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Everything You Need to Know for The Perfect Shag Haircut

Choppy layers and bedhead styles forever.

Timeless haircuts, such as the bob, pixie and lightly layered looks, all have one thing in common—adaptability. Like clockwork, they evolve with the trends to offer a range of low-maintenance styles and even have manageable grow-out periods. Blunt cuts and soft layers have their place, but for an edgier look, the shag haircut is the way to go. The iconic hairstyle is having a renaissance and has not so quietly become one of the most sought-after looks. 

You may recall the wolf cut, a choppy shoulder-length style, or the shorter version, aptly named the cub cut, that swept the internet last fall. These modern shags were seen on many celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, Renee Rapp and most notably Jenna Ortega. Similar styles also took over TikTok and Instagram, making it crystal clear that the shag was here to stay. The shag is renowned for its bold shape and unique layers, but achieving the perfect cut isn’t always easy. That’s where the experts come in. Below, we tapped three stylists for everything you need to know before getting a shag haircut.

Featured Experts

• Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist and owner of The Second Floor Hair Salon
• Jayne Matthews is a hairstylist, educator and co-owner of Edo Salon
• Raven Hurtado is a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago

What Elements Define a Shag Haircut?

Regardless of length and size, all shags feature a mix of choppy cuts. “Layering is the most notable element of the shag. Most cuts are characterized by heavy layers that often start at the crown and extend down to the ends,” says Rogerio Cavalcante, hairstylist and owner of The Second Floor Hair Salon. The dry-cut specialist notes that this creates a messy, textured look and lots of volume. He says that textured ends and face frame layers are also key, as they help shape the cut into an actual hairstyle.

Voluminous hairstyles have been trending lately, but the shag has a cool-girl feel to it. “Textured layers all over the head give a disheveled, sexy bedhead look,” says Jayne Matthews, hairstylist and educator. She explains that despite the choppy layers, the cut is extremely versatile. “Some shags can have a French Brigitte Bardot feel while others have more of a 70s rock vibe like Stevie Knicks or a 90s look as worn by Winona Ryder or Meg Ryan.

What to Ask for When Getting a Shag Haircut

Customization is a key when it comes to getting the perfect shag haircut. “Talk with your stylist and ask for a cut that fits your face shape and be specific about it. These haircuts often include shorter layers around the face to accentuate your facial features and add a playful touch,” says Cavalcante. He recommends telling your stylist exactly how you’d like your hair to fall, especially around your face. “Curtain bangs are a popular choice, but you could also do a full or mini style,” he says.

Texture and length are another factor to consider when getting a shag. “Shags should be super feathery with no blunt lines or mushroom chunky layers,” says Matthews. While she prefers using a razor to create the effect, she notes that not all stylists are comfortable using the tool. “Razor cutting gives a softer look and keeps the ends looking smooth rather than ragged,” she says. To ensure you leave with your desired cut, it’s best to bring along a few photos for your stylist to reference. 

How to Style a Shag Haircut

Like any low-maintenance style, the shag requires little effort to style. “It’s really uncomplicated and can be air dried or heat styled depending on your preference,” says Raven Hurtado, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. It even looks great on natural curls. “Shag’s are nice because you can play around to enhance your natural texture,” notes Hurtado. However, the experts agree that having the right kinds of products on hand will go a long way. “Texturizing products, such as a sea salt spray, can be used to enhance the natural, messy look and will also hold your style in place,” says Cavalcante. 

As for washing your hair and daily styling, you want to be careful not to overdo it. “Don’t wash your hair too often, as freshly cleaned hair can be puffy and cause frizz,” says Matthews. Instead, the experts suggest opting for a dry shampoo or cream cleanser. “Cream cleansers help maintain the slightly slept-in look while ridding your hair of dirt and debris,” says Matthews. For dry shampoos, Cavalcante suggests using a powdered version over an aerosol can and applying the product directly to the roots. To finish, he recommends using a round brush and blow dryer to focus on lifting the roots and a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to lightly tousle. “This method will help you embrace the natural, slightly messy appearance the shag haircut is known for,” he says.