire head to increase wave and movement and frames the face beautifully. But be aware the short internal layers will be challenging to grow out, so make sure you’re ready for a new shape. You’ll want to use a curl amplifier to define your tresses, and a spray wax is a great addition to your finish.

#19: Gorgeous Copper Shag with Messy Curls

This copper shag with messy curls is the perfect style for curly-haired girls. The shoulder-length cut has a carefree feel and looks effortlessly cool. To keep your hair looking its best, avoid overworking it with heat tools. Instead, use a light hold styling product to enhance and define each curl as you scrunch them in place. For extra hold, mist a finishing spray all over for an effortless look that will last throughout the day. It’s important to note that this cut works best on mid-length hair types with thick or medium curls.

#20: Shaggy Balayage

Something I’ve noticed lately is the popularity of the shaggy balayage look. It’s a great way to add dimension and texture to curly-haired girls’ styles. All while still maintaining a natural feel. The technique involves hand painting specific sections of hair with highlights. This creates an effortless blend that looks beautiful. Consider, however, that this look can take some time to achieve. It requires precision when selecting which strands should be highlighted. You’ll love the effect of utilizing your natural curl with a diffuser and a curl balm.

#21: Glam-Inspired Shag

I suggest a soft center bang blended into a face frame and long shaggy layers to elevate the look of your long hair. This trending shape is the best way to change things up and maintain your length. Try using a round brush around the face, blow drying backward with a flat root, and avoiding too much height. To achieve waves in length, utilize your natural wave by diffusing or curling it with a 3/4-inch iron.

Thick Medium-Length Shaggy Curls
Instagram @salsalhair

#22: Thick Medium-Length Shaggy Curls

Go from flat to fluffy with thick, medium-length shaggy curls. If you want more volume in your hairstyle, adding layering is the best way to achieve this. My advice is to have your stylist overdirect the hair forward. Keep the majority of the layers around the sides and face. This will help you maintain the integrity of the length and get you the fullness you are searching for.

#23: Bouncy Brunette Curly Shag

If you have natural waves, you should ask your stylist for shaggy layers to round out your shape. Layers also help create volume. If you have straight hair, I suggest getting a shag cut. Then, have your stylist curl your hair with a 3/4-inch iron to see if you like it. You can then consider a loose perm to change it up. Curl products are a must to give this curly shag cut shine and separation.

Brunette Shag with Frizzy Curls
Instagram @tatumshanehair

#24: Brunette Shag with Frizzy Curls

Look carefree with a brunette shag with frizzy curls. A shag is one of the easiest cuts to manage and is very low-maintenance. A shag is a very creative style and can be customized to your locks. Invest in some good professional curl products to make styling at home a breeze.

#25: Collarbone-Length Curly Shag

A curly collarbone-length shag is such a chic style. If you wish to have a lot of volume and movement, all you need to do is ask your stylist to cut the layers and fringe shorter. And when describing it, use words like “textured,” “bouncy,” and “layered.”

Adorable Curled Shag with Straight Bangs
Instagram @misv_hair

#26: Adorable Curled Shag with Straight Bangs

You’ll be adorable in a curled shag with straight bangs. Allow your hairstylist to choose exactly what length bang will work for you. You might have a pesky cowlick in your fringe or a small forehead. In these instances, a longer bang might be better suited. A narrow face shape is perfect for a shorter straight bang, and the fluffy curl will accent a thin face. You’ll want to style your shag with a 3/4-inch iron to achieve tighter curls and more volume.

#27: Thick Jet Black Curls

Never have a bad hair day with thick jet-black curls. A shag cut will fall perfectly with your big bouncy curls. Make sure you cut many layers to lift your curl for maximum body and movement. After washing, you should use a leave-in conditioner. It will prevent your curls from becoming too dry and frizzy.

Charming Curly Shag with Choppy Bangs
Instagram @stebunovhair

#28: Charming Shag with Choppy Bangs

Feel wild and free with a charming shag with choppy bangs. A shag is low-maintenance and is one of the easiest cuts to manage. Shags are easy to upkeep and have a soft grow-out. I suggest a clean-up every 3 months to keep the shape and clean your dead ends.

#29: Tapered Shag with Highlights

A tapered shag with highlights gives an awesome shape to curly hair. If you wish to achieve this cut, have your stylist use squared layering to release weight from the bottom. This will allow you to wear your hair flatter on the top and fuller on the sides. Try wearing the part in the middle, add some highlights, and you’ll be a straight-up ten.

#30: Razor-Cut Medium Shag with Bangs

For a low-maintenance style for your curls, consider a razor-cut medium shag with bangs. Soft shaggy razor-cut layers will give your curls body and texture. To keep your curls from becoming dry, I suggest washing your hair less and always using a leave-in conditioner. Curls always lack moisture. However, moisturizing products and your curls will stay hydrated for less frizz.

#31: Light Brown Short Shag

Go for a creative look with a light brown short curly shag. A shag is one of the easiest cuts to manage. The perfect medium length and all the shaggy layers are effortless. Be prepared to use a curl cream and defuser if you want your curls to be more full and defined.

Disconnected Curly Shag Mullet
Instagram @mikeyroslatov

#32: Disconnected Mullet

Look super edgy with a disconnected curly shag mullet. A shag is great for curly hair because of all the stacked layers that will bring body and volume to your locks. I highly recommend using scissors over a razor. Sometimes, the razor is too harsh for the curls, making them too frizzy. Having disconnected layers on the top will give you more body to get more height at your crown.

#33: Blonde Shag with Curly Bangs

Look cute and sassy with a blonde curly shag with curly bangs. Short layers will make your curls spring up, and you will have the most perfect-looking tendrils. Adding a bang will conceal your forehead but be prepared to maintain them every 3-4 weeks. I avoid cutting bangs when they are wet. When they are dry, they could spring up, and the length may be way too short.

Long Curly Shag with Short Choppy Fringe
Instagram @kapo_cabelos

#34: Long Shag with Short Choppy Fringe

Set yourself apart and try a long shag with a short choppy fringe. One of the boldest moves in creating a hairstyle is a short fringe. I evaluate my client’s face shape to ensure it is right for them. Women with small foreheads can benefit from a strong bang. A choppy fringe added to a long shag is a beautiful texture mix between strong and soft and will elevate your style.

Sweetest and Shaggiest Curly Hair
Instagram @cutnj

#35: Sweetest and Shaggiest Curly Hair

Here’s one of the sweetest, shaggiest styles for curly hair, and it’s also easy to recreate. If you can, achieve this look using a diffuser on your natural waves. Or, if you don’t have enough natural waves, build them up with a 3/4-inch curling iron or wand. Avoid creating too much volume if you desire a softer, looser finish.

Curly Shag with Blonde Highlights
Instagram @giboazhair

#36: Curly Shag with Blonde Highlights

A shag with highlights is one of the best ways to accentuate this crop. Adding dimension towards the bottom of your blonde hair will allow more time between appointments and help the layers and curls pop within your cut.

#37: Curly Shaggy Cut for Women Over 40

A shaggy cut for women over 40 offers a youthful-looking radiance. They offer a lived-in finish with a shape that flatters your face in the best light!

#38: Short Shag

A short shag is the newest trend because shags can be modified to suit your face shape and hair type and are best styled with wispy curls. Be sure to use a texturizing spray like My Hair Dance Salt Spray for extra volume, fullness, and a wispy look.

Edgy Shaggy Cut for Curly Girls
Instagram @mal.hair

#39: Edgy Shaggy Cut for Curly Girls

Show off your style with an edgy shaggy cut for curly girls. Asking your hairstylist for a razor cut will soften the perimeters and remove any unwanted bulk.

curly shag with bangs for round face shape
Instagram @chumeaterhair

#40: Curly Shag with Bangs

If you want some variation with your curly shag, try it with bangs. This will add interest to the haircut and frame the face beautifully.

#41: Curly and Wavy Shag

A curly or wavy shag is perfect for that authentic, lived-in, easy-maintenance hairstyle. Shags are a great way to give new life to curly locks or wavy hair without heat or chemical styling. A shag like this lends itself to thicker hair because thin hair can look more stringy if not cut and styled properly.

#42: Shag with Curly Curtain Bangs

The longer curly shag with curly curtain bangs adds a modern twist to the classic shag haircut. These hairstyles have lots of layers, starting at the crown. The layers create a beautiful shape for women, especially for women with thicker brown tresses.

Related: Best ways to pair curtain bangs with curly hair.

#43: Shaggy Long Bob with Bangs

Give a shaggy long bob with bangs a try if you’re looking forward to upgrading your current hairstyle. Adding a shorter fringe will add interest to your overall look.

Shag Cut for Naturally Curly Hair
Instagram @bareeminimum

#44: Shag Cut for Naturally Curly Hair

A shag cut for naturally curly hair will add instant volume to women with fine hair. Use Hairstory’s New Wash and Cult+King’s Set Spray to style this cut.

Shaggy Curly Bob for Women Over 70
Instagram @annet_v_h

#45: Shaggy Curly Bob for Women Over 70

A bob for women over 70 will keep you looking young and stylish. As we mature, our hair tends to go gray, so why not showcase it by keeping your hair color and sporting shaggy, curly hair?

#46: Shag for Women Over 60 with Glasses

A mid-length curly shag for women over 60 with glasses is a wonderful way to bring attention to your stellar frames. If you love wearing glasses, this layered shag haircut will help draw attention to the eye area.

Related: Shag hairstyles for women over 60.

70's Curly Shag
Instagram @auric.alchemy

#47: 70’s Curly Shag

The 70’s curly shag is perfect on women with textured tresses. Your natural curls add body and volume, flaunting your facial features in the best light. Razor cutting this shag cut adds softness to the edge of your face, giving you an instant glow.

#48: Shaggy Long Pixie Cut for Curly Hair

A shaggy long pixie cut can make any woman beautiful and confident. It draws attention to the eyes and accentuates your cheekbones, making them look well-defined.

Long Shaggy Cut for Curly Girls
Instagram @jikaiahstylist

#49: Long Shaggy Cut for Curly Girls

A long shag haircut for curly girls is a must-try. The shorter layers in a shaggy curly hairstyle allow added texture, volume, and dimension to flow seamlessly with the intricacy of the curls.

Related: Check out long layered hair cuts for curly hair.

#50: Curly Textured Haircut for Women Over 50

A curly textured haircut for women over 50 is trendy and alluring and suits women who prefer a hairstyle that is easy to maintain and style. Add a fringe on your cut to create a youthful radiance, making you look half your age!

Retro Long Curly Shaggy Hairstyle
Instagram @ernestomeneses

#51: Retro Long Curly Shaggy Hairstyle

A retro long curly shaggy hairstyle is the next best thing. Curly hair is now being layered for a fuller shape. Try swapping out your brush for a wide-tooth comb to keep those curls beautiful. For bigger hair, diffuse upside down with a curl creme, and for a flatter finish, air dry. Curly-haired women embrace a new you.

Curly Shaggy Bob
Instagram @amityloft

#52: Curly Shaggy Bob

Consider a curly shaggy bob at your next salon visit. Many women have one-length bobs, and it might be time to change things. Ask your stylist for a bob with 90-degree layers and go from flat to fuller hair. A little fullness can perk up your face.

Wash-and-Wear Shag for Curly-Haired Women
Instagram @mouseybrowne

#53: Wash-and-Wear Shag

A wash-and-wear shag could be your go-to haircut. Many curly-haired women are afraid to change their style. Don’t be, because this shape is trending and super cool. A shaggy haircut is a rounder style and is achieved with lots of layers. A rounder shape is best suited for oval or long face shapes. Transform your ringlets into something fresh.

Short Shaggy Cut for Curly Women Over 30
Instagram @davidwbullen

#54: Short Shaggy Cut for Women Over 30

You’ll want to try a short shaggy cut for curly women over 30. A wash-and-go hairstyle, this cut has all the right moves. Ask your stylist for 90-degree layers, and razor cutting can add texture. Texture helps your haircut last longer and is especially helpful with bulkier short hair textures.

#55: Modern Shag Haircut with Loose Curls

Try a modern shag haircut with loose curls and glam up your long hair. Angles around the face and lots of 45-degree layers enhance movement away from the face and create a trendy visual. If you have wavy hair, blow-dry the bangs slightly off the face with a medium round brush and diffuse the rest. If you have straighter or thin hair, add curl with a 1 1/4-inch iron.

Medium-Length Shaggy Curls
Instagram @lukeccastillo

#56: Medium-Length Shaggy Curls

Embrace your natural texture with medium-length shaggy curls. Square layers are just the thing here: to create width and leave the top flatter. This face-framing, medium shag haircut looks great on women of any age.

#57: Curly Mullet Shag

Curly mullets are a cute style to change your ringlets into something different. Ask your stylist to create a steep angle around the face, leaving the length in the back. Layers should be short on the top and longer in the back to maintain that length. This haircut could be just the change you’re looking for if you find it difficult to change curly hair. Air-dry this style or diffuse in place with some curl amplifier to reduce frizz.

Low-Maintenance Curly Shag
Instagram @lcs.hairdesign

#58: Low-Maintenance Shag

Choose a low-maintenance short shag, and you’ll be out the door soon. Ask your stylist for short layers and short piecey fringe, covering the ears for a soft, cute cut. The nape can be tapered, making it flatter for an interesting shape.

Related: See more short curly hairstyles.

Shoulder-Length Shag for Curly Hair
Instagram @becurlyrussia

#59: Shoulder-Length Shag

Embrace your hair texture. Curly hair does not have to be a struggle. With the right cut, it can be effortless. Find a stylist who is great at cutting curly hair. Ask someone whose hair you admire for their recommendation.

Related: See more shoulder-length hairstyles for curly hair.

Gypsy Haircut for Curly Hair
Instagram @ashadoeshair

#60: Gypsy Haircut for Curly Hair

Create a new you with a gypsy haircut for curly hair. You’ll want to ask your stylist for layers at a 45-degree angle. Keep in mind this will make your curly hair fuller, so make sure you are ready for that change. A curly shag will work well on all curly hair textures and adds width to narrow face shapes. Diffuse this style with a curl refiner for the perfect finish.

Razored Shag for Older Women with Curly Hair
Instagram @davidwbullen

#61: Razored Shag for Older Women with Curly Hair

Razored shags for older women with curly hair offer a layer of volume, texture, and definition to your tresses. Shaggy curls highlight your best features while canceling out any harsh lines, creating a youthful-looking glow.

Shaggy Curly Hair with Bangs
Instagram @erikast.pierre

#62: Shaggy Curly Hair with Bangs

Shaggy hairstyles provide an extra layer of volume, definition, and texture with little to no styling and upkeep.

Shaggy Bob for Curly, Thick Hair
Instagram @mouseybrowne

#63: Shaggy Bob for Curly, Thick Hair

A shaggy bob for curly, thick hair highlights the intricate shape of your curls. This haircut is perfect for women who want an effortless, lived-in look with a volumizing finish.

Mid-Length Curly Shag
Instagram @mouseybrowne

#64: Mid-Length Shag

A mid-length shag is a haircut consisting of several layers and graduation that leave each strand of hair disjointed and volumized. Style with a hair mousse for added volume and texture.

#65: Shaggy Hairstyle for Curly Hair

A shaggy hairstyle for curly hair is a haircut chopped into several layers of various lengths. It can be styled with curl-defining products and using a diffuser when drying the tresses.

longer shag cut for curly hair
Instagram @ernestomeneses

#66: Longer Shag Cut

A longer shag adds flair even for the curliest hair. Blown out, tousled, or scrunched, a quick refresh on the fringe can pull the whole look together. It’s best suited for wavy to curly hair.

The trendy curly shag haircut adds soft texture, volume, and movement to the tresses. It frames any face shape and highlights your best features. The more tousles, the more effortless it appears.

Stephanie Kerr, a hairstylist from Saugerties, NY, shares what she adores most in this cut. “The biggest benefit of a shag cut is its volume,” she says. “It’s a heavily layered haircut, offering tons of body and shape on women who desire the extra bulk.”

Kerr warns women that getting a shag entails commitment, particularly on curly hair. “Even though you can keep it long, you’re still taking off tons of hair within the layers,” she says. “Curly hair shrinks, so growing back may take a while.”

When styling, Kerr says it needs work and good styling tools and products to keep its elegant, disheveled finish.

If seeking a wash-and-go haircut, get a shag with longer layers and less fringe. “This way, you won’t have to put much effort into styling it in the morning,” she explains.

When styling, her go-to products include AG Re:Coil and AG spray gel to hold the curls all day. For the fringe area, she suggests using Matte Texture Paste.

Kerr advises women to be wary in styling; they will look outdated if styled incorrectly. Bring all the hair forward, then scrunch it away from the face in a handlebar-like motion; let the layers do their magic. When drying off the hair, use a diffuser so it won’t lose its volume.

Check out these inspiring photos of popular curly shag haircuts. They’ll update your style in an instant!