25 Medium-Length Shag Hairstyles for a Chic, Modern Look
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Whether you’re looking to add some edge to your look or simply want a fresh, modern cut, the shag hairstyle is a fun, versatile choice that suits various hair textures and face shapes.
In this article, we’ve curated 25 inspiring ideas to help you find the perfect shag cut. From soft curls and textured layers to bold fringes and playful highlights, there’s something for everyone.
Dive in to discover how you can transform your medium-length hair with these trendy, stylish, and easy-to-maintain shag hairstyles.
25 Medium-Length Shag Hairstyles To Inspire Your Next Haircut
1. Textured Shag With Curtain Bangs
Imagine a medium-length shag haircut with layers that add texture and movement. Now pair that with soft, flowing curtain bangs that gently frame your face.
This style not only brings out your facial features but also gives you a versatile look that can be dressed up or down. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of drama without going overboard.
2. Wavy Shag With Side-Swept Bangs
Picture yourself with medium-length waves that exude a relaxed, beachy vibe. Add in some side-swept bangs, and you’ve got a shag hairstyle that’s effortlessly chic.
It’s especially flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. To enhance the waves, use a sea salt spray and scrunch your hair while it’s damp for that perfect tousled effect.
3. Shaggy Lob With Blunt Ends
A shaggy lob with blunt ends is the way to go if you’re looking for a hairstyle that adds both volume and structure.
This cut combines the playful layers of a shag with the clean, sharp lines of a lob, resulting in a modern, edgy look.
It’s great for those with fine hair, as the blunt ends create the illusion of thicker locks.
4. Feathered Shag With Highlights
Feathered layers give this shag haircut a light, airy feel, while subtle highlights add depth and dimension.
This style is fantastic for adding movement and brightness to your hair without overwhelming your natural look. It’s particularly suited for those with medium to thick hair.
5. Choppy Shag With Wispy Bangs
If you’re aiming for a carefree, edgy style, a choppy shag with wispy bangs should be your go-to. The choppy layers create a textured, lived-in look, while the wispy bangs add a touch of softness.
It works well with all hair types but is especially striking on those with straight or slightly wavy hair. To maintain the look’s edge, use a texturizing spray to define the layers and add a bit of grit.
6. Curly Shag With Tapered Ends
Embrace your natural curls with a shag cut that features tapered ends for a more defined and structured look. This hairstyle is perfect for adding shape and reducing bulk, making it ideal for those with thick, curly hair.
The tapered ends help to control the volume while still allowing your curls to bounce freely.
7. Shag With Heavy Layering and Balayage
Imagine a shag hairstyle that combines the volumizing look of heavily layered locks with the beautiful, sun-kissed effect of balayage. This look is all about creating depth and dimension, making your hair appear fuller and more vibrant.
It’s a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
8. Shaggy Lob With Ash Blonde Ombré
This cut blends the classic lob with the unique style of an ash blonde ombré, resulting in a versatile and flattering hairstyle. It’s perfect for those with cool undertones, as the color complements your skin.
9. Voluminous Shag With Deep Side Part
For those who love a bit of drama, a voluminous shag with a deep side part is the way to go. This hairstyle adds instant volume and flair. The deep side part creates a sense of asymmetry, adding to the overall impact of the look.
The side part helps add dimension and angularity to a round face. To achieve maximum volume, use a volumizing mousse and blow-dry your hair upside down.
10. Sleek Shag With Subtle Layers
If you prefer a more polished and sophisticated look, a sleek shag with subtle layers is a perfect choice.
This hairstyle combines the sleekness of straight hair with the gentle movement of subtle layers, resulting in a chic and refined appearance. It’s ideal for those with fine to medium hair who want a bit of texture without too much volume.
11. Shag With Asymmetrical Bangs
Looking for a modern twist on the classic shag? Try pairing it with asymmetrical bangs!
This medium-length shag haircut features uneven bangs that add a unique, edgy vibe to your look.
12. Shag With Textured Ends and Ombré
For a hairstyle that offers both depth and dimension, consider a shag with textured ends and an ombré color transition. The textured ends give the hair a lively, dynamic feel, while the ombré adds a beautiful gradient of color.
It works well with all hair types and is especially striking on medium to thick hair. To maintain the ombré effect, use color-safe hair products and avoid excessive heat styling.
13. Retro Shag With Flipped Ends
Channel a vintage vibe with a retro-inspired shag cut that features flipped ends.
This medium-length hairstyle brings back retro charm with a modern twist, featuring flipped ends for a playful, flirty touch.
To achieve the flipped ends, use a round brush while blow-drying and finish with a light-hold hair spray to keep them in place.
14. Tousled Shag With Soft Waves
If you’re after a casual, effortless style, a tousled shag with soft waves is the way to go.
This medium-length haircut combines the relaxed vibe of tousled hair with the structured layers of a shag.
The best part is this hairstyle is great for any face shape and hair color.
15. Layered Shag With Peekaboo Highlights
Add a touch of fun and surprise to your hairstyle with a layered shag featuring peekaboo highlights.
This medium-length cut incorporates hidden streaks of color that peek through the layers, adding an element of intrigue and playfulness.
It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experiment with color without committing to a full head of highlights.
16. Shag With Razor-Cut Layers
For those who want an edgy look, a shag with razor-cut layers is the perfect choice.
This medium-length hairstyle uses a razor to create choppy layers that add definition and movement.
The result is a bold, contemporary cut that stands out. It’s particularly effective for those with straight to wavy hair, as the razor-cut layers enhance the natural texture.
17. Shag With Baby Bangs
Looking to make a bold statement? A shag cut with baby bangs might be just what you need.
This style features short bangs that sit above the eyebrows. The contrast between the short bangs and the layered shag creates a unique and eye-catching look.
This hairstyle can also accentuate the eyes and cheekbones.
18. Shag With Soft Curls
Imagine a medium-length shag that embraces your natural curls, resulting in a soft, romantic look.
This hairstyle combines the playful layers of a shag with the gentle bounce of soft curls, creating a style that’s both elegant and effortless.
To keep your curls defined and frizz-free, use a curl-enhancing mousse and let your hair air dry or use a diffuser.
19. Shag With Braided Crown
For a bohemian vibe, consider a medium-length shag adorned with a braided crown.
This hairstyle combines the edgy, textured layers of a shag with the delicate, romantic touch of a crown braid. It’s an excellent choice for festivals, weddings, or any special occasion.
To achieve the look, create a braid on each side of your head and pin the braids together at the back, then tousle the rest of your hair for a relaxed finish.
20. Shag With Blunt Bangs
If you’re looking to make a bold statement, a shag cut with full blunt bangs is the way to go.
This medium-length hairstyle pairs the choppy, textured layers of a shag with the sharp, clean lines of blunt bangs, creating a striking contrast that’s sure to turn heads.
To maintain the sleek look of the bangs, use a flat iron and a bit of styling gel.
21. Shag With Angled Layers
For a dynamic and modern take on the shag, try incorporating angled layers into your medium-length cut. These layers are cut at various angles to create movement and shape, giving your hair a lively, energetic look.
This hairstyle is perfect for those with fine to medium hair, as the angled layers add volume and texture without weighing the hair down.
22. Shag With Swoopy Layers
Imagine a medium-length shag that features swoopy, voluminous layers designed to create a dynamic and lively appearance.
These layers add a sense of motion and dimension, making your hair look fuller and more vibrant.
This is a soft, age-appropriate, and voluminous look for more mature women who want to spice up their hairstyle with a shag cut.
23. Shag With Side Braids
Add a unique, playful detail to your medium-length shag with side braids.
This hairstyle combines the edgy, textured layers of a shag with the delicate charm of braids, creating a look that’s both versatile and fun. It’s an excellent choice for casual outings or special occasions.
To create the side braids, simply braid a small section of hair on each side and secure them with tiny elastics, then tousle the rest of your hair for a relaxed finish.
24. Shag With Understated Highlights
Imagine a medium-length shag haircut subtly enhanced with understated, natural-looking highlights like barely there streaks or a subtle ombré.
The highlights catch the light beautifully, making your shag cut look even more dynamic and textured.
To maintain the highlights, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and consider a gloss treatment to keep your hair looking vibrant.
25. Shag With Face-Framing Highlights
Brighten up your medium-length shag with face-framing highlights.
These strategically placed highlights not only add dimension to your hair but also accentuate your facial features, drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones. It works well with all hair textures and face shapes.
Rock Any Look With These Medium-Length Shag Hairstyles!
Wrapping up our journey through 25 fabulous medium-length shag hairstyles, it’s clear that this versatile cut offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re drawn to edgy, choppy layers or prefer a softer, more textured look, the shag cut effortlessly combines style and ease.
Perfect for adding volume and movement, these hairstyles suit various face shapes and hair textures.
We hope you’ve found the perfect shag inspiration to match your unique personality and style. Embrace the playful, carefree spirit of the shag and enjoy the chic, low-maintenance beauty it brings.