35 Modern Shag Haircuts for 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Chic and Effortless Style

The modern shag haircut is back in the spotlight for 2025, and it’s more versatile than ever. This iconic hairstyle is no longer just a retro throwback—it’s been updated with modern twists that cater to all hair lengths, textures, and personal styles. Whether you’re looking for something edgy or soft and sophisticated, this list of 35 modern shag haircuts has you covered. Let’s explore the options!

Classic Shag with Curtain Bangs

The classic shag paired with curtain bangs is a timeless look that perfectly frames the face. This haircut features medium layered cuts that create volume and movement, complemented by curtain bangs that soften the overall appearance. It’s an excellent choice for those with medium wavy hair or straight hair, as the layers add dimension without being too heavy. This style works well for oval and heart-shaped faces but may not suit rounder face shapes as effectively.

To maintain this look, use a lightweight texturizing spray like the Ouai Wave Spray to enhance the layers and bangs. Regular trims are essential to keep the curtain bangs at the right length and to avoid split ends. A heat protectant, such as the Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil, is also recommended if you plan to style your bangs with heat tools.

Layered Shag with Soft Waves

This layered shag is all about creating a romantic, effortless look with soft waves that flow naturally. The medium layered cuts curly texture gives a chic, bohemian vibe, making it ideal for casual and formal settings. This hairstyle suits most face shapes and is particularly flattering for those with fine hair, as the layers add much-needed volume.

To achieve the soft waves, use a curling wand or a sea salt spray like the Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray. For daily care, a sulfate-free shampoo, such as Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo, can help maintain the hair’s health and shine while preventing frizz.

Curly Shag for Natural Hair

For those with curly hair, the curly shag is a game-changer. This haircut enhances the natural texture of curls, with layers that reduce bulk while maintaining a bouncy, voluminous shape. The shag’s modern update ensures it looks edgy yet feminine, and it works wonderfully for shoulder-length or longer curls. It’s a great choice for square or round face shapes.

Curly hair requires hydration, so invest in a curl-specific conditioner like DevaCurl One Condition Original. A styling cream, such as Cantu Curl Activator, will help define the layers and control frizz. Regular deep conditioning treatments are a must to maintain the health and shine of natural curls.

Short Shag with Textured Ends

The short shag with textured ends is an edgy, low-maintenance option that exudes modern chic. This style features short fine hair with choppy layers that create a playful, tousled look. Ideal for those with oval or long face shapes, this haircut adds personality and character to short locks.

Use a lightweight styling pomade like Ouai Matte Pomade to define the textured ends. For extra volume, a root-lifting spray such as Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast works wonders. Regular trims are essential to maintain the sharpness of the textured layers.

Medium-Length Shag with Choppy Layers

This medium shaggy hairstyle is perfect for those who love volume and structure. The choppy layers add depth and movement, making it ideal for medium layered cuts side or medium layered cuts straight looks. This hairstyle flatters all face shapes and works especially well for medium wavy hair.

For styling, use a volumizing mousse like TRESemmé Volume Thickening Spray before blow-drying. Add definition to the choppy layers with a texturizing paste like Redken Rough Paste 12. To keep hair healthy, a weekly deep conditioning mask is recommended.

Long Shag with Face-Framing Layers

The long shag with face-framing layers is a sophisticated choice that combines elegance with modern trends. This haircut works well with long straight no bangs or long bangs straight hair, offering versatility for styling. It’s particularly flattering for oval and diamond-shaped faces.

To enhance the sleek layers, use a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. For those who love straight styles, invest in a high-quality flat iron and always use a heat protectant, such as Heat Shield by Amika.

Shag with Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs bring a playful, feminine touch to the shag haircut. The layers are soft and feathered, making it ideal for medium fine hair or long curly locks. This style works for both casual and formal occasions and suits a wide range of face shapes.

Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product to keep the bangs hydrated and frizz-free. For styling, a round brush and a blow dryer are perfect tools to create that signature wispy look.

Modern Shag with Bold Highlights

The modern shag with bold highlights is perfect for those who love making a statement. This haircut features long straight side layers combined with vibrant highlights that enhance the shag’s edgy appeal. It’s a fantastic option for those with medium layered cuts curly or straight textures.

For color maintenance, use a color-safe shampoo like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. A leave-in conditioner with UV protection, such as Redken One United, will keep the highlights vibrant and fresh.

Razor-Cut Shag with Edgy Details

The razor-cut shag is all about precision and attitude. This hairstyle incorporates razor-cut layers to create a sharp, edgy finish that exudes modern sophistication. It’s perfect for those with medium straight hair or fine hair looking for a bold transformation. The razor technique adds texture, ensuring the layers look sleek and seamless. Ideal for square or oval face shapes, this cut can highlight sharp cheekbones and jawlines.

To maintain the edgy look, use a shine-enhancing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. For styling, a lightweight wax such as Bed Head Manipulator adds definition without weighing the hair down. Regular trims are key to maintaining the clean, razor-sharp edges.

Shag with Side-Swept Bangs

The shag with side-swept bangs is a versatile and universally flattering choice. This haircut incorporates medium layered cuts side with flowing bangs that sweep across the forehead, creating a soft, romantic look. It’s particularly flattering for shoulder-length hair and works beautifully with wavy or straight textures. This style suits most face shapes but is especially complementary for round or heart-shaped faces.

For daily care, use a lightweight detangler like Kenra Platinum Detangling Mist to keep the layers smooth. A styling spray such as TRESemmé Volume Thickening Spray will enhance volume at the roots and hold the side-swept bangs in place.

Voluminous Shag with Feathered Layers

This voluminous shag is the epitome of retro-meets-modern style. The feathered layers create a soft, airy texture that adds volume and movement to medium wavy hair or fine hair. Perfect for those who want a bold yet feminine look, this haircut suits oval and diamond-shaped faces.

To maintain volume, use a volumizing shampoo like Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Shampoo and follow with a root-lifting mousse such as Matrix Total Results High Amplify Foam Volumizer. A large round brush is a must-have for blow-drying the feathered layers to perfection.

Tousled Shag with Beachy Vibes

For those who love a carefree, sun-kissed look, the tousled shag with beachy vibes is an excellent choice. This hairstyle features long straight side layers with a relaxed, tousled finish, making it ideal for those with long wavy or curly hair. The natural texture and effortless style make this shag a favorite for casual settings.

Achieving the beachy texture is easy with a sea salt spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray. To keep hair hydrated and frizz-free, use a leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product with Keratin.

Shaggy Bob with a Modern Twist

The shaggy bob combines the timeless appeal of a bob with the textured, layered vibe of a shag. This shoulder-length cut features choppy layers and a slightly tousled finish, making it ideal for fine hair or short straight hair. It’s perfect for oval and square face shapes, as it emphasizes facial symmetry while adding volume.

For styling, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to enhance the choppy layers. To maintain a polished look, a smoothing cream like Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream is a great addition to your routine.

Pixie Shag with a Playful Look

The pixie shag combines the boldness of a pixie cut with the versatility of shaggy layers. This short fine hair cut is playful and edgy, featuring choppy, textured layers that add depth and movement. Ideal for those with oval or round face shapes, this hairstyle highlights facial features and exudes confidence.

To style, use a lightweight pomade like Kevin Murphy Free.Hold to define the layers and add texture. For a bit of shine, a finishing spray like Paul Mitchell Super Clean Light Finishing Spray works perfectly.

Shag with Baby Bangs for an Edgy Touch

Baby bangs are the ultimate statement when paired with a shag haircut. This style features medium layered cuts straight with bold, blunt bangs that sit high on the forehead. It’s ideal for those with strong, angular features and a preference for edgy, avant-garde looks.

To style, use a flat iron to smooth the bangs and layers, paired with a heat protectant like CHI 44 Iron Guard. For extra shine, finish with a glossing spray like Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine.

Soft Shag for Fine Hair

This soft shag is designed specifically for those with fine hair, offering lightweight layers that create subtle volume without weighing the hair down. The style works well with medium straight hair or medium wavy hair and is perfect for professional or casual settings. It’s a versatile option for oval and heart-shaped faces.

Use a volumizing shampoo like Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Shampoo to give the hair a fuller appearance. For styling, a lightweight mousse such as Dove Volume & Fullness Mousse will help create soft, natural waves.

Shag with Chunky Layers and Texture

The shag with chunky layers and texture is a bold choice for those who love a bit of drama. This haircut features heavily defined layers that add depth and movement, making it ideal for medium layered cuts curly or medium wavy hair. The chunky layers create an edgy look that flatters oval and heart-shaped faces while adding volume to fine hair.

To style this cut, use a texturizing product like Redken Wax Blast 10 to define the layers and add a piece-y finish. A dry shampoo, such as Batiste Dry Shampoo, can help maintain volume and texture between washes.

70s-Inspired Retro Shag Revival

This 70s-inspired shag brings back retro vibes with a modern twist. Featuring long straight no bangs and soft layers, this style exudes effortless cool. The haircut works well for long curly or wavy textures, making it versatile for all hair types. It’s perfect for diamond and oval face shapes and gives off a carefree, nostalgic charm.

To recreate the look, use a curling wand or rollers to add soft waves. Finish with a shine spray like OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shine Spray to enhance the retro layers and maintain softness.

Shag for Thick Hair with Volume Control

The shag for thick hair focuses on volume control while maintaining a stylish, layered look. With medium layered cuts side and feathered ends, this style keeps the hair manageable and lightweight. It’s ideal for round and square face shapes, as the layers help elongate the face.

Use a smoothing serum like Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Oil to keep frizz at bay. For styling, a lightweight mousse such as TRESemmé Flawless Curls Mousse can help define the layers and add shine.

Ombre Shag with Gradient Layers

The ombre shag combines trendy color techniques with a classic cut. Featuring gradient layers that complement the ombre effect, this style is perfect for long straight side or long wavy hair. It’s a great choice for heart and oval face shapes, as it creates a harmonious balance between color and layers.

To maintain the ombre effect, use a color-safe shampoo like Redken Color Extend Magnetics. Add a smoothing balm like Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm to keep the layers sleek and vibrant.

Shag with a Deep Side Part

The shag with a deep side part is a stylish, asymmetrical twist on the classic cut. It features medium layered cuts straight that cascade to one side, creating a sophisticated and edgy look. Perfect for fine hair, this cut works well for oval and heart-shaped faces, adding volume and movement where it’s needed most.

For styling, use a volumizing spray like Moroccanoil Root Boost to lift the roots on the parted side. Finish with a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for extra dimension.

Shag with Layers Accentuating Natural Curls

This shag is tailored for those with curly hair, featuring layers that enhance the natural curl pattern. The haircut creates a balanced, voluminous shape while reducing bulk. It’s an excellent choice for medium layered cuts curly or long curly textures, and it flatters square and oval face shapes.

For curl definition, use a curl cream like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. A diffuser attachment on your blow dryer can help create a soft, voluminous finish without frizz.

Asymmetrical Shag for a Bold Statement

The asymmetrical shag is all about making a statement. With uneven layers and a dynamic silhouette, this cut is ideal for short fine hair or medium straight hair. It works particularly well for diamond or heart-shaped faces, adding a bold, modern edge.

Style with a pomade like Kevin Murphy Free.Hold to define the asymmetrical layers. To add volume, use a root-boosting spray like R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Style Foam.

Shag with Subtle Layers for a Sleek Look

The shag with subtle layers is a polished take on this classic cut. Featuring delicate, barely-there layers, it’s perfect for those with medium straight hair or long straight no bangs styles. This cut works well for oval and rectangular face shapes, offering a sleek, professional finish.

To maintain the sleek look, use a smoothing shampoo like Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste. For extra shine, apply a finishing serum like Biosilk Silk Therapy.

Messy Shag with Undone Texture

The messy shag is a go-to for those who love an effortless, carefree style. Featuring medium layered cuts side, this look is perfect for creating undone, lived-in texture. It works beautifully for medium wavy hair or fine hair, and it’s flattering for all face shapes.

For a tousled finish, use a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. A texturizing paste like Bed Head Manipulator can add extra grit and definition to the layers.

The modern shag haircut for 2025 offers endless possibilities for every hair type and length, from short fine hair to long straight side styles. Whether you prefer edgy, bold designs or soft, romantic looks, there’s a shag haircut to suit your taste. Try one of these stunning options, and don’t forget to pair it with the right products to keep your hair healthy and vibrant. Let us know which style you’re excited to try in the comments below!