Looking to refresh your look with something bold and stylish? If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably noticed that the long shag haircut is everywhere. This effortlessly cool, textured cut is the perfect blend of retro vibes and modern edge, making it a top choice for anyone looking to add volume, movement, and a touch of rebellion to their look. But what exactly makes the long shag haircut so special?
The long shag haircut is all about layers—lots of them! Think shaggy layers, face-framing pieces, and tousled ends that create a lived-in, low-maintenance vibe. It’s a versatile style that works for straight, wavy, or curly hair, and it’s incredibly flattering for almost every face shape. Whether you’re after a bohemian-inspired look or a sleek, modern shag, there’s a variation of this trendy haircut that’s perfect for you.
Ready to dive into the world of long shags? Let’s explore 10 of the most stylish options you need to try right now.
1. Classic Long Shag with Curtain Bangs
What It Looks Like:
This timeless style features soft, cascading layers that start around the cheekbones, paired with effortless curtain bangs that frame the face. It’s the ultimate long layered haircut for those who want a touch of ’70s nostalgia with a modern twist.
Who It Suits Best:
This cut is ideal for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces, as the layers and bangs help balance proportions. It works beautifully on straight to wavy hair textures.
Styling Tips:
- Use a texturizing spray to enhance the shaggy layers and create that “just rolled out of bed” look.
- Blow-dry with a round brush to add volume at the roots.
- Celeb Inspiration: Think Taylor Swift’s recent shaggy transformation—effortless and chic!
2. Textured Shag with Tousled Ends
What It Looks Like:
This textured cut is all about creating movement and dimension. The layers are choppier, and the ends are left slightly uneven for a playful, undone finish.
Who It Suits Best:
Great for square or angular face shapes, as the soft layers soften sharp features. It’s also perfect for fine hair, as the texture adds the illusion of thickness.
Styling Tips:
- Apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair before scrunching with your hands for natural-looking waves.
- Finish with a dab of pomade to define the ends.
- Celeb Inspiration: Alexa Chung’s signature shaggy, tousled hair is the epitome of cool-girl vibes.
3. Modern Shag with Face-Framing Layers
What It Looks Like:
This updated take on the classic shag features bold, face-framing layers that draw attention to your best features. The rest of the hair is kept long and flowing, creating a perfect balance.
Who It Suits Best:
This style works wonders for heart-shaped and oval faces, as the layers accentuate the cheekbones and jawline.
Styling Tips:
- Use a flat iron to create soft bends in the face-framing pieces.
- Spritz with a shine spray for a polished finish.
- Celeb Inspiration: Margot Robbie’s modern shag is sleek, sophisticated, and totally red-carpet-ready.
4. Boho Long Shag Haircut with Effortless Waves
What It Looks Like:
This bohemian-inspired shag is all about loose, effortless waves and layers that flow seamlessly together. It’s the perfect low-maintenance hairstyle for free spirits.
Who It Suits Best:
This cut is a dream for those with naturally wavy or curly hair. It’s also flattering for round and square face shapes.
Styling Tips:
- Twist small sections of hair around a curling wand for relaxed waves.
- Finish with a sea salt spray for added texture.
- Celeb Inspiration: Florence Pugh’s boho shag is the ultimate inspiration for this carefree look.
5. Voluminous Shag with Blunt Ends
What It Looks Like:
This volume-boosting haircut combines shaggy layers with blunt, heavy ends for a bold, statement-making look.
Who It Suits Best:
Ideal for those with thick hair, as the blunt ends help control bulk. It also works well for oblong face shapes, adding width and balance.
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry with a volumizing spray to maximize lift at the roots.
- Use a paddle brush to smooth the ends for a polished finish.
- Celeb Inspiration: Dua Lipa’s voluminous shag is the perfect mix of edgy and glamorous.
6. Wispy Shag with Soft Layers
What It Looks Like:
This delicate style features feathery, wispy layers that create a soft, ethereal look. It’s a more subtle take on the long shag haircut.
Who It Suits Best:
Perfect for those with fine or thin hair, as the wispy layers add movement without overwhelming the hair.
Styling Tips:
- Use a root-lifting spray to add volume at the crown.
- Lock in the style with a light-hold hairspray to keep those wispy layers perfectly in place.
- Celeb Inspiration: Elle Fanning’s wispy shag is dreamy and romantic.
7. Edgy Shag with Choppy Layers
What It Looks Like:
This bold, trendy haircut features choppy, uneven layers for a rock-and-roll vibe. It’s ideal for anyone looking to turn heads and showcase their bold personality.
Who It Suits Best:
Great for square or diamond face shapes, as the choppy layers add edge and definition.
Styling Tips:
- Use a matte pomade to define the layers and create a piecey look.
- Tease the roots slightly for added volume.
- Celeb Inspiration: Miley Cyrus’s edgy shag is the ultimate inspiration for this rebellious style.
8. Sleek Shag with Subtle Layers
What It Looks Like:
This polished version of the shag features long, face-framing layers and a sleek, straight finish. It’s a sophisticated take on the trend.
Who It Suits Best:
Ideal for those with straight hair and oval or heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tips:
- Use a flat iron to smooth the hair and create a sleek finish.
- Apply a shine serum for a glossy look.
- Celeb Inspiration: Kim Kardashian’s sleek shag is the epitome of modern elegance.
9. Curly Long Shag with Defined Ringlets
What It Looks Like:
This long shag haircut is tailored for curly hair, with layers that enhance natural ringlets and add bounce.
Who It Suits Best:
Perfect for those with curly or coily hair textures.
Styling Tips:
- Apply a curl-defining cream to bring out your natural texture and add definition to your ringlets.
- Diffuse with a blow dryer to maintain volume.
- Celeb Inspiration: Tracee Ellis Ross’s curly shag is a masterclass in embracing natural texture.
10. Layered Shag with Micro Bangs
What It Looks Like:
This daring style pairs long, shaggy layers with short, wispy micro bangs for a bold, fashion-forward look.
Who It Suits Best:
Best for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the bangs draw attention to the eyes.
Styling Tips:
- Use a small round brush to style the bangs.
- Add a texturizing spray to the layers for a messy, undone finish.
- Celeb Inspiration: Zendaya’s micro bangs and shaggy layers are a match made in hairstyle heaven.
Conclusion
The long shag haircut is more than just a trend—it’s a versatile, flattering, and endlessly stylish choice for anyone looking to refresh their look. Whether you’re drawn to the classic shag with curtain bangs or the edgy, choppy layers of a modern shag, there’s a variation of this trendy haircut that’s perfect for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with your stylist and embrace the shaggy, layered look that’s taking over 2023. And don’t forget to have fun with it—experiment with different styling techniques, products, and accessories to make the style your own.
Which long shag haircut is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
