What Is a Shag Cut? The Simple Guide Before You Chop
Learn what a shag cut looks like, who it works best for, and how to test the choppy look on your own face before visiting the salon.
A shag haircut is all about messy, fun layers. It was huge in the 1970s, but it is back and looks cooler than ever. If you want hair that has lots of movement and does not need hours of brushing, this might be the cut for you.
Here is everything you should know before you sit in the barber chair.
What Does a Shag Look Like?
A shag cut has lots of layers cut at different lengths. It is usually choppy and full on top. The sides and bottom are thinner and piecey.
Most shags come with bangs, like curtain bangs that open in the middle or soft baby bangs. The ends are not cut in a straight line. Instead, the stylist uses scissors or a razor to make the ends look soft and feathered.
Who Looks Good in a Shag?
The great news is that a shag works on almost any face shape. Because the layers frame your face, a good stylist can change where the pieces fall to match your look:
Round faces: Long layers down the sides help make your face look a bit longer. Square faces: Soft, wispy bangs help smooth out a strong jawline. * Oval and heart faces: Shorter layers around the cheekbones bring out your eyes and smile.
It also works on straight, wavy, and curly hair. In fact, if you have natural waves or curls, a shag makes them pop without much work.
Is It Hard to Take Care Of?
No, the shag is famous for being easy. It is meant to look a little messy and lived-in.
You can wash your hair, put in a little bit of sea salt spray or cream, and let it air dry. You do not need to make it super straight or perfect. However, as the layers grow out, they can lose their shape. You will need a small trim every six to eight weeks to keep it bouncy.
What to Tell Your Stylist
Do not just walk in and say "give me a shag." That word means different things to different people.
Tell your stylist how short you want the shortest layer to be. Tell them if you want bangs and how long those bangs should be. Always show them pictures of hair that has the same texture as yours. If your hair is stick-straight, do not show a picture of a curly shag, because yours will not look like that without lots of heat tools.
See the Shag on Your Own Face First
Cutting lots of layers can feel scary. If you are not sure whether choppy bangs and messy layers match your face, you do not have to guess. Use HairMatch AI to check your face shape for free, then test a photoreal shag cut on your own photo with packs starting at $0.99. That way, you walk into the salon feeling ready.