From season to season, fashion revives forgotten trends and tendencies from the previous century, adjusts them to the current realities, and makes them the latest fads. So, this time the lovers of the ‘70s style can rejoice: shag hairstyles with curtain bangs, split ends, and incredible volume are officially making a comeback.
Shag cuts are fantastic in any length: a short length shag is sexy and sassy, a medium length shag works wonders with disconnected styles, a long shag will show off amazing all-over layers in all their beauty.
You can get inspiration from the retro images of the icons like Halle Berry and Natasha Lyonne, or from more up-to-date shag haircut solutions introduced by the younger generation of celebs like Chloë Grace Moretz.
What is a Shag Haircut?
@joeltorresstyle
A shag haircut is all about retro and rock 'n' roll. With choppy ends, messy layers around the crown, fantastic volume, and lots of texture, shag hairstyles are something messy, casual, and visually effortless.
Shags were created by stylist Paul McGregor when he was trying to invent a new cool-girl hairstyle for Hollywood A-lister Jane Fonda in the 1970s.
A shag hairstyle is very versatile: it can combine various hair trends, looks equally good on straight and curly hair, fine and thick hair; works for different lengths.
Getting a shag is an easy way to transform your look significantly, no matter if you wear a pixie, a bob, a lob, or long locks.
What is a modern shag haircut?
@jhair_stylist
Talking about the modern interpretation of the good old shag hairstyle, we can’t but mention it looks less gram rock and more Paris chic compared to the original ‘70s version.
Modern shag haircuts are choppy, textured, vary the number of layers, but rather softer and more feminine than a shag hairstyle from the 20th century.
Today, hairstylists often use a razor to cut the layers so that they maximally adjust and flatter your face shape. A modern shag often goes with the iconic curtain bangs and features endless color experiments.
How to style a shag haircut?
@samkanehair
This photo shows how drastically shag haircuts change the image. Even if you keep the length shag, the layers and bangs change the rules of the game.
If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, use a blow dryer with diffuser attachment and style this low maintenance look by combing through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Try to keep the natural wave pattern.
If you want to add the maximum lift and fullness to the natural hair texture, bend over at the waist and dry the hair from the underside.
For naturally straight hair, you can try using a round brush with a hair dryer. Also, you might need some texturising product, especially if you have fine hair.
How do you style a short shag haircut?
@jhair_stylist
Shaggy bob haircuts and pixies are also so on-trend right now. And luckily, this length couldn’t be easier to style. It’s much easier to style a super short hair length or a shoulder length shag.
Apply a small amount of mousse to add volume to the crown, focusing on the roots. Let the locks air dry, or carefully blow dry the hair using a diffuser to achieve a messy texture.
Modern Shag Haircuts
@pravana
Modern medium-length shag haircuts are much more wearable than the classic ’70s variations. The signature choppy layers and volume at the crown are often spiced up with a razor cut for a softer finish that frames and balances out your face. Another feature of modern shag cuts is the bright colors pop, which results in a fresh, youthful, and effortlessly chic look.
Undercut Long Shag Haircut
@joeltorresstyle
Long undercut shag in platinum shades will visually add extra hair thickness. Also, it looks brighter and more unique than a long or medium shag haircut. No need to tell how trending this color is. So, if you’re looking for a modern version of shags, an undercut like this should be considered.
Curly Shag Haircut
@delilah_hair_studio
If you believe a stereotype that the shag haircut is for straight-haired ladies only, this shoulder-length shag with bouncy curls is meant to break it. Yes, the layers won’t be so visible on curly hair as they are on straight locks, but the movement, direction, and shape your curls get are worth trying.
For the best result, you’d better make your next hair appointment with a hairdresser who specializes in cutting curly hair.
Short Shaggy Bob Haircut
@sarahwall_industries
A shag haircut is a great way to add volume and texture to short hair lengths. The shaggy bob is a blend of a timelessly chic vibe with an edgy feel. This sneaky blunt cut with bangs will suit every face shape.
If you have a reliable hair adviser, ask them to choose the right length of your bob, the placement of the layers, and help you decide whether or not you add a fringe.
Shaggy Lob Haircut
@joeltorresstyle
A mid-length shag lob is a romantic and careless look. It works wonders with bangs and bright hair colors. Be ready that the bangs will require daily wash and styling, and will also get into eyes… but just look how gorgeous it is!
Shag Haircut with Bangs
@bareeminimum
A wavy shag haircut with bangs is probably the most expected throwback to the ’70s. Bangs are a great addition to most shags, so they work magic with this soft and bouncy razor cut shag as well.
Bangs are something balancing out a pointed chin or a broad forehead. Women with round face shape will benefit from such a medium-length or long shag with a fringe.
70s Shag Haircut
@hairnerdsalon
And if you thought there can’t be more seventiesh style, check out this soft and shaggy mullet. This one is not a typical modern mermaid shag haircut – it features more volume at the crown and less in the ends, combining a relaxed vibe and a retro appeal.
Trendy Layered Shag Haircut
@goodnitemoonn_
This length and shape will make your hairstyle as trendy as hell. The hair cut from the photo will give you a thick hair look no matter what hair type you have.
Shag Haircut for Women over 50
@colorcutcollective
If you’re over 50 and wanna join our shag hairstyle band, this short shag haircut with bangs is a win-win option to try. Let your stylist cut these gorgeous layers with a razor and diffuse them to create a wavy texture.
Such a volume is an excellent choice for a woman over 50 since the hair is thinning over, losing some of its body and thickness with the age. Don’t waste time – go and live your best life!
Pixie Shag
@hairbyhanvancity
A pixie shag in acid red looks alluring, intriguing, and eccentric. This one is not your average bear, so opt for this style if you’re ready to stand out.
Forward-Swept Straight Shag
@heyolivercutmyhair
Forward-swept shaggy layers, perfectly straight locks, and a bright blonde organic color – a perfect combo for the boss lady. Straight hair can look flat and lifeless, so probably that’s why a shag cut was originally invented on straight hair.
Medium Cut with Flipped Ends for Thick Hair
@amytritt
A medium hairstyle for women is often suited to the shag hairstyle. The layers frame and flatter a face, and suit almost every face shape. Plus, this versatile look is low-maintenance, effortlessly cool, and works for different hair types and outfits.
Platinum Balayage Shag
@courtneyxcentrichair
This platinum blonde color and balayage coloring technique have been keeping the trending position with women for recent years. And this tendency isn’t likely to fade away soon. So, if you don’t know how to spice up your short shag cut, follow this lead.
Wavy Shag Haircut
@annatomy
A bright ginger color with a rockstar shag – welcome one of the coolest styles for women: a wavy shag with bangs. If you have naturally wavy hair, with this cut you’ll get a stylish and sexy low-maintenance and laidback look. This shag for thick hair is perfect for medium length, shoulder length, and longer styles.
Short Shag Haircut
@joeltorresstyle
Undercut looks playful and intriguing in combination with layers and texture. Blondies can copy not only the cut but also the matching makeup, which highlights the eyes and gives the balancing contrast.
Choppy Blonde Shag with Curtain Bangs
@joeltorresstyle
Teamed with blonde hair, a choppy shag haircut with split ends reminds the iconic rock stars like Stevie Nicks. This undeniably edgy and rebellious spirit, a wild sense of style, and an unforgettable volume make up a shag hairstyle that will never go unnoticed.
Shaggy Haircut for Thin Hair
@joeltorresstyle
Oh, that copper brown shag… It brings extra beauty and a careless charm to women with a long shag haircut. The layers add dimension and movement to the long hair, but what’s more important, they take some of the weight out.
Thus, a long shag haircut is ideal for women with thick hair. Another benefit is that the front layers frame the face beautifully, minimizing the chances to get visually “lost” in the mass of your bright massive shag for thick hair.
Tapered Shag With Bangs
@hairolines
If you’re looking for a shag but still have some doubts, this collage will remind you how many benefits you’ll acquire along with a medium shag haircut. Women with fine hair can revive the look of their bleached hair but remember that it takes products and styling. However, it’s absolutely worth all the efforts!
Medium Silver Layers
@theyoungamericansalon
Straight and fine hair particularly benefits from the extra texture, volume, and movement of the best shag haircuts. By the way, do you know that fine hair is also easy to texturize since it’s lightweight? Just add a spritz of sea salt spray and you’ll get that chic ‘undone’ finish.
Perfect Bangs and Wild Layers
@joeltorresstyle
Texture, movement, and wilderness – these are the most appropriate words to characterize this fiery long shag haircut with perfect bangs and layers. If your long shag is red, don’t overlook this small but powerful trick: choose the eye shadow to match the hair color.
Red Shag Haircut
@laura.spinney.creative
If you’re feeling ready for a big appearance change, why not give yourself an adventurous hair transformation with a super fresh shag cut and a bright color? Red hair always attracts attention, and it does twice more if the red color pops on a gorgeous medium length shag. Wanna make a dramatic statement? New hair color with a wavy shag is what you need.
Straight Hair Shag
@joeltorresstyle
A straight shag cut won’t look boring if you add some authentic cool details. A deconstructed fringe and some face-framing variation of bangs will invest into grungier 70s vibes.
Pink Hair Shag Haircut
@joeltorresstyle
For those wanting to try strawberry bronde color, pairing it with a shag hairstyle is a gorgeous option. Those edgy, choppy layers will contrast beautifully with the soft and feminine color of the cut. Make sure your hairstylist is a good colorist and go for this outstanding shag with bangs.
Textured Shag with Long Bangs
@annatomy
If you’re obsessed with curly shag styles with the enormous volume on top, this medium length haircut will break your heart. This one is rather simple but at the same time so stylish and soaked with the ‘70s women trends.
The Messy Shag
@wellahair_pl
A messy mid-length shag in a modern interpretation will look wonderful in combination with balayage coloring. Especially, girls with chocolate brown hair should consider this effortless hair solution for this season.
Shag With Subtle Curtain Bangs
@ceremonyportland
Most modern shag hairstyles feature subtle curtain bangs as it’s one of the latest fads. What makes this classically rad versatile shag cut stand out with this triple yellow creative color.
Wavy Shag With Soft Fringe
@styledbyquoizel
This mid-length shag is super feminine and romantic thanks to its wavy texture and soft fringe. Wanna have a basic shag with bangs and curls? Show your stylist this photo of a basic shag haircut.
Classic Shag
@lazwicky
And here is one more example of a classic simple shag with bangs look for thick hair. These soft bends, parted bangs, and fluffy ends are the perfect recipe for an effortless and careless style (which actually will take you some time to make it look cool.)
Medium Brunette Shag with Thick Bangs
@alchemy_hair_boston
A brunette messy shag with thick bangs like this one is the haircut that will not turn a lot of heads but will highlight your natural beauty. Disconnect this shag with bangs using a small amount of texturizing spray or dry shampoo.
Choppy Bright Blonde Bob
@nkraush
Wow! This choppy bright snowy white bob doesn’t look like a typical shag cut. But who cares if it is so iconic? The lovers of short style should definitely try adding the texture and layers to give the hairstyle the ‘70s vibe.
Chestnut Brown Choppy Lob
@colorcutcollective
Is it a bob or a lob? Is it a shag bob? Probably, all of the above. This absolutely gorgeous hairstyle will work with any hair type, so just go for this shag if you’re into experiments!