12 Modern Shag Hairstyles Every Cool Girl Needs to Try
A new season often calls for a new haircut, and when preparing for a fresh start, why revert to a tired style? Instead, consider getting scissor happy and adding a whole lot of texture to embrace the modern shag hairstyle. The swing shag, or swag, is characterized by long layers and is often paired with feathered ends for a piece-y finish (versus the classic cut, which has more blunt ends) and bangs. To check out all the ways it can be worn, keep scrolling for 11 of our favorite takes on the modern shag.
1. Grown-Out Roots
The shag cut is known for it’s low-key, high-fashion style, so what better way to rock it than paired with another hair trend: grown-out roots. Like Ellen Pompeo (shown above in celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh‘s Instagram photo), you’ll look every bit the laid-back, cool girl.
2. Silver Fox
Silvers and platniums are total statement hair colors for this year. The shine makes your modern shag haircut stand out amongst the crowd.
3. Creative Color
Adorn your modern shag in fun pops of color! Paint those locks in big sections like in the example above, or dive into a headful of pinks, greens, or purples.
4. Razored Blunt Bangs
Bangs are having a moment right now, and there’s no denying that they look even more stylish when paired with the shag cut. Blunt bangs, aka baby bangs, are the perfect companion. Just take a look at Joan Smalls in a pic from celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons.
5. Swingy Shag
Lengthier mids and ends can be layered to perfection like on Nina Dobrev as captured by celebrity hairstylist Riawna Capri.
6. Modern Shag with Ombré
To upgrade your ombré hair color, incorporate a few face-framing strands that are light from root to tip. The haircut will take the older ombré trend and liven it up a bit!
7. Medium Length Shag
Sport a medium-length modern shag any way you'd like. Dye your locks to the color of your liking, then experiment with layers and bang styles. We love this choppy version!
8. Swag with Eye-Grazing Bangs
Feel the moodiness with bangs that come close to the eyes. This sweepy haircut is easy to style because of its length and layers. Get a little messy with it – it'll add volume to your shorter strands.
9. Long Length Shag with Choppy Layers
Helena Christensen’s longer, slightly wind-swept style created by Josh makes a nod to the ’90s, making it that much more fashionable. Who doesn't love a throwback?
10. Wavy Retro Shag with Heavy Curtain Bangs
Let’s not forget that the shag is a throwback trend, after all. Opt for a more vintage appeal with a parted curtain bang and less obvious layers, like Redway’s cut on Lucy Boynton above.
11. Soft Coral Shag
Colored hair, don’t care, and we’re all about it. If you dyed your mane a unique pink, don’t hesitate to copy this shag by celebrity hairstylist Anh Co Tran.
12. Perimeter Pieces
Embrace more spring hair color trends by playing with perimeter pieces for your 'do. This modern shag doesn't shy away from bold, eye-catching blonde streaks.
Which variation of the modern shag would you try? Follow us on Pinterest for more hair inspo!
Header image via Jasmine Blackbear / (@stylesbyblackbear)
This post has been updated.