The shag has been around since the early1970s," hairstylist Chris Jones tells Byrdie.
“Inspired by rock and roll, the haircut was a symbol of effortless freedom.
Think Farrah Fawcetts glamorous, feathered layers or Joan Jetts grungy rock star chop.
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Bardot Style Shag
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The shag style was directly inspired by French iconBrigitte Bardot.
Add subtle waves throughout the length, focusing on creating body rather than curls.
“This style is made for curly hair.
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Straight or wavy hair wouldnt have the same effect,” says Oligee.
Zendaya’s cut also highlights the beauty ofcurly bangs.
Rounded layers and choppy bangs are combined for a style that is equal parts grungy and glamorous.
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Winnie Harlow’s voluminous bangs and glamorous loose waves are giving us serious nostalgia.
Oligee offers expert styling tips to recreate this look on all hair types.
“For wavy and straight strands, blow-dry and use a large barrel curling iron.”
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The undone texture accentuates the layers in her hair, giving her an effortless and casual look.
“Use a volumizing gel and casually blow-dry,” she recommends.
“Finish with an extra-large barrel curling iron to create the texture at the ends.”
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To achieve a similar style, Jones recommends applying a small amount of Virtue6-in-1 Stylerto damp hair.
Then, blow-dry and finish with some texturizing spray to achieve a similar undone finish.
Pinup Shag
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Jennifer Hudson’sretrotake on the shag haircut is all about texture.
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“What I love about this look is that it virtually requiresno effort.
Throw in a littlemousse, rough dry, and go,” says Jones.
Face-Framing Shag
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We love the effortless waves created on Frida Gustavsson’s long shag.
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Her curtain bangs are a greatface-framingmethod.
“They give this cut a little something extra,” says Oligee.
She recommends this style for those with wavy or straight hair.
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“Use a volumizing mousse and medium-sized round brush to create this look,” she recommends.
“Focus on creating the wavy shape at the ends.”
We love the addition of a smudged root toplatinum blondehair.
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A thick retro fringe, beach waves, and a slightly mussed texture create a perfectly layered look.
To recreate this look, prep your hair with a volumizing mousse before blow-drying.
Then, follow with texturizing spray.
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For some additional volume, put some volumizing powder at the crown of the hair.
Her subtle waves highlight her already existing layers.
Long Layers
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Camila Cabello demonstrates the wearability of the long shag.
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“The long fringe complements the soft layers without feeling overly layered.”
The curly layers and air-dried bangs are pure 1960s earthiness.
We love this summery, romantic take on the curly shag.
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Her layers begin at the chin and were added all the way down.
We love using HairstoryHair Balmto create a similar shaggy wave.
Work through a curl cream, not gel, for a fluffy final look.
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We love using InnersenseInner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer.
If you havestraight hair, ask your stylist for choppy ends to add movement.
The look features natural curls and wispy bangs.
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It is a great option for those who are either growing out their fringe or have curtain bangs.
This style allows shorter hair to blend into the sides.
It allows for a better view of these lash-skimming, full bangs, which are paired with textured ends.
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Mermaid Waves
Joan Smalls’beach wavesare enhanced by their length.
Try clip-inextensionsto recreate a similar look.
Her iconic shag and bangs combo has inspired many to imitate the look.
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And her undone texture and thick bangs look effortlesseven at a formal event.
It features long curtain bangs that blend into shoulder-length hair.
If you have a naturally curly texture, brush it out to replicate Solange’s soft curls.
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When curled, they give off a retro lookperfect for a night out or for a special event.
Add volume and a slightly mussed texture for a more casual final look.
Full bangs can also be parted slightly in the center for a curtain effect.
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Remember that1980s hairis all about height and volume.
In this case, more is more.
Long and Straight
Even those with very straight hair can also rock a long shag.
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Ask your stylist to cut long, gradual layers and bangs (which should be layered, too.)
If you want a more grungy look, try using a sea salt spray or texturizing paste.
For this look, ask your stylist to keep the ends long and create face-framing bangs skimming the ears.
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Just be sure to keep hair moisturized by applying a deep conditioning mask once a week.
We love PureologyHydrate Superfood Treatmentand OuidadMoisture LockTM All Curls Ultra-Nourishing Intense Hydrating Mask.
The bangs will blend into the shag’s layers for a chic and sophisticated final look.
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Pair a heavier hairstyle with lighter bangs to balance the overall look.
Longer bangs that fall onto the face will only add to the cool factorjust ask Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Case in point: Jasmine Tookes' bent shag haircut.
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Keep the ends razored and part your hair down the middle for a classic look.
Bedhead Shag
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Danish model Freja Beha is known for her shaggybedheadcut.
A little texturizing spray can go a long way in maintaining this carefully crafted messy style.
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It’s giving party in the frontandthe back.
Use a texture-enhancing styler like R+CoVelvet Curtain Cotton Touch Texture Balmfor subtle waves.
Her glossy curls portray the ultimate polished shag.
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Keep the ends loose and wavy, and use around brushto curve the bangs slightly inward.
Loose Curls
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Theseloose curlsare all about the right product software.
Finish by rough drying with a diffuser to set your curls; finish with some shine spray.
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Face-Framing Layers
The classicRachel cutgoes modern with this long, layered shag.
Here, the layers start low and frame the face.
While this cut doesn’t feature bangs, it’s still just as effective.
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A trim every six to eight weeks is the sweet spot for most hairstyles, including a shag.
They require less styling and can go longer between trims.
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