Short shag hairstyles are all about texture, movement, and a touch of edge. These cuts are perfect for anyone who wants to add a little rock ‘n’ roll vibe to their look without losing that chic, polished feel. Here are 13 short shag hairstyles that you simply can’t miss, complete with styling tips and personal insights to help you achieve these stunning looks.
1. Balayaged Choppy Bob
Styling Overview:
The balayaged choppy bob combines the best of both worlds: a trendy color technique and a textured cut. The choppy layers create movement, while the balayage adds dimension and depth, making this style perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
How to Style:
Apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and rough-dry with your fingers for a tousled, effortless look. Once dry, use a curling wand to add some loose waves to the layers, enhancing the choppy texture. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep the waves in place without making them stiff.
Personal Experience:
The balayaged choppy bob is my go-to when I want something trendy yet easy to maintain. The balayage makes the layers pop, and the choppy texture gives my hair that perfect “just rolled out of bed” look.
2. Waves of Color
Styling Overview:
This shaggy hairstyle is all about embracing color and texture. Waves of color can range from subtle highlights to bold, vibrant shades, all blended seamlessly into a shag cut to create a striking, multi-dimensional look.
How to Style:
Start by applying a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to maintain the vibrancy of your color. Use a leave-in conditioner and a curling mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry using a diffuser to enhance natural waves or curls. If needed, touch up with a curling iron for more defined waves. Finish with a shine spray to bring out the color and add a healthy glow.
Personal Experience:
I love experimenting with color, and this style allows me to do just that. The waves add a playful texture that makes the colors stand out even more. It’s a fun way to show off your personality through your hair.
3. Platinum Short Shag
Styling Overview:
The platinum short shag is a bold, edgy style that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement. The platinum color adds a striking, modern touch, while the shaggy layers give it a rock-chic vibe.
How to Style:
Use a purple shampoo to keep your platinum color fresh and prevent brassiness. Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush for a sleek finish. Use a straightening iron to define the shaggy layers, and finish with a matte pomade to enhance the texture.
Personal Experience:
Going platinum was a big step for me, but pairing it with a shag cut made it feel more manageable and stylish. The shaggy layers add just the right amount of edge, making the platinum color pop even more.
4. Short Shag Bob
Styling Overview:
A short shag bob is a classic cut that combines the best of a bob and a shag. The shorter length keeps it chic and polished, while the shaggy layers add movement and texture, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
How to Style:
Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting the roots. Use a flat iron to create slight bends in the layers for added texture. Finish with a texturizing spray to keep the look effortless and slightly undone.
Personal Experience:
The short shag bob is my everyday go-to. It’s easy to style and works for both casual and formal settings. The layers keep it interesting, and it’s a great way to add some volume to my fine hair.
5. Golden-Bronde Bob with Piecey Layers
Styling Overview:
This golden-bronde bob is all about warmth and texture. The bronde (blonde and brown) color is perfect for adding depth, while the piecey layers give the cut a relaxed, beachy vibe.
How to Style:
Start with a color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner to keep your bronde color vibrant. Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch with your hands as you blow-dry to create natural waves. Use a curling wand to define a few of the layers, and finish with a lightweight hairspray for a soft hold.
Personal Experience:
The golden-bronde bob is perfect for summer. It has that sun-kissed look that I love, and the piecey layers give it a laid-back, beachy feel that’s great for those hot, lazy days.
6. Curls of Tinsel
Styling Overview:
Curls of tinsel is a festive, playful take on the shag haircut. The curls add bounce and volume, while the tinsel effect (think shimmery highlights or subtle sparkle) brings a touch of fun to the style.
How to Style:
Apply a curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a diffuser to enhance your natural curls. If you want to add more definition, use a small-barrel curling iron on a few sections. Finish with a light glitter spray for that tinsel effect, perfect for a party or special occasion.
Personal Experience:
This style is my go-to for holiday parties or anytime I want to add a bit of sparkle to my look. The tinsel effect is subtle but adds a festive touch that makes me feel extra special.
7. Short Shag Blunt Cut
Styling Overview:
The short shag blunt cut is a bold, structured take on the traditional shag. The blunt ends contrast beautifully with the shaggy layers, creating a modern, edgy look.
How to Style:
Apply a smoothing cream to damp hair and blow-dry straight with a paddle brush for a sleek finish. Use a flat iron to smooth out the layers and create a defined, blunt edge. Finish with a shine serum to keep the cut looking sharp and polished.
Personal Experience:
I love how this cut gives me the best of both worlds: the edge of a shag with the sophistication of a blunt cut. It’s perfect for when I want to make a bold statement with my hair.
8. Short Chocolate Bob with Feathered Layers
Styling Overview:
The short chocolate bob with feathered layers is a soft, feminine take on the shag. The rich chocolate color adds depth, while the feathered layers create a light, airy feel.
How to Style:
Start with a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to maintain the richness of the chocolate hue. Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting the layers. Use a flat iron to create soft bends in the feathered layers, and finish with a light hold hairspray.
Personal Experience:
This is my go-to style for a more polished, sophisticated look. The feathered layers add just the right amount of movement, and the chocolate color is perfect for adding warmth and richness.
9. Tapered Shaggy Chocolate Brown Bob
Styling Overview:
The tapered shaggy chocolate brown bob is a chic, modern style that’s perfect for those who want a bit of edge without going too bold. The tapered shape adds structure, while the shaggy layers keep it relaxed and fun.
How to Style:
Apply a smoothing cream to damp hair and blow-dry straight with a round brush, focusing on creating volume at the crown. Use a flat iron to smooth out the layers and create a tapered effect. Finish with a texturizing spray to add some grit and enhance the shaggy texture.
Personal Experience:
This cut is perfect for when I want to feel chic and put-together. The tapered shape gives it a modern edge, while the shaggy layers keep it from feeling too serious.
10. Bronde Bob Shag with Short Back
Styling Overview:
The bronde bob shag with a short back is a trendy, modern style that’s perfect for those who want to add a bit of edge to their look. The bronde color adds dimension, while the short back gives the cut a unique, structured feel.
How to Style:
Start with a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to maintain the bronde hue. Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting the roots. Use a flat iron to smooth out the layers and create a defined, short back. Finish with a shine spray to enhance the color and add a healthy glow.
Personal Experience:
I love the unique shape of this cut. The short back adds a modern edge, while the bronde color keeps it soft and feminine. It’s a great way to add some personality to a classic bob.
11. Tapered Shag Haircut
Styling Overview:
A tapered shag haircut is a stylish option for those who want a mix of structure and texture. The tapered shape adds definition, while the shaggy layers give the cut a relaxed, effortless vibe.
How to Style:
Apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and blow-dry with your fingers for a tousled effect. Use a flat iron to add slight bends to the layers, enhancing the tapered shape. Finish with a matte pomade to define the layers and add some edge.
Personal Experience:
This is my favorite style for when I want to feel effortlessly cool. The tapered shape adds just the right amount of structure, while the shaggy layers keep it relaxed and easy to style.
12. Disconnected Shaggy Brunette Bob
Styling Overview:
The disconnected shaggy brunette bob is a bold, edgy style that’s perfect for those who want to stand out. The disconnected layers add a unique, modern twist to the classic shag, while the brunette color keeps it grounded and versatile.
How to Style:
Apply a smoothing cream to damp hair and blow-dry straight with a round brush for a sleek finish. Use a flat iron to create defined, disconnected layers. Finish with a texturizing spray to add some grit and enhance the shaggy texture.
Personal Experience:
I love how this style combines classic and modern elements. The disconnected layers give it a unique, edgy feel, while the brunette color makes it versatile enough for any occasion.
13. A Bold Statement
Styling Overview:
A bold statement short shag is all about embracing your individuality. Whether it’s through bold color, unique layers, or an unexpected shape, this style is for those who want to make a statement with their hair.
How to Style:
Start by choosing a bold color or unique cut that reflects your personality. Apply a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair vibrant. Use styling products that enhance the texture and shape of your cut, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different products to achieve the look you want.
Personal Experience:
This style is all about self-expression. Whether it’s a bold color or a unique cut, I love how this style allows me to show off my personality through my hair. It’s a great way to stand out and make a statement.
Each of these short shag hairstyles offers something unique, whether it’s a bold color, a unique cut, or simply a modern take on a classic style. With the right styling techniques, you can make any of these looks work for you, no matter your hair type or personal style.