Style Hair Short Hairstyles 24 Short Shag Haircuts That'll Finally Convince You To Make The Chop The shag trend isn't going anywhere. By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on February 4, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Instagram/@styled_by_carolynn In the age of micro-bangs and unicorn hair, we're ready to go back—way back—to a classic cut: the shag. Shaggy styles have been back in the limelight for a good reason, and the modern shag haircut is still going strong. We're not talking Mick Jagger, circa 1972, but rather a nostalgic nod that's approachable, softer, and absolutely not one-size-fits-all. We rounded up the most fabulous short shag haircuts to try out this year, and these looks are packed with layers, texture, and bangs of all types but kept at the lowest maintenance of lengths. Remember, these short shag haircuts require a professional’s touch and depending on the length and amount of layers, will probably require regular maintenance at your salon. If you’re looking for photos to bring your hairstylist, check out these short shag hairstyles that give of-the-moment inspiration for a throwback style. 01 of 24 Curly Chin Bob @salsalhair This bob has got some personality. Cut those curls to a chin-grazing length, and add some killer fringe for fall. It's the cherry on top of this cheeky cut by Nova Arts Salon owner Sal Salcedo. 02 of 24 Curtain Fringe @ashleenormanhair Take on some French girl fringe. If forehead-covering shaggy bangs aren't your thing, this stylish alternative will keep the cool factor going from the choppy layers to the effortless texture. 03 of 24 Tapered Shag @anhcotran This shag is a gorgeously edgy take on the classic cut that Joan Jett would approve of—Short layers, tapered ends, and a slight angle. It's a cool girl's dream. 04 of 24 Baby Bangs Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images If you're no stranger to bangs and bobs, take it to the next level with choppy baby bangs. It adds shagginess to a layered chin-length bob, instantly making your short haircut a bold statement. 05 of 24 Transition Shag @mrchrismcmillan It's a little wispy and a whole lot sassy. Stylist Chris McMillan conjured up this cut as a fresh way to grow out his client's bob. If this is the transition phase, we can't imagine how good the next look will be. 06 of 24 Refined Shag Cindy Ord/Getty Images Low maintenance and high style, this is the little black dress of shags. The layers and bangs of a classic shag have started growing, and the vibe has skewed slightly more refined. 07 of 24 Curly Shag @salsalhair No matter what time of year, it's always the perfect time to embrace your natural texture. Luckily for curly girls, a shag cut (and all of its glorious layers) helps let those curls run wild—and not look weighed down—and let's not even talk about how cute curly bangs are. 08 of 24 Straight Shag @salsalhair Getting a shag cut doesn't mean you have to constantly conjure up those "undone-done" waves with your curling iron. This straight shag welcomes the name from its layers and curtain bangs, and the cool platinum color more than secures its place on the lineup. 09 of 24 Long Ashy Bob @seolahair Kiss those warm locks goodbye, and go full-on ash tones for the season. The remarkable brunette shade makes an excellent cut even more extraordinary. A lob-length shag will also be flattering on just about any face shape. 10 of 24 Shaggy Short Bob @ashleenormanhair Rock the shaggiest of short layers with this razored chin-length bob. The modern shag goes light on the bangs but heavy on the textured layers, courtesy of a razor haircut by stylist Ashlee Norman. 11 of 24 Side-Swept Shag Karwai Tang/Getty Images Keep things posh and polished with this side-swept shaggy bob that's lighter on the short layers and perfect for thick-haired ladies. 12 of 24 Choppy Shag Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images This shag says one thing: No holds barred. Break out the texture spray and styling wax—because this edgy bob loves them both. 13 of 24 Edgy Shag Instagram/@chrisjones_hair “When you want a shag but have a bob, curtain bangs and layers are a great way to break up those straight heavy lines around the face,” writes hairstylist Chris Jones. “Layers in the back are slightly longer and less of them.” 14 of 24 Platinum Shag Instagram/@charlieandcosalons This blonde shag has blunt ends that hit just at the top of the shoulders, but soft layers throughout the cut add texture. 15 of 24 Layered Lob Shag Instagram/@mizzchoi Hairstylist Cherin Choi created this piecey shag that includes highlights that define the layers beautifully. 16 of 24 Strawberry Shag Instagram/@charlieandcosalons With this bob shag, the springy strawberry color is just as impactful as the cut. Since this bob has very few layers, it will grow out well without a lot of maintenance. 17 of 24 Mullet Shag Instagram/@mizzchoi A look like this one by hairstylist Cherin Choi combines the mullet and the shag for a bold look that was made to showcase your inner rockstar. 18 of 24 Permed Shag Instagram/@mizzchoi If you hear “perm” and immediately have scary flashbacks of the ’80s, fear not. A laidback shag is the perfect way to situate soft curls for a livened-up look, as this before-and-after shows. 19 of 24 Textured Angled Bob Instagram/@styled_by_carolynn From the angular cut with an edge that’s longer in the front, to the curtain bangs and a soft bronde ombré color, this look is full of elements that should only be attempted by a professional. 20 of 24 Tapered Bangs Instagram/@mizzchoi Unlike long curtain bangs, tapered bangs (like these by hairstylist Cherin Choi) will take more maintenance. When paired with a length above the shoulders, this cool cut gives French girl vibes. 21 of 24 Short And Sleek Shag Instagram/@charlieandcosalons Most examples you’ll find of shag haircuts include wavy or curly hair, but this ultra-smooth look proves even those with board-straight hair can rock a shag. 22 of 24 Chin-Length Bob Instagram/@smallbatchhair This short cut features a slightly angled edge that tapers toward the chin for a face-framing effect. Soft balayage hair color accentuates the style. 23 of 24 Ombré Shag Instagram/@charlieandcosalons Complete with dramatic curtain bangs, this whimsical cut is one that benefits from a complementing color job. This ombré look would be easy to grow out because it stems from the client’s natural brunette at the root to a beige blonde at the tip. 24 of 24 Curtain Bangs With Flipped-Under Ends Instagram/@styled_by_carolynn This smooth and soft look is another example of a short shag that doesn’t have piecey texture. Flipped-under ends and Bardot bangs make for a retro haircut that screams sophistication. Frequently Asked Questions What is a shaggy bob? This type of bob haircut has choppy layers and highly textured ends. A shaggy bob can be chin-length or graze the shoulders. How often should I get a trim for a short shag haircut? Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer here, as it depends on your specific cut. Longer curtain bangs that aren’t blunt and softly frame the face will grow out beautifully without too many maintenance trims, but a piecey shag with layers all over the head and a more blunt bang will require more upkeep. Discuss with your hairstylist for how often he or she recommends you come back for upkeep. Can I achieve a short shag haircut at home? Because it is a challenging haircut to execute technically, we do not recommend cutting your own short shag haircut at home. Consult with a professional hairstylist and bring plenty of inspiration photos so that you’re on the same page about your desired outcome. Are short shag haircuts suitable for different hair types? Yes! As you can see from our inspiration photos, there are plenty of ways to showcase a short shag whatever your hair type. How long does it take to style a short shag haircut? The amount of time you need to style a short shag haircut will depend on your hair’s texture and the amount of layers you have. The longer your bangs and the less layers you have, the less time you will need to spend styling your hair. Texturizing products, such as sea salt spray or volumizing mousse, will enhance the shaggy look. Depending on your own expertise with styling, you may tousle your hair with your fingers or use your blow dryer’s diffuser attachment for texture and body. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit