The shag haircut has made a massive comeback, and if you haven’t yet embraced this wild, textured, and effortlessly chic look, now’s the perfect time to do so! Whether you’re seeking volume, movement, or a fresh new vibe, the shag haircut is the ideal choice for adding personality and a bit of rebellious charm to your hairstyle. Let’s dive into 10 of the best shag haircuts for women that will inspire your next salon visit.
1. Classic Shag Haircut
The classic shag is where it all started—a cut that delivers layers upon layers of textured, tousled hair. This cut works for all hair types and lengths, but it’s especially flattering for those with thicker hair. The key to this look is soft, face-framing layers, creating that relaxed, lived-in feel that’s anything but fussy.
Layla’s Tip: To add a little more body to your classic shag, use a texturizing spray to amplify volume at the roots.
2. Shag Bob
A shag bob takes the timeless bob haircut and adds a modern, edgy twist. With layers that hit just above the shoulders and lots of volume, this shag bob brings energy to a classic cut. It’s perfect for women who want something that’s both chic and easy to maintain, while also showing off some texture and dimension.
3. Shag with Curtain Bangs
Shag haircuts with curtain bangs are a trendy and flattering choice for women who love bangs but want a softer, more versatile option. The curtain bangs are parted in the middle and frame the face beautifully, softening the look of the layers. This cut works well for all face shapes, adding a youthful touch to your hairstyle.
Layla’s Tip: For added volume, blow-dry your curtain bangs with a round brush to give them a nice lift at the roots.
4. Textured Shag with Wispy Bangs
For those who want to add a touch of drama to their shag haircut, wispy bangs are the way to go. This variation features feathery bangs paired with messy layers, resulting in a carefree, lived-in look. The softness of the bangs contrasts nicely with the more textured layers of the shag, creating a beautiful balance.
Layla’s Tip: Keep the bangs light and airy by applying a lightweight styling mousse to prevent them from looking too heavy.
5. Long Shag Haircut
A long shag haircut offers all the texture and edge of the classic shag but with longer lengths. This style works especially well for women with wavy or curly hair. The key here is the movement—the long layers add plenty of texture and volume, giving you a look that’s polished yet effortlessly stylish.
6. Shag with Volume
For women with fine or flat hair, a shag haircut with volume is an absolute game-changer. The layered style adds texture and dimension, giving the hair a fuller, more voluminous appearance. This shag haircut works wonders to create the illusion of thicker hair, and it’s the perfect way to add life to limp locks.
7. Shag with Highlights
Adding highlights to your shag haircut is a surefire way to take the style to the next level. Whether you’re opting for sun-kissed blonde streaks or face-framing caramel hues, highlights bring out the texture of the layers and give your hair a sun-drenched, beachy look. This is perfect for women looking for something more radiant and dynamic.
Layla’s Tip: Be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo to keep your highlights looking fresh and vibrant.
8. Choppy Shag
The choppy shag is an edgy, bold take on the traditional shag haircut. With uneven layers and a lot of texture, this cut brings a touch of rebellious energy. It’s a great choice for women who want a punk-inspired style that still feels effortlessly cool. The key is embracing the imperfection—this cut is meant to look a little messy, and that’s part of its charm.
Layla’s Tip: Work a bit of dry shampoo or texturizing powder into your roots to create the perfect “bedhead” look.
9. Short Shag
The short shag is a bold, edgy take on the classic shag cut, ideal for women looking to make a statement with their hairstyle. With shorter layers that hit around the chin or ear, this cut offers a modern and youthful vibe. It’s perfect for adding texture and volume to fine hair while giving thick hair a lighter, more manageable shape. The beauty of the short shag lies in its messiness—soft waves or curls are encouraged, creating a tousled, lived-in look that’s effortlessly chic.
Layla’s Tip: Add a bit of sea salt spray to your damp hair to enhance the texture and give your short shag that beachy, windswept look.
10. Shag with Soft Curls
For women with naturally curly hair, the shag cut is a fabulous way to embrace your natural texture while keeping the style modern and fresh. Adding soft curls to the shag haircut allows you to enhance your natural waves while keeping things light and voluminous. This is perfect for women who want a style that’s easy to manage but still looks effortlessly chic.
11. Shaggy Bob with Bangs
The shaggy bob with bangs is a perfect combination of modern and retro. This hairstyle is all about layers, texture, and fun movement, with bangs that can frame the face and highlight your eyes. The bangs can be cut straight across for a bold statement or left slightly longer and wispy for a softer look. The key to this style is the natural tousle—think effortless texture with volume at the crown and light, feathery layers around the sides.
Final Thoughts
Shag haircuts are the perfect blend of texture, volume, and fun! They’re versatile, edgy, and can be tailored to suit any hair type, face shape, or personal style. From a classic shag bob to the choppy, voluminous layers, there’s a shag haircut that will suit every woman. Whether you’re looking to add movement, drama, or texture to your hair, a shag haircut is always a great option for refreshing your look.
For more inspiration, check out the article “10 Striking Short Haircuts Every Woman Should Try Once”, which shares even more chic short haircut ideas for women.