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The shag haircut is all about choppy layers, texture and movement. It started in the 70s and keeps coming back because it suits almost every hair type and looks good with very little styling.
These 25 shag haircuts include short, medium and long shags, curly and permed versions, and bold colours. Each one comes with a styling tip.
1. Straight Shag
A shag on straight hair has sharp, choppy layers.
SaveStyling tip: Use a texture spray so the layers do not lie flat.
2. Long Textured Shag
Long shags keep length while adding movement.
SaveStyling tip: Curl the ends away from the face.
3. Short Shag
A short shag is cool and easy to style.
SaveStyling tip: Rough-dry and tousle.
4. Medium Shag
A medium shag is the most versatile length.
SaveStyling tip: Air dry with a curl cream.
5. Shag for Women over 50
A soft shag adds volume and lifts the face.
SaveStyling tip: Ask for face-framing layers.
6. Modern Shag
A modern shag has softer, blended layers.
SaveStyling tip: Use a round brush on the front layers.
7. Brown Shag
Brown hair with shag layers looks rich and dimensional.
SaveStyling tip: Add a gloss for shine.
8. Vintage Red Shag
A red shag has a 70s rock feel.
SaveStyling tip: Use a colour-safe shampoo.
9. Long Blonde Shag
Blonde shows off every layer.
SaveStyling tip: Use a purple shampoo weekly.
10. Grey Shag
A grey shag is modern and stylish.
SaveStyling tip: Use a shine serum on grey hair.
11. Shag for Thin Hair
Layers add volume to thin hair.
SaveStyling tip: Use a volumising mousse at the roots.
12. Jaw-Length Shag
A bold jaw-length shag frames the face.
SaveStyling tip: Flick the ends outwards.
13. Mullet Shag
A mullet shag is shorter at the front and longer at the back.
SaveStyling tip: Keep the top choppy and the back soft.
14. Orange Shag
Bright orange makes a shag look bold.
SaveStyling tip: Refresh the colour with a colour-depositing conditioner.
15. Two-Tone Shag
Two shades highlight the layers.
SaveStyling tip: Choose a darker root and lighter ends.
16. Green Shag
Shades of green are bold and creative.
SaveStyling tip: Use cool water to keep vivid colours bright.
17. Shag with Blunt Baby Bangs
Baby bangs add a fashion-forward edge.
SaveStyling tip: Trim the bangs every three weeks.
18. Natural Hair Shag
A shag on natural curls shows off texture.
SaveStyling tip: Cut curls dry for the best shape.
19. Shag with Colourful Streaks
Colourful streaks highlight the layers.
SaveStyling tip: Place streaks near the face for impact.
20. Permed Shag
A perm adds curl and volume to a shag.
SaveStyling tip: Use a curl cream to keep the perm defined.
21. Middle-Part Shag
A middle part gives a balanced, 70s look.
SaveStyling tip: Blow-dry the front layers outwards.
22. Pixie Shag
A pixie shag is short and textured.
SaveStyling tip: Use a matte paste.
23. Side-Parted Shag
A side part adds volume and softness.
SaveStyling tip: Switch your part for lift.
24. Smoky Purple Shag
Smoky purple is soft and dreamy.
SaveStyling tip: Refresh the tone every few weeks.
25. Blue Shag
Blue hair makes a shag bold and playful.
SaveStyling tip: Use colour-safe products.
How to Style a Shag
Use texture spray
Texture spray separates the layers.
Air dry when you can
Shags look best with natural movement.
Trim regularly
Trim every six to eight weeks to keep the layers fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a shag work on thin hair?
Yes. Layers add volume and movement.
Is a shag hard to style?
No. Most shags look best air-dried with a little texture spray.
What is the difference between a shag and a wolf cut?
A wolf cut is a shag-mullet hybrid with shorter top layers and more length at the back.
Final Thoughts
A shag haircut is low-maintenance and full of personality. Choose a soft, modern shag or go bold with colour and a mullet shape.
For more ideas, see our medium shag haircuts, shag haircuts for older women, edgy shag haircuts and short wolf cuts.
