15 Best Shag Cut Ideas for Women
Shag haircuts are making a big comeback these modern days.
This trendy style from the 1970s is popping up all over social media, with women of all ages embracing its fun and carefree vibe.
I’m excited to share some great shag-cut ideas that can work for different hair types and face shapes.
A shag cut can add volume, texture, and movement to your hair. It’s a versatile look that can be customized to suit your personal style.
I’ll show you some of the best shag haircuts that are popular right now and give you tips on how to style them.
1: Tousled Bob
I love the tousled bob for its effortless, carefree vibe.
It’s a choppy cut that falls around chin length and has lots of texture and movement.
The layers are key—they give that perfectly messy, “just rolled out of bed” look. This look works great for all hair types and face shapes.
To style, I recommend using texturizing products and scrunching while air-drying. This cut is low-maintenance but still super chic.
2: Korean Style Short Shag Cut
I love the Korean take on short shag cuts.
They’re super trendy right now, thanks to K-pop and K-dramas. This style adds fun texture and movement to short hair.
It’s perfect for those who want an edgy but cute look. The layers frame the face nicely and give a soft, feminine vibe.
3: Feathered Shag
The feathered shag is a classic haircut that’s making a comeback.
I love how it adds movement and texture to hair of any length.
This style features soft, wispy layers that blend seamlessly. The feathering technique creates a light, airy look that’s easy to style.
It works well for straight, wavy, or curly hair. You can customize the amount of layering to suit your face shape and hair type.
4: Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are a trendy addition to shag cuts.
I love how they frame the face and add softness. Like curtains, these bangs part in the middle and sweep to the sides.
They work well with different hair textures and lengths. I find curtain bangs especially flattering on long shags. They can be styled sleek or tousled for varied looks.
I recommend regular trims and using a round brush when blow-drying to maintain curtain bangs. This keeps them looking fresh and bouncy.
5: Razored Ends
Razored ends are a game-changer for shag haircuts.
I love how they create soft, wispy layers that blend seamlessly. This technique uses a razor blade instead of scissors to cut the hair.
The result is light, airy ends that move beautifully. Razored ends are perfect for adding texture and reducing bulk in thick hair. They work well on all hair types and lengths.
6: Retro Shag
The retro shag is making a comeback. I love how it brings back the cool vibes of the 1970s.
This cut features lots of choppy layers and a messy, tousled look.
Key elements are feathered ends and a shaggy fringe. This style works great for straight or wavy hair and gives a fun, carefree feel that is perfect for any age.
To style, I suggest using texturizing products and scrunching the hair. This enhances the piece-y, lived-in texture that defines the retro shag.
7: Modern Shag
The modern shag is a fresh take on the classic 70s style.
I love how it combines choppy layers with softer edges for a more polished look.
This cut works great on various hair types and lengths. It’s versatile enough to style sleek or messy, depending on your mood.
For a trendy twist, ask your stylist for face-framing pieces and textured ends. This adds movement and dimension to your hair.
8: Pixie Shag
I love the pixie shag cut. It’s short and stylish with lots of texture.
The layers give it a fun, tousled look.
This cut works for many hair types. It’s easy to style and maintain. I just run my fingers through it with some product for a quick, cool style.
9: Shag With Fringe
I love how a shag cut with fringe can frame the face beautifully. The bangs add a bold statement while blending into the layers.
This style works well for various hair types and lengths. It’s versatile and can be customized to suit different face shapes.
A shag with fringe gives off a cool, effortless vibe. It’s perfect for those wanting a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
10: Long Shag Cut
I love how versatile long shag cuts can be. They work well for many face shapes and hair types.
The key is that there are lots of layers throughout the length. This creates movement and texture.
Soft, feathered bangs often complement long shags nicely. They frame the face in a flattering way.
For styling, I recommend using texturizing products and tousling the hair. This enhances the carefree, effortless vibe.
11: Messy Shag
I love the effortless cool of a messy shag haircut. It’s perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style with tons of texture.
The key is lots of choppy layers that create movement. I suggest asking your stylist for piece-y ends and face-framing bits.
I like using a texturizing spray and scrunching it with my fingers. This enhances the tousled, lived-in look that makes messy shags so appealing.
12: Wavy Shag
I love how wavy shags combine texture and movement. This cut works great for naturally wavy hair. It gives an effortless, tousled look.
The layers enhance waves and add volume. I find wavy shags flattering on many face shapes. They frame the face nicely.
To style, I use mousse and scrunch while air-drying. A diffuser works well, too, for more defined waves.
13: Bold Shag Bangs
Bold shag bangs make a statement. I love how they frame the face and add edge to any look.
These bangs are choppy and textured. They blend seamlessly into the rest of the shag cut.
For extra impact, I suggest going for a full, heavy fringe. This creates a daring rock star vibe that turns heads.
14: Textured Shag
I love the textured shag cut. It’s a great way to add movement and body to your hair. The layers are cut to create a messy, tousled look.
This style works well for many hair types. It can make fine hair appear fuller and help reduce bulk in thick hair.
15: Layered Shag
I love the layered shag haircut. It’s full of movement and texture. This style works for many hair types and lengths.
The key is lots of choppy layers throughout. They create a tousled, effortless look. I recommend asking your stylist for face-framing pieces, too.
To style, I suggest using texturizing spray. Blow dry with a round brush for volume. Finish with a light hairspray to keep the layers defined.
History of the Shag Cut
The shag cut has a rich history that spans several decades, evolving and adapting to changing fashion trends while maintaining its core characteristics.
This iconic hairstyle gained popularity in the 1970s, revolutionizing the hair industry with its edgy, layered look.
The shag cut was created by barber Paul McGregor in 1971 for actress Jane Fonda. The style quickly gained traction, symbolizing the era’s rebellious spirit and free-thinking attitude.
Its layered, textured appearance starkly contrasted the sleek, polished hairstyles of the previous decade.
Throughout the 1970s, the shag cut was embraced by both men and women, with rock stars like Mick Jagger and David Bowie sporting variations of the style. This helped cement its status as a countercultural icon.
In the 1980s, the shag evolved to incorporate more volume and exaggerated layers, aligning with the decade’s “bigger is better” aesthetic. Stars like Joan Jett and Meg Ryan popularized their versions of the shag, keeping the style relevant and fresh.
The 1990s saw a softer interpretation of the shag, with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston sporting the “Rachel” cut, a shag-inspired style that became one of the most requested hairstyles of the decade.
After a brief lull in popularity during the early 2000s, the shag cut has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Modern interpretations of the style incorporate elements of other trendy cuts, such as the wolf cut and mullet, while maintaining the shag’s signature layered and textured appearance.
Today, the shag cut continues to evolve, with stylists and clients alike appreciating its versatility and ability to flatter various hair types and face shapes. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of this iconic hairstyle.
How to Care for Shag Cut Hair
Caring for shag-cut hair requires a tailored approach to maintain its signature texture and volume.
Here are some essential tips to keep your shag looking its best:
- Use the right products: Opt for lightweight, volumizing shampoos and conditioners that won’t weigh down your layers. Avoid heavy, oil-based products that can make your hair appear greasy.
- Embrace your natural texture: The shag cut is designed to enhance your hair’s natural texture, so work with it rather than against it. Use texture or sea salt sprays to enhance your hair’s natural wave or curl.
- Be gentle when washing: Massage your scalp gently and avoid vigorously rubbing your hair, which can cause tangles and frizz. Instead, use your fingers to work the shampoo through your hair.
- Condition strategically: Focus conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots to maintain volume. Consider using a leave-in conditioner for added moisture and manageability.
- Dry with care: Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible. If you need a blow dryer, use a diffuser attachment and dry on a low heat setting to maintain texture and reduce frizz.
- Style smartly: Style your hair using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb, avoiding brushes that can disrupt the layers. Scrunch your hair while drying to enhance texture and volume.
- Regular trims: Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape of your shag and prevent split ends.
- Protect while sleeping: Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent tangling and frizz while you sleep.
- Avoid over-washing: Shag cuts often look better with a bit of natural oil, so try to limit washing to 2-3 times a week.
- Experiment with styling: Try different partings and styling techniques to find what works best for your hair texture and face shape.
By following these care tips, you can keep your shag cut looking fresh, voluminous, and stylish, embracing the effortless, textured look that makes this hairstyle so iconic.
