The heavily layered shag haircut has made a triumphant return, bringing with it an effortlessly cool vibe that’s perfect for anyone wanting to add serious texture and movement to their hair. This iconic style combines multiple layers with deliberate imperfection to create that coveted “I woke up like this” look that’s actually carefully crafted by skilled stylists.
Shag haircuts are incredibly versatile, working beautifully with various hair textures, lengths, and face shapes. The magic lies in the strategic placement of layers that create volume, reduce bulk, and add that perfect amount of tousled texture that makes hair look naturally gorgeous. Whether you have fine hair that needs body or thick hair that requires taming, there’s a heavily layered shag variation that will transform your look completely.
From crown layers that boost volume to wispy bangs that frame your face perfectly, these 70 shag variations showcase how this classic cut can be customized to enhance your unique features. Each style offers its own personality while maintaining that signature shag appeal that’s both edgy and effortlessly chic.
#1: Shaggy Cut with Crown Layers
The shaggy cut with crown layers creates an incredible foundation for volume and movement, featuring strategic layers concentrated at the crown area that lift and separate hair for maximum body and texture. This layered haircut focuses on creating height and fullness at the top of the head while maintaining length and flow throughout the rest of the hair, making it perfect for adding dramatic volume to fine or flat hair types. The crown layers are cut at varying lengths to create natural-looking lift that doesn’t appear artificial or overly structured, while the surrounding hair maintains enough length to blend seamlessly with the shorter crown pieces. This technique creates beautiful movement and prevents hair from lying flat against the scalp, which is especially beneficial for those with naturally fine or thin hair textures. The style works exceptionally well for women seeking a dramatic transformation that adds significant volume and personality to their overall look while maintaining versatility for different styling options. This cut is most flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the crown layers create width and volume that balances narrower chin areas while the overall length maintains elegant proportions. The crown layers can be enhanced with volumizing products and lifted with a round brush during blow-drying for maximum height and body, creating a stunning foundation for the perfect tousled shag look.
#2: Feathered Layered Shag with Long Curtain Fringe
The feathered layered shag with long curtain fringe combines the classic appeal of feathered layers with modern curtain bangs for a sophisticated yet effortlessly cool look that frames the face beautifully. This layered haircut features multiple layers throughout that are specifically cut with feathering techniques to create soft, wispy edges that move naturally and catch light for added dimension and movement. The long curtain fringe is the perfect complement to the feathered layers, creating a soft, face-framing element that draws attention to the eyes while maintaining an airy, lightweight feel that doesn’t overwhelm the features. The feathered layers are achieved through specialized cutting techniques that create gentle, flowing edges rather than blunt lines, resulting in hair that moves beautifully with every gesture and creates that coveted effortless texture. This style is perfect for women who want a romantic, feminine approach to the shag cut while maintaining the edgy appeal that makes this style so popular. The cut works exceptionally well for women with fine to medium hair, as the feathered layers add crucial volume and movement while the curtain fringe creates the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair overall. This style is most flattering for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, as the curtain fringe softens angular features while the feathered layers create width and movement that balances facial proportions perfectly.
#3: The Softest Layered Shag Cut
The softest layered shag cut represents the gentler side of shag styling, featuring multiple layers that are cut and styled to create the most subtle, flowing version of this iconic look. This layered haircut focuses on creating movement and texture through soft, blended layers that flow seamlessly into each other, avoiding the choppy, dramatic edges that characterize more edgy shag variations. The layers are strategically placed to add volume and body while maintaining a refined, polished appearance that works beautifully in professional settings or for those who prefer a more understated approach to textured hair. The soft layering technique creates beautiful movement without appearing too edgy or rebellious, making it perfect for women who want to embrace the shag trend while maintaining a sophisticated, elegant appearance. This style is ideal for those transitioning from more traditional cuts to textured styles, as it provides the benefits of layered hair without the dramatic change that can feel overwhelming. The cut works exceptionally well for women with fine to medium hair of any texture, as the soft layers add volume and movement while maintaining a polished, refined appearance that never looks messy or unkempt. This style is most flattering for all face shapes, as the soft layers can be customized to complement individual features while the gentle texturing creates universal appeal that enhances natural beauty without overpowering delicate features.
#4: Layered Shag for Jet Black Hair
The layered shag for jet black hair creates a stunning contrast between the dramatic dark color and the textured, layered cut that showcases the depth and richness of black hair beautifully. This layered haircut features multiple layers throughout that are specifically designed to work with dark hair’s natural tendency to appear heavy, using strategic layering to create movement and prevent the style from looking too solid or weighty. The jet black color adds incredible depth and dimension to the layered structure, making each layer more visible and creating beautiful contrast between the different lengths and textures. The dark color enhances the edgy appeal of the shag cut while maintaining sophistication and elegance that makes this style incredibly versatile for various occasions and settings. This style is perfect for women who want to make a bold statement with their hair while embracing a color that’s both dramatic and timeless. The cut works exceptionally well for women with thick to medium hair, as the layers help manage the weight of dark hair while the black color creates the illusion of even more fullness and body. This style is most flattering for oval and diamond face shapes, as the layered structure creates width and movement while the dark color adds depth and intensity that complements these face shapes beautifully. The jet black color requires minimal maintenance compared to other dramatic colors, making this style perfect for women who want maximum impact with manageable upkeep.
#5: Bright Orange Layered Short Shag
The bright orange layered short shag creates an incredibly bold and vibrant look that combines the edgy appeal of a short shag with eye-catching orange color for maximum impact and personality. This layered haircut features a short shag silhouette with multiple layers throughout that create incredible texture and movement, while the bright orange color adds an element of fun and creativity that makes this style truly unique. The short length is perfect for showcasing the layered structure while the orange color ensures that every layer is visible and creates stunning dimension throughout the cut. The bright color choice transforms the classic shag into a statement piece that reflects confidence and creativity, making it perfect for women who want their hair to be a true expression of their personality. This style is ideal for those who love to experiment with color and aren’t afraid to make bold choices with their appearance. The cut works exceptionally well for women with fine to medium hair, as the short length and layers create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair while the bright color adds visual weight and presence. This style is most flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the short shag creates elegant proportions while the bright color draws attention upward and highlights facial features beautifully. The orange color requires regular maintenance to keep the vibrancy fresh and prevent fading, but the stunning results make the upkeep worthwhile for those who love bold, creative styling.
#6: Shaggy & Sassy Layers and Choppy Ends
The shaggy and sassy layers with choppy ends create an edgy, rebellious look that embodies the true spirit of shag cuts with deliberately imperfect texturing and bold, choppy finishing touches. This layered haircut features multiple layers throughout that are cut with intentional choppiness to create dramatic texture and separation, while the choppy ends add an element of edginess that makes this style truly stand out. The layers are strategically placed to create maximum movement and volume while the choppy ends prevent the style from looking too polished or refined, maintaining that perfectly imperfect aesthetic that defines great shag cuts. The combination of shaggy layers and choppy ends creates incredible texture that moves beautifully and catches light for added dimension and visual interest. This style is perfect for women who want to embrace their rebellious side while maintaining a cut that’s versatile enough for various styling options. The cut works exceptionally well for women with medium to thick hair, as the choppy layers help manage volume while creating the dramatic texture that makes this style so appealing. This style is most flattering for oval and diamond face shapes, as the choppy layers create width and movement while the edgy texturing adds personality and attitude that complements these face shapes perfectly. The choppy ends can be enhanced with texturizing products for maximum separation and definition, creating a look that’s both edgy and effortlessly cool.
#7: Shaggy Layered Cut with Wispy Waterfall Bangs
The shaggy layered cut with wispy waterfall bangs combines the textured appeal of shag layers with the romantic, flowing beauty of waterfall bangs for a stunning combination that’s both edgy and feminine. This layered haircut features multiple layers throughout that create beautiful movement and texture, while the wispy waterfall bangs cascade gently across the forehead and blend seamlessly into the side layers for a cohesive, flowing look. The waterfall bangs are cut to create a soft, graduated effect that mimics the natural flow of water, with the longest pieces blending into the face-framing layers while the shorter pieces create gentle coverage across the forehead. The combination of shaggy layers and waterfall bangs creates incredible movement and softness that flatters almost every face shape while maintaining the edgy appeal that makes shag cuts so popular. This style is perfect for women who want to embrace both the rebellious spirit of shag cuts and the romantic appeal of flowing, feminine bangs. The cut works exceptionally well for women with fine to medium hair, as the layers add crucial volume while the waterfall bangs create the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair around the face. This style is most flattering for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, as the waterfall bangs soften angular features while the shaggy layers create width and movement that balances facial proportions beautifully.
#8: Bombshell Shag with Bottleneck Bangs
The bombshell shag with bottleneck bangs creates a glamorous, retro-inspired look that combines the classic appeal of shag cuts with the trendy, face-framing beauty of bottleneck bangs for maximum impact and style. This layered haircut features multiple layers throughout that create incredible volume and movement, while the bottleneck bangs are cut to be wider at the forehead and gradually narrow toward the temples, creating a distinctive shape that frames the face beautifully. The bombshell element comes from the voluminous styling and strategic layering that creates maximum body and movement, while the bottleneck bangs add a modern, trendy element that keeps the style current and fresh. The combination creates a look that’s both glamorous and edgy, perfect for women who want to make a statement with their hair while embracing current trends. This style is ideal for those who love volume and aren’t afraid to embrace a bold, attention-grabbing look that commands respect and admiration. The cut works exceptionally well for women with medium to thick hair, as the layers help manage volume while creating the dramatic body that defines the bombshell aesthetic. This style is most flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the bottleneck bangs create balance while the voluminous layers add width and movement that complements these face shapes perfectly. The bottleneck bangs require precise cutting and regular maintenance to keep their distinctive shape fresh and flattering.
#9: Choppy and Layered Shag with Bottleneck Bangs
The choppy and layered shag with bottleneck bangs creates an edgy, contemporary look that combines dramatic choppy texturing with trendy bottleneck bangs for a style that’s both rebellious and fashion-forward. This layered haircut features multiple layers throughout that are cut with intentional choppiness to create maximum texture and separation, while the bottleneck bangs add a modern, geometric element that contrasts beautifully with the deliberately imperfect layering. The choppy layers are strategically placed to create incredible movement and volume while preventing the style from looking too polished or refined, maintaining that perfectly imperfect aesthetic that defines great shag cuts. The bottleneck bangs are cut to be wider at the forehead and gradually narrow toward the temples, creating a distinctive shape that frames the face while adding a trendy, fashion-forward element to the overall look. This style is perfect for women who want to embrace current trends while maintaining the edgy, rebellious appeal that makes shag cuts so popular. The cut works exceptionally well for women with medium to thick hair, as the choppy layers help manage volume while creating the dramatic texture that makes this style so appealing. This style is most flattering for oval and diamond face shapes, as the bottleneck bangs create balance while the choppy layers add width and movement that complements these face shapes perfectly.
#10: Shaggy Cut with Mushroom Brown Balayage
The shaggy cut with mushroom brown balayage creates a sophisticated, earthy look that combines the textured appeal of shag layers with the subtle, natural beauty of mushroom brown color for a style that’s both trendy and timeless. This layered haircut features multiple layers throughout that create beautiful movement and texture, while the mushroom brown balayage adds depth and dimension through subtle color variations that mimic natural sun-kissed highlights. The mushroom brown color is a sophisticated neutral that complements the shaggy layers beautifully, creating a look that’s both edgy and refined. The balayage technique ensures that the color flows naturally through the layers, enhancing the textured structure while adding visual interest and depth. This style is perfect for women who want to embrace the shag trend while maintaining a sophisticated, wearable color that works beautifully in professional settings. The cut works exceptionally well for women with fine to medium hair, as the layers add crucial volume while the balayage creates the illusion of thicker, more dimensional hair. This style is most flattering for all face shapes, as the layers can be customized to complement individual features while the mushroom brown color provides universal appeal that enhances natural beauty. The balayage requires less maintenance than traditional highlights while still providing beautiful color dimension that grows out naturally and gracefully.
