The wavy shag haircut is making a big comeback, offering an effortlessly cool look that works for a variety of hair types and face shapes. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, this hairstyle provides texture, volume, and movement. The shag is one of the most versatile and trendy haircuts, blending 70s retro vibes with modern techniques. In this article, we’ll explore different styles of the wavy shag, each suited for a unique aesthetic and occasion. Let’s dive into some fresh takes on this timeless cut.
70s Wavy Shag with Bangs
The 70s-inspired wavy shag with bangs is an iconic look that’s full of texture and volume. This haircut features layers starting from the crown that cascade down in soft waves, complemented by curtain bangs that frame the face perfectly. The layers are feathered, giving a light, airy feel that works best with medium-to-long lengths. This style is ideal for those who love a nostalgic yet modern look, perfect for casual outings or music festivals. It suits oval and round face shapes and accentuates light eyes, making the waves pop even more.
To create this cut, ask your stylist for lots of textured layers and a soft fringe. A sea salt spray and diffuser are must-haves to enhance the natural waves. Maintaining the softness of the waves requires a lightweight conditioner, like the OGX Coconut Milk Conditioner, to keep your strands nourished without weighing them down.
Short Shaggy Bob
The short shaggy bob is a fresh twist on the traditional bob, offering more edge with layers that add dimension and movement. This haircut short is perfect for those who want a chic, low-maintenance style that still has personality. The short length, combined with shaggy layers, works well for heart-shaped and oval faces, giving it a youthful and playful vibe. This look is great for any event, from casual coffee dates to professional settings, where you want to showcase your stylish yet laid-back personality.
To achieve this haircut, ask for a short bob with lots of choppy layers. A texture spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Dryspun Texture Spray will help maintain the volume and keep the look effortless. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks are essential to keep the shaggy layers defined and prevent the ends from getting heavy.
Medium Wavy Shag with Face-Framing Layers
For those with medium-length hair, the wavy shag with face-framing layers is an ideal choice. This haircut medium adds volume at the crown while soft waves cascade down, creating a perfect balance of structure and flow. The face-framing layers accentuate cheekbones and jawlines, making this a flattering option for square and round face shapes. This style works beautifully for daytime events or a night out, especially when paired with bold eye makeup to complement the natural waves.
To style, use a medium-barrel curling iron to define your waves and a heat protectant like TRESemmé Thermal Creations. This cut thrives on texture, so a mousse or styling cream is essential to keep the waves soft and bouncy. To maintain the health of your hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo to preserve moisture.
Long Wavy Shag with Layered Bangs
For those with long hair, the wavy shag paired with layered bangs creates an effortlessly bohemian vibe. The layers begin at the crown and gradually thin out towards the ends, keeping the hair full of movement. The bangs blend seamlessly with the rest of the layers, framing the face and drawing attention to the eyes. This style suits those with long face shapes, as it adds width and fullness. It’s perfect for a laid-back weekend look or even a beach vacation, where you want a carefree, tousled appearance.
Achieving this style requires using a curling wand to enhance your natural waves, and a lightweight gel like DevaCurl’s Light Defining Gel to keep the texture intact. Regular trims and conditioning masks will help maintain the softness and health of your long layers.
Shaggy Mullet
The shaggy mullet is a bold, retro-inspired take on the classic shag haircut, perfect for those who love a bit of edge in their style. This cut blends short, choppy layers on the top with longer, tousled strands at the back, creating a striking contrast. It’s a great choice for those with naturally wavy or curly hair, as the layers give the waves room to play. The style suits heart-shaped and square faces and can be worn at concerts or nights out when you want to stand out.
To create the perfect shaggy mullet, your stylist will need to cut in heavy layers at the top, leaving the back longer. Maintaining this hairstyle requires a curl-enhancing cream like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream and a diffuser to dry the waves without frizz.
Shag with Textured Bangs
The wavy shag with textured bangs is perfect for those looking to add more structure to their style. The bangs are piecey and separated, complementing the waves and giving the overall hairstyle a more casual, undone look. This style works well with medium and long hair, adding volume at the top and softening the ends. It’s an ideal look for both casual outings and semi-formal events where you want to maintain a relaxed yet polished aesthetic. Round and oval face shapes benefit from the face-framing bangs, which highlight the eyes and cheekbones.
To get this look, ask for lots of short layers and bangs that blend into the overall cut. Use a texturizing spray to keep the waves defined and tousled. For long-term maintenance, consider using a deep conditioner weekly to keep the hair hydrated.
Tousled Bob Shag
The tousled bob shag is a youthful, carefree style that’s perfect for those with short hair. The layers are choppy, giving the bob plenty of movement while the waves create a soft, lived-in texture. This style suits oval and square face shapes and can be worn to casual events, as well as more professional settings. It’s an excellent option for those looking to add some personality to the classic bob.
To style, use a flat iron to create loose, undone waves, and finish with a lightweight hairspray like Living Proof Flex Hairspray to keep the waves in place all day. To maintain this style, regular trims are necessary to prevent the ends from getting too heavy.
Wavy Shag with Curtain Bangs
The wavy shag paired with curtain bangs is a soft, romantic style that flatters almost every face shape. The layers create movement, while the bangs draw attention to the eyes, making this a great look for day-to-night transitions. The waves in this cut are loose and natural, making it perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that can easily be dressed up or down.
To maintain the curtain bangs, use a round brush and blow dryer to keep them soft and voluminous. A volumizing mousse like Garnier Fructis Full & Plush can be used to give the roots a lift.
Layered Shag for Fine Hair
If you have fine hair, the wavy shag with layers adds much-needed texture and volume. This style works best with medium-length hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces. The layers create an illusion of thicker hair, making this a perfect everyday style. Pair it with minimal makeup for a fresh, youthful look.
To achieve this style, use a lightweight volumizing spray like Paul Mitchell’s Extra Body Boost to give your roots some lift. A layered cut helps keep the waves light, preventing them from weighing down fine hair.
Shag with Beach Waves
The wavy shag with beach waves is the ultimate casual, summer-ready style. It’s perfect for those who love the effortless, tousled look. This style works with both short and long hair, adding volume through the layers and soft waves. It’s ideal for round face shapes and perfect for beach vacations, pool parties, or any casual summer event.
To get this style, use a sea salt spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray. This will give your waves a beachy, windswept feel. Maintenance is easy with regular conditioning treatments to keep your hair soft and frizz-free.
Wavy Shag with Curtain Bangs
A wavy shag paired with curtain bangs brings a retro twist to modern hairstyles. Inspired by the classic 70s look, this cut frames the face perfectly, creating a relaxed and effortless vibe. Ideal for women with medium to long hair, the curtain bangs blend seamlessly into the layers of the shag. This hairstyle works beautifully for casual events or daytime outings, and the added texture makes it great for those who want a hairstyle with movement. The wavy texture adds volume, making it suitable for those with fine or flat hair. It’s particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces and can be a fun, trendy style for both blondes and brunettes.
To achieve this look, your stylist will use a razor cut technique to create the soft layers that define a shag. A curling iron or sea salt spray can help maintain the waves. A sulfate-free shampoo, like Ouai’s Wave Spray, will help enhance the texture, while a lightweight conditioner will keep the hair hydrated without weighing it down.
Short Wavy Shag with Choppy Bangs
This short wavy shag brings an edgy twist to the traditional shag haircut. With choppy bangs that add texture and definition, it’s perfect for someone who wants a daring, low-maintenance look. This haircut short works best for those with a bold sense of style, giving off a playful yet rebellious vibe. It can be worn to casual social events or even dressed up for a night out. This cut works well for those with round or square face shapes, as the bangs help elongate the face. The wavy hair adds a soft touch to the otherwise sharp look.
Your stylist will likely use a razor to create uneven layers, adding texture to the bangs and waves. To maintain this style, a texturizing spray, like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, can keep the hair voluminous and tousled throughout the day.
Medium-Length Wavy Shag with Feathered Layers
The medium-length wavy shag with feathered layers is a softer take on the shag, offering a more elegant look. The feathered layers blend into the waves, giving the hair a lightweight, bouncy feel. This style is ideal for those with medium hair who want a versatile haircut that can be styled up or down for different occasions. It suits oval and diamond-shaped faces, and the soft, flowing waves enhance the features of those with lighter eye colors, such as green or blue.
This style requires a layered cut with a focus on thinning the ends to create the feathered effect. For upkeep, use a lightweight mousse or a curl-enhancing cream to keep the waves intact, while regular trims every 6-8 weeks will prevent split ends and keep the layers fresh.
Shaggy Bob with Loose Waves
For a more polished take on the wavy shag, the shaggy bob with loose waves is a perfect choice. This bob cut adds texture to the traditional short bob, making it a trendy and playful option. The waves add volume and body, making it ideal for women with short or medium hair looking for a youthful and modern style. This hairstyle works well for oval and square face shapes and can be worn both casually and in professional settings.
Your stylist will use a combination of point cutting and razor techniques to create texture throughout the hair. To style at home, use a wave spray or light mousse, and finish with a shine serum to give the bob a polished look.
Wavy Shag with Side-Swept Bangs
The wavy shag with side-swept bangs adds a romantic and soft edge to the classic shag haircut. The side bangs gently frame the face, while the layers add texture and movement to the hairstyle. This look is perfect for those with medium to long hair, as the waves add volume and dimension. It’s a great option for formal events or romantic dinners, and works particularly well for those with oval or round face shapes.
To achieve this style, your stylist will cut soft, graduated layers throughout the hair and create long, side-swept bangs that blend into the rest of the cut. A volumizing mousse and curling iron can help define the waves, while a shine-enhancing serum keeps the hair looking healthy.
Wavy Shag with Textured Layers and Long Bangs
The wavy shag with textured layers and long bangs offers a laid-back yet stylish look. The long bangs blend into the layers, giving the hair a natural flow and making it perfect for everyday wear. This hairstyle suits those with medium-length hair or longer and is ideal for casual outings or beach days. The textured layers create movement, while the wavy hair adds volume. This style works well for square and oval face shapes, and the bangs can be swept to the side for a softer look.
To achieve this look, your stylist will add textured layers throughout the hair and cut the bangs just below the eyebrows. A curling wand and texturizing spray will help maintain the waves, while a lightweight conditioner keeps the hair soft and hydrated.
Layered Wavy Shag with Wispy Bangs
The layered wavy shag with wispy bangs is a delicate, feminine take on the shag. The layers add movement and bounce to the hair, while the wispy bangs bring a soft, airy look to the face. This hairstyle works beautifully for those with long or medium hair and can be styled for both casual and formal events. It’s especially flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, and the soft waves add a romantic touch.
Your stylist will focus on adding soft layers throughout the hair while cutting the bangs thin and wispy. A lightweight mousse and wave-enhancing cream can help maintain the texture, while regular trims ensure the bangs stay light and airy.
Conclusion
From short choppy layers to long textured cuts with bangs, this iconic hairstyle from the 70s has made a strong comeback, and it continues to be a go-to option for those who want effortless volume and movement. We hope you’ve found inspiration in these ideas and encourage you to leave your thoughts or share your favorite wavy shag styles in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going and discover new ways to rock this timeless cut.
I’m Yevgenia Kopenko, a hairstylist with over 10 years of experience in creating beautiful haircuts and hairstyles. On my blog, I share a wide range of styling ideas, from the latest trends to timeless classics. My goal is to inspire and connect with women who love expressing themselves through their hair. Join me as we explore the art of hairstyling and discover new ways to elevate your look.