The shag haircut is the ultimate blend of edgy and effortless. Known for its choppy layers, textured ends, and signature fringe, the shag is a versatile style that works for almost every hair type and length. Whether you’re rocking a pixie cut or long, flowing locks, there’s a shag haircut for you.
We’ve rounded up 33 of the most stylish shag haircuts, complete with expert tips from top hairstylists to help you achieve the perfect look. Scroll on for inspiration and advice!
Meet the Experts
- Laura Mitchell: A celebrity hairstylist with over 20 years of experience, based in Los Angeles, California.
- Jenna Collins: A master hair artist and founder of Luxe Hair Studio in New York City.
01 of 33: Cropped Pixie Shag
This bold take on the shag pairs perfectly with a pixie cut. Keep the sides short and the top layer for a messy, rock-and-roll vibe. Use a lightweight pomade to define the texture.
02 of 33: Short Shag with Side Part
[Prompt for Picture: A celebrity with a short shag haircut, featuring a deep side part and choppy layers.]
“A short shag can lean edgy or soft, depending on the layers,” says Laura Mitchell. Ask your stylist for choppy layers from front to back, and add a deep side part for structure.
03 of 33: Relaxed Shaggy Bob
This relaxed shag is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The key is to keep the ends choppy and the waves soft for that effortless bedhead vibe.
04 of 33: Wolf Cut Shag
The wolf cut is a mix of the shag and the mullet, and it’s taking the internet by storm. Ask your stylist for short, textured layers on top and longer, feathered layers at the back.
05 of 33: Wavy Shag with Piecey Bangs
This shag is all about the waves. The piecey bangs add a touch of edge, while the soft layers keep it feminine and flirty.
06 of 33: Baby Bang Shullet
For an edgy twist, pair your shag with baby bangs. Use a curly cream or matte pomade to scrunch up the ends and create a textured, lived-in look.
07 of 33: Wolf Cut Shaggy Lob
This shaggy lob is the perfect medium-length style. The fringe bangs and choppy layers give it a modern, undone feel.
08 of 33: Pseudo-Shag Bob
Shag cuts are at their best when they’re not overly styled. This mussy bob is the perfect example of effortless cool.
09 of 33: Short Curly Shag with Bangs
This curly shag is all about volume and texture. The bangs and layers work together to create a playful, model-off-duty look.
10 of 33: Shaggy Mullet (Shullet)
The shullet is a bold, modern take on the mullet. Ask your stylist for shorter layers in the front and sides, with longer, choppy layers in the back.
11 of 33: Piecey Shag
This piecey shag is perfect for those who want a casual, undone look. The layers are cut to create movement and texture.
12 of 33: Wet Look Shag
The wet look is a sleek, modern take on the shag. Use a strong-hold gel to achieve this glossy, asymmetrical style.
13 of 33: Bouncy Sun-Kissed Shag
If your curls need a boost, try a shag cut. The layers will remove bulk and add bounce, while the sun-kissed highlights add dimension.
14 of 33: Tapered Shag with Bangs
This tapered shag is both classic and timeless. The full bangs and long layers create a soft, flattering shape.
15 of 33: Classic Shag
The classic shag is all about the layers. The curtain bangs and fluffy ends give it a retro, rock-and-roll vibe.
16 of 33: Wavy Shag with Soft Fringe
This wavy shag is soft and feminine, with a touch of edge. The fringe and layers work together to create a flattering, face-framing effect.
17 of 33: Blown Out Shag
For a glamorous take on the shag, try a blown-out style. Use a volumizing mousse and round brush to create lift and body.
18 of 33: Wispy Shag
This wispy shag is light and airy, with a touch of whimsy. The feathery ends and bangs create a soft, romantic look.
19 of 33: Fluffy Shag with Semi-Parted Fringe
This fluffy shag is all about volume and texture. The semi-parted fringe adds a touch of edge, while the curls keep it playful.
20 of 33: Shag with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are the perfect complement to a shag haircut. The off-center part adds a modern twist to this classic style.
21 of 33: Shag with Baby Bangs
Baby bangs add a bold, edgy touch to any shag. Keep the layers choppy and the texture messy for a cool, undone look.
22 of 33: Lob Shag
The lob shag is a versatile, medium-length style. The choppy ends and effortless waves make it perfect for everyday wear.
23 of 33: Playful Shag
Add a pop of color to your shag for a fun, playful twist. The textured layers will show off the color and create movement.
24 of 33: Undercut Long Shag
For a bold statement, pair your shag with an undercut. The contrast between the shaved side and long layers is edgy and modern.
25 of 33: Long Shag with Soft Waves
This long shag is soft and elegant, with a touch of edge. The waves and layers create a flattering, face-framing effect.
26 of 33: ’70s Shag
The ’70s shag is all about the feathered layers. Keep the texture soft and the finish natural for a retro vibe.
27 of 33: Shaggy Pixie
This shaggy pixie is retro and modern at the same time. The side-swept bangs and textured layers add volume and movement.
28 of 33: Modern Shag
This modern shag is sleek and polished, with a touch of edge. The slight bends and ear tuck add a contemporary twist.
29 of 33: Natural Shag
This natural shag is perfect for curly hair. The short layers remove bulk and create a soft, flattering shape.
30 of 33: Medium Curly Shag with Bangs
This curly shag is all about volume and texture. The thick bangs and face-framing layers create a bold, statement-making look.
31 of 33: Voluminous Curly Shag
This voluminous shag is perfect for those who want to make a statement. The curls are the star of the show, so keep them moisturized and defined.
32 of 33: Straight Shag with Bangs
Who says a shag has to be messy? This straight shag is polished and edgy, thanks to the full fringe and choppy layers.
33 of 33: Center-Parted Long Curly Shag
This long curly shag is soft and romantic, with a touch of edge. The center part and cascading layers create a flattering, face-framing effect.
FAQ
Is a shag haircut better for straight hair or curly hair?
Both! A shag works for almost every hair type, as long as the layers are cut to suit your texture.shag haircut.
What’s a true shag haircut?
A true shag features choppy layers, fringe bangs, and lots of volume on top.shag haircut.
Does a shag haircut have bangs?
Traditionally, yes, but modern shags can be customized to suit your preferences.shag haircut.
What’s the difference between a shag and a lob?
A lob is a long bob with fewer layers, while a shag has choppy layers and often includes bangs.shag haircut.
