The shag haircut is back in fashion, and it’s trendier than ever! This versatile hairstyle has its roots in the 1970s but has made a huge comeback in 2024, especially among people who love a relaxed and effortlessly chic look.
The shag haircut is known for its messy, layered texture that adds volume and movement to any hair type. But how do you achieve this look at the salon with your clients? This article will guide you through the basic steps to cut and style a shag haircut and explain why this style is so popular worldwide.
What Is a Shag Haircut?
The shag haircut is a layered hairstyle that has a distinctive style of short, choppy layers at the crown and feathered ends around the face. The look often includes bangs, but they can be tailored to fit your face shape and personal style. The haircut is perfect for all hair lengths—short, medium, or long. This makes it a favorite choice for everyone, from teenagers to adults looking for a fresh style.
Why Is the Shag Haircut Popular?
- Versatility: The shag haircut suits all hair textures, whether straight, wavy, or curly. It adds bounce and makes hair look fuller.
- Low Maintenance: Because of its layered structure, the shag is easy to style and doesn’t need a lot of upkeep.
- Timeless Appeal: The style can be modernized with color, bangs, and varying lengths, making it a timeless look that keeps evolving.
How to Cut a Shag Haircut
Cutting a shag haircut involves precision and an understanding of how layers affect hair volume and texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide
1. Preparation
- Tools Needed: Hair-cutting shears, texturizing scissors, a comb, sectioning clips, and a spray bottle filled with water.
- Wet or Dry?: The hair should be damp. This allows for better control of the layers.
2. Sectioning the Hair
- Divide the hair into four sections—two at the front and two at the back.
- Secure each section with clips to keep the hair manageable.
3. Creating the First Layer
- Start with the topmost section of the hair (the crown area).
- Cut this layer short, around 2-3 inches long, depending on the desired length.
- Hold small sections straight up and use the point-cutting method to create a jagged, textured look.
4. Working on the Middle Layers
- Move to the middle sections. These layers should be slightly longer than the top layers.
- Use the same point-cutting technique, but angle the scissors downward to ensure a smooth transition between the layers.
5. Trimming the Bottom Layers
- The bottom layers should be the longest.
- Use texturizing shears to thin out the ends slightly, creating a feathered look.
- This step is key for adding volume and movement.
6. Cutting the Bangs (Optional)
- If you want bangs, decide between curtain bangs, blunt bangs, or wispy bangs.
- Section the front part of the hair, comb it forward, and use the scissors to snip the hair at an angle, just below the eyebrows.
- For curtain bangs, start the cut longer on the sides, gradually going shorter in the center.
How to Style a Shag Haircut
Styling the shag haircut is easy and doesn’t require many products. Here are some tips for achieving that tousled, carefree look:
1. Blow-Drying
- After washing your hair, apply a volumizing mousse or a lightweight leave-in conditioner.
- Flip your head upside down and blow-dry the hair to build volume at the roots.
- Use your fingers instead of a brush to maintain the messy, natural texture.
2. Adding Waves
- To add some waves, use a flat iron or a curling wand.
- Wrap small sections around the barrel and alternate the direction of each curl.
- Leave the ends untouched for that lived-in look.
3. Texturizing
- Apply a texturizing spray or a sea salt spray to enhance the natural layers.
- Scrunch your hair lightly with your fingers to add more definition to the layers.
4. Finishing Touches
- Tousle your hair with your hands.
- Use a lightweight hairspray to keep the layers in place without weighing down the hair.
Tools that can be used for shag haircut
For cutting and styling a shag haircut, here are some recommended Hattori Hanzo products available on their site:
- HH14T Shimatta – Medium-coarse blending shears ideal for adding texture to layers.
- HH V Mamba – High-carbon professional shears for precise layering
- HH 40T Mazeru – Texturizing shears for feathered ends, perfect for the shag style.
- HH8 Talon Texturizer – Suitable for creating volume and movement in the layers.
See all Hanzo premium shears here.
Popular Variations of the Shag Haircut
- The Modern Shag: A cleaner version of the original with fewer layers and softer edges.
- Curly Shag: Ideal for curly hair, this variation embraces the natural curls with longer layers and more volume.
- Pixie Shag: A short, choppy style for those who love a bold, edgy look.
- Long Shag: A version with lengthy layers that maintains the shag’s signature style but with extra length.
- Wolf Cut: A trending style that’s a mix between a shag and a mullet, with a heavy top and tapered ends.
Who Can Wear a Shag Haircut?
The shag haircut is highly adaptable, making it suitable for a variety of face shapes and hair types. Here’s a quick guide:
- Round Faces: Opt for a medium-length shag with choppy bangs to elongate your face.
- Oval Faces: Any shag length works! Try experimenting with bangs or curtain bangs.
- Square Faces: A longer shag with softer layers and side-swept bangs will balance the strong jawline.
- Heart Faces: A shag with lots of volume at the bottom will add fullness to the chin area.
Maintaining a Shag Haircut
Maintaining the shag haircut is straightforward:
- Trim Every 6-8 Weeks: To keep the shape intact, regular trims are necessary.
- Use Lightweight Products: Heavy products can weigh down the layers. Opt for mousses, light creams, and sprays.
- Avoid Over-Styling: The shag haircut looks best when it’s a little messy, so don’t overuse heat tools or flatten the natural texture.