The medium-length shag is having a major moment, and I’m completely here for it! This cut gives you that perfect retro-modern vibe with tons of texture, volume, and movement. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, there’s a shag that will work beautifully for your texture and face shape.
Why the Medium Shag Is Everything Right Now
I love recommending the medium shag because it truly works for everyone. Here’s why:
- Creates instant volume and dimension on any hair type
- Gives fine or thin hair major body and fullness
- Enhances natural texture instead of fighting it
- Works with every face shape when layered correctly
- Ranges from soft and romantic to bold and edgy
Who This Cut Is Perfect For
If you want a style that’s low-maintenance but high-impact, the medium shag is your answer. The layered texture means you can wash, tousle with some product, and go—your hair looks intentionally styled without much effort. This cut is especially gorgeous on wavy and curly textures where the layers really bring out your natural movement.
#1. Wavy Layered Shag with Side-Swept Bangs
image via @shelby.urban.hair
Playful, chic, and effortlessly cool! The shaggy layers boost your natural waves with volume and movement, making styling a breeze. Those side-swept bangs add the perfect fun, fashionable finishing touch that frames your face beautifully.
#2. Textured Shag with Subtle Auburn Highlights
image via @nivthestylist
Add fiery flair without going full redhead! This textured shag brings energetic layering, and those warm auburn highlights create extra depth and dimension. The reddish-brown tones give your shaggy texture that extra spark and gorgeous glow.
#3. Shaggy Lob with Soft Curls and Wispy Bangs
image via @chrisjones_hair
The ultimate hybrid cut! This blends the psychedelic layering of the shag with the chic shape of a lob, plus soft curls and wispy bangs for that perfect airy-meets-edgy aesthetic. So versatile and totally on-trend.
#4. Chestnut Brown Medium Shag with Feathered Ends
image via @isabellehaircreative
Soft, simple, and ideal for fine hair! The shaggy layers create volume and body, and the feathered ends bring lively movement right down to your tips. Everything stays light and airy with that beautiful chestnut brown warmth.
#5. Sun-Kissed Blonde Shag with Loose Curls
image via @thecurlywizard
Beachy with subtle vintage vibes! The iconic shag layering brings massive volume for any hair density, and that sun-kissed blonde creates the perfect beachy glow. Style with loose curls using a flat iron or enhance your natural waves for effortless summer energy.
#6. Medium-Length Voluminous Shag with Jagged Edges
image via @davidwbullen
Grunge-glam perfection! This modern shag takes volume to new heights with extra-sharp layering and jagged edges for undeniable edgy texture. Perfect for women who want that cool, bold look without trying too hard.
#7. Sleek Shag with Graduated Layers
image via @edifysalon
Classic charm meets refined elegance! This sleek shag features graduated layering for smoother texture that’s extra sophisticated but still spunky. Perfect for finer straight hair, and you can amp up the sleek vibes with shine serum.
#8. Ash Blonde Shag with Heavy Layers
image via @rachelwstylist
Contemporary and edgy! Ash blonde sets a cool-meets-classy tone, and those heavy layers energize your natural texture with a trendy revival of retro shag vibes. The heavy layering is especially great for thick, pin-straight hair that needs movement.
#9. Tousled Mid-Length Shag with Side Bangs
image via @therighthairstyles
Low-maintenance life just got easier! This tousled shag gives wavy hair a gorgeous lift with effortless texture, and those chic side bangs add a flirty finishing touch. Literally wash and go—your waves do all the work.
#10. Golden Honey Shag with Swooping Layers
image via @local_honey
Summer-of-love vibes all the way! Golden honey tones bring warm radiance and a sunny glow to any skin tone. The swooping shaggy layers create a sculpted face frame, and if you add soft fringe bangs, you’ll get those full-on ’70s model vibes.
#11. Shaggy Bob with Defined Curls and Fringe
image via @florence.hair
Best of both worlds! This hybrid combines the bob’s sophisticated shape with the shag’s sporty layers. The layering enhances your curls with height and definition, and the fringe bangs complete that gorgeous face frame.
#12. Medium-Length Salt and Pepper Shag for Mature Women
image via @hilaryreedhairdesign
Aging gracefully never looked so chic! This cut is designed specifically for thinning, aging hair, giving it renewed texture and volume. The salt-and-pepper color combo makes transitioning to gray an absolute style statement.
#13. Copper-Toned Shag with Messy Waves
image via @taylorduprestylist
Fiery and unrefined in the best way! This pairs perfectly undone texture with messy waves and a radiantly retro copper color. The lightweight layering enhances your waves, and you can amp up the messy look with texturizing spray.
#14. Beachy Waves on a Medium-Shag
image via @gabsdoeshair
Surfer-hippy vibes for days! These tousled tresses bring instant beachy, carefree energy with an au-natural attitude. Get the look with a large curling wand and tousle with texturizing spray for that salt-air finish.
#15. Jet Black Shag with Razor-Cut Layers
image via @lizzhouser
’70s meets ’90s grunge! Jet-black sets the stage for razor-cut layers to bring extreme texture. This cut is edgier than the classic shag with tons of versatility for any hair texture or density.
#16. Soft Brown Shag with Curtain Bangs
image via @yukistylist
Simple luxury at its finest! Soft brown creates a low-key backdrop for gentle layering that’s more delicate and elegant than the typical shag. Perfect for women who want understated sophistication with movement.
#17. Dynamic Red Shag with Chunky Layers
image via @hairbyravenc
Cool, confident, and jaw-dropping! The bright red color is striking on its own, but paired with chunky shag layers, each enhances the other for a dynamic duo that creates an iconic look.
#18. Cool-Toned Blonde Shag with Wispy Ends
image via @rachelwstylist
Ethereal meets edgy! The airy layering is particularly ideal for thin and fine hair, with wispy ends giving that extra lively touch. Cool-toned blonde finishes the look with delicate, dreamy charm.
#19. Mid-Length Shag with Subtle Pink Highlights
image via @brendariojas
Timeless with trendy flair! This gives you all the exuberant texture and volume of the classic shag with a playful punch from subtle pink highlights. The hushed pastel pink is charming but soft and totally approachable.
#20. Classic Shag with a Modern Twist and Undercut
image via @lilhairgoblin
Old meets new! The modern twist is that perfect bedhead texture for a messy style, while keeping all the volume and face-shaping layers of the classic shag. The undercut adds a secret edgy element that’s seriously cool.
#21. Smooth-Layered Shag with Blunt Bangs
image via @hirohair
Sleek and simple! This version is perfect for thin, straight hair, featuring smoother layering that provides volume with less texture for a sleeker finish. Use a flat iron and smoothing serum to take this polished look up a notch.
#22. Deep Purple Shag with Glossy Waves
image via @marissa.phillips.beauty
Dramatic and sultry! The classic volume and sculpted layering lighten your hair and contour your face beautifully. Deep purple brings mysterious, seductive vibes, and those glossy waves (styled with a large curling iron and shine spray) take it over the top.
#23. Natural Curls in a Layered Shag Style
image via @tinalucchesidoeshair
Give your curls new life! The shaggy layering brings vivacious bounce and volume that immediately enhances your natural curls. Use a curl-defining cream for extra playful flair and definition.
#24. Platinum Feathered Shag
image via @shadowplayhair
Cool, confident, and oh-so-chic! This high-fashion combo of icy platinum blonde and feathered shag texture creates extra movement. That tousled look is easier than ever for waves and straight hair alike.
#25. Espresso Shag with Softly Tapered Ends
image via @saekoshairwork
Luxe and lively! This sleek, modern take on the shag is ideal for giving pin-straight hair a soft, flowing look. Classic shaggy layering creates robust volume, and softly tapered ends add movement, all in that lush espresso brown.
#26. Shaggy Lob with Balayage Highlights
image via @brittanykatehair
Channel your inner beach baby! This trio blends the lob’s face-flattering shape, the shag’s sparky layering, and beachy balayage highlights for sun-kissed, sassy style. Add texturizing spray for extra beachy vibes.
#27. Fiery Red Shag with Flared Ends
image via @barbaraandbarbara
Vibrant and flashy! Shaggy layers bring full volume, and the flared ends create renewed texture and intense movement—excellent for thick, heavy hair. Those fiery red tones finish the look with an eye-catching punch.
#28. Icy Blonde Shag with Choppy Layers
image via @hairbyhanvancity
Rocker-chic all the way! This cut and color combo brings stone-cold confidence with high-fashion icy blonde and intensified choppy layers for extra edgy texture. Looks incredible on any hair density.
#29. Mid-Length Shag with Vintage Flair
image via @rachelwstylist
Soft retro-inspired simplicity! This brings any hair type natural-looking texture and movement for a soft, carefree look with all those vintage vibes. Classic and easy to style.
#30. Earthy Brown Shag with Natural Texture
image via @hollygirldoeshair
Organic meets edgy! Earthy brown brings relaxed vibes, and shaggy layers give even the straightest hair natural-looking texture. Boosts wavy or curly hair beautifully for a subtly edgy style.
#31. Medium-Length Shag with Delicate Face Framing Layers
image via @hollygirldoeshair
Casual and modern! These delicate face-framing layers are designed to bring out the best in any face shape. The soft layering perfectly frames your face and accentuates your features.
#32. Bold Black and Blue Shag with Edgy Layers
image via @pravana
’80s grunge glam revival! The edgy layers bring sheer 1980s vibes to the ’70s shag, creating perfect texture for bold blue and black to shine. Glamorously grunge and seriously cool.
#33. Chocolate Brown Shag with Gentle Waves
image via @evo.collective.hair
Laidback luxury! Decadent chocolate brown sets a warm, cozy, luxurious tone, while shaggy layers bring the casual vibe. Perfect texture to enhance styled or natural gentle waves.
#34. Mid-Length Shag with Playful Purple Streaks
image via @color_keys
Fun and adventurous! This contemporary shag brings punchy volume and texture, and those playful purple streaks take it to the next level. Extra fun flair for bold personalities.
#35. Soft Shag with Long Side-Swept Bangs
image via @rachelwstylist
Flirty and feminine perfection! This subdued shag has gentle layering for smoother texture and elegant movement—ideal for fine hair. The longer side-swept bangs bring a fab, fashion-forward finish.
#36. Sunlit Blonde Shag with Luminous Highlights
Beachy-chic sophistication! Sunlit blonde and luminous highlights create a refined feel while giving the shag’s layers even more depth and definition. Slightly elevated but still summery and gorgeous.
#37. Cherry Red Shag for Voluminous Curls
image via @shaylaprettyplease
Give your style some juice! The shag cut revives thick curls with bigger, better volume and bounce. Bold, vibrant cherry red brings a magnetizing aesthetic that puts you center stage.
#38. Layered Shag with a Dramatic Side Part
image via @hair.by.maura
Simple, sophisticated, modern! The famous shaggy layering creates full volume and high texture on any hair type, and the dramatic side part gives a contemporary asymmetric touch.
#39. Ocean-Inspired Teal Wavy Shag
image via @haleyferrell
Mystic mermaid meets edgy! This mid-length shag frees thick almost-wavy hair from bulk, giving it perfect salt-air texture. Ocean-inspired teal brings those deep-sea siren vibes.
#40. Sleek and Straight Shag with Angular Cuts
image via @stephhtiatcohairstylist
Polished with personality! This modern shag brings classic fullness and volume with lighter layering for sleeker texture, and angular cuts add quiet contemporary charm. Perfect for thick hair that needs lift.
#41. Golden Brown Shag with Subtle Layers
image via @brianacisneros
All about natural beauty! Golden brown is gorgeous and organic with a cozy vibe, and subtle layers revive flat, lifeless hair while keeping things simple. Completely versatile—wear it curly, straight, up, or down.
#42. Vibrant Pink Shag with Bold Texture
image via @myceliumsalonmd
Punk girlies, this one’s for you! This playful, punchy shag gives even the finest hair full volume and bold texture, plus fun bubblegum pink for an irresistible, intense style. So unique and eye-catching.
#43. Soft Wavy Shag with Honey Highlights
image via @jinxhairartist
Natural and beachy perfection! This medium-length shag brings wavy hair the volume and shaggy texture for that salt-water style. Honey highlights add natural illumination with a sun-kissed vibe.
#44. Smoky Grey Shag with Silky Layers
image via @stephpaintzhair
Style has no age limit! This shag brings silver-fox vibes with smoky grey tones and silky layering that brings thinning hair back to life with maximum volume and body.
#45. Classic Rock-Inspired Voluminous Shag
image via @carm_inthetresses
Release your inner retro rocker! This brings classic shag shape with higher volume and dynamic layering for bold, edgy texture. Total Joan Jett vibes.
#46. Electric Blue Shag with Spiky Layers
image via @amber_beautygoddess
High-voltage upgrade! Electric blue is bold, vibrant, and attention-grabbing, enhanced by spiky layers that remove bulk from thick hair. Creates sharp, edgy texture with maximum volume and a sparky style.
#47. Side-Parted Shag with Tousled Waves
image via @hollygirldoeshair
Natural, relaxed, elegant! Shaggy layers bring instant life to your natural texture with enhanced volume and movement. Bedhead-inspired tousled waves create that carefree look, and the side part adds simple sophistication.
#48. Burgundy Shag with Slight Waves
image via @shear_sorceress
Organic glamor with drama! This luxe deep red shade brings down-to-earth vibes with silent seduction. Shaggy layers create classic carefree volume, intensified by slight waves you can style with a flat iron or tousle from natural texture.
#49. Soft Lavender Shag with Delicate Layers
image via @abbeymoonhair
Fairycore perfection! This whimsical version is ideal for giving fine hair light, airy volume and texture with delicate layering. Soft lavender takes it over the top with dreamy fairytale flair.
#50. Retro-Inspired Shag for Bouncy Curls
image via @joeltorresstyle
Revive your curls with a nostalgic twist! This shag relieves thicker curls of bulk and weight, giving them spring-loaded bounce with a slight vintage vibe. So fun and flattering.
#51. Wavy Shag with Chocolate Lowlights
image via @dorene_kersey
All-natural elegance! This medium-length shag flatters any face shape with laidback layering for effortlessly texturized waves. Chocolate lowlights bring dimension, depth, and warmth for casual yet classy vibes.
#52. Bold Magenta Shag with Choppy Layers
image via @aceofspadesstylist
Y2K aesthetic energy! This jaw-dropping shag brings serious 2000s nostalgia with choppy layering for edgy yet airy texture. Vibrant, fun, flirtatious magenta tops it all off perfectly.
#53. Midnight Blue Sleek Shag
image via @maris.safe.space
Mysterious, moody, modern! The edgy vibes come from deep midnight blue color, while quiet layering gives classic shag volume and movement with a softer, sleeker finish. Use smoothing serum for extra glossy glam.
#54. Medium-Length Shag with Airy Curls and a Light Fringe
image via @davidwbullen
Soft and simple texture upgrade! The shag is especially ideal for curls and waves, creating face-framing layers completed by light fringe. Style with curl definer for bounce or texturizing spray for laidback vibes.
#55. Sandy Blonde Shag with Beachy Texture
image via @hairbychristineandco
Summer-ready and carefree! Sandy blonde sets a sunny, chic tone, and exuberant layering adds beachy texture—especially gorgeous on fine hair. Use texture spray for that “kissed by salt air” look.
#56. Auburn Shag with Voluminous Waves
image via @happyhaircloud
Striking with autumn-inspired flavor! Shaggy layers create the perfect base for thick hair to get energetic, voluminous waves (natural or styled). Deep auburn red brings warm, cozy vibes.
#57. Sleek Shag with Subtle Red Accents
image via @mariannegallups
You don’t need bold layering to turn heads! This stylish cut with pops of color is perfection. Red accents pair beautifully with any brunette shade or black for bold, fiery flair and definition.
#58. Vibrant Orange Medium-Length Shag
image via @toniandguybrighton
Statement style! This pairs bold, energetic color with exuberant shag layering for electrified volume and texture. Creates visual interest and intensifies the whole look—amplify with texture spray and tousling.
#59. Dark Chocolate Shag with Smooth Layers
image via @theyoungamericansalon
Indulgent and edgy! Dark chocolate tones and smooth layering create a luxurious take on the shag for softer, more sophisticated style that still has spunk. So rich and refined.
#60. Punk-Inspired Shag with Sharp Angles
image via @hairbyshanlv
Release your inner rebel! This spunky version brings intense ’80s-inspired texture and lightweight volume, particularly fit for medium to thick hair. Spike the top layers for true punk style or use texture spray for bedhead vibes.
#61. Honey Blonde Shag on Soft Curls
image via @katiepdxhair
Girl-next-door aesthetic! Gentle layering shapes up soft curls with renewed body and bounce while keeping things smooth and simple. Sunny, sweet blonde adds natural radiance and illuminates your curls beautifully.
#62. Mid-Length Shag with Silky Straight Layers
image via @w1zardgurl_cuts
Less texture, more gloss! This brings softer volume for a glossy, glamorous style that keeps things simple for straight hair. Makes styling a total breeze.
#63. Emerald Green Shag with Textured Ends
image via @samanthashearmagic
Enchanting yet mysterious! This stunning style turns up the classic shag with textured ends paired with emerald green for even more mystical movement. So eye-catching and unique.
#64. Bright Coral Shag with Layered Waves
image via @noddysonkinghair
Brand new wave energy! Vibrant coral is red-hot right now, and paired with the trendy shag, it’s stunning. Shaggy layers bring waves massive volume and better bounce for a more energetic aesthetic.
#65. Medium-Length Shag with Glossy Black Curls
image via @hairbyreema
’80s rocker vibes! Lustrous glossy black sets a sleek scene for the shag’s layering to create voluminous, bouncy curls. This is the essential 1980s aesthetic—all you need now is a leather jacket!
#66. Deep Burgundy Wavy Shag
image via @frizzylivey
Low-key luxe! Deep burgundy is more subdued than typical red but still holds the same jaw-dropping drama, especially with the texture-boosting layers of this wavy shag. So rich and gorgeous.
#67. Mid-Length Shag with Chunky Blonde Highlights
image via @hairbyraay
Stop taming your mane! Give thick wavy hair a bright, lightweight style with this combo. The trendy shag’s wave-boosting layers and bold blonde highlights create a high-definition look with minimal styling—just brush, tousle, and go!
#68. Ultra Violet Sleek Shag
image via @birchsalondenver
Galactic glam vibes! The subdued shag lets this supersonic color bring the personality, enhancing the way ultra violet looks with classic height, body, and movement. Futuristic and fabulous.
#69. Wavy-Layered Shag with Soft Pink Tones
image via @thewidowspeakparlor
Daydreamer style! This girly upgrade features whimsical pastel pink as the perfect base for wave-boosting wispy layers. Creates feminine, flirty face framing and works on fine waves or even thinner straight hair for serious movement.
#70. Rich Chestnut Shag on Gentle Curls
image via @isabellehaircreative
Cozy luxury! The shag restores your hair’s natural texture while adding total volume and extra style. Earthy, lustrous chestnut brown gives the whole look natural elegance and warmth.
#71. Medium-Length Shag with Fiery Red Tips
image via @mallari.cuts.you.up
Classic with fierce flair! This blends timeless texture and volume with a contemporary pop of vivid fiery red. Complements almost any warm-undertoned color and even dark tones like brown or black.
#72. Frosty Silver Shag with Textured Layers
image via @madeline.hair
Ice queen meets rockstar! This is the quintessential blend of regal and raw, with super-texturized layers for extra edgy vibes that enhance frosty silver’s stone-cold confident aesthetic.
#73. Mid-Length Shag with Bold Cobalt Streaks
image via @hexblush
Adventurous, alluring, artistic! The shag sets the vibe with bold layering for fun, carefree style, and bold cobalt streaks bring creative definition. Absolutely enchanting.
#74. Caramel Shag for Soft Waves
image via @jadahairandbalayage
Sweeten up your style! The shag’s layering gives natural waves full-bodied volume and gentle movement—perfect for creating soft waves even on fine hair. Warm caramel tones create rich depth and a welcoming glow.
#75. Jet-Black Shag with Sharp Bangs
image via @farrahfawcettofficial
Retro with futuristic flair! This blends vintage-inspired shag that gives fine, thin hair an edgier look with full volume. Sharp bangs balance the look with contemporary charm, amped up by jet-black color.
#76. Medium-Length Shag with Bold Golden Highlights
image via @orriginalhairstudio
Sunny and stunning! These striking golden blonde highlights maximize the shag’s layering, putting a spotlight on texture with depth and definition while providing that summery glow to your hair and skin.
#77. Mid-Length Shag with Soft Lavender Undertones
image via @matthewjames.hair
Magical vibes! Gentle layering gives even the finest hair vibrant life with intensified texture and volume. Hushed pastel purple undertones balance the energetic look for something soft and dreamy.
#78. Shag Cut with Electric Blue Tips
image via @blowdrydreams
Cool, confident, captivating! The shag cut is trendy on its own, but paired with electric blue tips, you get a simply-styled, edgy base that lets those tips steal the show wherever you go.
#79. Dark Auburn Shag with Smooth Layers
image via @alfredo_lewis
Simplify without sacrificing style! Deep, rich red tones bring earthy yet elegant vibes, and smooth layers create a softer shag style. Creates a sleek look and flawless face frame with a warm glow for any skin tone.
#80. Medium-Length Shag with Neon Pink Accents
image via @catecutdye
High-energy and high-fashion! This cut and color combo is full of playful personality and tons of style. The shag gives all hair types maximum volume and texture, while vibrant pink infuses fun, flashy flair.
#81. Shag with Seafoam Green Highlights
image via @katiecutshair
Unique mermaid vibes! The mystical mid-length shag brings your hair a tidal wave of style with renewed body and movement. Seafoam green brings a trendy (but not overdone) seaside aesthetic.
#82. Deep Purple Curly Shag
image via @littlebrokenthings
Mysterious aesthetic perfection! Shaggy layers are cut specifically for bigger, better curls, and mystical deep purple brings the look together with hypnotic charm. So enchanting and unique.
#83. Medium-Length Shag with Sunset Orange and Yellow Highlights
image via @colorbychristina
Capture summer sunset beauty! The shag provides a light, airy look for fine hair to really stand out. Fiery orange and yellow shades inspired by the setting sun create a striking, warm finish.