If there’s one haircut having a major moment right now, it’s the shag. From TikTok feeds to celebrity red carpets, the modern shag is everywhere—and for good reason. It’s carefree, flattering, and most importantly, low-maintenance. Perfect for hot, sticky months when the last thing you want to do is spend time heat-styling or fussing with frizz.

This summer, it’s all about embracing texture, movement, and effortless cool—and the shag delivers on all fronts.

Why the Shag is the Ultimate Summer Cut

Let’s be real: summer beauty should be about ease. Between sun, sweat, and spontaneous beach plans, nobody wants to even think about plugging in a blow dryer. That’s where the shag comes in. Originally made famous in the ‘70s (think Jane Fonda, Stevie Nicks, and Joan Jett), the cut has seen multiple revivals over the years, each time with a fresh twist.

Today’s shag is softer, more versatile, and works with just about every hair type. It’s known for its layered structure—shorter pieces around the crown and face that gradually taper into longer layers through the ends. The result? Tons of natural movement, volume, and shape, with minimal effort required.

Unlike blunt cuts or precise bobs, the shag thrives on imperfection. A little wave? Even better. Frizz? Part of the charm. It’s meant to look lived-in and breezy—exactly the energy we’re all craving this summer.

What Makes a Shag, a Shag?

The beauty of the shag lies in its structure. While the exact look can vary, all shags have a few core elements:

  • Choppy layers: These add volume and texture without bulk.
     
  • Feathered ends: Lightweight and soft, they keep the cut from feeling heavy or harsh.
     
  • Face-framing pieces: Think curtain bangs, short fringe, or subtle layers that draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
     
  • Undone texture: Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, the shag works best when styled just enough.
     

Modern versions of the cut range from subtle and sleek to wild and rock-and-roll. So whether you want a soft, romantic look or an edgy, lived-in vibe, there’s a shag for you.

 

 

The Shag Works for Every Hair Type

You don’t have to be born with perfect waves to pull off this cut. In fact, the shag enhances your natural texture, making it one of the most universally flattering styles out there.

  • Straight Hair: Adds volume and movement without constant heat styling.
     
  • Wavy Hair: This is the shag’s sweet spot—waves bring out the dimension in layered cuts effortlessly.
     
  • Curly Hair: A curly shag gives major retro energy and beautifully frames the face without turning into a triangle.
     
  • Fine Hair: Strategic layering gives an illusion of thickness and lift at the crown.
     
  • Thick Hair: Removes excess bulk and weight, making summer styling a breeze.
     

A skilled stylist can tailor the shag to your texture and face shape, so it looks intentional and not messy.

 

Styling a Shag: Low Effort, High Reward

One of the biggest reasons the shag is so beloved during summer? It practically styles itself.

Here’s how to make the most of your shag with minimal effort:

 

1. Air-Dry Like a Pro

Use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to squeeze out excess water, then apply an air-dry creme. Scrunch and go. Your natural texture will do the rest.

R+Co Air Dry / Blow Dry Creme

2. Add a Little Volume

A root-lifting spray or dry shampoo at the crown helps enhance the shag’s signature shape, especially after day one.

RŌZ Root Lift Spray

3. Define Key Pieces

If your ends get fluffy or your fringe needs a little shape, use a flat iron or curling wand just on those sections. No need for a full blowout.

ghd Unplugged Styler - Cordless Flat Iron

4. Play With Texture

Some days you might want it sleeker, others messier. The shag looks good either way. And don’t be afraid to change up your part or tuck one side behind your ear and enhance texture effotlessly with a bit of texturizing spra.

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Texturizer

5. Let It Grow Out

The shag ages gracefully. As it grows, the layers blend out into a soft, wearable shape that still feels intentional.

 

Bang or No Bang?

Many shag cuts come with some kind of fringe—whether it’s full, piecey, or soft curtain bangs. Bangs can frame the face and complete the look, but they’re not mandatory. If you’re hesitant about the upkeep, ask your stylist for longer, side-swept pieces that can grow out easily or be styled as part of your layers.

That said, if you're brave enough to go for a full fringe? Now’s the time. 

 

 

Shag Variations to Know

The shag is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few trending versions to consider:

  • The Soft Shag: Subtle layers, gentle movement, and a more romantic vibe. Great for first-timers.
     
  • The Wolf Cut: A bolder, edgier version with more extreme layering and volume at the crown.
     
  • The Curly Shag: Embraces curls or coils with layers that remove weight and encourage bounce.
     
  • The Modern Mullet: Business in the front, party in the back—with plenty of layered texture to keep things playful.
     

No matter which version you choose, it’s all about making the cut work for your lifestyle and vibe.

 

Tips Before You Chop

Thinking about going shaggy? Keep this in mind:

  • Find a stylist who knows texture. The shag is all about balance—too many layers in the wrong places can go wrong quickly.
     
  • Be honest about styling. Tell your stylist how much effort you're willing to put in. They’ll shape the cut accordingly.
     
  • Don’t overthink it. The beauty of the shag is in its imperfect, laid-back feel.
     

 

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