The shag hairstyle is a classic. It has been around since the late 1960s and early 1970s. It has always been a very popular style and is flattering to many face shapes. It can be styled close on the sides of full faces or fluffed at the sides for those who have a narrow face shape. There are several updated versions of the shag that are just as easy to style as the original and that are great fun to wear.

To be classified as a shag, a hair cut must have extensive layering. It must have bangs and a neckline that is long as compared to the lengths rest of the layers. The layers between the crown and the nape area must be short so that the shape of the style is close at the sides and the back.

This shag is closest in style to the original shags. It has a rounded full top and is close at the sides and nape area with ends that flip out forming the classic question mark shape. The entire hair cut resembles a short layer cut or even a long pixie cut except for the nape area which is long, extending to the shoulders. This area is heavily layered and texturized so that it is thin and piecy. The sides are short – only long enough to cover the ears. They are texturized so that they feather toward the fact. Full bangs can be combed to the side or all down on the forehead.

Style this shag by blowing the top and bangs dry with a round brush. Insert the brush under the hair while rolling it under and creating a full rounded shape. When drying the nape area, keep the brush on top of the hair and brush it down allowing the ends to flip out.

The newer shags are just as texturized as the original but don’t have the question mark shape. They are not as close in the nape area as the original but are layered so that the shape is full on top and narrow at the sides and back. Use the large round brush to shape the bangs and the crown. Dry the rest of the style by using the blow dryer and your fingers. Allow the ends to flip out naturally. After the style is dry, use hair crème or styling past to add texture and separate the layers.


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