The Shag Haircut: How to Look Stylish and Shaggy

Deliberately messy, cascading waves and "shaggy" textured ends create an artistic chaos on your head, infused with a daring mood and sensuality. Let's explore the phenomenon of the shag haircut.

Shag – the trendiest haircut of the season – gets its name from the English word "shaggy." It might seem like the shag is just a meticulously tousled, voluminous mess of hair, but it's actually a haircut with soft layers and "shaggy" strands all over the head, giving it a natural look. Visually, it appears more voluminous and airy than classic bobs and lobs, making it ideal for those with fine hair.

Hair Length

The length for a shag cut can be any, but medium length is optimal. Generally, stylists believe that modifications of the cut below the collarbones are no longer a true shag. One detail to note: if your hair is curly, you can go for shorter, playful layers (starting almost at the fringe level), while straight hair should have longer layers (starting from the level of the lips or below). The main rule of a shag is no heavy cuts or dense lines, but rather maximum lightness and movement, which means thinning and "shaggy" ends.

Shag on Short Hair

The shag works well for oval and slightly square faces. Softly falling, asymmetrical strands naturally frame the face, softening elongated and angular features.

Shag on Medium-Length Hair

The classic shag – with bangs and mid-length wavy hair – is famously worn by Argentine top model Mica Argañaraz.

Maintenance

Remember, despite its natural and universal appeal, the shag is still a haircut, not just a style. This means you will need to refresh the shape as your hair grows and loses the airiness that gives it charm and allure (about every 2-3 months). If you're still unsure whether to cut your hair, look at 25 celebrity examples to help you decide.

The shag's relevance today resonates with the 80s (and a bit of the 90s) style, which is currently very popular. But overall, the shag is in demand because effortless natural messiness is still trendy.

Styling Tips

Unfortunately, getting out of bed, running a brush through your hair a couple of times, and rushing out the door won't work. The shag is for those who know their hair well, understand its issues, and know what products it needs. Don't be alarmed, it sounds complex, but in reality, it's simpler than it seems.

Today, there are many styling products that help enhance the natural texture of your hair (which is always a win compared to tons of styling). For each hair type – fine, coarse and unruly, or curly – you need a specific set of styling products. Ask your stylist to recommend the ones that are necessary for your hair type. A sea salt spray, root volume spray, curl enhancer, texturizer, dry shampoo, and hairspray – at least a couple of these will come in handy. You will also need curling tongs to add texture and volume. If you're not confident in your skills, don't hesitate to ask how to use the styler correctly to achieve light and natural waves.