How To Rock A Modern Shag Haircut

If we were ever going to label a haircut ‘rock and roll’ it would be the shag cut. Basically the Mick Jagger of haircuts, it’s casual, mussy, visually effortless (and ages well), making it just about one of the most versatile styles out there. Inspired by the 70s, the shag cut was once only a look revered for cool models and band members, who appropriately paired their bouncy curls and fringes with snakeskin trousers. The look however, has been revived from its rock ‘n’ roll beginnings and has come back into fashion. Working well with long or short hair, the shag is defined by choppy ends and subtle layers to create shape and volume that are never in your face but still allow movement and texture. 

If you’re ready to step out of a style rut, don’t let the snakeskin trousers put you off as we’ve rounded up the best ways to wear the shag haircut below and the looks that prove it’s the most flattering haircut out there. 

The Shag Bob

Scroll through Instagram and you’re likely to see someone sporting a version of the shag bob haircut. From Miley’s rodeo-inspired mullet-but-not-a-mullet look, to some of the biggest models and celebs, from Zendaya and Chloë Grace Moretz for example, the look has caught fire to becme a very popular haircut. A cooler take on the bob, which can often carry connotations of being ‘prim’ or too styled and sleek, the shag haircut is for those who want to achieve a little more je ne sais quoi with their look. If you go to hairdressers, you’ll essentially want to ask for a jaw or chin-grazing style with long layers and lived-in signature face-framing bangs that can fall anywhere on the forehead or wherever you're comfortable.

The best thing about the shag haircut is that less is essentially more, and it’s all about enhancing your cuts natural movement and texture, especially towards the ends and in the fringe. We recommend skipping the blowdry and instead letting your hair dry natural and go in with a straightener or curler, we recommend our Straight & Curl Brilliance, to create some soft tousled waves. Finish with a wave or texture spray and leave it to do it's thing. We're not lying when we say it's the easiest bob haircut yet.

The Mid-length Shag 

Image Source: alexachung

For girls with mid-length hair that falls around your shoulders, you might find that it’s easy for your hair to fall flat, which is where the shag comes in. The perfect cut to counteract this would be going for the shaggy lob with a fringe or bangs which will add an infusion of texture around the face. Versatile, and suiting just about any face shape, this shag haircut will also work well on every hair texture and can lend itself to a variety of styles. 

The go-to look here would be tousled waves - of course, but if you’re looking for a style that brings a little more pizazz, than you can amp up the volume and go big curls. Using hot rollers are key to achieving lots of volume - and side note they are much gentler on the hair. Using our Classic Multi Curls, start with dry hair and make sure to section your hair properly before you start, which will make the styling time so much easier & fast. 

Here’s a how-to video on how to section your hair correctly:

Once you’ve sectioned your hair correctly, to create soft waves, start by placing the roller underneath a section of hair and simply roll up towards the scalp and secure with a heated clip. Continue throughout the hair until all sections have been styled. Take note that the longer you leave the rollers in, the more defined the curls will be - for this look a shorter period of time will work best. Finish by plumping and teasing the layers and spritzing with a medium-hold hairspray.

The Curly Haired Shag

Image Source: zendaya 

If you have naturally curly hair, you too can partake in the shag haircut. If you’re working with full-bodied curls, you can simply ask your stylist for a shag cut that has long-to-medium layers and shorter ones at the top for volume and dimension. Make sure to stay away from layers that are either too short or are all one length, which will make you look like you have a complete circle of curls, whereas longer layers will give that shaggy, messy look. 

In order to get your curls looking fluffy and voluminous we recommend going in with a diffuser to help dry and keep the natural structure of your curls. A tool like our Digital Sensor Hairdryer is perfect for this. Check out this blog post on how to use it.

The Shag With Curtain Bangs

Image Source: sabinasocool

If you’re not ready to commit to the shag’s blunt bangs, the good news is, is that you can still get the same shaggy texture with a long curtain fringe. Curtain fringes are having a bit of a moment right now (blame TikTok) and we’ve got to admit, this is one Gen Z hair trend we can get behind. To get the essential ‘shaginess’ ask your stylist for shorter layers which are built around the face and ask for the rest of length to be kept choppy which will imbue all that texture. 

This look is very French girl, which means when it comes to styling keep it simple, and partially blowdry hair with the Frizz Defense AC Salon Dryer and once it is 90% dry, simply prep your hair with a thickening spray at the roots, and add a light cream through the ends. 

The Long Shag

Image Source: andy_doesyourhair

The long shag haircut is probably the style that conjures up the most 60s vibes. This look is perfect for girls who have pin-straight strands and are looking to get more styling through the face whilst preserving the length. Take a quick Google and you’ll find tonnes of inspiration out there for the long shag, from 70s glamazons to Farrah Fawcett and Brigitte Bardot. 

If you’re not blessed with naturally curly or textured hair, then a styler like the Frizz Defense Hot Air Styler will be your best friend, which will add both lift and volume throughout your longer length. 

Love your style, from the VS Sassoon team.  X