Shag Haircuts Are the Low-Maintenance, Air Dry-Friendly Hairstyle of the Summer
All the cool girls are on board.
Have you ever had a shag haircut? If you answered "yes," I can assume that you are a very cool individual. And if you said "no," don't worry—all you need is a hairstylist who knows how to wield a razor and some inspiration photos, and on that front, I have you covered.
"Technically speaking, the shag is a heavily layered cut with soft, tapered ends and lots of movement. But over time, it has evolved into something bigger than just a technique," explains Lauren Bailey-Chaidez, the owner of Feverfew Salons in California. "For me, it’s about the nostalgic energy it carries—instantly tied to the spirit of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. It feels effortless, rebellious, and timeless all at once."
While you'll find shags that could belong in any decade while scrolling through your Instagram feed, IGK Hair Care co-founder Franck Izquierdo says the shag in 2026 is all about effortless movement with a modern, softer finish. "It still has that signature lived-in texture and face-framing shape, but now it feels more customizable. It’s less about one exact cut and more about adapting layers to your natural texture, face shape, and lifestyle," he explains. "We’re seeing shags that feel polished but still undone, with softer curtain fringe, invisible layers, and a lot of airy volume rather than heavy choppiness. It’s less 'rockstar rebel' and more elevated cool girl energy."
Ahead, discover 14 great examples of modern shags—and some old-school ones, too—to pull up when you need inspiration for your next haircut appointment.
Classic Shag Haircut
Let's start off strong with this gorgeous shag haircut by celebrity hairstylist Karen Miller. She created this quick weave with a classic shag haircut for Brittany Byrd.
Curly Shag With Bangs
A curly hair texture lends itself beautifully to a shag haircut—look at this style by Feverfew's Sophia Crescitelli for proof.
Modern Shag
Adam Federico, R+Co's Vice President of Technical Education, thinks the modern shag haircut is a little more refined than its predecessors with "softer lines, more tailored layering, and a silhouette that feels personal."
Think, less costume, more character, he says. "It’s controlled imperfection, separation, and a finish that feels lived-in, not over-designed."
Tousled Shag
Federico adds that the shag "has always lived in movement and disruption." When styling, you don't want to overthink it. "The shag falls apart the moment you overwork it. I build from the inside out, using a diffuser to encourage natural movement, and always comb through hair rather than brush it," explains the artist. "For product, it’s about supporting, not masking the texture. I lean on R+Co AIRCRAFT Pomade Mousse. It gives that perfect second-day grit-texture with control, not stiffness. For the finishing, I love to use R+Co BALLOON Dry Volume Spray to build additional texture and memory to the hair."
Mid-Length Shag
Though shags on long hair really let the layers do the talking, you can get a gorgeous cut with any hair length. Bailey-Chaidez's best tip? Find a stylist who knows the art of the cut. "My biggest advice is to seek out someone who truly specializes in both shags and straight-razor cutting. A straight razor creates the softest, most seamless blended layers in a way no other tool really can," the artist explains. "Bring reference photos that reflect your own natural texture, since that gives the most realistic roadmap. And remember, lengths can always be customized to highlight your favorite facial features."
The Shullet
There's a difference between a shag and a mullet. But that doesn't mean you can't also combine the two into something new and wonderful. This "shullet" is the work of Prem Santana at Feverfew.
Short Curly Shag
Don't worry, short-haired lovelies. There's plenty of shag haircut inspiration for you here as well. Just look at the impressive texture here—who needs all that length? "We often recommend air drying whenever possible instead of constant heat styling, which helps preserve the integrity of the hair while leaning into that undone, natural texture people are craving right now," says Bailey-Chaidez.
Long Air-Dried Shag
"One of the best things about a shag is how effortless it can be," adds Bailey-Chaidez. "Many shags wear beautifully air-dried with the right product support. For an easy, lived-in finish, I love Hairstory Balm with Hairstory Undressed Texture Spray at the roots. If I’m going for more volume and a blowout feel, I’ll use Cult + King Multiverse and polish the ends with their vegan balm."
Multi-Textured Shag
Wavy or straight strands? Why not both? "The most important thing to know is that this cut is all about layers and movement, so it needs some styling intention," says Izquierdo. It’s designed to work with texture, not against it."
Romantic Shag
Isn't this look romantic? We'd expect nothing less from a long, lovely shag crafted by Bailey-Chaidez herself. "People want hair that feels healthier and more effortless overall," says the artist of the current shag landscape.
Lengthy, Side-Parted Shag
Federico explains that shags work best on medium to thicker hair densities with a slight amount of natural movement. "That density allows the layering to breathe and not collapse. Without it, the shape can lose its intention," he notes.
Wolf Cut
In case I haven't mentioned this yet: the shag is such a rockstar haircut. Do you know how many cool singers have rocked the wolf cut in recent years? Have you seen Daisy Jones The Six?
Shag Lob
While those with fine, low-density hair can certainly rock a shag, Izquierdo warns that you shouldn't go too heavy on the layering. "Too many layers can make it feel thinner, so the cut has to be customized carefully," he adds. "The best shag is never a one-size-fits-all; it should feel tailored to the person, their hair type, and how they actually wear their hair every day."
Razor Cut Shag
Behold: The perfect razor-cut shag, this time, by Erika Hawkins. "Clients in 2026 are definitely asking for cuts that grow out beautifully and require less maintenance—both in time and financially," notes Bailey-Chaidez. "That’s where a well-executed straight-razor cut really shines. Because the blade is incredibly sharp, it creates a clean, seamless shape that softens naturally as it grows in, so the haircut keeps looking intentional for longer. Many clients can maintain the shape with an occasional bang trim between full appointments."
Is a Shag Right for My Hair?
Bailey-Chaidez thinks one of the biggest misconceptions about shags is that not everyone can pull them off or that certain hair types can't handle layers. They most certainly can. "In reality, it’s one of the most universally flattering cuts because it’s so customizable," she explains. "The face-framing can be tailored to highlight each person’s individual features, and the layering can be adjusted based on density. For finer hair, that might mean a softer approach through the back and crown, while thicker hair can handle deeper weight removal and more texture."
However, someone who wants to be in complete control should steer clear of the style. "If you’re chasing control, symmetry, or perfection—it’s not your haircut. If you’re open to movement, a bit of unpredictability, and a shape that evolves day to day, it’s one of the best directions you can take," adds Federico.
How Do I Style My Shag Haircut?
Izquierdo's favorite way to style a shag is by enhancing separation and movement without making the cut look overworked. "I like to start with a volumizing mousse at the roots because it gives lift without stiffness. Then I’ll use a texture spray through the mid-lengths and ends to create that soft, piece-y definition," he explains.
The artist adds that diffusing is also great for adding natural texture, while a loose bend with a flat iron can work beautifully for those with straighter hair.
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Meet the Experts
Lauren Bailey-Chaidez is a hairstylist with over 20 years of experience behind the chair and more than 15 years as a salon owner in Los Angeles. Before co-founding Feverfew Hair, she owned Stag Hair Parlor, building a reputation for thoughtful craftsmanship, strong aesthetics, and a deep commitment to the client experience.
Today, Lauren co-runs Feverfew alongside her husband and co-owner Danny Chaidez, where she has helped shape the salon into a low-toxic, straight razor-forward space with a strong emphasis on education, creativity, and modern hair culture. Known for her eye for detail and passion for mentoring, she values continued growth for both her team and clients.
Outside the salon, Lauren finds inspiration in flowers, all things 70s, collecting pottery, flea markets, true crime films, interior design, and fashion. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with Danny and raising their two children.
Born and raised in California, Adam has created a niche for himself among hairdressing’s most practiced artisans. He is a dynamic and forward-thinking innovator, who has played a meaningful role in the beauty industry for the last 20 years. Adam’s roles include Master Educator, VP of Technical Education and Stylist.
Franck Izquierdo’s blend of masterful cutting skills, Avant-garde vision and savoir-faire has made him the go-to stylist for celebrities across the globe. His grandfather, who owned a salon in Paris, mentioned Franckfound his own style at a very young age. He later developed his techniques in Paris and London at some ofthe most prestigious salons including Toni Guy on Faubourg Saint-Honoré where he served as part ownerand international creative director.Today, he co-runs the IGK Salon in Miami’s Design District with his brother Leo. His expertise lies in working with geometry of the hair, symmetry of the layers that complement the client’s face shape, and the naturalfall of the style.
