Layered Haircuts Home >> Shag Haircut and Styles

Shag Haircut and Styles - the Basics

Trendy and Fun Shag Style Haircuts Don't Just Happen

Looking for a low maintenance yet sexy hairstyle?

Tired of marathon beauty sessions in the bathroom each morning?

Want a style that doesn't look like everyone else's?

Then I've got just the thing.

You see, practical shag styles are one haircut absolutely guaranteed to require next to no time to maintain. Plus they suit most any type of hair.

Yet not only is this easy care, a shag suits long, medium or short lengths.

Shag Hair Cuts Defined: Strictly speaking this look is known for having many layers cut progressively shorter the closer you get to the crown of your head. Popular back in the 70's it is still going strong.

Why is it called a shag?

Clearly once your hair is cut and layered it gives a shaggy appearance. This trendy and fun cut suits any face shape and works well across all color options from blonde or brunette. Plus it is quite adaptable and lets you easily make your own unique fashion statement. What more could a girl want?

Even better with this style you can tuck your hair behind your ears or pull it back with pretty clips or barrettes.

The Long and the Short of the Shag

Like I said, when it comes to a this type of haircut options and styles there's a range of lengths. You can wear the medium, short, wavy or long cut variety.

Should you have your stylist give you a medium shag you should notice that the layers are adjusted to suit your face shape. It usually has choppy, tapered ends having layers at front and back. This will require touchups once in 6-8 weeks. But if you are curly headed keep away from this style as it tend to frizziness.

Now if you want a sexy, messy style then opt for wavy shag. This is not for the fine haired though. Typically layers are kept long and a razor is used instead of scissors to give your tresses texture. Top this off by adding waves anytime you wish with a curling iron.

Salon Tip: Expect your stylist to carefully consider your face shape and hair type as they cut in the layers that are the signature of this cut. Carefully thinning out and removing the bulk of your hair to create the desired layered look.

Those looking for a no fuss hairstyle might want to check out the long shag hairstyle.

It makes thick hair feel less heavy on your head.

This shag cut needs little maintenance. Probably requiring you show up at the salon only once every three or four months.

I will warn you however. This style needs to be done by a good stylist who knows what he or she is doing. Too many layers and you will look too messy. But if done right, using scissors to leave ends feathered, a longer shag requires very less styling products and air drying is sufficient.

This style is actually quite carefree. Perfect for anyone with longer hair who can't be bothered spending lots of time on their hair each morning. (Here are more care tips for a shag haircut and styles like it.)

You'll often see teenage girls hanging out at malls sporting trendy short shag hairstyles. Such cuts emphasize the eyes, are soft and feminine and have lots of layers on the top and front of your head. With fewer layers towards the back. I think it's popularity is due to the fact that even when messed up it still looks okay. Plus all it takes is a bit of gel or hair spray to style it differently to give you a different look.

Drawbacks to Shorter Shags

Obviously braiding of any kind is pretty much out.

Another problem with any shorter shag is how long it takes to grow back. So if it turns out you don't like this style, or grow tired of it, it will take some months before you can change it.

Be careful if you have fine hair. If your stylist says it won't work for you look for another style.

And be prepared to commit to frequent return visits to keep your look clean and fresh.

'Must-Know' Tips for Those New to Shag Haircuts

When music major Abigail Alexander-Dotrie sought inspiration for her latest look, she turned not to today's fashion magazines but back a few decades. To the 1970's. Here's a few tips she discovered.

Salon tip: Need to tame the layers? Let a curling iron work it's magic to add a subtle flip to the ends with a softer wispy like texture. You can also use a round brush to help bring the layers under control.

Since most shags are heavily layered, which I hope you've caught on to by now, you need to be ready for a bit of blow drying time to add some volume if your hair is flat. In this case be sure to use conditioner so that your hair does not dry out and stays healthy.

It is an okay hairstyle for thick and can work with some fine hair. For thick hair you can cut layers and make it look loose and full.

Heavy curly hair too looks lighter with shag.

Salon Tip: Want your shag to look its best? Work a volumizing spray into the roots. Doing so adds the appearance volume to the base of your hair.

With highlights, streaks and coloring you can make a bold statement with shag.

A shag haircut and styles like it can be just the carefree style you've been looking for. As long as you keep all these things in mind BEFORE committing to the shag you will go home delighted. Confident in your choice of one of the more versatile haircuts going. One that offers flexibility and plenty of styling options - all in one cut.

With these instructions for a shag haircut you’ll get the good, the bad and the ugly about shag cuts. Plus handy DIY tips for those interested in creating this look at home.

Can a short and tousled shag haircut really simplify? Find out the surprising reason why this style works for so many hair types.

Privacy | Resources | Disclaimer | Site Map |

All Rights Reserved 2006 - 2009

Shag Haircut and Styles - the Basics

Trendy and Fun Shag Style Haircuts Don't Just Happen

The Long and the Short of the Shag

Drawbacks to Shorter Shags

'Must-Know' Tips for Those New to Shag Haircuts

Related Articles

THINNING HAIR

FINE HAIR

HAIR LOSS

HAIR CUTS

CURLY HAIR

HAIR REPLACEMENT

Freshest Articles