From 1970’s hairstyles worn by Joan Jett and Jane Fonda to modern Alexa Chung’s and Taylor Swift’s looks, shag haircuts seem to be adaptable to any trends, being literally timeless. Since the shag hairstyle allows for various layers and an array of bangs, it is great for each face shape, hair length and type. Let’s explore the trendy options available for different individualities.
Though originated from mainly shoulder-skimming or longer hairstyles, today’s shag haircut is customized to multiple lengths, including chin-length bobs or even shorter. “Long layers through the interior and shorter layers around the front add movement to longer hair,” Ted Gibson, hairstylist working with Angelina Jolie, Rachel Brosnahan and other celebs, told Elle. Depending on the type of your hair, its condition, your lifestyle and styling abilities, you can choose a new shaggy cut in line with current trends. And whereas messy styling is still on trend, you are free to experiment with more polished looks as you please.
1. Long Bardot Shag
This thick hair radiates texture through the modern interpretation of the iconic Bardot hairstyle. The bedhead vibe is a must!
via @salsalhair
2. Straight with Curtain Bangs
Girls with round faces will love this shag version – curtain bangs call attention to the eyes rather than to the wider parts. Razored layers deliver both dimension and an elongating effect.
via @crafthousesalon
3. With Center-Parted Bangs
Natural waves can be beautifully enhanced with a layered haircut. This one incorporates center-parted bangs and effortless styling.
via @timm.morrison
4. Textured with Highlights
This blonde hair sparks with adorable highlights, accentuated through textured locks. Note how the face is brightened by the color and layers.
via @romeufelipe
5. With ’70s Bangs
Flipped out 1970-esque bangs are back, now teamed up with the modern sliced texture. They blend well with messy styling, whether it’s wavy or straight hair.
via @jacobhkhan
6. Medium-Length and Side-Parted
The shag haircut flatters the color scheme of this thick hair, making it look even more natural and touchable. Don’t miss to blow dry bangs to the side for added volume!
via @maggiegarciacolor
7. Messy Bob Shag
This long bob with subtle layers is easy to style using texturizing products rather than heat. And its color transition is cool, emphasizing the face and bringing more depth to the hair.
via @chrisjones_hair
8. With Crisp Texture
Thin hair always stands to gain from layering, since this gives it the dimension it lacks. No flat looks, but lots of crisp texture – this is what the shag bob does.
via @maygovintage
9. With Baby Bangs
Here is how you can transform your hairstyle with one sweep. Just tuck your side tresses behind the ears to shift the focus to these dramatically short and structured bangs.
via @circlesofhair
10. With Subtle Layers
This shaggy shoulder length cut is hot for its vibrant, yet soft feel. This look is created through both subtle layering and beautiful coloring.
via @anhcotran
11. With Long Side Bangs
This edgy short cut comes with carefully styled side bangs to softly frame the face. Other tresses are scattered haphazardly to give the fine hair more volume.
via @chrisjones_hair
12. With Choppy Layers
Shaggy chops are so funky and flirty, that they just can’t be ignored by a woman over 50! “This is a time when you can embrace the razor because it frees up all your ends — you want lots of choppy layers,” says celebrity hairstylist Matt Fugate to Teen Vogue and suggests creating tousled looks with only your hands instead of flat or curling irons. Bookmark this icy bob with shadow roots, side bangs and graduated layers.
via @kphairaddict
13. Short and Disheveled
This bob features the classic shape, but that doesn’t prevent it from looking nicely disheveled and wowie. With its sliced ends, the haircut oozes texture.
via @anhcotran
14. With Puffy Curls
Playful ringlets for grey hair? No sweat! The best thing about this fabulously shaped haircut is that you don’t have to worry about the fuzziness. It’s shag, babe!
via @maygovintage
15. With Wavy Bangs
With curly hair, you can also opt for this effortless look, combining the classic bob and textured ringlets. And the random curls of the full fringe are charming.
via @ravenrowsalon
16. With Spiral Curls
Though it sounds contradictory, you need to get your curly hair carefully structured in order to have it fashionably tousled. This spiral cut is a star to follow.
via @salsalhair
17. Shoulder Length
The layered lob looks great on this wavy hair, shaping it nicely. To avoid an overwhelming effect, open your face by pulling side tresses away from it.
via @timpatrickhair
18. Side-Swept
It feels a bit like the ’80s mall fringe, doesn’t it? This amazing thick hair is artistically debulked and textured to get an airy and voguish touch.
via @felipehenriquehair
19. With Blunt Ends
The airy shag bob involves some teasing to create an elevated top, which is perfect for thin hair. Subtle layers add to the delicacy of the white blonde.
via @donovanmillshair
20. With Thick Eye-Grazing Fringe
Straight doesn’t mean sleek and flat, which is proved by the stunning shag below. The flipped eye-grazing fringe is our favorite part!
via @joeltorresstyle
21. With Straight-Across Fringe
The thick straight-across fringe adds angles to this round face, also drawing attention to the eyes. Together with choppy layers and highlights, it gives a modern twist to the vintage hairstyle.
via @cocoon_salon_msp
22. Extra Long and Wavy
Full bangs work fine for oval faces, saving them from dragging down as the hair length is added. In this case, the generously textured mane also gains width to balance the look.
via @timm.morrison
23. With Side-Swept Bangs
It’s a good idea to soften this square face with airy side-swept bangs, falling gradually to the cheek. Flipped ends deliver even more curves to get the right proportion.
via @maxwellmathson
24. Short Shag with Long Side Bangs
If your face is long, you want more volume on the sides, right? Have plenty of it with this side-parted messy bob.
via @kphairaddict
25. With Long Wispy Bangs
This hairstyle boasts so many details to draw attention away from the small, pointed chin of the lovely heart shaped face. From the long wispy bangs to the tucked side tresses, it emphasizes the middle part of the face, while balancing the jaw line with wild choppy tips.
via @romeufelipe
26. With Defined Waves
This medium shaggy layered bob is fab, boasting creatively defined waves, placed exactly to display highlights. The dense center-parted fringe is the icing on the cake to bring out the eyes.
via @heatherchapmanhair
27. With Crown Volume and Short Bangs
Go edgy with a short shaggy bob paired with statement micro bangs! We cannot resist the exciting contrast between the chopped and tousled.
via @joeltorresstyle
28. With Sliced Layers
Extraordinary long side swept bangs are perfect for showing off a vibrant color like this warm shade of red. And the sliced layers are cool, by all odds.
via @maeipaint
29. On Naturally Curly Hair
This big cut embraces full bangs to show curly hair in all its glory – with masterfully carved ringlets that envelope the face in a flirty manner. Perfect choice for those who love a lot of volume and rounded shapes.
via @venalove
30. Heavily Layered
Heavily layered and nicely highlighted, this hairstyle is sure to turn heads due to its dense short fringe, which serves as a strong focal point. This look is edgy, bold, and messy in the best way possible.
via @donovanmillshair
31. Asymmetrical and Stacked
The asymmetrical bob is badass, and there is always a way to customize it for even a cooler feel. By adding waves and throwing in a piece in front of the ear you can hit the mark.
via @shmoakin_hair
32. Short and Graduated
Here’s your recipe for turning your regular inverted bob into something shaggy and special – a deep side parting for visible dimension. Use a curling iron and styling products for some hip texture.
via @k_hairstylist_
33. With Thinned-Out Tips
Think your bob looks too dull? Go shaggy with thinned out tips and get short perky bangs with this cute V-styling in the center.
via @headstudio
34. With Deep Side Part
This cute round face is perfectly balanced with the triangle shape of the messy bob, which also adds a strong elongating line in the front. Looks stunning paired with this ashy platinum blonde.
via @rachelwstylist
35. Blunt on Fine Hair
However, fine hair benefits from bluntness, since it creates a sense of density, like this lovely short fringe does. Sure, you can combine it with choppy layers for overall volume.
via @hirohair
36. Long and Messy
Want to go for something unique and bold? Look no further than this awesome messy hairstyle, boldly layered and textured from the sky high fringe to the very ends.
via @joeltorresstyle
37. Classic Shag
This one is the epitome of a shag. Go for the classic look with lots of volume on the top, graduated bangs and long waves a la Stevie Nicks’ gypsy hair.
via @timm.morrison
38. With Straight Fringe
Transform your gray hair into an eye-popping silver blonde hairstyle with a straight brow-skimming fringe and chopped tresses, swooping down the shoulders. This style is perfect for older ladies.
via @hairbymattibreaux
39. With Short Thin Layers
Want something with an effortless messy vibe? Opt for a “no frills” bob, which is handsomely textured and paired with jagged bangs to allow for easy, yet trendy styling.
via @donovanmillshair
40. Layered without Bangs
If you’re not into experiments and not ready to dive into the shag territory fully, take inspo from this style. Choose a layered bob without bangs and make it shine through a trace of waves and tapered tips.
via @chrisjones_hair
Don’t hesitate to go shaggy, since the trend is expected to last throughout 2024, so it’s a sure way to look stylish. Have fun trying out various shags, playing with styling, bangs, colors, lengths, and shapes, while enjoying the hairstyle’s easy maintenance. With so many celebrities joining the club, we will hardly run out of inspo.