60 Modern Shag Haircuts That Prove Sleek Isn’t Always Better
Shag haircuts are back with a bang! And we couldn’t be more gleeful.
This time around, the shag has gone next-level versatile, with everyone channelling their distinct style and preferences into the iconic style.
From short to long, messy and funky, the fashion space is seeing different renditions of the modern shag haircut. FYI, we’re here for all of it!
60 Trendiest Shag Haircuts For 2025
First things first, we’re not talking the ‘70s shag rocked by trendsetters like Joan Jett, Jane Fonda, Florence Henderson and co (good job, ladies).
Today’s shag has a modern twist to it that makes it a whole lot softer and approachable, and certainly not one-size-fits-all.
The layers are there though, just not as fiercely choppy. The ideal length for the old-school shag was somewhere between the collarbone and chest, but for the modern one, your hair length and face shape should dictate your most flattering length.
We know you’re here for premium inspo, so let’s cut to the chase, shall we? Start with these top 60 cute shag hairstyles we’ve been pinning, sharing, and bringing to the salon all year long.
1) Mid-Length Shag Cut for Wavy Hair
A cut that shows off your natural waves in all their bliss and injects some enviable volume and definition into your mane? Why not?
2) Choppy Layers for Straight Hair
Doesn’t she look delectably stunning in that bushy mane? This is what you get when you keep the body around the ends with a blunt cut, pump up the volume around the crown with short layers, and add volume on the front by cutting the bangs deep.
3) Medium Shag Haircut With Curtain Bangs
Women over 60 will definitely appreciate the powerful rejuvenating effect of this cut. The natural-looking shade of blonde plus the shaggy style are really a match made in heaven.
4) Silver Shag With Feathered Layers
How about that for an attention-grabbing medium-length shag! We’re all for a cut that keeps the body endlessly bouncy; soft rounded layers are all you need to pull off this look.
5) Razored Shag Haircut for Fine Hair
The number of times we’ve scoured the internet in search of a head-turning modern shag for fine hair is unhealthy, but after what seemed like eternity, we’ve finally found THE ONE! Featuring graduated bangs and shorter layers all through, this shag will accentuate your facial features while framing your face ever-so-gorgeously.
6) Curly Hair Shag Cut
Curly girls, say hi to your next gossip-worthy style. A shag cut (and all of its glorious layers) helps let those curls run wild–without looking weighed down–and let’s not even talk about how cute curly bangs are.
7) Long Shag Haircut
There’s no better way to show off your stunning long locks than a shag cut with extended curtain bangs. Perfect for any face shape, this style is as easy-going as it gets.
8) Octopus Shag Cut
Short in the front and long in the back, this interesting take on the long shag says you’re reserved but also fun-loving. Talk about the ultimate stereotype-breaker!
9) Short Hair Shag Cut
This shag is a stunningly wild take on the classic cut that even Miley Cyrus would approve of–face framing layers, piece-y bangs, and a subtly voluminous crown. Simply irresistible!
10) Straight Shag With Bottleneck Fringe
We doubt if there’s any other haircut that captures the I-play-by-no-rules vibe as perfectly as modern shag hairstyles. This lady, for instance, goes ham with a bottleneck fringe and utilizes its face-framing powers to soften her features.
11) Short Shag Haircut With Baby Bangs
This cut offers a whole new take on trendy short bangs, complementing a straight shag with their fun piecey version.
12) Multi-Layer Shag Cut Hair in Pink
Looking for a bombshell style to rock during the warm season? Pair your vibrant cut with a vibrant summer shade and get the full bangs hovering delicately above your brows for a sassy finish.
13) Ethereal Short Shag Cut With Highlights
If you shy away from looking too brutal with the cut, ask your hairstylist for a finer sliced version and get it smartly highlighted for an airy feel.
14) Mermaid Shag
We’ve already seen short bangs on straight locks, so it’s time to make sure wavy tresses look no less impressive in them. The mermaid in you can’t wait to be unleashed!
15) A Modern Take on the Classic Shag
It’s a little nostalgic and a whole lot sassy and feminine! The best part? This casual ‘do can be cut in a shape that lends a nice balance to your facial features.
16) ‘70s Inspired Shag With Deep Fringe
Farrah Fawsett would be proud! This cute shoulder-hitting shag takes a page from the icon’s book with flirty pieces around the faces that feel more undone and current.
17) Messy Fringe With Flipped-Out Ends
You’re unlikely to find a hot shag haircut without bangs as they’re part of the original magic. But you can make the style even wilder with wispy bangs sticking out.
18) Thin Hair Shag Cut
Only one thing stands between your thin strands and the illusion of volume and body they’ve always craved for: some short layers on top. Yep, it’s that easy.
19) Subtle Shag Haircut
Red-carpet-worthy shag alert! This version is characterized by piecey, feathered like ends, numerous layers, and a natural tousled appearance, resulting in a smoother overall look yet retaining the right shaggy vibe.
20) Collaborne Shag Cut With Bangs
Intensely layered from mid-length towards the ends, this bobbed style has all the makings of a statement-making ‘do. The piece-y brow-grazing bangs add to the wild, spicy allure of the cut.
21) Shaggy Bob Haircut
100% of the time, a conventional short shag haircut looks sassier when bobbed. The long choppy bangs will bring out the glow in your eyes, while the vibrant purple shade will accentuate your beautiful warm undertones. A perfect match, shall we say?
22) Brunette Shag With Long Fringe
What a delicious contrast of textures! And it’s all possible thanks to the play between the straight full fringe and the bulk of messy ends achieved by acute layering and feathering.
23) Shoulder-Length Shag Haircut
If you’re a huge fan of shoulder-length locks, you’ll love the fact that the shag flatters all hair lengths and textures to perfection; below is a prime example. Sprinkle in some waves and highlights for extra zazz.
24) Naturally Tousled Waves
For those with wavy textures and little desire (or time) for styling, this long shag says, I got you babe. Simply air-dry your locks, spritz in your favorite wavy hair product, and bam, you’re ready to rock n roll!
25) Blonde Shag Haircut
Mature women should emulate this lady and go for the trendy, textured, and voluminous (read: revitalizing) shag that camouflages graying with a cooler-than-cool ashy blonde shade. We are completely enamored!
26) Side-Swept Shag Cut
It’s polished, it’s sophisticated, but it’s definitely not boring. On the contrary, the absence of shorter layers up top means that you can really play up the waves at the ends–every thick-haired lady’s dream, no?
27) Platinum Shag
This short blonde shag has razored ends that hit just above the chin, but soft layers throughout the mane add glorious texture.
28) Long and Sleek Shag
Most examples you’ll come across of shag haircuts include wavy or curly hair, but this ultra-smooth (and colorful) look proves that even those with pin-straight hair can rock a shag–and look equally stunning.
29) Soft Shag With Bottleneck Bangs
Yes, it’s possible to rock a Joan Jett-esque shag that feels modern and fashionable. All you need are chic bottleneck bangs and softer lines throughout the mane and you’ll be sure to stun!
30) Shaggy Haircut in Rooted Blonde
We’re all for a shag that oozes a sense of depth and sophistication, and this cut eats and leaves no crumbs.
31) V-Cut Shag Hairstyle
Want your hair to gain envious volume while still hitting past the shoulders? Try a voluminous v-cut medium shag haircut; and if committing to one hair color is simply a no-no for you, go for a combination of blondes and browns–it’s flattering on nearly everyone and can be executed in a slew of variations.
32) Wispy Shag Haircut for Shoulder-Length Hair
Thick hair can also partake in the shag magic if it’s cut in lots of layers from top to bottom, as seen below. Finish it off with tons of feathered ends and tousled styling to land a super airy feel.
33) Textured Shag Haircut
It’s a brilliant idea for girls willing to switch from their old-moldy lobs to opt for something this hot and stunningly textured.
34) Face-Hugging Shag Cut With Micro Fringe
This option has got quite a lot of volume on top through short layers, yet the textured baby bangs keep it at bay, directing attention to the eyes.
35) Heavily-Layered Shag With Face-Framing Pieces
A cut that’s got some tresses camouflaging and softening certain parts of the face for a nice, well-balanced look? Don’t mind if we do!
36) Well-Cut Shag
This edgy modern shag can serve to explicitly illustrate the unique features of the cut, showing the textured layers throughout, light fringe, and feathered tips. We’re obsessed!
37) Golden Yellow Shag Cut Hairstyle
Eye-catching gold color + hot shag haircut = sassiness overload!
38) Shag Cut for Round Faces
Medium shag haircuts and wide faces go well together; the former boasts a dimensional crown and enough length for an elongating effect while lending structure to the overall look.
39) Medium Shullet With Bohemian Vibes
Dang, what a delicately gorgeous cut! Featuring some of the softest, most handsome bangs we’ve ever seen, this texturized hybrid shag is calling us by name, and we’re saying yes all the way!
40) Shaggy Mullet
It might be leaning more on the mullet side, but this edgy cut doesn’t fail to showcase its shaggy allure. The choppy bangs, in particular, are an absolute show-stopper!
41) Extremely Wild Shag
It’s shaggy, alright, but that’s not the only thing making this long curly cut stand out. The coppery razored ends, abundance of layers, messy tousling, and contrasting soft bangs cumulatively make for a proper eye feast.
42) Cute Center-Parted Shag
Just so you know, a middle part shag cut works for all any face shape and hair type. It’s what you rock when you’re not ready to take the full plunge just yet.
43) Auburn Shag With Mini Bangs
From the razored layers that make her hair move oh-so-seamlessly, to the piece-y bangs that emphasize her stunning bone structure and shoulder-grazing length that is forever flattering, this cut is full of elements that should only be attempted by a professional. Trust us, the final outcome will look this juicy.
44) Parisian Shag for Fine Hair
Raise one hand if you’ve ever looked up “French girl hair” online at least once before. Now raise the other hand if you’ve never found something that works for your fine tresses. Oops, we’re all guilty! This low-key yet insanely chic shag is ready to embellish all your worst hair dreams, one wave at a time.
45) Long Layers
Instead of creating additional volume on top, this unique shag shifts focus to the face. The extended curtain bangs bring maximum attention to the eyes, while the long flipped-out layers frame the face beautifully.
46) Edgy Shag
We can hear this shag saying: No holds barred! Break out the dry shampoo and texturizing spray because this curly ‘do loves them both. Time to embrace your inner rock star, darling.
47) Low Maintenance Shag
If wash-and-go styling is your thing, you’ll definitely love this cut. Its built-in messiness ensures you’ll always get out the door on time.
48) Messy Shag Haircut
We can never say no to showing off our hair texture a little more aggressively than usual. And, no, we don’t mind breaking out our sea salt spray if that’s what it takes.
49) Chunky Shag Haircut With Face Framing Bangs
A strong bone structure requires a beautiful face frame to go with it, and this shaggy hairstyle takes that concept seriously. A once bulk mane gets a miraculous transformation, evidenced by the delightful bits and pieces around the face.
50) Beachy Shag
Although you’ll need some styling with a curling wand or flat iron and texturizing spray to own this effortless style, its beachy vibes are ultimately worth it.
51) Shag Haircut for Coarse Hair
Have naturally messy hair and are wondering whether you can master the styling of a shag? Oh yes you can, and better yet, it won’t take much time. This sultry cut will look fabulous on you.
52) Flicked Ends Shag
Even Jeniffer Hudson would have to give you props for this tantalizing sleek shag hairstyle.
53) Bardot Shag
The combination of meticulously sliced bardot bangs and layers that hit just above the cheekbones takes this medium-length shag haircut from wow to wow-za!
54) Pixie Cut With Shaggy Vibes
We fondly call it a shag pixie cut or pixie shag cut. Names aside, this sweet little number is long enough to keep summer’s heat off of your neck while still retaining all the curls you love. Aren’t you in love?!
55) Dark Shag With Illuminating Pieces
We’d give anything to have such an elegant color placement around our face. The soft caramel bangs and face-framing layers bring so much light and vibrance into an otherwise dark mane, setting it up for a flurry of compliments from your BFFs and strangers alike. An easy 10/10 on our scale!
56) Elvish Shag in Copper
We don’t know about you, but this model reminds us of Emma Stone in the most delightful way. In case that’s not enough inspiration to rock this wild wavy shag, take respite in the fact that the frontal ear tendrils can easily be tucked behind to show off your beautiful cheekbones. Elfood, here we come!
57) Full Shag Haircut
Want to take your ordinary shag to the next level? Definitely get full bangs! Don’t stop there, cut even more shaggy layers to really show off your tresses and hair texture. And before you ask, yes, it’s a perfect fit for curly, straight, and wavy hair alike.
58) Funky Shag With Bangs
Now that’s a proper beauty! The carefully placed blonde patches parade the girl’s personality in an instant. Beyond that, they show off the gorgeous play of textures within the mane, ranging from a feathery finish on top to choppy ends at the bottom.
59) Simple Short Shaggy Haircut
Who said short shag haircuts have to always feature shaggy layers and spiky ends? Keep yours laid-back and cool for a unique twist, like this lady, and heads won’t stop turning. Granted.
60) Tousled Shag
Spirited and youthful, this shaggy lob exudes whimsical ambiance. And unlike other one-length styles, it’s tastefully versatile, working seamlessly with coarse and straight hair.
Off You Go.
When it comes to shag haircuts, one word reigns supreme: versatility. Whether you choose to wear it board-straight with face framing layers or wildly shaggy with baby bangs, you’ll still pop as long as you’ve factored in your face shape.
As for inspo, we wouldn’t blame you if you took quite a bit of time on these photos–they’re all equally stunning. But once you settle on a favorite, let it communicate not just your personality but also your impeccable fashion sense. No misses, just hits.
Shags for all!
