Long shag hairstyles have become the go-to choice for anyone seeking a versatile, chic look that adds volume, texture, and movement to their hair. Originally popularized in the 1970s, shag cuts have made a stylish comeback, combining retro vibes with modern twists to suit every personality and hair type. The beauty of a shag lies in its layers—whether they’re choppy, feathered, or tousled, these layers offer an effortless, lived-in look that can be tailored to flatter any face shape. From edgy cuts with undercuts to soft, romantic styles with feathered ends, the shag is as adaptable as it is trendy.
If you’re looking to revitalize your look, these 28 long shag hairstyles will provide all the inspiration you need. With styles ranging from the bold and daring to the sleek and sophisticated, there’s a shag cut to match every taste and lifestyle. Whether you want to embrace the rock-and-roll edge of a messy, textured shag or opt for the elegance of a sleek, minimalist version, these hairstyles are designed to make you feel fresh and fabulous. Plus, the versatility of the shag cut means you can style it differently every day—wear it straight, wavy, curly, or even with an added pop of color to make your look stand out.
Dive into this list to explore the endless possibilities that long shag hairstyles offer. Get ready to find the perfect cut that complements your personality, enhances your features, and instantly refreshes your look for every season and occasion.
1. Classic Shag with Curtain Bangs
The classic shag with curtain bangs is a retro-inspired hairstyle that suits almost any face shape. It features long, layered cuts with bangs parted in the middle to frame the face like curtains. The layers are choppy and textured, adding volume and movement throughout the length, while the curtain bangs soften the look and add a touch of vintage flair. This style is perfect for those who want a versatile look that can be styled sleek and straight or tousled and wavy.
2. Layered Shag with Face-Framing Layers
The layered shag with face-framing layers is all about accentuating your best features. These layers start around the cheekbones and gradually blend into longer layers that cascade down the shoulders. This cut adds dimension and creates an illusion of fullness, making it ideal for those with fine or flat hair. To style, blow-dry using a round brush to give the layers a soft, voluminous look, or use a curling wand to add gentle waves for added texture.
3. Tousled Shag with Side-Swept Bangs
This style gives off an effortlessly chic vibe, combining tousled, messy layers with side-swept bangs that create a soft, face-framing effect. The layers add movement and volume, while the side-swept bangs offer a bit of asymmetry that enhances the hairstyle’s modern appeal. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the tousled look, and blow-dry the bangs to the side for a natural sweep.
4. Feathered Shag with Soft Layers
A feathered shag features light, airy layers that create a soft and voluminous look. The layers are finely cut to remove weight, creating a feathered effect that allows the hair to move freely. This style is great for those who want volume without too much bulk. To style, blow-dry with a round brush, lifting the roots for added height and using a lightweight mousse to maintain the feathered texture.
5. Beachy Waves Shag
Perfect for anyone who loves a relaxed, bohemian vibe, the beachy waves shag features long, layered cuts with textured ends that mimic the natural, tousled look of beach hair. The layers help to create volume, while the waves add a sun-kissed, carefree feel. Use a sea salt spray on damp hair, scrunch it with your hands, and let it air dry or use a diffuser to enhance the natural wave.
6. Curly Shag with Long Layers
Designed for those with natural curls, this shag cut is tailored to enhance the curl pattern while reducing bulk. Long layers are cut strategically to frame the face and add shape without weighing the curls down. This cut helps manage volume and frizz, making the curls look bouncy and defined. Use curl-enhancing products like mousse or gel, and air dry or use a diffuser for a frizz-free finish.
7. Shag with Blunt Bangs
This style pairs the edgy shag cut with straight, blunt bangs that add drama and intensity to the look. The blunt bangs provide a stark contrast to the choppy, textured layers, drawing attention to the eyes and creating a modern, striking appearance. Style by blow-drying the bangs flat with a paddle brush and using a texturizing spray on the rest of the hair to maintain movement and volume.
8. Choppy Shag with Razor-Cut Ends
The choppy shag with razor-cut ends is perfect for those looking for a rugged, textured hairstyle. The razor cutting technique creates uneven, jagged layers that give the hair a raw, lived-in look. This style is full of volume and character, ideal for those who want an undone, rock-and-roll aesthetic. Use a pomade or styling cream to define the layers and create a piecey, textured finish.
9. Textured Shag with Wispy Bangs
A textured shag with wispy bangs creates a soft, romantic look that frames the face beautifully. The bangs are lightly layered to create a delicate, feathered effect that blends seamlessly with the rest of the hair. The shag cut adds volume and movement, while the wispy bangs soften the overall style. To style, blow-dry with a round brush to add lift and finish with a light hairspray to hold the shape.
10. Shag with Boho Waves
This style embodies a free-spirited, bohemian vibe with long, flowing layers and loose, carefree waves. The shag cut adds texture and movement, while the boho waves give the hair a soft, natural look. Perfect for festival season or a laid-back day, this hairstyle can be achieved by using a large-barrel curling iron or braiding damp hair overnight and letting it dry naturally.
11. Edgy Shag with Undercut
The edgy shag with an undercut offers a unique combination of long, textured layers on top with a closely cropped or shaved section underneath. This contrast creates a bold, dramatic look that’s both modern and stylish. The undercut can be as subtle or extreme as desired, allowing for personalization. Style the longer layers with a texturizing spray for volume and a strong-hold gel to keep the undercut sleek.
12. Retro Shag with Thick Fringe
Inspired by the 70s, this retro shag features voluminous layers and a thick fringe that sits just above the eyes. The thick fringe adds a bold element, while the voluminous layers bring back the vintage flair. To style, blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting the roots for extra volume, and use a smoothing serum on the fringe to keep it sleek.
13. Long Shag with Asymmetrical Layers
An asymmetrical shag is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of drama. This style features uneven layers that are longer on one side, creating a dynamic, eye-catching look. The asymmetry draws attention and adds a contemporary twist to the classic shag. To style, blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting the layers to enhance the asymmetrical effect.
14. Wavy Shag with Balayage Highlights
Combining the wavy shag with balayage highlights creates a multi-dimensional, sun-kissed look. The highlights are hand-painted to blend seamlessly with the hair’s natural color, enhancing the waves and adding depth. To style, use a curling wand to create loose waves and finish with a shine spray to highlight the balayage.
15. Minimalist Shag with Clean Layers
For a more refined look, the minimalist shag focuses on simplicity with clean, long layers. The layers are subtle and blend seamlessly, providing volume and movement without being too obvious. This style is ideal for those who prefer a sleek, polished look while still enjoying the benefits of a shag cut.
16. Messy Shag with Voluminous Curls
This style is all about embracing natural curls with a messy, voluminous shag cut. The layers are cut to enhance the curl pattern, adding bounce and texture for a bold, carefree look. Use a curl cream or mousse to define the curls and let them air dry or diffuse to maintain the volume and shape.
17. Layered Shag with Peek-a-Boo Highlights
Peek-a-boo highlights are hidden underneath the top layers of hair, adding a playful, unexpected pop of color when styled in certain ways. The layered shag adds movement, making it perfect for showcasing these hidden highlights. Use a flat iron or curling wand to create texture, revealing the hidden colors as the hair moves.
18. Long Shag with Micro Bangs
Micro bangs are short, daring bangs that sit well above the eyebrows. Paired with a long shag, they create a bold contrast that is both edgy and fashion-forward. The long layers add softness to the style, while the micro bangs provide a striking, modern edge. Use a smoothing serum to keep the bangs in place, and texturize the layers for added movement.
19. Subtle Shag with Sleek Layers
A subtle shag with sleek layers is perfect for those who want a more refined, understated look. The layers are soft and blended, providing volume without too much texture. This style offers a clean, modern appearance that can be worn straight or with a slight wave. Blow-dry with a paddle brush for a sleek finish, and use a shine serum for a glossy effect.
20. Angled Shag with Loose Waves
An angled shag features layers cut at an angle, creating a flattering shape that elongates the face. Loose waves add a soft, feminine touch, making this style both chic and sophisticated. Use a curling wand to create loose waves and finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape.
21. Grunge Shag with Messy Texture
The grunge shag embraces a messy, undone texture with choppy layers that add a carefree, rock-and-roll vibe. This style is perfect for those who love an effortlessly cool look. Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grit and volume, scrunching the hair with your hands to enhance the messy texture.
22. Soft Shag with Feathered Ends
A soft shag with feathered ends offers a delicate, romantic style. The ends are finely layered and feathered to create a light, wispy look that adds volume and movement without being too harsh. Blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting the roots for added volume, and use a lightweight mousse to maintain the feathered texture.
23. Bold Shag with Color Streaks
This style incorporates vibrant streaks of color into the shag cut, creating a bold, creative look. The color streaks can range from bright neon shades to pastel tones, allowing for endless customization. To style, use a flat iron or curling wand to create texture, making the colors pop against the natural hair.
24. Glam Shag with Glossy Curls
The glam shag with glossy curls is perfect for special occasions or anyone who loves a polished look. The shag cut adds volume, while the curls provide bounce and movement. To achieve glossy curls, use a curling iron, and finish with a shine-enhancing serum or spray for a luxurious finish.
25. Shag with Deep Side Part
A deep side part adds a dramatic twist to the traditional shag. The asymmetry of the part creates volume and draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones, adding an element of sophistication to the hairstyle. Use a blow dryer and a round brush to style, lifting the roots for extra volume.
26. Disconnected Shag with Choppy Bangs
A disconnected shag features layers that are intentionally uneven, creating a bold, edgy look. Choppy bangs enhance the style’s rebellious vibe, adding texture and volume around the face. Use a styling paste or wax to define the layers and bangs for a tousled, piecey effect.
27. Tousled Shag with Sun-Kissed Highlights
This style combines a tousled shag cut with sun-kissed highlights, creating a natural, beachy look. The highlights add brightness and dimension, while the tousled layers give a relaxed, carefree vibe. Use a sea salt spray and scrunch the hair with your hands for that perfect, beachy texture.
28. Sleek Shag with Straight Layers
The sleek shag with straight layers is ideal for those who prefer a more polished, refined look. The layers are kept long and smooth, providing a clean, modern appearance while still adding volume and movement to the hair. Use a flat iron to straighten the layers and finish with a smoothing serum for a glossy finish.
Conclusion
Shag hairstyles have proven time and again that they are more than just a trend—they’re a timeless choice that continues to evolve, offering fresh and exciting options for all hair types and personalities. The 28 long shag hairstyles we’ve covered provide a variety of ways to make a statement, whether you’re aiming for a subtle change or a dramatic transformation. From classic styles with curtain bangs to bold cuts with color streaks, these shag hairstyles are designed to help you express yourself with confidence and style.
The best part? Shags are incredibly versatile and low-maintenance, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to simplify their hair routine without sacrificing style. With layers that add natural volume, texture, and movement, these cuts can easily transition from a casual day look to a glamorous evening style with minimal effort. So, whether you prefer a sleek and polished look or a wild and tousled vibe, there’s a long shag hairstyle out there waiting for you.
