If you’re on the hunt for a hairstyle that works with any type of hair, consider a shag haircut! This type of hair look usually consists of layers, texture, and choppy ends. Shag haircuts are perfect for those of you who want something a little rock’n’roll, messy, easy to style, and chic.
Sometimes shag haircuts get a bad rap for being outdated, so make sure you tell your hairstylist that you’re looking for a more modern version. You definitely don’t want to get stuck with a mullet!
Let’s take a closer look at 23 shag haircuts for short and long hair.
Classic Shag
The classic shag haircut features choppy and textured layers. All types of shag hair cuts start with these characteristics and can then be modified for different hair lengths and textures. The best part of the classic shag is its versatility; you can choose between a classy style or a more modern look for any occasion!
Classic Shag with Bangs
Before you head to the hair salon, make sure you know how to describe what you want. A classic shag will feature choppy ends and plenty of layers. Some hairstylists now use razors to achieve this multi-layered look, which will remove excess weight from your hair and create movement.
If you’re looking to add some fringe, both side-swept bangs or blunt bangs look great with the classic shag haircut.
Touseled Shag
There’s nothing more effortless than the touseled shag haircut! You can get this look with any type of hair texture. If you have straight hair, make sure that you ask your hairstylist to give you choppy ends. When you style your hair at home, scrunch it with your fingers and let it air dry.
If you have curly or wavy hair, ask your hairstylist to cut your layers into the hair to ensure the cut’s fullness doesn’t fall to the ends. When you style your hair at home, ditch your blowdryer and let your locks air dry. You can add even more texture if you twist your hair into ringlets while it’s drying.
Long Hair Shag
Shag haircuts don’t have to be short! You can still get that rock’n’roll look you want while keeping your length. The long hair shag features the same characteristics of the short shag: choppy and textured layers that frame your face. You can also add bangs to the long hair shag! Must read about Secret Styling Tips for Women with Fine Hair.
Classic Short Shag
If you’re not afraid to go short, consider the classic short shag! This type of shag haircut also features choppy layers with plenty of texture. If you want to go short, ask your hairstylist to give you choppy layers. You’ll also want to make sure that there are shorter layers in the front to frame your face.
The classic short shag can be elegant if you use a styling gel to finish your look.
Super Short Shag
This modern take on Edie Sedgwick’s iconic shag haircut is a great choice for those of you with very short hair. The super-short shag haircut works well with long and thin faces, and if you want to be bold, opt for a platinum blonde color!
Sporty Short Shag
The sporty short shag haircut features notably choppy layers. The key to achieving this look is to avoid gel and go for styling creams instead.
Medium Shag
The medium shag is truly effortless. This shag haircut lands somewhere in between a short and long look. Simply wash your hair, scrunch up the ends, and let air dry. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to spend a lot of time on your hair in the morning, you will love its ease! The key here is to remember to scrunch your hair from the bottom up.
Sleek and Wavy Shag
If you have naturally wavy hair, you won’t have to fight against it with the sleek and wavy shag haircut! Use the proper hair products to smooth down and style your hair to get that sleek look you’re looking for. This is a great option for those of you who want a shag cut but also want to keep things elegant.
Bedhead Shag
Nothing is sexier than the bedhead shag haircut. Bedhead doesn’t have to mean grungy, as the bedhead shag can be styled to sophistication. If you want to add bangs, go for it! The secret to getting this look without climbing out of bed is simple: wash, scrunch with a texturizing product, and let air dry. If you have curly hair, don’t forget to twist your hair as it dries.
Naturally Messy Shag
Like the bedhead shag haircut, the naturally messy shag is all about effortless styling. If you know you want to style your hair like this every day, make sure that you ask your hairstylist for shorter layers in the back. You’ll want to style your hair as you would for the bedhead look: wash, apply a texturizing cream, and let air dry.
Classic Shag with Ombré
If you’re looking for an updated version of the classic shag, consider adding some color! The classic shag with ombré hairstyle is a great way to add a little something special to your look. This is a great option for those of you who are letting your hair grow out after a dye job. Natural roots with a lighter bottom will also help to bring out those choppy layers!
Long Bob Shag
This shag haircut version of the bob hairstyle features extra choppy layers and more texture. If you’re working your way up to a short shag, the long bob shag is the perfect place to start. Here your hair will reach your shoulders, and the choppy layers will frame your face beautifully.
Layered Shag
The layered shag is similar to the classic shag haircut but with even more layers. Ask your hairstylist for longer and more eye-catching layers to frame your face. Add some side-swept bangs to make the cut unique!
The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut may have a bad reputation, but we think this updated shag version is too cool. The key to getting this look is to ask your hairstylist for very subtle layers, focusing on the ends of your hair. With the bowl cut shag, the only layers you’ll see are at the bottom of your locks.
Grown-up Shag
Shag haircuts aren’t just for teens or 20-somethings. The grown-up shag is living proof that women of all ages can rock this look! Ask for layers that will frame your face to accentuate your jawline and bring out your smile.
Gray-Haired Shag
The gray-haired shag is yet more proof that older women can sport a shag haircut with ease! You can choose to go long, short, and even super short. Adding bangs can help make your hairdo stand out, and adding long and choppy layers can help to frame your face nicely.
Mop Shag
The mop shag haircut is a great choice for those of you with wavy or curly hair. This is perhaps the most effortless version of the shag haircut on our list! Wavy or curly hair will work with your choppy layers to give you a hairstyle that you won’t even have to think about. Simply wash your hair and let it air dry!
Shag for Curly Hair
The shag for curly hair will give you a voluminous look! Make sure you remember to ask your hairstylist to cut layers into your hair so that fullness you’re looking for doesn’t fall to the ends of your hair. If you get layers like this, your curls won’t weigh down your ends.
Consider investing in a quality texturizing cream for curls to finish off your look.
Shag for Blonde Hair
Adding color to your locks will make your shag haircut stand out amongst the crowd! Our favorite is blonde. The shag for blonde hair works well with a medium-length shag haircut as you’ll have more freedom to play around with style and work more depth into your locks.
Don’t be afraid to add some hot tools to your styling routine to give yourself a more elegant end result. Try using a curling iron to curl the sections of your hair that fall around your face to frame out your chin and cheekbones. Curls can also add a bit of sweetness to any look!
Wavy Shag
The wavy shag is another shag haircut that works well with medium-length hair! The concept is pretty similar to the bedhead shag or the naturally messy shag. The difference here is that the wavy shag isn’t quite as unkempt. Wash your hair and then add some texturizing cream as you scrunch from the bottom up. Then let air dry for an elegantly wavy result!
Long Hair Shag for Curly Hair
This is the ultimate choice for those of you with very long and curly hair! Shag haircuts don’t have to be short, or even medium-length. You can still achieve the choppy and textured layered look of shaggy style with extra-long hair. If you have curls, you’re in luck! The long hair shag for curly hair was made for you. You may also want to add side-swept or blunt bangs to finish off the cut with style.
Playful Shag Haircut
The playful shag is for the most whimsical amongst you! Let’s start with the cut: ask your hairstylist for some extra ragged and choppy ends. Then, add a fun color! Our favorites are pastel pinks, blues, and purples.
Conclusion
There are so many shag haircuts to choose from! Whether you have short hair or long locks, there’s a shag haircut out there for you. If you’re looking for a new look that features layers, texture, choppy ends, and is simple to style, consider one of the shag haircuts above!
Styling your hair should be fun and easy to do. With a shag haircut, you’ll enjoy both. Spend less time worrying about your locks and more time showing off your haircut!