How to Ask for a Classic Shag Haircut
Learn what to tell your barber to get the classic shag haircut, who it looks best on, and how to style it at home.
The classic shag is a fun, messy haircut from the 1970s that is popular again. It has lots of choppy layers on the top and sides, with thinner hair at the bottom. It gives your hair lots of bounce and shape without looking too neat or stiff.
Who Looks Best in a Classic Shag?
The shag works on almost any hair type. It looks great on wavy and curly hair because the layers let your natural curls bounce. If you have straight hair, the cut adds texture so your hair does not look flat. If you have thick hair, this cut takes away heavy weight. If your hair is thin, the short layers on top make it look fuller.
It also works with most face shapes. The cut helps soften square jaws and makes long faces look more balanced because of the width on the sides.
Exact Words to Tell Your Barber
Going to the barber or stylist can feel scary if you do not know the right words. Bring a photo of a shag you like, and use these simple phrases:
"I want a classic shag with lots of choppy layers on top." "Please keep the ends piecey and textured, not blunt or straight across." "I would like curtain bangs or soft fringe to frame my face." "Take out some weight so my hair has natural movement."
Make sure to tell them how short you want the shortest layer to be. A good barber will start longer and cut more if you want it.
Daily Styling and Upkeep
The best part of a shag is that it is easy to style. You do not need to spend an hour with a round brush.
After washing your hair, squeeze out the water with a towel. Put a small amount of sea salt spray or curl cream in your damp hair. Scrunch your hair with your hands and let it air dry. If you are in a rush, use a hair dryer with a diffuser bowl on the end to dry your waves.
You will need a trim every 6 to 8 weeks. This keeps the layers from growing out too long and losing their shape. If you get bangs, you might need to trim them every 3 to 4 weeks.
See the Shag on Your Own Face
Cutting a lot of layers can feel like a big step. You do not have to guess if a shag will look good on you. With HairMatch AI, you can take a quick selfie to get a free face-shape check. Then, grab a render pack starting at $0.99 to see realistic photos of the classic shag on your exact face before your scissors touch your hair.