There has been so much to love when it comes to the biggest hair trends of 2025, and while there has been an incredible variety in the mix of styles that we’ve seen take off this year, there is one common theme that unites them all—they’re low-maintenance and full of texture. Yes, year high-effort is out and ease is in. Whether that’s feathery short cuts or long layers with face-framing fringes, the most popular styles of the year ooze that feeling of wash it and go. Combined with a lot of nostalgic styles re-emerging too—from ‘90s bobs to ‘80s mullets—and it should come as no surprise that the ‘70s shag is also enjoying a resurgence.
What is the shag hairstyle?
Fuss-free, easy to manage, and incredibly versatile, the shag is the ultimate undone statement haircut. It’s choppy, full of texture, and makes for a refreshing change to long layers or one-length hair. “In the 1970s we saw icons such as Farrah Fawcett, Stevie Nicks and Debbie Harry rock the shag haircut, with a choppy fringe, and textured layers,” explains Hollie Rose Clarke, Hair Stylist Ambassador for Living Proof. “Today, we’re seeing the shag return but with a modern twist. The shag of 2025 is softer and more versatile with face-framing layers and sometimes bangs—Suki Waterhouse showcases this perfectly.”
Who does the shag hairstyle suit?
While its classic iteration is synonymous with longer styles, the shag haircut actually works for all lengths and hair types. “Those with fine or flat hair will find the shag haircut can help give the appearance of more volume and movement, while wavy and curly hair types will love this cut as it really brings to life the natural texture of their hair,” says Clarke. And those with naturally straight hair can still enjoy this style, it might just require a little more styling and texture-boosting products.
How to style the shag hairstyle
Those who don’t want to waste a huge amount of time on styling will love the shag haircut for just how easy it is to look after at home. “It’s perfect for those embracing their natural curl or wave pattern as you can work with a prep product that adds moisture to prevent frizz, then use your hands to twist small sections to enhance the natural movement of your hair,” explains Clarke. After styling, a texture spray like Living Proof’s Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray (£31), will “add body and bounce which leans perfectly into the modern shag hair texture” says Clarke.
Feeling tempted? Keep scrolling for our roundup of the very best shag hairstyles out there, and the best products to look after your style at home.
The best shag hairstyle inspiration
1. Classic Shag
The queen of the shag haircut, Suki Waterhouse's long layers and full fringe prove that this classic '70s cut still looks fresh in 2025.
2. Feathered Fringe
This airy, mid-length cut on Hoyeon feels so modern thanks to its choppy layers and soft fringe.
3. Platinum Hue
We're still not over Miley Cyrus's bright blonde shag which was one of the first cuts to put this style back on the map.
4. Short and Sweet
Yes, even short lengths can rock the shag haircut as demonstrated beautifully by Isabel Hendrix. And if your hair is naturally straight and fine too then worry not, all you need is a little styling cream or texture spray to enhance those layers.
5. Curly Shag
Weightless and shoulder-skimming, Jazmine Brown's curly cut is the perfect shape for defining curls. If you're trying out this trend for the first time, keep layers (and your fringe) long.
6. '80s Bangs
If you ask us, Selena is queen of the modern day shag. Sure, she might be better known for her slicked back buns and glamour waves, but this summer's tousled cut is giving cool '80s vibes.
7. Cherry Pop
From the vibrant colour to the micro cut, Aiki's shag style is undeniably contemporary and proves that this style works just as well on straight hair as it does on textured.
8. Bouncy Waves
Actress Beatrice Granno's shoulder-length cut really lifts her curls and adds so much volume and shape.
9. Soft Layers
Everyone went wild when Billie Eilish stepped out in this soft layered cut a couple of years back—and it still holds up. This makes for great salon inspiration if you're heading in for a shag haircut.
10. Bouncy Bob
Whether long or short, Helena's been rocking the same shag-style cut for years, and her signature look is just as chic now as it was 10 years ago.
11. Mini Shag
The shag, but make it mini. She's had her fair share of iconic hairstyles over the years, but Alyssa Coscarelli's shag style is, by far, our favourite.
12. Textured Layers
How pretty is this soft and fluffy layered cut on Norah Jones? It suits her natural curls perfectly.
13. Parisian Chic
If you like the versatility of a style that can be worn up or down, ask for your layers to be kept longer like Julie Sergent Ferreri and opt for a fuller fringe.
14. Micro Cut
While the iconic '70s shag that first springs to mind is typically longer, this super-choppy, undone pixie cut has all of the low-maintenance shag vibes you need if you want to experiment with this trend but prefer shorter styles.
15. Tousled Layers
Linda Cardellini's layered cut is classic in style but feels modern in execution thanks to that ultra-polished expensive gloss.
16. Volumised Roots
If your hair is long and straight, taking the leap into a more layered style may seem scary. Ask for long layers like Sabina Socol and use heat tools to add lift at the roots for serious French-girl vibes.
17. Delicate Fringe
Not all shag haircuts come with a fringe, but when they look as beautiful as this delicately cut one on Yara Shahidi then it's definitely worth considering.
18. Grown Out Lengths
This long, layered look is all of the proof you need that a grown-out shag style looks just as chic now on Chloé Harrouche as it did when it was first cut in.
19. Face Framing Layers
While the 2025 take on the shag is about more graduated layers, Billie Piper's sharp cut feels beautifully retro with dramatic face-framing layers that add so much movement.
20. Shoulder-Length Shag
Gabi Gregg's shoulder-length curly cut is exactly the sort of cool, modern way we're seeing the shag being worn in 2025.
21. Pixi Hybrid
Taylor Hill's grown-out pixie crop lends itself to the shag hair trend beautifully—merging easy layers with her natural waves.
22. Half-Up, Half-Down
Teaming a textured shag with a brow-grazing, full fringe is a fun and modern way to wear this style. Bravo, Ciara Cherise.
23. Beach Waves
The best bit about a shag cut is that it if you have wavy hair like Caitlin Miyako, it requires minimal styling. Think surfer vibes—keeping things minimal and messy works every time.
24. Modern Romantic
Long, voluminous curls look seriously good when cut into a layered shag. Opting for a centre-parted fringe like Aysha Sow creates a softer, more romantic look that nods at the '70s origins of this style.
25. '90s Grunge
From the cut to the colour, Barbie Ferreira's grungy style is the epitome of '90s cool.
26. Wispy Bob
The short layers, the wispy curls, the flyaways over the face… We couldn't be more obsessed with Christina Caradona's soft, bouncy cut if we tried.
27. '70s Glam
We're getting serious '70s vibes from Laura Tønder blonde shag, and after another rewatch of Daisy Jones and the Six, we're not mad about it. The bouffant, flicked-out fringe is major hair goals.
The Best Styling Products for Shag Hairstyles
Ask any hairstylist and they'll tell you that hairstyling starts with your shampoo. This sea salt-infused formula adds texture from the get-go.
A refreshing alternative to heavy and sticky hairsprays, this will help to maintain texture without weighing hair down.
This leave-in conditioning cream is specifically designed for curly hair—it helps to keep curls looking fresh and hydrated all day long.
If you're a one-and-done product kind of person, look no further than this iconic wave spray which instantly enhances texture.
To maintain movement and lift in your roots, commit to a weekly scalp scrub. Ideal if your hair is thick or naturally falls flat.
This leave-in cream is a great to enhance your curls' texture while also softening flyaways and frizz—no heat styling required.
If you struggle to get texture and curls to hold in your hair, start your styling routine with this spray-on hair primer.
Since the key to styling a shag is all about maintaining texture, you'll want to avoid rich and heavy conditioners which can weigh hair down. Instead, try a co-wash—essentially a 2-in-1 moisturising shampoo.
Another great product for fans of a low maintenance styling routine. This multitasking cream defines curls, tames frizz, smooths flyaways, and conditions hair.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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