The short shag hairstyle has long been a favorite among fashion-forward individuals, offering versatility, volume, and an effortlessly chic vibe. Whether you’re looking to embrace your natural texture or experiment with bold new looks, these 30 unique short shag hairstyles will inspire you to take your hair game to the next level. From edgy undercuts to playful braids and tousled waves, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Red Shaggy Bob: Bold and Beautiful
This fiery red shaggy bob is perfect for those who want to make a statement. The layered cut adds structure and volume, making it ideal for fine hair. To style, air-dry your hair until slightly damp, apply serum, and comb forward for a sleek yet daring finish. Pair this look with a bold lip color for maximum impact.
2. Short and Messy Waves: Effortlessly Cool
Messy waves are universally flattering and add movement to any face shape. After washing, twist sections of damp hair to define the waves, then blow-dry using a heat protectant spray. Finish by lifting crown sections for extra volume—a quick and fun option for busy mornings.
3. Pixie Undercut Waves: Feminine Edge
Can’t decide between girly curls and edgy undercuts? Why not both? Prep wet hair with volumizing mousse, divide into sections, and blow-dry with a round brush. Add a touch of mousse to smooth frizz, then flip your head forward and back for that carefree, disheveled effect.
4. Messy Undercut Curls: Sweet but Tough
Channel duality with this look—cute curls paired with an undercut scream confidence. Use a curling wand or rollers to create tight curls, seal them with smoothening serum, and lock in place with medium-hold hairspray. It’s the ultimate blend of softness and strength.
5. Straight Edge: Sleek Sophistication
For those who love precision, this poker-straight style exudes fearlessness. Protect your strands with heat serum, straighten small sections at a time, and finish with a side sweep for added drama. This polished look pairs beautifully with sharp eyeliner and tailored outfits.
6. Bed Head Bangs: Rolled-Out-of-Bed Glam
Embrace the “I woke up like this” aesthetic with bed head bangs. Curl random sections haphazardly, straighten your fringe, and shake out your locks for a perfectly imperfect finish. This laid-back style works wonders when paired with casual denim or a breezy sundress.
7. Relaxed Waves: Professional Meets Playful
Striking the balance between formal and casual, relaxed waves are perfect for work or weekend outings. Simply part your hair down the middle, roll sections around a curling iron, and unravel with a wide-tooth comb. Spritz with texturizing spray for a beachy feel.
8. Rocker Chic: Wet-Look Vibes
Channel your inner rockstar with this sleek, wet-look style. Straighten your hair section by section, then apply gel for that just-out-of-the-shower shine. Complete the ensemble with a leather jacket for an authentic rocker vibe.
9. Shaggy Curls: Naturally Textured Perfection
Say goodbye to heat damage! Achieve bouncy, textured curls using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. Scrunch your hair as you dry, and finish with a dollop of mousse to separate curls. This low-maintenance look highlights your natural beauty.
10. Pin-Up Curls: Vintage Glamour
Achieve salon-worthy pin-up curls at home by securing each curl with bobby pins before letting it cool. Lock in the style with medium-hold hairspray for all-day staying power. This retro-inspired look is perfect for date nights or themed events.
11. Straight and Shaggy: Punk Rock Flair
Who says spikes are reserved for rockstars? Create a fierce, no-nonsense look by sweeping your straightened hair sideways and upwards with strong-hold gel. Accessorize with bold earrings for an intimidating yet stylish vibe.
12. Messy Bouffant: Retro Reinvented
Give grandma’s bouffant a modern update with messy volume. Tease the crown, smooth the top layer, and secure with serum for shine. This vintage-meets-modern style adds instant glamour to any outfit.
13. Shaggy Straight: Youthful Simplicity
Skip the flat iron and opt for a more natural approach. Blow-dry with a round brush, curve ends inward, and mess it up with your fingers for a youthful, effortless look. Perfect for lazy days when you still want to look put-together.
14. Waterfall Braid: Intricate Elegance
Master the art of the waterfall braid for special occasions. Start near your temple, incorporate sections as you go, and drop strands for the cascading effect. Loosen the braid for dimension and secure with hairspray. This intricate style is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.
15. No Fuss Tresses: Everyday Ease
Inspired by Halle Berry’s iconic pixie cut, this style requires minimal effort. Apply light-hold gel, scrunch with your fingers, and voilà—you’re ready to conquer the day. Sometimes simplicity truly is the ultimate sophistication.
16. Posh Messy Bob: Victoria Beckham Vibes
Channel Posh Spice herself with this elegant yet undone bob. Prep unwashed hair with texturizing spray, straighten random sections, and part to one side for a roughened-up finish. No need to wash—this look thrives on second-day texture.
17. Faux Hawk: Edgy Confidence
Ginnifer Goodwin proves that faux hawks aren’t just for men. Blow-dry the sides flat while teasing the center section upward for height. Shape with strong-hold gel, and pair with feminine clothing for a striking contrast.
18. Side Dutch Band: Braided Flirtation
Add a flirty twist to your shaggy look with a side Dutch braid. Part your hair to one side, braid outward instead of inward, and pancake for thickness. Secure behind your ear for a boho-inspired vibe.
19. Double Fishtail Pixie: Underrated Cuteness
Fishtail braids may seem tricky, but they’re worth the effort. Create two braids starting from your bangs, loosen them for dimension, and secure with crossed bobby pins. This adorable style is perfect for music festivals or casual outings.
20. Pancaked Dutch Band: Bold and Beautiful
Turn heads with a voluminous Dutch braid. Curl your hair first for added texture, braid outward, and pancake for width. This dramatic style demands attention and complements bold makeup choices.
21. Mixed Up Braids: Boho Chic
Combine French and Dutch braids for a bohemian masterpiece. Vary the sizes and styles for a dynamic, asymmetrical look. Secure with bobby pins and finish with light-hold spray for a festival-ready vibe.
22. Cutesy Curls: Adorable Chaos
Messy curls are having a moment. Curl your hair, open the curls with a paddle brush, and scrunch with texturizing spray for an adorably chic finish. This playful style is perfect for brunch dates or casual hangouts.
23. Rope Up Braid: Fancy Yet Simple
Transform a basic braid into a rope-like masterpiece. Once braided, push the side strands upward, pull down, and secure. This unique style adds flair without much effort.
24. Symmetrical Fishtail Braids: Double the Fun
Two fishtail braids are better than one! Curl your hair first, part down the middle, and create identical braids on either side. Secure at the back for a symmetrical, eye-catching look.
25. French Braid Headband: Practical Elegance
Keep hair off your face with a French braid headband. Backcomb the front, braid along your hairline, and secure behind your ear. This practical yet stylish solution eliminates the need for uncomfortable headbands.
26. Boho Bandana: Quick Fix
On days when washing isn’t an option, tie a bandana behind your ears and let your bangs frame your face. Mess it up for a carefree boho vibe.
27. Pinned-Back Waves: Beachy Half-Up
Create beachy waves, part down the middle, and pin sections back for a relaxed half-up style. Ideal for summer days or seaside adventures.
28. Teased Curls: Volume Galore
Add teased volume to simple curls for a glamorous twist. Flip teased sections to one side, smooth the top, and finish with serum for shine.
29. Deconstructed Dutch Band: Funky Fresh
Leave parts of your Dutch braid loose for a deconstructed look. Tuck the middle section behind your ear and secure with bobby pins for a funky, modern style.
30. French Band Undercut: Delicate Femininity
Balance an edgy undercut with a delicate French braid. Straighten your hair, flip to one side, and braid near the temple for a hint of femininity.
31. Super Messy Dutch Band: Bold and Beautiful
This voluminous Dutch braid is perfect for making a statement. Start by prepping your hair with texturizing spray to add grip. Create a deep side part, then begin a Dutch braid along the hairline, adding sections as you go. Once you reach the crown, pancake the braid by gently pulling it apart for extra width. Secure the ends with an elastic and finish with strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. This look screams confidence and creativity.
32. Twisted Bangs: Playful and Modern
Twisted bangs are a fun way to elevate your short shag hairstyle. After washing, blow-dry your bangs straight, then twist small sections near the front and secure them with bobby pins. Let the rest of your hair remain loose or slightly tousled for contrast. This style works especially well for formal events or when you want to add a touch of elegance to your everyday look.
33. Boho Pulled-Back Braid: Effortlessly Elegant
For a bohemian-inspired style, try this pulled-back braid. Prep damp hair with mousse for texture, then create a loose braid starting at the crown. Pull out strands along the braid to give it a fuller appearance. Secure with an elastic and let the rest of your hair flow freely. Finish with light-hold hairspray for a soft, romantic vibe.
34. Back-Combed Puff: Retro Glamour
Channel vintage Hollywood glamour with a back-combed puff. Tease the top section of your hair using a fine-toothed comb, smoothing only the outer layer for a polished finish. Secure the teased section with bobby pins, leaving the rest of your hair down or tucked behind your ears. Add shine with serum and pair this style with bold red lipstick for maximum impact.
35. Straight Out Of Bed: Carefree Cool
Embrace the “undone” aesthetic with this effortless style. Air-dry your hair until it’s slightly damp, then scrunch with texturizing spray. Flip your head upside down and shake out your locks for added volume. Use your fingers to tousle the hair further, creating a deliberately messy yet chic effect. Perfect for lazy mornings or casual outings.
36. Tousled Curls: Beachy Vibes
Transform your short shag into beachy waves with this tousled curl technique. Prep washed hair with heat protectant and texturizing spray, then curl random sections with a medium-barrel curling wand. Once cooled, run your fingers through the curls to break them up and enhance their natural texture. Finish with sea salt spray for that windswept, coastal feel.
37. Punk Rock Spikes: Edgy Confidence
Spikes aren’t just for men—this punk rock-inspired style adds attitude to any short shag cut. Apply strong-hold gel to damp hair and use your fingers to spike sections upward and outward. Blow-dry to set the shape, then reapply gel for extra hold. Pair this rebellious look with leather jackets and combat boots for a complete rocker ensemble.
38. Roller Brush Curls: Classic Elegance
Achieve timeless curls with a roller brush. Prep clean, damp hair with volumizing mousse, then blow-dry using a round brush, rolling under at the ends for bounce. Once dry, wrap small sections around velcro rollers and let them cool completely before removing. Gently separate the curls with your fingers and finish with medium-hold hairspray for lasting results.
39. Fishtail Half Updo: Versatile Charm
A fishtail half-updo combines practicality with flair. Part your hair down the middle and gather the top section into a low ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two equal parts and fishtail braid, securing the end with an elastic. Leave the bottom half of your hair loose or curled for added dimension. This versatile style transitions seamlessly from day to night.
40. Cat Ear Buns: Adorable Quirkiness
Add a playful twist to your shag with cat ear buns. Gather two small sections of hair near the crown and twist them tightly, forming mini buns that resemble cat ears. Secure with bobby pins and leave the rest of your hair down or braided. This whimsical style is perfect for festivals, themed parties, or simply brightening someone’s day.
41. Haphazard French Braid: Casual Sophistication
Sometimes imperfection is key. Create a haphazard French braid by loosely gathering sections of hair and incorporating them unevenly as you go. Don’t worry about precision—this style thrives on its carefree appearance. Secure the braid with an elastic and pull out strands for a softer, more relaxed look.
42. Half Bun: Trendy Simplicity
The half bun is a trendy yet simple style that complements short shag cuts beautifully. Gather the top half of your hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure with bobby pins. Leave the bottom half loose or curled for balance. This youthful look is ideal for summer days or casual hangouts.
43. Short Choppy Layers: Textured Edge
Choppy layers bring movement and texture to short shag hairstyles. Ask your stylist for asymmetrical, jagged cuts that frame your face and emphasize your features. Style with texturizing paste for definition and volume. This edgy look is perfect for those who love to experiment with bold, unconventional styles.
These additional hairstyles expand the possibilities for anyone rocking a short shag cut. From retro-inspired bouffants to modern braids and playful twists, there’s no shortage of ways to express yourself through your hair. So grab your styling tools, unleash your creativity, and make every day a runway show!
