As a hairstylist and photographer, I get to see the magic that a great haircut can bring to a person’s confidence and style. One of the most exciting trends I’ve noticed lately is the resurgence of short shag hair.
Whether you’re someone who’s looking for an edgy, low-maintenance look or you just want to try something new, this throwback style haircut is the perfect blend of casual, stylish, and versatile.
I’ve worked on a range of short hairstyles and if you need photo inspo for your next haircut? These 20 short shag haircuts offer a fresh, modern take on a classic style.
1. The Blonde Short Shag
This hairstyle is edgy, with layered, tousled strands adding dimension and movement. Ideal for those looking for a stylish, yet effortlessly cool look. It captures a balance between contemporary fashion and natural beauty.
2. Short Bangs Soft Shag
This trendy cut features textured layers that frame the face, adding volume and movement to the hair. The bangs are slightly choppy, creating a casual yet stylish look. The soft layering makes it versatile for different hair types and face shapes, providing a flattering and trendy appearance that is easy to style for both casual and formal settings.
3. Short Curtain Fringe
This is characterized by natural, flowing waves that add texture and volume, while the curtain bangs frame the face gently, providing a flattering, youthful look. This haircut is ideal for those wanting a relaxed yet polished appearance.
4. Shaggy Pixie Cut
This shaggy pixie cut is giving major cool girl vibes! The tousled layers and choppy bangs add loads of texture and movement. It’s perfect for embracing natural wave patterns too.
5. Wavy Mullet Short Shag
This curly pixie cut exudes effortless cool with its tousled layers and wispy bangs, perfectly framing the face and highlighting natural texture. It’s a low-maintenance style that offers versatility, easily transitioning from casual to dressy looks while embracing natural curl patterns.
6. Modern Shag with Side Bangs
This playful modern shag features choppy, face-framing layers and wispy side bangs that effortlessly blend into the tousled waves, giving off a cool, laid-back vibe. Perfect for adding volume and movement, this cut brings out a natural, carefree texture while highlighting facial features in a fun yet low-maintenance way.
7. Curly Short Shag
This curly shag features bold, layered curls that cascade naturally with an effortlessly chic structure, while the shorter bangs add a playful, vintage flair. Perfect for embracing natural texture, this cut gives off a modern, edgy vibe while keeping the look soft and romantic—ideal for those wanting a blend of individuality and timeless style.
8. Faux Shag
THIS faux shag though! It’s like the perfect mix of sleek and tousled, and I’m living for those swoopy curtain bangs! Seriously, this whole look is so effortlessly glam, like you just rolled out of bed looking like a total queen. 👑
9. Layered Curly Cut
This layered curly cut is EVERYTHING! The volume, the definition, the bounce! It’s giving total boss babe vibes with the perfect mix of glam and natural texture. And can we talk about how those curls just frame the face so perfectly?
10. Shaggy Bob
It’s like the perfect balance between playful and polished. The choppy layers and soft bangs give it that effortless, lived-in vibe, but it’s still totally office-appropriate. Plus, those subtle highlights? They add just the right pop of dimension to make the whole look so fresh and modern.
12. Lavender Shag
The way those soft, lavender waves fall so effortlessly gives the whole look such a cool, retro vibe while still being totally fresh. The layers add that perfect volume and movement, making the colors pop even more—like seriously, that silver-lavender blend is so unique!
13. Asymmetrical Shag
The way those soft, lavender waves fall so effortlessly gives the whole look such a cool, retro vibe while still being totally fresh. The layers add that perfect volume and movement, making the colors pop even more—like seriously, that silver-lavender blend is so unique!
14. Tourmaline Curtain Bangs Shag
This is next-level color creativity right here! 🔥 The shag cut is doing wonders to showcase those bold, neon shades—like, the contrast between the lime green and hot pink is pure artistry. The way the layers fall makes the whole look super dynamic and edgy.
This haircut is perfect for someone who wants to push the boundaries and make a statement. It’s giving major high-fashion, but still wearable enough for the street. Loving the attitude and energy this brings.
15. Messy Shaggy Lob
This style gives you that “I woke up like this” vibe with its perfectly undone waves. The layers are super soft, which helps to add volume and texture without looking too harsh. The length hits right above the shoulders, so it’s long enough to still pull into a ponytail but short enough to give that light, airy feel.
This cut is ideal for anyone with naturally wavy or slightly textured hair because it enhances what you already have. Plus, it’s super low maintenance—just a bit of sea salt spray or texturizing product, and you’re golden.
16. Rocker Fringed Out
This look is a bold, rocker-inspired fringed shag, perfect for anyone wanting that edgy, lived-in vibe. The heavily textured layers and messy bangs create serious volume and dimension, making it a great choice for fine to medium hair types. It’s effortlessly cool and ideal for someone who loves a wild, carefree style that requires minimal fuss but makes a statement.
17. Chin-Length Bob
This look is a bold, rocker-inspired fringed shag, perfect for anyone wanting that edgy, lived-in vibe. The heavily textured layers and messy bangs create serious volume and dimension, making it a great choice for fine to medium hair types. It’s effortlessly cool and ideal for someone who loves a wild, carefree style that requires minimal fuss but makes a statement.
18. Yellow Shag Cut
This striking yellow shag is a bold and playful hairstyle that demands attention. With its choppy layers and soft bangs, it offers a relaxed yet edgy look that’s full of texture and movement. Ideal for anyone looking to make a statement, this style is effortlessly cool and easy to maintain.
19. Silver Shag for Older Women
Wow, loving this silver fox look! That layered cut with the wispy bangs is an absolute chef’s kiss. The way it’s all tousled and textured gives major cool-girl vibes while still looking effortlessly chic. The cut nailed the perfect balance between edgy and elegant.
20. Side-swept Bangs
That tousled, just-rolled-out-of-bed look is pure fire. Ginger locks that framed her freckled face is absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect complement to the warm coloring. This whole vibe is screaming carefree summer goddess energy.
Best Products for Styling Short Shaggy Hair
Wow, loving this silver fox look! That layered cut with the wispy bangs is an absolute
As someone who styles hair for both day-to-day wear and photo shoots, I’m always looking for the right products to bring out the best in a shaggy cut. Here’s what I recommend:
- Texturizing Spray: This is your go-to for creating that lived-in, messy look.
- Dry Shampoo: Great for second-day hair, it adds volume and texture.
- Sea Salt Spray: Perfect for wavy or curly hair, giving you that beachy vibe.
- Hair Wax and Pomade: These are great for defining your layers and giving your hair structure.
How to Maintain Your Haircut
Maintaining a short shag haircut is easier than you might think. A quick trim every 6-8 weeks keeps the shape looking fresh. Plus, with the right texturizing spray or dry shampoo, you won’t have to wash and style it every day. Trust me, this cut looks even better when it’s a little messy and undone!
The Benefits
If you ask me, there are tons of reasons to love a short shag hairstyle:
- It’s low-maintenance, especially compared to longer styles.
- The layers give your hair natural volume and movement.
- It works for pretty much any face shape or hair type.
- You can style it differently every day—straight, wavy, curly, or somewhere in between.
Can You DIY a Shag Haircut?
I often get asked if a shaggy cut can be done at home. While it’s tempting, I always recommend seeing a professional, especially if it’s your first time. The layers in a shag cut require precision. But if you’re just maintaining a trim, you can use some thinning shears to keep the shape without taking too much off.
Frequently Ask Questions
- What is a shag haircut?
A short shaggy haircut is characterized by choppy layers, textured ends, and a carefree, tousled appearance. This look, made famous in the 70s, has evolved into something fresh and modern. - Is short shaggy hair easy to maintain?
Yes! It’s one of the most low-maintenance styles out there. Just a little product and you’re good to go. - What face shape suits a short shaggy haircut best?
An oval face works with any style, but there’s a shag for every face shape, whether round, square, or heart-shaped. - How often should I trim my shaggy haircut?
Every 6-8 weeks to keep the layers looking fresh. - Can shaggy haircuts work for curly hair?
Absolutely! Curly hair and a shaggy cut are a match made in heaven, as it helps control volume and adds definition. - What products should I use to style my shaggy haircut?
You’ll want texturizing spray, dry shampoo, and hair wax for the perfect messy, lived-in look.