The Laid-Back, French-Looking Hairstyle Everyone’s Suddenly Booking in for

I'm going to be honest: when I heard that the '70s shag hairstyle was back in earlier this, I dismissed it immediately. I had visions of drastically short, choppy layers sticking out all over the place, and told myself that there was no way that the haircut would work for me. However, as it turns out, the modern-day iteration of this trend is a lot softer than the original and actually looks incredibly chic. Thanks to subtle layers and relaxed styling, this haircut gives off all of the effortlessly cool, French vibes I've been trying so hard to re-create. Not only does it look effortless, but this style is a lot more low-maintenance compared to other haircuts out there, as it's all about embracing your natural texture. And as we move into autumn it doesn't look like this laidback style is going anywhere in terms of popularity.

As you can tell, I've quickly become a fan of this comeback hair trend, and as I've been doing my research, I've noticed that a lot of celebs and hair stylists are pairing the shag haircut with a fringe. From wispy bangs to curtain bangs and even statement, block styles, there's no denying that a fringe instantly elevates this look. And it's not just the A-listers. I've spotted the shag haircut dominating the streets of London this autumn with countless friends of mine heading to the salon to get the exact cut for winter. Why, I hear you ask? As you'll see below, a fringe blends beautifully with the feathered layers that define the shag haircut, whilst also adding a grungy, '90s feel that makes it a little fresher.

Don't believe me? I've rounded up some of the coolest shag haircuts I've come across below, and bangs are definitely the stand-out feature in each of them.

Shag Haircut With Bangs Inspiration

Jenna Ortega with a shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @jennaortega)

Jenna Ortega's signature shag hairstyle gives off the ultimate cool-girl vibes thanks to her feathered fringe.

Suki Waterhouse with a shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @sukiwaterhouse)

This look is all about adding volume and movement to the top layers of the hair.

@thatcurlytop with a curly shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @thatcurlytop)

I feel like people often think shag hairstyles only work for straight hair, but I think this cut looks beautiful with curls.

@alyssainthecity with a short shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

It also works on super-cropped hairstyles.

@sarah_novio with a shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @sarah_novio)

If you don't want a full fringe, curtain bangs still look effortlessly chic.

@aysha.sow with a shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @aysha.sow)

So stunning.

Selena Gomez with a short shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @selenagomez)

Selena Gomez's wispy shag hairstyle is the perfect example of how to keep your layers light and subtle.

@juliesfi with a shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

A shag hairstyle doesn't have to make a huge statement. For a more natural look, ask for long layers and side bangs.

a woman posing with a curly shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

I love how the warm highlights add extra dimension to this shag hairstyle.

Jennifer Lopez with a shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @jlo)

Even Jennifer Lopez has given the feathered fringe and shag haircut a go.

a woman posing with a shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

I mean, it doesn't get much cooler than this.

a woman posing with a curly shag haircut and bangs

(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

Just look at that volume.

Natasha Lyonne with shaggy red hair and short fringe wearing black vest

(Image credit: @vernonfrancois)

From the colour to the cut, Natasha Lyonne's curly style is so damn cool.

Emily Ratajkowski with long layered haircut and curtain bangs

(Image credit: @emrata)

While the shag haircut is often seen on mid-length styles, Emily Ratajkowski's longer lengths look amazing with some choppier layers and curtain bangs.

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Grace Lindsay
Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.