From the iconic shag styles of the 1970s popularized by Joan Jett and Jane Fonda to the contemporary, edgy looks sported by Alexa Chung and Taylor Swift, shag hairstyles have proven to be timelessly versatile. With their ability to adapt to various trends, the shag haircut remains a top choice for women seeking individuality and flair. Whether you have long, short, or medium-length hair, the shag’s customizable layers and bangs suit virtually every face shape and hair type. Let’s dive into the modern takes on this ever-evolving classic.
The modern shag has gone beyond its original shoulder-length silhouette to include edgy chin-length bobs and even pixie styles. “Long layers through the interior and shorter layers around the front create movement for longer hair,” explains Ted Gibson, hairstylist to A-list celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Rachel Brosnahan. Whether you love messy, lived-in textures or prefer a sleek, polished finish, the shag can be tailored to fit your lifestyle, hair condition, and styling preferences.
1. Long Bardot Shag
Channeling the sultry elegance of Brigitte Bardot, this shag style boasts thick layers and an effortless bedhead vibe. Perfect for adding texture and dimension, this look is a modern homage to a timeless icon.
2. Straight Shag with Curtain Bangs
Ideal for round face shapes, this shag features curtain bangs that draw attention to the eyes while softening the face’s wider areas. The addition of razored layers adds depth and elongates the overall appearance, creating a sleek yet dynamic look.
3. Shag with Center-Parted Bangs
Enhance your natural waves with this layered cut that incorporates center-parted bangs for a relaxed, bohemian finish. This style embraces effortless texture while maintaining a polished aesthetic.
4. Textured Shag with Highlights
Blonde highlights and textured layers come together in this striking style. The strategic placement of lighter tones brightens the face, while the shaggy layers add depth and movement, perfect for a fresh, sun-kissed look.
5. ’70s-Inspired Shag with Bangs
Flipped-out bangs from the 1970s are making a comeback, now paired with modern, sliced layers. This style effortlessly combines vintage charm with contemporary edge, whether you prefer straight or wavy textures.
6. Medium-Length Shag with Side-Parted Bangs
This shaggy lob (long bob) celebrates thick hair with face-framing highlights that add warmth and dimension. Blow-drying the side-parted bangs elevates the style with volume and movement, making it look natural and touchable.
7. Messy Bob Shag
Perfect for those seeking low-maintenance glamour, this shaggy bob features subtle layers that enhance natural texture. The cool, gradual color transition emphasizes facial features while creating a dynamic and modern vibe.
8. Crisp Textured Shag
Thin hair gets a major upgrade with this crisp-textured shag. By incorporating strategic layering, this look adds volume and movement, transforming flat locks into a vibrant, multidimensional style.
9. Shag with Baby Bangs
For a bold and dramatic statement, pair your shaggy cut with baby bangs. Tucking the side strands behind your ears highlights these edgy, cropped bangs, making your entire look stand out.
10. Subtle Layered Shag
This shoulder-length shag achieves a soft yet vibrant look with subtle layers and expertly blended coloring. It’s a versatile style that radiates effortless sophistication.
11. Short Shag with Long Side Bangs
Frame your face with long, carefully styled side bangs paired with a short, edgy shag. This cut balances softness and volume, making it perfect for fine hair types.
12. Choppy Layered Shag for Mature Women
Shaggy, choppy layers aren’t just for younger women—they’re a favorite among women over 50. Razor-cut layers add texture and playfulness, while tousled styling brings a youthful flair to icy blonde or silver tones.
13. Disheveled Short Shag
This textured bob may have a classic silhouette, but its razored ends give it a modern, disheveled vibe. With warm caramel tones, this shag radiates casual elegance.
14. Puffy Curls Shag
Shag cuts aren’t just for straight or wavy hair. Playful curls look fabulous in this rounded shag, which embraces the natural fuzziness of textured hair for a carefree, chic appearance.
15. Wavy Bangs with a Shag
Full, wavy bangs pair beautifully with the textured ringlets of this classic bob. The combination is effortlessly stylish and full of charm, ideal for curly-haired individuals.
16. Spiral Curls Shag
Structured spiral curls meet tousled layers in this medium-length shag. The result is a carefully balanced style that’s both voluminous and fashion-forward.
17. Shoulder-Length Wavy Shag
This wavy lob shapes the hair while keeping it airy and lightweight. Pulling the side strands back opens up the face, creating a flattering and approachable look.
18. Side-Swept Shag
Inspired by ’80s trends, this voluminous shag features side-swept bangs and expertly textured layers. The airy styling adds a touch of nostalgia to this modern cut.
19. Airy Shag with Blunt Ends
Blunt ends give this airy shag bob a defined structure while maintaining softness and delicacy. The white-blonde tones are elevated by subtle teasing at the crown for added volume.
20. Shag with Thick, Eye-Grazing Fringe
This shag defies the notion that straight hair is flat. The flipped, thick fringe creates angles while the choppy layers add texture, giving this style an edgy yet polished look.
21. Straight-Across Fringe for a Bold Edge
A thick, straight-across fringe works wonders in adding angles to a round face, instantly drawing attention to the eyes. Paired with choppy layers and subtle highlights, this hairstyle delivers a contemporary twist on a classic vintage look.
22. Extra Long Waves with Full Bangs
For oval-shaped faces, full bangs are a lifesaver, preventing the face from appearing elongated while adding balance. This textured caramel blonde mane is beautifully layered to create both width and volume, resulting in an effortlessly chic appearance.
23. Side-Swept Bangs for a Softer Square Face
Airy side-swept bangs are ideal for softening the features of a square face. Gradually falling to the cheek, they create a flattering curve, while flipped ends add a playful touch and enhance the overall harmony of the look.
24. Short Shag with Long Side Bangs
For those with longer face shapes, a side-parted messy bob with long side bangs is a game-changer. The added volume on the sides balances the proportions, while the tousled texture keeps the style casual and trendy.
25. Wispy Bangs to Highlight Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart-shaped faces can shine with this versatile style featuring long, wispy bangs and tucked side tresses. The focus is drawn to the middle of the face, while wild, choppy tips create an effortlessly edgy balance for the jawline
26. Defined Waves for a Flawless Finish
This medium-length shaggy bob stands out with its meticulously defined waves that showcase vibrant highlights. The dense, center-parted fringe frames the face perfectly, drawing attention to the eyes and creating a polished yet relaxed look.
27. Crown Volume Paired with Short Bangs
Turn heads with an edgy short bob that boasts bold crown volume and micro bangs. The dynamic contrast between the tousled, textured layers and the sharpness of the fringe makes this style irresistibly striking.
28. Sliced Layers with Side-Swept Bangs
For a fiery flair, opt for sliced layers and dramatic side-swept bangs. The vibrant copper tones of this hairstyle are further amplified by the edgy layering, making it a show-stopper for any occasion.
29. Naturally Curly Shag with Full Bangs
Celebrate your natural curls with this voluminous shag that features full, face-framing bangs. Perfectly sculpted ringlets create a playful, rounded shape that radiates confidence and charm.
30. Heavily Layered Shag with a Cropped Fringe
Bold and eye-catching, this heavily layered shag combines dense highlights with a short, cropped fringe. Its edgy and messy aesthetic ensures you’ll stand out while maintaining an effortlessly cool vibe.
31. Asymmetrical Shag with Stacked Layers
The asymmetrical bob gets a modern twist with stacked layers and playful waves. For added flair, leave a standout piece near the ear to achieve a customized, cutting-edge look.
32. Graduated Shag with Hip Texture
Upgrade a classic inverted bob by adding shaggy layers and a deep side part. Paired with a curling iron and styling products, this bronde pixie bob transforms fine hair into a textured masterpiece.
33. Chin-Length Bob with Thinned-Out Tips
Transform a simple bob into a shaggy marvel by thinning out the tips and incorporating short, V-shaped bangs. This chin-length style is playful, chic, and effortlessly cool.
34. Platinum Blonde with a Deep Side Part
Balance round face shapes with the triangle silhouette of this messy bob. The deep side part and bold ashy platinum blonde color create a striking, elongated look that exudes modern sophistication.
35. Blunt Layers for Fine Hair
Fine hair gets a volume boost with blunt layers and a short fringe. Add choppy textures for an overall sense of fullness while maintaining a chic, minimalist aesthetic.
36. Long, Bold, and Messy Shag
If you’re seeking drama and edge, this sky-high fringe and boldly layered shag is your go-to. Textured to perfection, it delivers volume, personality, and undeniable impact.
37. Timeless Classic Shag
Channel Stevie Nicks’ iconic gypsy style with a classic shag. Featuring graduated bangs, voluminous layers, and flowing waves, this look is the epitome of rock-and-roll glam.
38. Straight Fringe with Silver Elegance
Elevate your gray hair with a silver-blonde shag featuring a straight, brow-grazing fringe. Chopped, shoulder-skimming tresses add sophistication and make this a stunning choice for older women.
39. Short Layers with an Effortless Vibe
For a casual yet trendy look, try a textured bob with short, jagged bangs. This effortless shag is low-maintenance and ideal for anyone who loves a relaxed, messy aesthetic.
40. Subtle Layers Without Bangs
Not ready to dive fully into the shag trend? Opt for a layered bob without bangs. Soft waves and tapered tips add just enough texture to keep the style fresh and modern without being too bold.
The Shag Haircut: A Timeless Trend
The shag haircut is here to stay through 2024, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to refresh their style. Experiment with layers, bangs, colors, and textures to find a shag that perfectly suits your personality. With so many celebrities rocking this versatile look, you’ll never run out of inspiration!
