The Textured Shag: How To Achieve This Perfectly Imperfect Hairstyle

by John Griffith
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Want to be more rock ‘n’ roll? Then look no further than the textured shag! This haircut is everything you want it to be and more. It is messy, causal, cool, and effortless. The shag is perfectly imperfect. While this style was extremely popular in the 70s and 80s, the modern shag won’t leave you looking like a washed out star from the past. The shag of today’s day and age is choppy and has just the right amount of texture. It is flattering yet fun. So, if you are wondering this haircut is the one for you, we’re here to help. Today we will share with you everything you need to know about this messy chop.

The modern shag is choppy and has just the right amount of texture

textured shag taylor swift haircut

What is a textured shag?

The textured shag is a super dynamic hairstyle that boasts choppy layers and often features a tousled, voluminous look. This style is famous for being perfectly imperfect. It is loved for its deliberate messiness. Its razored ends and varied lengths create movement and have an edgy appeal. The textured shag has been popular since the 70s and was popularized by icons like Joan Jett and Jane Fonda. This style exudes a rock ‘n’ roll attitude that is perfect if you want to comminute cool confidence and effortless style with your look.

The textured shag has been popular since the 70s and was popularized by icons like Joan Jett

joan jett textured haircut

Who should get a textured shag?

This hairstyle is perfect for people whose hair has a natural wave or curl to it, as the shag capitalizes on the hair’s innate texture to create that magical volume and movement. The textured shag is especially flattering to those who have a round, square, or heart-shaped face as the layered framing of this cut help to soften the strong jawlines and can add length to people with rounder features. Those with a more angular face shape can also benefit from this style as it can add some balance and a sense of dimension to their features.

This hairstyle is perfect for people whose hair has a natural wave or curl to it

bolnde shage with bangs

@hirohair

Who should avoid a textured shag and why?

Like most hairstyles, this one also isn’t a one size fits all situation. People with fine, straight hair may want to stray from this style as if you don’t have a lot of natural volume, the shag can appear limp. This means it will require a lot of effort and styling products to help add some volume to the look. It also isn’t a great choice for people who are looking for a low-maintenance, polished look. The textured shag is meant to be messy and will require styling to look so perfectly imperfect.

People with fine, straight hair may want to stray from this style

woman with shag cut and wispy bangs

How to maintain a textured shag?

In order for your shag to look its absolute best, it will need a bit of maintenance. This is a style that requires some effort in order to stay looking chic. You will need a routine cut every six to eight weeks. This snipping will help maintain the shape of the haircut and keep the layers crisp. Other than that daily styling is key with this look. For curly and wavy hair it’s best to invest in products like salt sprays and curl enhancers to help accentuate the texture. If you have finer hair, a mousse can help aid in creating volume. Make sure you blow dry with a diffuser in order to prevent frizz and maintain definition.

This is a style that requires some effort in order to stay looking chic

textured shag red shag

@Christophe Robin

Textured shag inspirations

If you are looking for a fresh take on the textured shag, then look no further. We have collected some of the best inspo pics for you to help you get your imagination going. Each look can serve you as a blueprint for personalization. Don’t be afraid to play around with this look. The shag is all about being a rock star. It is a form of self-expression, so create something that matches your unique style and vibe.

Each look can serve you as a blueprint for personalization

textured shag miley cyrus blonde

The modern shag

Nowadays, the shag is a bit different from what it was in the 70s. Today’s shag is more layered and less choppy. It also comes in a bigger range of length. However, it usually features a fringe along the face-framing layers. It can be softer or wilder depending on how you prefer it.

Debbie Ryan rocks a modernized, softer version of the classic shag

debby ryan shag cut

@Debbie Ryan

Curly shag

The shag does great with natural curls. This style is specifically cut in a way to enhance the curls while reducing bulk and giving each beautiful curl more definition. It’s playful and bouncy. This look plays with a lot of volume but still gives off the vibe of controlled chaos.

The shag helps enhance the look of natural curls

shag with black curly hair

Colored shag

As we mentioned, the shag is all about self-expression. So, why not add even more wildness to this hairstyle by adding color. Mix in bold colors with the classic texture of this style for a look that will have heads turning. Think chunky highlight, dip-dyes, or dye the whole hair.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with color

textured shag bright red textured shag

@tmelong/@jessamberhair

Bangs

Bangs and the shag go hand in hand. Whether you prefer curtain bangs, wispy bangs, baby bangs, and so on, they will look great with this messy look. The bangs add a touch of softens and modernity to the style. This combo plays up the natural hair texture while the bangs frame the face.

Bangs and the shag go hand in hand

mullet shag

@Aiki_Kr

This is everything you need to know about the textured shag hairstyle. We hope you found this article useful. Now you know everything you need to know about this fun look. You finally know if you can rock this shaggy look and you have plenty of inspo to show your hairdresser at your next appointment.

This is everything you need to know about the textured shag hairstyle

bilie eillish textured shag style

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.