2. The Modern Shag

Drawing inspiration from the retro vibes of the 70s, the modern shag is all about texture, volume, and deliberate “messiness.” It features shorter, piecey layers around the crown and longer, feathered layers toward the ends. This cut is brilliant for those with naturally wavy or curly hair, as the layering structure encourages your hair’s natural pattern to spring to life. It’s an edgy, high-fashion look that feels effortlessly cool and provides a lot of “oomph” without needing to spend an hour styling your hair every morning.

How to Make

The secret to the modern shag is the layering pattern. Ask your stylist for choppy, shorter layers around the crown to build height, and longer, wispy layers that frame the face. The ends should be razor-cut for a soft, feathered finish. To style, apply a texturizing mousse to damp hair and diffuse it dry, scrunching the ends as you go to build volume. Use a small amount of pomade or styling wax on your fingertips to define the individual pieces and add a bit of “grit” to the final look.

Things Needed

  • Professional razor or thinning shears
  • Texturizing mousse
  • Hair dryer with diffuser attachment
  • Styling wax or pomade
  • Wide-tooth detangling comb