Best Shag Haircut for Your Hair Type

Zendaya. Natasha Lyonne. Selena Gomez. These are just a few of the A-listers who are sporting 2022’s most grammable hairdo: the Shag haircut. 

The iconic 70s shag is everywhere. Not only is it a practical style for these socially distant days when shag haircuts may be fewer and farther between, it’s also cute with a capital “C”. 

But don’t worry. This isn’t your average Florence Henderson hair. Sure, the modern shag haircut still has its signature, choppy layers, but as times have changed so have the techniques. 

The trick to successfully sporting a shag hairstyle is to make sure you choose one that fits with your hair’s texture and type. 

Whether you have fine or thick hair, whether your hair is straight, curly, or even wavy, there is a shag cut for you. Your hair color does not affect the cut as much as your texture and type.

Ready to get volume for days? Brush up on this curly shag guide to the best shag haircuts for your hair type before you make the chop. 

Best shag cut for fine hair 

Anyone with a pitiful ponytail knows how frustrating it can be to live with fine, thin hair. But a shag haircut promises thicker locks and instant volume, right? Not quite. 

The more layers you have up top, the thinner hair becomes at the bottom. This can cost you big in terms of split ends and can ultimately take your locks in the opposite direction, making them appear thinner. 

Instead, try on a pair of oh-so-hip fringe bangs. Having some long, piecey pieces up front will help the rest of your mane appear fuller. Add in some curled layers to really take it over the top. By doing that you can counteract the appearance of thin wispy hair and add more volume and flow.

Best shag cut for thick or coarse hair 

Trying to trim down your thick hair? A mid-shoulder length shag haircut could tussle your tangles into submission. 

This razor cut produces long layers that can really thin out a bulky bob. By lightening the ends you’ll be left with enviable volume without the weight. It’s slightly edgy with a feminine flare. 

Be sure to ask your stylist to consult with you on length options. If you’re feeling really encumbered, it can be tempting to lob it all off! However, you probably need at least some weight to keep locks from getting totally unruly. A professional can help you find the ideal length for your coarse strands.  

Best shag cut for straight hair 

Straight hair often has less texture to show off a traditional shag. You can avoid coming in with one idea of what you want and leaving (disappointed) with another by making sure you’re realistic about what your hair type can achieve. 

If your hair has nary a bend in sight, consider a mid-length cut with lots of layers, and some shorter pieces around the face for framing. This will allow some hidden and natural waves to shine through to give the impression of more volume.

Or, if you’re absolutely set on changing your look, consider going short with your shag! The shorter your layers are right at the crown, the more texture you can create by letting your hair mostly air dry and applying proper product. 

Best shag cut for long hair

If you love your length but are looking for some added dimension, a long shag haircut could be the look you’ve been craving. Long shag haircuts are equal parts freedom and rock n’ roll for an effortless cool that never goes out of style.

Best shag cut for curly hair 

Repeat after us: curly bangs are the new black. If you’ve ever had someone tell you a shag haircut with bangs simply won’t work with your kinky curls, I’m sorry, but they’re sorely mistaken. (You just need the right curly hair stylist to do it.)

Whether you opt for a shaggy bob or long flowing layers, a curly shag haircut will help flawlessly define your hair’s most standout feature. Those glorious curls will be unleashed and wow everyone who walks past.

If you’re not ready to fully commit to bangs, you could try a long, feathered fringe to start and work your way up. 

Best shag cut for wavy hair 

You, my dear, have the ideal hair texture for a shaggy haircut. Lucky you!

The appeal of a wavy shag haircut is clear. One look at the retro layers and enviable volume and you’ll be running to your hairdresser with inspo photos of your future wavy shag cut. In terms of texture and shape, it’s second to none. 

Want your hair to have more movement? The right shag haircut can literally make waves.

Work with your stylist to pick the most flattering length, and enjoy the versatility of wearing your hair more textured, straight, or blow out to max volume!  The world is your oyster and embrace wether your waves are thick or thin and try out this versatile cut.

Hair in the time of quarantine doesn’t have to be all top buns and hats. With a shag hairstyle, your tousled strands will look intentionally, effortlessly styled, even if the only people who see it are on your Instagram feed. 

You can find professional hair stylists and colorists near you by clicking the Hair Care tab on ginasplatform.com or on the Gina’s Platform mobile app.