After being one of the most loved styles of the 70s, shag haircuts are now once again among the hottest hair trends! Who would have thought that the shag would be back and booming decades later? Probably quite a lot of people. This feisty, carefree, and attitude-filled haircut works amazingly well for almost any face shape and hair type.
If you’re looking for a modern version of the ’70s hairstyle that’s still totally on-trend, try a shag haircut. This style incorporates choppy layers and fullness in the crown but uses a razor to achieve a softer, more feminine vibe. Whether you have fine, wavy, or curly hair, shag haircuts will flatter your face shape and complement your personality. You’ll look effortlessly chic in this style.
So slide till the end to get inspired and pick the shag hairstyle of your dreams!
1. Medium Shag Haircut
As we present new shag hairstyle ideas, we always like to start with a balanced option. For example, one of the best modern shag haircuts you can rock is this medium-length, all-natural, choppy layers look.
2. Beach Hair Shag Cut
The concept of beach hair shag falls under the broader category of modern adaptations of the timeless shag haircut. Just as the name suggests, the shag hairstyle is also considered a summer hairstyle and aims to reproduce the perfect look.
3. Short Shag Haircut
Looking for a more playful approach to your shag haircut? Go short! The shag look was paired with a pixie bob hairstyle with brown highlights in this particular case.
4. Shoulder-Length Shag Haircut with Sleek Layers
Hard as it may seem to believe at first, not all shag haircuts are messy. While most shags cuts are associated with lots of messy layers, you can also keep them sleek and styled, as above. A sleek shag haircut can be worn even on more formal occasions and is also a perfect fit for ladies more attracted to classy styles.
5. Long Shag Haircut
To obtain the picture-perfect shag haircut with long hair, you need to go above and beyond with the layers – the shorter and choppier, the better! This helps create a dynamic silhouette and also makes for a boho style.
6. Shag Haircut with Bangs
Pairing those wild layers with bangs is a wonderful way to personalize your shag hairstyle. We will showcase several bang styles throughout this shag haircut list, but we started with this classic set of full, arched bangs.
7. Cool and Flirty Short Shag Hairstyle
For a flirty and cool shag hairstyle, go for a bob-length shag haircut that you can style simply by running your fingers through your tresses. The blonde highlights on blonde shag hair are also a lovely touch.
8. A-Line Shaggy Haircut Bobs
Now that bob shag’s hairstyles are in the discussion talking about the shaggy A-line is a must. Angles are everything when it comes to cute shag haircuts, so naturally, an angled bob would serve as the perfect outline for one.
9. Shag Haircut for Thin Hair
If you struggle with styling your thin hair, we recommend a shorter shag haircut. For instance, a choppy shag hairstyle with a bob or even a lob (or long bob) base can help add extra volume. As the locks are shorter, they won’t be as pulled down as long hair.
10. Asymmetrical Shag Bob Haircut
Speaking of A-line bobs, why not try an asymmetrical version for your shag haircut? The difference doesn’t even have to be dramatic. An inch or two of asymmetry should do the trick in most cases.
11. Shag Haircut for Older Women
Regardless of your age, you can look and feel fabulous during any chapter of your life with a sassy hairstyle, such as a shag haircut. Raquel Welch proves so time and time again, like in this flattering shot. Also, ladies that caught the 70s shag haircut in their heyday can now experiment with its modern and shorter versions.
12. Straight Shaggy Hairstyle
We will tackle types of hair throughout our list of shag haircuts, from curly to wavy and, in this case, straight hair. Get inspired by Dianna Agron’s gorgeous hairstyle – perfect length, master layers!
13. Jagged Bangs – Baby Bangs-Style
If you’re genuinely not afraid to leave your comfort zone, consider an unconventional shag haircut with bangs – almost baby bangs – and make these choppy too!
14. Gypsy Shag Haircut
Many vintage haircuts can inspire the nostalgic, and this ravishing gypsy shag hairstyle is one of them. It’s a great look for medium to long hair, one made even prettier by the lush side-swept bangs and short layers.
15. Curly Shag Haircut
If you were lucky enough to be born with natural corkscrew curls, never shy away from flaunting what you got from your mamma. In other words, find a hairstyle that accentuates your ringlets, such as this shaggy haircut.
16. Short and Choppy Shag Bangs Haircut
What better way to complement your choppy layers than with equally choppy bangs? Instead of sporting eyebrow-length bangs, you can take a walk on the wild and modern side with a short and rebellious fringe.
17. 70s Shag Haircut
Whether your bangs are slightly parted, swept carelessly to the side, or messily down the front, rock them with your head held high for some retro glam.
18. Long Bangs and Shaggy Hair
An amazing way to highlight your shaggy locks even more, is to wear them with long, about nose-length bangs. It’s the traditional boho approach to this hairstyle and ideal if you want to get closer to the retro shag haircut.
19. Modern Pixie Shag Haircut
Admire and get inspired by this shaggy pixie cut! Make the pixie as short or long as you want to, but remember: styling is key! Also, we recommend going for a longer bangs pixie cut.
20. Casual Shag Hairstyle
If you don’t want to go too over the top with your shag haircut but still want to make it memorable, go for a casual style like the above. Go for a middle part, and keep the hair around shoulder length. The bangs are optional.
21. Shaggy Inverted Bob
It’s easy to see why inverted bobs are among the most voluminous cuts and trendiest hairstyles. Add even more volume by cutting in choppy layers – the shag effect is guaranteed!
22. Shoulder-Length Modern Shag Haircut
Shaggy hairstyles look arguably the best with shoulder-length hair. You can appreciate the layers and get that much-needed volume kick without struggling with the maintenance afterward.
23. Layered Shag Haircut
It may seem redundant to label a shag haircut as layered, but we want to emphasize the role of this cutting technique. As this example shows, the short and gradual layers are the icing on the cake for a shaggy hairstyle.
24. Boho Shag Hairstyle
You will frequently find the term boho associated with shag haircuts – for quite obvious reasons too. Make and keep your bangs choppy to emphasize the bohemian part of your shaggy hairstyle.
25. Dramatic Shag Hairstyle
We constantly encourage our readers to get a shag hairstyle that fully represents their personality. So bold girls can look at style icons like Yolandi Visser from Die Antwoord for some extreme shag hairstyle inspiration.
26. Shag Blonde Haircut for Round Face
A shaggy hairstyle is one of the best ways to compliment a round face shape. You can successfully create a slimmer face effect by focusing the layers and angles inwards. Add side-swept bangs for extra cuteness.
27. Wavy Shag Haircut
Shag haircuts and wavy hair truly go hand in hand. This is the ideal hair texture for a shag, as the wavy layered locks will fall gracefully into place on their own.
28. Curtain Bangs on Ombre Hair Shag Haircut
One characteristic both retro and modern shag haircuts have in common is how they style bangs. One of the most common and also coolest approaches is going for curtain bangs.
29. Colorful Shag Hairstyle
Couple it with new hair color to spotlight the rebellious side of a shag. Since shag haircuts are typically wild and rebellious, play around with the liveliest of colors, such as this rich green.
30. Black Shag Haircut
Halle Berry can rock a short shag quite like no other. The renowned actress is well known for her choppy hairstyles and especially for their bold shortness and spunk. This shows that a shag can suit women of all skin tones, face shapes, and personalities.
31. Side Part Shag Hairstyle
Contrary to popular belief, shag haircuts are just as head-turning with a side part as they are with curtain bangs. Indeed, retro shags cuts are almost always middle-parted, and their modern-day counterparts open the way to experimentation.
32. Choppy Shag Haircut
If you want as much attitude as possible from your haircut, go for extremely choppy layers. Also, experiment with different lengths for the layers. For example, try short layers on top and longer ones as you go down.
33. Pop Shag Hairstyle
Remember when celebs like Mandy Moore, Meg Ryan, or Alexa Chung rocked a shag? Recreate their look for a fun and girly hairstyle. The one above, for example, is based on a short bob with progressive, angled layers that frame the face.
34. Sexy Shag Haircut
The sexiest shag haircuts are often the messiest and most careless ones. Counterintuitive as it may seem, they stand out through their reckless glow and as a statement of an outgoing personality.
35. 2000s Shag Hairstyle
If we were to talk about pop icons of the 2000s, there’s no doubt that Britney Spears would be among the top three of that decade. She was a trendsetter in both clothes and hairstyles, and this long, choppy, and thoroughly layered hairstyle is surely one of her most famous looks.
36. Goth-Inspired Shag Hairstyle
Were you expecting to find a mullet-based haircut that looks this outstanding? We’d guess no. However, this deliciously dark, mysterious, and goth-inspired shag haircut proves us all wrong!
37. Retro Shag Haircut
We will return to the 70s for this entry with a gorgeous, retro-inspired shag. While the hair is on the long side, the many layers make it easier to style and maintain.
38. Wispy Shag Bob Haircut
Ladies with fine hair should keep shag bob haircuts in mind when booking their next hair appointment. This is a very flattering style as it helps add natural volume to the hair.
39. Shag Cut with Soft Curls
Yet another way to adorn a shaggy hairstyle is with soft curls. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, this look works best, so have fun with those tousled locks and shaggy bangs!
40. Cute Shag Haircut
This particular short-shag style is so easy to wear that gals of all ages can rock it! Don’t hesitate to go for this all-around shorter haircut that combines flirty with feathered layers.
41. Shag Hairstyle for Square Face
Razor-like jawlines have a unique charm of their own that can be made all the more stunning when paired with a hairstyle that complements them. For example, a shag haircut with softer layers will balance out the features.
42. Long Layered Shags
Short layers on long hair have been trending for as long as one can remember. They work seamlessly together to create a balanced yet playful hairstyle. Moreover, they are one of the definitive traits of the modern shag.
43. Shaggy Bangs
Bring those bangs to life by making them shaggy too! Focus on full bangs that start from the crown of the head and continue with plenty of short and jagged layers.
44. Shag Haircut for Thick Hair
Shaggy hairstyles can work miracles on thin locks and thick hair alike. Accentuate the hair’s natural thickness and get a fearless look, all in one!
45. Ombre Shag Hairstyle
Bring some color to your new shag by going for ombre hair. We’re sure you already know all about this coloring technique, but we wanted to draw attention to how easily it can contribute to an eye-catching hairstyle.
46. Platinum Shag Hairstyle
For an unforgettable impression, go for platinum blonde! This has been one of the top-trending hair colors for years now, and we’re certain that it will still be a favorite among women for years to come.
47. Classic Shag Haircut
A classic shag haircut will always focus on the top part of your hair as the pièce de résistance. In other words, all attention will be drawn to the short and layered top while the rest of the hair flows down naturally.
48. Curly Shag Haircut with Bangs
Shag haircuts with bangs are a very flattering choice for gals with curly hair. The fact that the locks have a curly texture paves the way for effortless bangs that perfectly complement the whole look.
49. Fiery Shag Hairstyle
You can go all out with the colors for a shag and add some spice by blending various shades of red. The results will be spicy, fiery red, and sure to make heads turn.
50. Emo Hairstyle – The Shag Version
Curious as it may seem at first, emo hairstyles and shag haircuts have quite a lot in common. From the short layers of long hair to the voluminous top and sleek bottom, you can easily consider interchanging them.
51. Redhead Shaggy Haircut
This beautiful redhead has a stunning shaggy hairstyle. Here she has kept her hair right around shoulder length, added in thick bangs, and kept it styled curly and shaggy. This style would look so beautiful straight as well, it would give it a sleek vibe.
52. Blonde Tip Short Shaggy Haircut
Blonde tips are not just for short hair, in the photo above she is wearing her short mullet-style hair with beautiful blonde tips. Add a thick fringe in the front to get the most out of this style.
53. Razor Cut Shaggy Haircut
Another way to obtain an amazing-looking shaggy style is to add razored layers. Here she has plenty of layers added to her long hair with a funky fresh fringe in the front.
54. Bottleneck Bangs Shag Haircut
This next hairstyle would be perfect for ladies who are looking to mix things up a bit. Here she has styled her long blonde hair with bottleneck bangs and a few textured layers on the top. She also has added in the perfect amount of blonde but kept the roots dark and it looks amazing.
55. Pink Hair on Shaggy Haircut
If you need to add some color to your style, this next look would be perfect for you. Here she has her mid-length hair styled with shaggy layers, a thick fringe, and beautiful pink hair color. Don’t forget to ask for bangs and you are going to love the way you look.
56. Shaggy Curly Haircut
If you have naturally curly hair you already know how hard it can be to find the right hairstyle. But here we have a beautiful shaggy hairstyle that was made for your curly hair. She went with shoulder-length hair and kept it super voluminous on the top.
57. Modern Shaggy Haircut
Next up is this modern-looking shag haircut for women. She added a beautiful red hue to the tips and outer layer and it looks so pretty. Be sure to add layers and bangs to get the whole vibe of this photo.
58. Shaggy on Dark Copper Hair
Copper hair color is one of the hottest colors for women in the fall of 2023. In the look above she went with a long copper layer with a few long layers to frame the face. She kept it straight but you could always add in a few waves too.
59. Wavy Shag Haircut
Wavy hair is so versatile and it looks great no matter how you style it. In the look above she kept it extra long and wavy with a few shaggy layers.
60. Modern Tapered Shag with Fall Balayage
Taper looks are so modern and edgy that women all over the world are wearing them. In the photo above she has kept her longest layer around shoulder length with a few extra layers added in. She also added a few highlights to add more texture.
61. Textured Shaggy Haircut
This next look is a beautiful mix of a sweet and shaggy style. She kept it short and full of thick layers that frame the face. Be sure to add a thick fringe to get the most out of this style.
62. Green and Blonde Hair on Shaggy Haircut
Looking to add some vivid colors to your freshly trimmed hair? In the photo above she is wearing a mix of blonde, blue, and green and it looks amazing. You could always go with your favorite colors to make them unique to you.
63. Warm Orange on Shaggy Haircut
Sunset hair is such a vibe in 2023, and here she went with a darker red hue that is perfect for the fall. Here she went with textured bangs and extra long length. She has also added a few layers right around the chin for a modern style.
64. Rainbow Lex on Shag Haircut
Another way to add a bit of fun to your hair is with a rainbow look. Most of her hair is colored an ashy gray tone with rainbow tones in the textured bangs. Keep the rest of the hair curly and you are all set.
65. Choppy Layers Shaggy Cut
Shaggy hairstyles come in all shapes and sizes. Here she has her beautiful brown hair cut right along the shoulder line with choppy layers and beautiful curls. Add in a thick fringe and you are all set.
66. Shaggy Wolf Cut
One of the most popular haircuts for younger girls these days is the wolf cut. This is a spunky cut with textured layers and super thick bangs. It is a modern take on a traditional shaggy haircut and it looks amazing.
67. Shaggy Hair on Spooky Girl
If you need a new stylish cut with a spooky vibe then this next shaggy hairstyle would be perfect for you. Here she has thick layers with razored edges and styled it messy and loose.
68. Black Rooted on Shaggy Haircut
Up next is a bright blonde hairstyle with her dark natural roots showing. Here she kept the layers thick and wavy and it looks so beautiful.
69. Color Clash Shaggy Haircut
Two-toned styles are always a good idea when you are thinking of adding color to your hair. Here she is wearing her shaggy hairstyle with pops of silver on the top and a bright orange hue for the rest. The colors complement each other perfectly.
70. 1970’s Shag with Petals
Here is a retro shaggy hairstyle that is straight out of the 70s. Here she has a super thick layer that frames the face one long blunt layer in the front. It looks like she added a bit of blonde in to set it off.
71. Copper Hair on Shaggy Haircut
If you like keeping your hair dark and natural here is a beautiful look that will keep your hair looking fresh and wavy. Add in a few shaggy layers around the face and add in a thick fringe and you are going to love your new style.
72. Subtle and Soft-Switch Up Shaggy Haircut
Next up is a beautiful long style with soft layers and side bangs added it. She kept her layers simple and full and finished the whole lookover with big waves.
73. Golden Blonde on Shaggy Haircut
Golden hair looks good during any season but it shines during the summer. In the photo above she is wearing her hair long and straight with a fringe in the front and beautiful choppy layers throughout. This cut would be just as pretty if you kept your hair natural.
74. Shaggy Haircut with Hair Roller
These curls in the photo above were made from the old fashion hair rollers. The curls are spiraled and beautiful and she kept the bangs straight. Be sure to keep the layers around the face choppy and shaggy and you are going to love your new style.
75. Shag Mullet Haircut
Up next is a bright and bold way to wear your new shaggy haircut for women. Here she has added a bright yellow highlighter color with shaggy layers and bold bangs. This is a look that is going to make you stand out in the crowd.
76. Layered Shag with Textured Bangs
Here is a look that is all about the bangs. In the photo above she has kept her bangs big and textured with shag layers around the face. Keep a few longer layers and add in loose curls for a perfect finish.
77. Black and White Streak on Shaggy Haircut
The salt and pepper vibe is right on trend for women’s hairstyles in 2023. Here she kept the back section of her short hair natural and dark with the layer by the face dyed a lovely white color. Keep it curly or straight because either way this look is beautiful.
78. Romantic Shaggy Mullet
If you are looking for a sweet and romantic style, you have to give this next style a shot. Here she has kept her hair long and brown with a short mullet style in the front. Keep it shaggy and curly and you are all set.
A short shag haircut with bangs is one way to disguise thin hair. This cut is great for covering up fine hair with layers and side bangs. Aside from the bangs, a shag haircut can also be styled with straightened locks. A short shag with bangs can be styled to be more revealing or edgy. To achieve this look, the hair must be short enough to conceal any problem areas.
Shag haircuts for women are a classic style that never goes out of style. They are easy to style and are best suited for women with wavy or curly hair. A spiky style can make your hair look unkempt. Make sure you choose a length that is the easiest to style. While this style is not for everyone, it’s one of the most popular hairstyles. Applying a styling product to your hair can get a spiky look.
So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?
To conclude, shag haircuts have taken over our hearts, for sure. Aside from being truly impressed by their massive comeback, we also admire and love the versatility and funkiness that comes with them. We warmly recommend a shaggy hairstyle to any girl or woman who wants to go against the grain and rock a cool look every day – and an almost effortless one too!
So what do you say, which of the shag haircuts and hairstyles is your favorite?
Lorene Kendall
Lorene Kendall is a professional hairdresser who has been around in the industry for quite some time. She has traveled to different countries and cities because of her undeniable passion for styling. Her creativity and eyes for fashion are what make her stand out the most. With her talent, she provides service that will beautifully translate what her clients want into actual art.
