Shag haircuts are very popular right now, and we don’t see why they shouldn’t be. The comeback is invigorating, and the new do is something out of our wildest imaginations. It’s cutting-edge, functional, and brand-new for the year 2022! The shag is the ultimate statement haircut since it is trendy, unique, and easy to maintain.
This hairstyle looks great on any length or texture of hair. Short shag cuts are edgy and low maintenance, medium shag cuts are great for keeping up with the latest hairstyles, and long shag cuts are famous for their signature all-over layers. Your hair will have more volume, your forehead will be hidden, the frizz will be gone (even the resistant kind), and your face will be more clearly defined. Every person can pull off a shag haircut, and yet each person can make their own unique version of the style. Whether your hair is naturally curly, straight, wavy, long, frizzy, or fine, this style will eventually win you over. In a literal sense.
Summary
Cool New Shags for Any Length of Hair
Undone Shag
That “I just woke up” style will never go out of style. According to Nicholas Roach, proprietor of Sweet Jane Salon in San Diego, California, and the man behind the “undone shag” haircut, Siedel thinks this style is best suited for those with hair that is medium to coarse in texture. This look is accomplished by using a razor to emphasise the hair’s natural texture and flow. Siedel explains that the cut’s signature carefree air is due to the combination of delicate layering around the crown with face-framing bangs and bits.
It’s termed the “undone shag,” so it’s no surprise that it’s easy to style. Layer the Reverie Mare Mediterranean Sea Mist or the classic John Masters Organics Sea Mist Spray on top of a hydrating leave-in (like our Best of Beauty-winning Intelligent I-N Bell-Curve Curl Cream). Add some texture and intrigue by using a curling iron on random sections all over after you’ve hand-styled and diffused or let air-dried, as suggested by Siedel.
Long Shag
This shag is based on the same principle as the wolf cut; it has many layers and is trimmed to a rather long length. No matter if your hair is straight or curly, this style will suit you. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, he recommends drying it with a diffuser or letting it air dry. The texture is improved and volume is produced thanks to the employment of a diffuser. Next, apply some styling cream and a mousse (he suggests Aloxxi Volumizing Whip) to your hair (we like the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream).
Saviano recommends applying a light spray gel at the root and drying the sides and back with a paddle brush to achieve sleek, straight hair. For the crown and the bangs, use a round brush. The final step, adding loose waves with a curling iron, is optional but recommended if your hair is on the straighter side and you desire additional texture.
Shaglet
Debating whether or not to start a shag? Choose a short one, often known as a “shaglet,” which is a variant of Siedel’s characteristic snip. She describes it as “special” due to the fact that it is shorter than a traditional shag but softer than a mullet because of its more natural flow and lack of top-to-bottom disconnect.
Siedel says this cut is ideal for medium to fine hair with a somewhat wavy to curly texture, and it can be done with either a razor or scissors. The cut is very layered all over, with soft wispy parts that are painstakingly carved out to follow the form of the head and frame the face.
The undone look is the point, therefore less effort should be put into styling. Apply shine spray to damp hair and scrunch it in, working it through from the roots to the ends, about two inches at a time. Use a wide-tooth comb and your fingers to shape the hair around the face and head as desired. Wait for it to dry naturally, and then, if necessary, finish the look by spraying dry texture spray onto the roots.
Blended Shag
Getting the appropriate amount of texture in this kind of cut is an art form in and of itself. Sharpton advises that “with all shags,” shorter layers should be kept on top and shorter parts should be kept around the face. How does he plan to tackle this? “If it were me, I’d begin with the bangs and clip the curls dry. After shaping them to the client’s satisfaction, I’d chop the central portion into layers by progressively shorter curls, taking care to avoid creating any blunt tips. The reason for this is that we prefer non-shelf-like layers, therefore seamlessness is a priority.”
He then describes how he would go around the head cutting each curl individually, always taking care to “over-direct” the portions into the centre. “While I’m at it, I’ll give the hair a good shake to check if the lift and form are coming out as planned. Shorter pieces all the way to lengths would be [my last touch for the face and frame.”
A Pixie Shag
In the previous few years, Gabrielle Union has tried many different shag haircuts. However, none have been as daring as her deeply layered pixie cut. Riley explains how she would accomplish this look by beginning with longer uniform layers up top, then transitioning to longer graduated layers near the face and finally to graduated taper layers on the back and sides. To keep it lovely, delicate, contemporary, and not too choppy, “I’d also soften the layers using point cutting and razor cutting.”
Riley says that the best way to shape this cut is to lay down the back and sides using a foam wrap. After your hair is completely dry, give it a slight bevel by running your flatiron through it. “After that, apply some texture wax (we recommend Kenra Professional Platinum Working Wax) to give it some piecey dimension. More texture wax can be applied to the sides and back for more stability when laying it down.”
Classic Shag
Alexa Chung, the undisputed ruler of the current shag hairstyle, is rarely seen without her signature midlength curtain bangs and long, highlighted layers. Here, she’s pulling back her hair on the sides to enhance the shag style even more.
Seidel believes this style, “made famous in the ’60s by Jane Birkin, is what really makes this cut stand out,” and that it is appropriate for both thin and thick hair. She advises that, “On fine hair, the bangs will provide the illusion of fullness,” but that only very light layers be added for movement in the back. “Adding internal layers to medium-to-thick hair will help to produce movement and flow by selectively removing bulk where it’s not wanted. The fullness and form come from the soft layering at the crown.” To complete, use a flatiron to smooth down any waves in your hair. To avoid damage from high temperatures, Seidel recommends using a product such as Cult and King Setspray.
Endless Volume
Zendaya’s shag cut is long and curly, and hair has choppy layers that give it volume in all directions, making it look like it’s a mile in diameter. New York City hairstylist and co-owner of Cutler x Arlo Salon Jenny Balding describe this style as “very flowing” for curly hair. She acknowledges that the fringe is thick, but the rest of the shag is softened by the trimming off of the sides. Because too much shrinkage of the curls would make the style appear shorter, “keeping plenty of lengths” is essential.
Hairstylist Pekela Riley of Jacksonville, Florida, suggests starting with thoroughly damp hair and building in a volumizing mousse “to produce stretching and separation with a small toiling motion to encourage curling.” Then, use a microfiber towel to gently scrunch out the extra moisture without damaging your hair. Diffuse it dryly, then. You may also enhance volume at the roots by gently fluffing them with a pluck.
Healthy, bouncy curls
Seidel, who calls herself the “shag queen” of Los Angeles, deserves the title she’s been gen thanks to innovative styles like these. She’s living proof that a stylist armed with the correct tools and skills can make even curly hair look fashionable.
Judd explains that the cut is effective “because it frames their cheekbones and has face-hugging portions that hit precisely at the lip,” and that the stylist altered it to match the client’s curl pattern and growth. To get this cut, he says, “I would sketch the shape with my razor while it was still wet, making sure to frame the face, taper the length, and make the crown full.” In other words, “diffuse,” and then “sculpt in the details dry using shears.”
Shag with Choppy Bangs
The way a shag haircut is styled can be a personal expression of taste or a means of emphasising one’s best facial features. An excellent method of concealing the visible indications of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, bangs can completely revitalise your appearance. The hefty layers that define this cut are carried through to the bangs, which are cut at an angle and given texture. Due to their lack of rigidity, these bangs are less time-consuming to maintain and eventually grow out than their straighter or blunter counterparts, which would necessitate frequent salon visits.
Conclusion:
Fans of the groovy looks of the ’70s, you’ll be happy to hear this. The shag is reemerging as a popular hairstyle. The best part is that this style can be worn by almost anyone, as it works well with both short and long hair, and with a wide range of hair textures. The shag is one of the simplest ways to update your look and draw attention to yourself if you’re bored with your current blunt cut or plain soft layers.
Shag Haircut: Frequently Asked Questions
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What exactly is a Shag hairstyle?
The shag has become a cultural symbol and is among the most recognised hairstyles in the world. The edgy, artistic, and purposefully dishevelled appearance that was invented in the 1970s by barber Paul McGregor for Hollywood A-lister Jane Fonda has become inextricably linked to that period of rock and roll. The shag has various iterations, but they all have a layered cut and style. Current trends in the shag haircut emphasise a choppy, undone look that exudes a laid-back, badass attitude.
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How do you style a shag cut?
If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, you can dry it and preserve its natural wave pattern by using a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment and styling it with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. If you want your hair to look fuller, dry it upside down. Maximum volume and lift in a natural wave pattern are what you’ll get from this.
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What is a fashionable shag haircut?
Think of a modern shag as a more wearable take on the ’70s original; less glam rock, more Paris chic. The original cut’s long layers and crown fullness are still present, but the result is smoother and more feminine than edgy and masculine. The layers are typically shaved off and styled in a way that highlights the best features of the wearer’s face. Maintaining the shag cut’s signature chaotic texture, this new take on the style is polished and easygoing.
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How do you request a shag cut?
When getting a shag haircut, it’s best to get a jagged, layered cut with lots of layers so that your hair may flow freely. It’s also recommended that you ask for a textured or “lived in” look, with voluminous crown height, choppy ends, and gentle bangs. The first time you get a shag haircut, you should think about your hair’s natural texture, curl pattern, and thickness, as well as your facial shape. Consult your hairdresser for guidance on the optimal length of your layers, the thickness of your bangs, and the placement of both. And when in doubt, a picture is always a good idea.
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How should a short shag be styled?
A short shag hairstyle, sometimes called a shaggy bob, is really popular right now and is also very easy to maintain. Apply mousse to your roots to add volume to your crown. Then, either let your hair dry naturally or dry it gently with a diffuser in a cool setting. As a result, your hair will have a dishevelled, textured look that highlights its natural movement.
Thank you for reading!