Textured Shoulder-Length Shag

Shoulder-length shag cut with layers of varying lengths

Click here to try this hairstyle using a photo of yourself!

Welcome to the triumphant return of the modern textured shag! This isn't the shag your mom wore back in the '70s; this is a completely reimagined, updated version that's fresh and contemporary. This cut is about celebrating natural hair texture and organic movement, with multiple layers that cascade from shorter to longer.

The genius of this cut lies in the layering technique that creates what appears to be random, natural texture but is actually the result of very deliberate, strategic cutting. Your stylist will create multiple layers of varying lengths throughout your hair, with shorter, more textured pieces around your crown that gradually transition to longer lengths as they move toward your shoulders and the ends of your hair. This creates lift and volume at the root area while maintaining length, movement, and body throughout the rest of your hair.

The face-framing layers are cut with precision to enhance your natural features and bone structure while adding a gorgeous, lived-in texture that makes this long hairstyle so appealing and modern. These layers are cut at different angles and lengths to create natural movement around your face, which is flattering and helps soften any harsh lines while adding dimension to your overall look.

The cutting technique for achieving this style is fascinating and quite complex. Your stylist will use a combination of different cutting methods, including point cutting to create texture and movement, slide cutting to remove bulk while maintaining length, and razor cutting in some areas to create a soft, feathered effect that gives the shag its characteristic organic feel.

Styling this cut is all about embracing and enhancing your hair's natural texture while adding strategic hair products to boost what nature gave you. The beauty of this cut is that it actually looks better when it has a slightly undone, imperfect finish. Trying to make it too perfect actually works against the entire concept of the style.

You have many styling options with this cut, which is part of what makes it so appealing. You can scrunch it with your hands while it's drying for more defined, bouncy waves. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance natural texture while adding volume. Or simply let it air-dry with some texturizing cream worked through for a just-rolled-out-of-bed look that's surprisingly chic.

Curious to see how you'd look with this hairstyle? Use our hairstyle simulator for an instant virtual makeover with a photo of yourself. It's free!