28 Best Shag Haircuts That Look Great on Everyone, No Matter Your Hair Length
Mix retro and modern with the hottest new hair trend: the shag.
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Looking for a major hair change in 2020? Consider the newly updated shag haircut. This choppy, layered hairstyle from the '70s is totally back and better than ever. Typically featuring choppy ends, a layered crown, and tons of texture, the multi-layered haircut is the epitome of low-maintenance and rockstar glamour — and is a super-easy hairstyle if you're looking for a cut that will add volume, texture, and depth to your hair. Plus, the tousled layers combined with natural, feathered texture makes for an effortlessly chic look that can work for any hair length and style (yes, even for those of you with long locks or curly hair!). Whether you're planning to wear your shag polished or effortlessly messy, check out how these celebs rocked the shag in recent years — and take note for your next big haircut, as you'll definitely want to get in on this hot new trend ASAP.
Classic Modern Shag
At the 2019 Grammys, actress Julianne Hough rocked a new shaggy hairstyle with a cool, sassy fringe that showed just how much the updated cut is the perfect mix of modern and '70s retro.
Sleek and Wavy
For those with some natural wave in their hair, a sleek, short cut with slightly tousled ends — just like Karlie Kloss' — is a stylish hair choice that will have you looking effortlessly cool like the supermodel.
Textured With Curly Bangs
For an bold, chic look like Sandra Oh's, combine voluminous curls with short, tousled bangs curled into springy ringlets — it'll definitely make your locks the star of the show.
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Messy and Wild
Natasha Lyonne's signature shag features lots of natural waves and bold texture, which makes for a perfectly messy and wild look that's still super-stylish and polished.
Soft and Sweet
A soft, layered hairstyle can add a sweet touch to any look, especially if you combine it with piece-y bangs like Camila Cabello's.
RELATED: 40 Best Haircuts With Bangs to Inspire Your Next Trendy Hairstyle
Softly Tousled
A shaggy waved lob has never looked more stylish or elegant, especially with Taylor Swift's softly tousled blonde look that's an effortless modern update to the classic shag hairstyle.
Choppy Bob
Add a cool, glamorous twist to your next blunt bob with choppy layered ends like Lana Condor's. Even without the classic bangs, this modern shag style adds an easy touch of rock n' roll glam.
Shaggy Pixie
The shag can also work on a shorter pixie cut like Cara Delevingne's. To steal the supermodel's look, combine your short crop with uneven layers and brown-blonde highlights.
Long and Straight
Shags don't have to be short, and Halle Berry's gorgeous look is proof. Add more dimension by mixing in subtle highlights and wispy bangs.
Retro Rocker
Chloe Grace Moretz's shag is reminiscent of the hairstyles seen on male rockstars in the '70s, but it obviously looks amazing on women, too — just don't forget to finish it off with some texturing spray for extra volume.
Platinum Lob
Jennifer Lawrence's low-maintenance cut meets a high-maintenance dye job. It's all about balance, right? The platinum shade offers up serious old Hollywood vibes.
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Curls With Bangs
As great as a shag looks on straight hair, it looks even more awesome with curls. Go bold and try it with bangs for a flattering, face-framing effect.
Ombre and Flowing
Long, loose waves never go out of style — and they're so romantic. Drew Barrymore has been rocking them for years!
Super-Long
Shags look incredible at any length, allowing you to grow your hair long without needing to go back to the salon month after month. Just look to Dakota Johnson, who rocks layers from chin- to chest-length.
Short With Side-Swept Bangs
Anne Hathaway's playful style has all the edginess of a short cut but with the comfort of longer layers. The contrast between side-swept bangs and a longer back is what makes this cut so cute.
Loose Curls
Meg Ryan made the short, wavy shag famous in the '90s, and her shoulder-grazing version today looks just as adorable. If your hair isn't naturally wavy, turn your straight shag into a beachy one with a curling wand.
RELATED: These Easy Hair Tutorials Will Help You Achieve the Perfect Beach Waves
Messy Mid-Length
The beauty of a shag is that it was practically made to be worn messy, like Alexa Chung did here. It's also a great option for anyone growing out their bangs, because they blend in like one of the many layers.
Long With Blunt Bangs
Make a big statement and try thick, blunt bangs like Jennifer Hudson's. Just keep the rest long and layered — it creates an updated pin-up look.
Smooth and Casual
Want something truly versatile? We recommend Courteney Cox's simple, mid-length cut. Straight, wavy, or curled — it always looks amazing.
Cute Layers
Cute and easy to style, Kristen Bell's shoulder-grazing lob looks great for any occasion — even while it's growing out.
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