9 Effortlessly Cool Shag Haircuts to Try This Season (2024)

Short, Low-Key Shag

If you’re hesitant to go full-on shag, test the waters with this low-key variation on the voluminous look. Sarah Page, a master stylist for Bellami, says that this one’s especially great for people with pin-straight hair who want a little more volume and movement. “Layered, choppy ends can add texture and create the illusion of fuller, more dynamic hair,” she says.

Parisian Shag

This chic variation on a classic shag features fringe you can either wear as a curtain bang or a full and piecey internal layering. What’s more, celebrity hair artist Kieron Justin says it’s one of the most popular looks for 2023, and that it takes inspiration from the classic Parisian bob. “The bob is paired with the ever-so-stylish bangs and internal layers to create volume and texture,” Justin says. “It’s a playful, versatile, and stylish cut that can be worn textured or smooth. It works with loose curls to natural wavy or straight hair types.”

Rocker Mullet-Shag

The mullet and shag aren’t quite the same, but they’re definitely similar to each other. This style seamlessly combines both, and works on many lengths, textures, and colors.

“I love this style because it’s versatile and so wearable and can work well with most hair types,” Justin says. “It gives a really cool girl grunge feeling and is easy to style—you can air dry diffuse or straighten and add texture.”

Curly Shag

Zendaya gives us the perfect example of what a shag haircut can do for you if you’ve got major curls. “The shag works well with curls and creates natural movement and texture,” Justin says. “It’s a modern way to update your look and is versatile, wearable, cool, and sexy.” Tatum Neill, creative director of Aveda Arts and Sciences Institutes, adds, “This has all the effect of a shag but is mostly a curly, long layer with excellent fringe placement. This is a great approach for long curly hair as opposed to a classic shag where the short layers on top will shrink and cause a more rounded look.”

Modern Shag

For a more streamlined, quasi-shag moment, opt for a modern spin on the trendy shag by combining long fringe with long, piece-y layers. “Here, it showcases her depth and dimension with the highlights and lowlights beautifully,” says Stefanie Lendzian, hair stylist and founder of Naprim Naturals. She adds that the bangs create more of that retro shag aesthetic, and that you can tailor yours according to your face shape and texture. “Almost any type of bangs—whether it's blunt, side-swept, or wispy, can work well to enhance the features of an oval face,” Lendzian says. “If you have a rounder-shaped face, you might want to opt for a side-swept look for your shag instead of the one here.”

Midi Wolf Shag

Along with the mullet, shags are cousins to the versatile wolf cut. This midi wolf shag is giving major rocker vibes, but you can also pair it with waves and soft curls for a more romantic feel, notes Clyde Haygood, a celebrity hairstylist and ambassador for Pura D’Or. “This style is great to give volume & texture to finer hair that can look limp & lifeless without layers,” he says. “This cut is especially great for those with curly hair because it will make your curls loose and airy while framing the face & accentuating your features.”

Long & Layered Shag With Blunt Bangs

Seeking versatility with your shag? This is the ‘do for you. “The layered nature of the haircut allows you to wear it straight, wavy, or curly, depending on your preference. You can experiment with different textures and looks, giving you flexibility in styling options,” Page notes. She adds, “Another part of this cut I like is how it can camouflage imperfections. This is because the varied lengths and layers can create visual interest and distract from any flaws.”

Pixie Shag

Yep, you can go in for the big chop and have your shag, too. The key is to zero-in on the overall texture of the pixie, and to incorporate those classic shag bangs. “Shag bangs can beautifully frame your face and draw attention to your features. They can also add a soft and textured element to the overall bob hairstyle, enhancing its appeal,” Page explains. “Also, the layers in the bangs create the illusion of thicker hair and give it a fuller appearance which is why I said fine to medium hair as well.”

Sleek Shag

Leave it to cool girl Billie Eilish to give us one of the most covetable hairstyles of the season. “It’s great for any hair type that wants to be modern and current with a hint of sexy with their cut because the longer bangs give a bit of mysteriousness to the look,” Haygood says. “Style them straight across or chunk them up with a styling wax for a piece-y effect. This style is great for any hair type and can be customized to be more feathery or choppy to suit hair texture and balance facial features.”