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Shag Haircut and Styles

Looks like the wacky yet trendy hairstyle of the '70s is back in a big way. Can't say for sure why. Perhaps it's because a shag haircut and styles similar to it are eye catching and just beg for attention. But the style is sure catching on.

The shag cut is basically a layered cut. Where the hair at the crown of your head is cut in more layers than the lower part of the hair. The hair near the ears may not be not be cut, so that you can tuck it behind your ears. You could have bangs too with this style if you want. Should you choose to have bangs, it's best if they're pushed off the face.

Now if like me you're wondering why the rise in popularity of the various shag layered haircuts, maybe it's because these hairstyles make you look youthful. Such cuts give you a shaggy look, hence the name. One that says fun, playful yet is easy to manage.

They're also a flexible cut. If your stylist knows their stuff they should be able to easily modify the basic shag to best flatter your facial features. To insure you end up with a style you'll love.

Also, this is about the only style that does not adhere to any hard and fast rules. In fact the only rule may be to have snip in uneven layers at the top of your head.

Originally the shag cut was meant for those with short and medium hair lengths. But now even those with long hair too ask for a shag cut.

Brief History of the Shag

Some might say it all started with Jane Fonda who had a shag in the movie Klute in the early seventies. Recently celebrity star Jennifer Aniston made it popular by sporting a similar style in the sitcom 'Friends'. Meg Ryan and Halle Berry have also been seen sporting the shag hairstyle.

It may look shaggy and give you an 'out of bed' look, yet it is definitely trendy.

The Long and the Short of It - Your Options Beyond the Basics

The short shag is easy to maintain.

This style usually has about two to three layers and frames your face. The back generally has less layers. The short shag haircut is suitable for all kinds of hair except very thick and very fine tresses. The longest hair is usually at the top of your head. Short hair grows quite fast and so you should get your hair trimmed every four to six weeks.

Shag cuts suit just about everybody. Yet for the best results you should go to a salon. There your hairdresser hopefully has an eye for your face shape, the size of your ears, overall proportion and the length of your neck to decide on the best shag cut for you.

If it's the choppy effect you're after, expect your stylist to use either a razor or a pair of scissors.

The medium shag is the most common. It's popular because you could try out a number of variations. You could have a few layers or lots of layers. It's quite easy to care of too. Bangs would look lovely on the medium shag. Side swept bangs are the best. The back could be cut in the shape of a 'U' or a deep 'V'. Soft waves at the back lend a more formal look would look lovely with your evening gown.

Wavy locks look especially flirty in shag cuts. The short shag does not go beyond the nape of your neck. It's a very good alternative for the bob. This cut is apt for those with fine hair as it adds volume and fullness to it. Older women could go for a blunt cut where the hair is chipped unevenly.

Teenagers often opt for the grunge look. The hair is cut till the forehead in the first layer. The neck area has long wisps of hair. Bangs would add a touch of gracefulness. The rest of the hair is cut in layers or unevenly. To style your hair you should use a gel and then blow the hair away from your face.

You could also chop the hair at the back. The layers at the crown and the hair framing the face are as usual. You could also keep the hair at the crown quite high and long hair from the crown going down in wisps. For the bangs you might get away with using two alternating colors for added flare.

The long shag haircuts are not as common as the short and the medium. It's a good choice for those who want a long hairstyle with a few layers. Long shag hair styles usually have only two or three layers. It's likely best to let your stylist decide on the length. Longer cuts fall to shoulder level or almost touch the shoulder. The actual length would depend on your face shape.

Like the short and the medium shags, the long shag is best colored in monotone. Most feel streaking does not suit shag cuts. If you think you could use a few highlights rely on an expert at the salon.

If you have long thick and lustrous hair, you'd look stunningly

gorgeous with the long shag cut.

Often the hair at the back is given an uneven cut. Side swept bangs add beauty to your hairstyle. While changing where you part your hair would give you a different look too.

You could be adventurous and cut the lengths of your long hair unevenly. You could use curlers and create wiry tendrils. To taper the ends of the hair you could use a razor. When you are partying you could use a mousse to add volume to your hair.

A Word About Face Shapes

If your face is kind of square, you must ask your hair stylist to cut long strands that brush your cheeks. This would make your face look pretty and less square.

For an oval or round face you have a blunt cut with the layers framing your face being out turned.

Care Tips For Shag Cuts And Styles

For your shag to look its best you should blow dry your hair away from your face.

If your hair is fine and thin, you want to use a root lifter and back comb your hair for added volume. Shags typically look their best when a volumizing spray is worked in at the roots. This adds lift to the base of the style.

To style your hair, use gels and mousse. Arrange your hair with a wide toothed comb after you've applied the styling products of choice.

You may find the ends of your hair are prone to splits. Aside from the tacky appearance, this could result in excess breakage. Or worse. Because if you ignore the split ends they could run high up the hair shaft to the crown. To treat this trimming the ends is one option. Using a deep conditioner is another.

In general you should trim your hair every six weeks to maintain a good looking shag cut.

The crown has more hair so you should nourish the hair in that part of your head. Use a scalp lotion and massage it into your scalp using just the tips of your fingers. This increases blood circulation which stimulates the hair follicles.

If you dare to experiment or long for a make over, go for the shag. It's ideal for those looking for a sexy, messy-on-purpose yet fun to wear style.

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