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Shag Haircut for Men: 15 Effortless Hairstyles to Try Out

aida turner

Published by Aida Turner

Fact checked by Annie

Key Takeaways:

  • The shag haircut is characterized by different layers of hair (short, long, medium length), which makes one’s hair volumized and texturized.
  • In 1971, Paul McGregor introduced the shag hairstyle to film-watchers as he styled Klute’s star, Jane Fonda, in her role as Bree Daniel.
  • The shag haircut can suit all hair types and face shapes, but it most certainly befits individuals with wavy and curly hair and those with broad or wide foreheads.
  • Recreating the famous shag haircut is easy; you must clean the hair, assess the desired length, cut the front, side, top parts, and style.

Choppy layers always scream volume and texture, and it is not just famous for women but is undoubtedly also acceptable and used by men.

One of these sought-after cuts is the well-known shag haircut or shaggy hairstyle for men.

This layered haircut accentuates your facial features and exudes a classic look for any face shape, with less styling and very low maintenance for hair care.

As it has been gaining momentum from the 1970s to the present, it is essential to delve deeper into the shaggy hairstyle through this write-up.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the shaggy haircut, from the most classic shaggy look to the more modern ones.

We will give you a glimpse of the 15 shaggy hairstyles for men you MUST try.

What is the shag haircut for men?

The following hair details characterize the shaggy haircut for men:

  • Long hair at the back
  • Short hair at the sides
  • Most of the time, with fringes

Nonetheless, the shaggy hairstyle was made known to the world through the legendary hands of the hairdresser Paul McGregor in 1971 when he styled Jane Fonda for the latter’s Bree Daniel role in Klute. [1]

For reference, Jane Fonda’s shag hairstyle in this film was done through her shoulder-length straight hair, which did not give much volume, but has all it takes to provide her with a facial shape lift.

Although the shaggy haircut was primarily created using straight hair, it is not a secret that it complements curly and wavy hair, as both maximize the full potential of volume that the shaggy hairstyle brings.

History of the Shag Haircut

The shag haircut originated in the 1970s and quickly became a symbol of the rock and roll era. With its layered, tousled appearance, it was favored by musicians and actors alike. Icons such as Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Rod Stewart popularized this edgy, effortless style.

Why Choose a Shag Haircut?

  1. Versatility: The shag haircut can be tailored to suit various hair types and lengths. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, a shag cut can enhance your natural texture.
  2. Low Maintenance: This style requires minimal effort to maintain. A simple tousle with your fingers or a quick blow-dry can keep your hair looking great.
  3. Edgy and Modern: The shag haircut offers a contemporary twist on a classic look. It’s perfect for men who want to stand out and make a statement.

15 Shaggy Hairstyles for Men

Now that you know what shaggy hairstyles entail, it’s time to see different short and medium-to-long-hair shag hairstyles for men that you can surely try!

Shag Haircut Black Men

If you have Afro-textured hair, you can surely do shaggy hairstyles similar to the image above.

However, since your choppy layers will not be that clear and vivid because of your hair texture, you can always emphasize the shaggy hairstyle using a shaggy hairdo.

All you need to do to get this hairdo and style is to use the following materials:

  • Bobby pins
  • Hair ties

It would also be best if you have a full beard that connects with your shag haircut to ease the sharpness of your jaw and highlight your facial features.

Short Shag Haircut Men

A short shag hairstyle will surely be a nice cherry-on-top for your overall look when you have short and wavy hair.

The best things that come with a combination of short, wavy, and shaggy hair are the following:

  • Quick styling
  • Easy to recreate and maintain
  • It makes you look younger

Long Shag Haircut Men

In the presence of short shaggy hair comes its pair: LONG hair shaggy hairstyles for men’s hair.

This long-hair shag hairstyle is very helpful if you want a classic shag hairstyle that screams volume and texture.

As long as your stylists made the right layered haircut, it is still of lower maintenance, where you can expect lesser frizz.

Of course, you can always use a styling gel to keep your shag haircuts sleek and clean.

70s Shag Haircut Men

Shag haircuts as hairstyles for men reflect the true meaning of a classic fashion statement. As stated earlier, it has been on the hairstyling market since the 70s.

This timeless shaggy hair can vibe with any hair type and face shape across all ages. It can give a retro feel, similar to the image above, and a modern touch, like the following shaggy haircuts below.

Also in the 70s, David Bowie was added to the list of known personalities to cop shaggy hair. Some people back then even call their shaggy men’s hairstyles the David Bowie shag!

Another name on the list of 70s shag hair icons is Rod Stewart, a singer-songwriter. Stewart’s layered style, with bangs, is specified as a mullet. [2]

Nonetheless, as observed in the image above, he has shoulder-length hair, layered bangs, and a shorter crown part. All of these add up to the overall charm that his hairstyle gives.

Curly Shag Haircut Men

Although shaggy hairstyles for men can be for any hair type, it still is a perfect style for you who have curly strands.

A short, long, or medium curly shag can give prominence to your features because it will give your hair more texture than it already has from the natural curls.

To elevate the curly shag haircut game, you can also pop it up with two-tone coloring similar to the image above.

In this case, the model in the picture uses a blonde color for the lower part and a darker, more natural color for the upper or crown area.

Modern Shag Haircut Men

Modern is bold, and as you look at the image, that is what it means to have a shaggy hairstyle in the contemporary world.

Shaggy hairstyles today are characterized by boldness in the color choice or in how layered the cuts will be.

What makes this more eye-catching is choosing a hair color that complements your skin tone, as this will not only give your shaggy hair a relevant boost but can also uplift your whole look to make you glow!

Straight Shag Haircut Men

If you have straight hair detailed by fine hair strands, you can still ace the shaggy hairstyles-for-men-look.

While it is true that the straight hair-fine hair duo will have the least volume among the shaggy hairstyles, people cannot discount that the modern times also have modern solutions – a styling product!

You can use a styling gel to create a messy haircut for your shaggy hair, particularly on the crown area.

This will not only add volume, but it will also give your shaggy hairstyle a more personal touch.

Make sure to do this essential tip, or else you’ll look like you have an emergency bowl cut instead of a well-thought-of-but-carefree-looking shag haircut.

Drop Shag Haircut Men

Having an Afro-hair shaggy hairstyle means also being able to do some drop-shag haircut for your curly shag.

The drop shag haircut is also known to be a mullet for those with Afro-textured hair and is rendered with long curls at the back part of the head and the shorter braided or loose crown part hair.

It is also called fat back or brollet by hairstylists, as it is, again, a mullet for those with beautiful coils or curls as hair strands.

Shag Haircut With Bangs Men

Shaggy hairstyles for men often have fringes or bangs. In this case, bangs give you a more proportionate face, especially with a broad or wide forehead.

There is nothing to be ashamed of with those kinds of foreheads, as they are equally beautiful, but if you want a remedy, shaggy hair with bangs will surely seal the deal.

To make the bangs more appealing and match your shag look, you can ask your stylists to do it in minimal layers cut, too.

Moreover, when it is all about bangs and shaggy hair, you can never remove the name of Ashton Kutcher.

As seen in the image above, he rocks short hair shaggy look with full bangs that have layers all over his head.

This style emphasizes his facial features, making him all the more drop-dead gorgeous.

Wavy Shag Haircut Men

When you do not have that coily and kinky strands, you can still rock shaggy hairstyles for men with wavy and thin hair.

You must ensure the shaggy layers are varied to achieve perfect shaggy hair for wavy and thin strands. The layers will determine how your waves will turn out.

Similar to the image, the more layers you have, the better the wavy shag haircut will become!

Medium Shag Haircut Men

Shag haircuts for men are not just for shoulder-length hair or long hair. It is also for men with a medium length that wants a messy look with shaggy hair.

The best way to make this particular style a cool look is to part your hair at the center, including your long bangs.

With this, it will create side-part waves that will make you look young, vibrant, and healthy.

Layered Shag Haircut Men

It is given that shaggy haircuts for men are layered. But, what we mean by layers in this specific hairstyle is similar to the image above, a mullet Jay Jo Windbreaker-inspired haircut.

This shaggy hair is distinguished based on its long tail-end hair, shorter sides (but still long enough to reach the ears), a visible longer crown part, and a short fringe.

It is vital to note that you can also have blunt bangs with this layered shag for as long as the bangs are immersed in layers.

Shag Haircut Men Mexican

Long bangs, medium hair, and a shaggy haircut? We are 100% sure it gives a fresh-faced Mexican fashion statement.

Aside from having great layers, the key to achieving this look is the magic a blow dryer gives. Blow dry your hair to capture that zesty vibe with your shaggy look.

80s Shag Haircut Men

In describing what shaggy haircuts for men are, we cannot thoroughly do so without mentioning the likes of Mick Jagger.

Mick Jagger rocked the shaggy hairstyles for men in medium length. He also had some sheer bangs that elevated his waves and hair volume.

What made his version of tousled hair shag appealing to the crowd is the heap of hair on the top of his head, which resonates a pompadour, but in the messy look of shag hairstyle.

New York Shag Haircut on Men

Edgy and fashionable – these two things make New York shaggy haircuts a cut above all else.

It takes the form of a bowl cut, but the layers differentiate it from that hairstyle. In the New York shag hairstyle, you can have short or medium-length hair and bangs.

The only thing you need to ensure when acing this style is to wear it with pride to make you ooze with confidence with your every stride.

Maintenance Tips

  1. Regular Trims: To keep your shag looking fresh, visit your barber every 6-8 weeks for a trim.
  2. Conditioning: Use a good conditioner to keep your hair healthy and prevent dryness, especially if you have longer layers.
  3. Avoid Over-Styling: Let your hair air dry whenever possible to maintain its natural texture and reduce heat damage.

Shag Haircut Inspiration

  1. Celebrity Styles: Look to celebrities like Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, and Kit Harington for modern shag haircut inspiration.
  2. Stylist Recommendations: Consult with your barber or stylist to determine the best shag variation for your face shape and hair type.

Who is the men’s shag haircut suitable for?

The shaggy hairstyle is for every face shape, hair length, hair type, and even texture. It can complement anybody for as long as you get the right combination of layers.

Yet, it can be easier to recreate if you have curly or wavy hair, as you do not need to exert much effort in adding layers over layers.

In addition, if you already have wavy or curly hair, the shag hairstyle will elevate its volume.

Most importantly, it will be easier to maintain as you do not need fancy styling to keep the waves afloat.

How to get the men’s shag haircut?

Getting the famous shag haircut is easy. To guide you through what you and your stylists need to do, here is a step-by-step method for you:

  1. First, wash your hair correctly using the Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-free clarifying shampoo.
  2. Second, towel dry your hair using a YoulerTex microfiber hair towel wrap.
  3. Third, establish your desired length variations by checking your front, side, and back hair parts.
  4. Fourth, cut your hair from the front using the Sirabe professional haircut scissors kit. 
  5. Fifth, comb and cut the top and sides of your hair by using the Bangmeng hair cutter comb and the same scissors.
  6. Sixth, do some final checking if the variation in hair layers is enough. You can check the back of your hair using the 360° Mirror three-way mirror for self-hair cutting.
  7. Seventh, use a blow dryer like the Aniekin blow dryer with a diffuser to keep the waves in style and place.
  8. Lastly, if you have Afro-textured hair, you can wear a man bun or other styles that elevate your whole shag hairstyle look.

You may also like: How Often Should You Use Clarifying Shampoo On Natural Hair?

How to style a men’s shag haircut?

You can wear your shaggy hairstyles for men in different styling patterns and ways, such as the following:

  • Middle or side partings
  • Messy tousled hair through scrunching
  • A complete beard that covers the jaw and connects with the shag hairstyle
  • Full, curtain, light, or side-swept bangs
  • Man bun or braids
  • Wear your shags with vibrant hair dyes

How much does a men’s shag haircut men cost at a hairdresser?

In getting the shaggy hairstyle, men can spend as little as $12 to $100, depending on the following factors:

  • The hairstylist or hairdresser’s level of expertise and skills
  • The type of salon or establishment you are getting your shag haircut
  • The complexity of layering and styling for your shaggy hairdo

FAQ

We know that apart from all the information we presented, you still have some queries in mind that you need answers to.

We’ll answer some of your frequently asked questions in this section:

Is a shaggy hairstyle suitable for a boy?

The shaggy hairstyles can be your boy’s go-to hairstyle, particularly short shag styles. The shag haircut benefits them (and you) as it is low-maintenance. 

Is a shaggy haircut good for my thin straight hair?

Yes, a shaggy haircut will surely give your thin straight hair a boost in volume as it introduces layers to your hair.

Aside from the volume, you will indeed have textured hair that is, without a doubt, visually pleasing.

Conclusion

With all these things said and done in this article, only one thing is certain: A shag hairstyle is effortless to recreate and maintain.

Just remember one thing when getting your classic shag hairstyle – do not hesitate to make more layers to create volume for beautiful shaggy hair.

Now, what are you waiting for?

Get your equipment ready or go to your trusted hairdresser and get the shag-haircut-for-men of your dreams!

aida turner

Aida

Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist

I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!