The shag haircut is very rock 'n' roll—casual, mussy, and totally effortless. Typically featuring choppy ends, layers around the crown, and plenty of texture, shags work on almost every hair texture and length. The key to this style, explains hairstylist Erin Powers, is the fringe. "A greatshaghas got to have the fringe right," says Powers. "If it's off, then it's not ashag."
We rounded up our favorite examples of shag styles and asked Powers and hairstylist Kari Bennett for their best tips for styling the cut. Scroll on for more.
Meet the Expert
•Erin Powers is a hairdresser with more than 16 years of experience. She is based in Tucson, Arizona.
• Kari Bennett is a master hair artist and the founder of Atelier Salon in San Jose, California.
01of 30
Cropped Pixie Shag
Ginnifer Goodwin proves that pixie cuts can be shags, too. Keep the sides short and the top long and opt for a pomade or balm when styling. We love Ouai Matte Pomade ($26) to achieve a mussed-up look.
02of 30
Short Pixie Shag
"[A shag] can be super short, which leans a little more on the shaggy mullet or longer and feathered side, which gives a softer finish," notes Powers. To get this look, ask your stylist to cut choppy layers from front to back. Here, a deep side part gives a bit more structure to an otherwise mussy cut.
03of 30
Wolf Cut Shag
Billie Eilish nearly broke the Internet when she debuted her new blonde “wolf cut” shag on Instagram. (In fact, that photo has over 23 million likes… and counting) She has since cut her hair a bit for this shorter "wolf cut" shag, which is the perfect mix of the shag and the mullet. To get this look, ask your stylist for short layers on the top and long, choppy layers around the back and sides.
04of 30
Wolf Cut Shaggy Lob
Another shaggy "wolf cut" that launched a thousand headlines, Jenna Ortega's take on the style features a lob length and fringe bangs.
05of 30
Pseudo-Shag Bob
Though there are exceptions, shag cuts are at theirbest when they're not overly done. You know the look: blow-dried to perfection, with not a hair out of place. No matter the hair length, a mussy shag—such as this one on comedian Heidi Gardner—almost always looks better.
Byrdie Tip
If you have straight hair, ask for choppy ends when you get your hair cut. Scrunch it and let it air dry.
06of 30
Short Curly Shag With Bangs
Alanna Arrington's shag is giving us some major model-off-duty vibes. For a polished finish, work in some of the SexyHair Wetfix & Chill All-Style Dry Creme ($23)—it'll help hair maintain that bedhead feel in the most natural way.
07of 30
Shaggy Mullet or Shullet
Miley Cyrus is not afraid to take risks—both in fashion and with her hair. The singer tapped celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger to give her this on-trend cut called the Shaggy Mullet or Shullet. To get this cut, ask for shorter layers in the front and sides, with longer layers in the back.
Byrdie Tip
After blow drying hair, use a finishing balm and apply to layers in the front and side for that "piecey" look.
08of 30
Relaxed Shag
This version of the shag, pictured on singer Ciara, is just the right amount of shaggy mixed with a lot of sophistication. Since bedhead will always be popular, this look will carry you through another year without looking dated.
09of 30
Piecey Shag
The shag hairstyle isn't just for women in their teens and 20s. Here, former French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld models a gorgeous shag hairstyle that's messy and casual, with a little bit of rock-n-roll thrown in. The face-framing nature of the cutshows off her face shape and highlights her bright smile.
10of 30
Wet Look Shag
We're loving this wet-look bob on Ashley Graham. It has an asymmetrical approach, thanks to the parting of her hair.
11of 30
Wavy Shag With Piecey Bangs
Kerry Washington offers another version of a wonderful medium-length shag hairstyle. This one is accented with soft waves, but it still has hints of that lived-in look, which makes it even sexier.
12of 30
Tapered Shag With Bangs
Country music legend Emmylou Harris offers up another glamorous shag that shows off her gray hair. It's a stunning look, and the long layers with full bangs are both classy and timeless.
13of 30
Classic Shag
Chloë Grace Moretz is nailing the rock-star nature of a shag. The soft bends, parted curtain bangs, and fluffy ends are the perfect recipe for this effortless (but actually you spent a lot of time making it look cool) style.
14of 30
Wavy Shag With Soft Fringe
There's a strong case to be made for Lily Collins as the ultimate queen of fringe. Here, her wispy, choppy bangs pair perfectly with a loosely waved shag.
15of 30
Fluffy Shag with Semi-Parted Fringe
Halle Berry has worn different versions of the shag over the years. Here, she wears a sultry, curly shag. "The key to really pulling off the fullshagfeel is the wave or curl," says Powers. "It needs to have body and soft texture. I love Hairstory’s Hair Balm ($37) for the perfect shaggy wave." Letting this style grow longer allows for the curls to perfectly frame her face.
16of 30
Shag With Curtain Bangs
J.Lo's swideswept shag is enviable to begin with. Add her heavy curtain bangs and off-centered part and we're racing to the mirror to copy this look. Don't forget a good volumizing spray like Ouai Volume Spray ($26) to help add even more oomph.
17of 30
Shag With Baby Bangs
If you're not afraid of the maintenance, baby bangs complement a shag really well, as seen here on Emma Watson. Expect to pop into the salon every four to six weeks to keep the length short.
18of 30
Lob Shag
Alexa Chung is the poster child for the lob shag, so it's no surprise her effortless wavy lob look made the list.
19of 30
Playful Shag
A shag is a playful style by nature, and you can add even more whimsy with a touch of bold color. Here, Georgia May Jagger put a fun spin on her signature shag with a millennial pink hue.
20of 30
Undercut Long Shag
If you're looking to make a bold statement, a shag haircut with a side shave definitely fits the bill. Make like Jennifer Hudson and ask your stylist for an undercut. As for the rest of your hair, give it a little love with a texture spray for mussy definition.
21of 30
Long Shag With Soft Waves
Longer-length hair can still have some great shaping. Actress Natasha Lyonne allows her dyed red locks to look both shaggy and elegant at the same time. This look is easy to get by way of letting hair air-dry and spraying in plenty of sea spray, like Odele Texturizing Sea Salt Spray ($12).
22of 30
'70s Shag
The key to a '70s-inspired shag haircut, like Lady Gaga's here, is to refrain from styling it too much. Avoid products like gels, which make your hair stiff. Instead, opt for styling creams with a medium hold.
23of 30
Modern Shag
Looking for a modern take on the shag cut (sans the traditional bangs)? Take a page out of Jasmine Tookes's book. She styles her medium-length 'do with slight bends and an ear tuck.
24of 30
Natural Shag
Logan Browning's long curly style isn't your typical shag, but the short layers cut into the style echo the choppy, slightly A-frame nature of a shag 'do.
25of 30
Medium Curly Shag With Bangs
Zendaya is a bit of a hair chameleon. One of our favorite looks of hers is this curly shag, with loads of volume and thick bangs that frame her face perfectly. Several lighter chestnut highlights draw attention to the shorter layers near the front. "I've seen some amazing curly hair shags that are very soft and wispy," says Bennett.
Byrdie Tip
This curly shag is all about the volume. The key here, says Bennett, is to "make sure you dry it thoroughly—to keep volume at the scalp—and use your styling product to show off the texture."
26of 30
Voluminous Curly Shag
Tracee Ellis Ross's hair is va va voom, with her curls playing the starring role in this afro meets shag combo. Invest in a good moisturizer and finishing product to combat any frizz.
27of 30
Soft Feathered Shag
Selena Gomez's subtle take on a feathered shag means soft layers and a bit of volume near the crown.
28of 30
Beachy Shag
Tousled waves make for the perfect effortless beachy shag. Achieve this look with a wide-barreled curling iron and some texture spray.
29of 30
Straight Shag With Bangs
Who says a shag has to be, well, shaggy? Heidi Klum's straight shag is polished and edgy thanks to a full fringe that just touches her eyes.
30of 30
Center-parted Long Curly Shag
Iman's luscious locks cascade past her décolletage and stand out thanks to some shine spray. Try Moroccanoil's Glimmer Shine ($30) spray to mimic her curls.
FAQ
Is a shag haircut better for straight hair or curly hair?
The answer is…both! As long as you aren’t at the extreme end of either spectrum (super curly or really thin hair), then a shag haircut will work for you. Make sure you go to a stylist that is accustomed to working with your particular hair texture to cut the shag cut that is right for you.
What’s a true shag haircut?
A classic or true shag has choppy layers, fringe bangs, a center part, and lots of volume on top.
Does a shag haircut have bangs?
A classic shag haircut has fringe bangs, however, that haircut has evolved into several other shag styles. If you want a shag but aren’t a fan of bangs, opt for longer, choppy layers around the face.
What’s the difference between a shag and a lob haircut?
A classic lob is a haircut that is similar to a long bob but is slightly longer in the front versus the back. It has fewer layers than a shag and does not have bangs. A classic shag, on the other hand, has lots of choppy layers with fringe bangs.
61 Long Shag Haircuts for Every Face Shape and Hair Type
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
The shag haircut is a versatile and effortless hairstyle that works well on various hair textures and lengths. It is characterized by choppy ends, layers around the crown, and plenty of texture. The fringe is a key element in achieving the perfect shag look. Hairstylists Erin Powers and Kari Bennett have shared their expertise and tips for styling different variations of the shag haircut.
Erin Powers is a hairdresser with over 16 years of experience, based in Tucson, Arizona. Kari Bennett is a master hair artist and the founder of Atelier Salon in San Jose, California.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article:
Shag Haircut Variations
The article showcases various examples of shag hairstyles, each with its own unique twist. Here are some of the variations mentioned:
- Cropped Pixie Shag: Ginnifer Goodwin demonstrates that even pixie cuts can be shags. The key is to keep the sides short and the top long, and use a pomade or balm for styling [[1]].
- Short Pixie Shag: This variation can be super short, leaning towards a shaggy mullet, or longer with feathered sides for a softer finish. Choppy layers from front to back create the desired look [[2]].
- Wolf Cut Shag: Billie Eilish's "wolf cut" shag gained significant attention on Instagram. It combines elements of both the shag and the mullet, with short layers on top and long, choppy layers around the back and sides [[3]].
- Wolf Cut Shaggy Lob: Jenna Ortega's shaggy "wolf cut" features a lob length and fringe bangs [[4]].
- Pseudo-Shag Bob: This style aims for a more natural and effortless look, with choppy ends and a slightly messy appearance [[5]].
- Short Curly Shag With Bangs: Alanna Arrington's shag exudes a model-off-duty vibe. To maintain a polished finish, using a dry creme can help maintain a bedhead feel naturally [[6]].
- Shaggy Mullet or Shullet: Miley Cyrus embraced the trend with a shaggy mullet, also known as a "shullet." This cut involves shorter layers in the front and sides, with longer layers in the back [[7]].
- Relaxed Shag: Ciara's shag strikes a balance between shaggy and sophisticated, making it a timeless choice [[8]].
- Piecey Shag: Carine Roitfeld's messy and casual shag hairstyle showcases the rock 'n' roll vibe associated with the shag. The face-framing layers highlight her face shape and smile [[9]].
- Wet Look Shag: Ashley Graham's wet-look bob adds an asymmetrical touch with a unique parting style [[10]].
These are just a few examples of the shag haircut variations mentioned in the article. Each variation offers a different take on the shag, allowing individuals to find a style that suits their preferences and hair type.
Shag Haircut Tips and Maintenance
To maintain and style a shag haircut, the article provides some helpful tips:
- For straight hair, ask for choppy ends during the haircut and allow it to air dry for a natural, textured look [[5]].
- Use styling products like pomades, balms, or dry cremes to achieve the desired texture and mussed-up appearance [[1]] [[6]].
- Consider adding bangs to a shag haircut for a classic look, but longer, choppy layers around the face can also create a shaggy effect without bangs [[11]].
- Embrace the natural wave or curl of your hair to enhance the shaggy texture. Using products like hair balm or sea salt spray can help achieve the desired wave or curl [[15]] [[21]].
- Experiment with different partings, such as deep side parts or off-centered parts, to add structure and create unique looks [[2]] [[16]].
- Maintain the shag haircut by visiting the salon regularly for trims, especially if you opt for baby bangs or shorter layers that require more frequent maintenance [[17]].
Shag Haircut FAQs
The article also addresses some frequently asked questions about shag haircuts:
- Is a shag haircut better for straight hair or curly hair? The answer is that shag haircuts can work for both straight and curly hair, as long as the hair isn't at the extreme end of either spectrum. It's important to find a stylist who is experienced in working with your specific hair texture to achieve the best results [[30]].
- What defines a true shag haircut? A classic or true shag typically includes choppy layers, fringe bangs, a center part, and lots of volume on top [[30]].
- Does a shag haircut always have bangs? While a classic shag often includes fringe bangs, there are many variations of the shag that don't necessarily require bangs. Longer, choppy layers around the face can create a shaggy effect without bangs [[30]].
- What's the difference between a shag and a lob haircut? A classic lob is slightly longer in the front compared to the back, with fewer layers and no bangs. In contrast, a classic shag has lots of choppy layers, fringe bangs, and more volume on top [[30]].
These FAQs provide additional information about the shag haircut, helping readers understand the nuances and variations of this popular hairstyle.
In conclusion, the shag haircut is a versatile and effortless style that can be adapted to different hair textures and lengths. With the right cut and styling techniques, anyone can achieve a shaggy, rock 'n' roll look.