The Modern Shag Cut: Retro Vibes Meet 2018 Cool
The shag haircut is officially back, and it looks better than ever. After spending decades in the shadow of blunt bobs and precision layers, the shag has roared back into the spotlight in 2018, reinvented for a new generation of women who want a haircut that is equal parts rock and roll, bohemian, and undeniably cool. At Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton, we have seen requests for the modern shag increase dramatically, and we could not be happier about it. This is a haircut that flatters a wide range of face shapes, works with multiple hair textures, and practically styles itself.
A Brief History of the Shag
The original shag haircut emerged in the 1970s, popularized by rock icons and movie stars who wanted a hairstyle that matched their rebellious, free-spirited attitudes. The hallmarks of the classic shag were heavy layers throughout the hair, lots of movement, feathered bangs, and a slightly disheveled, lived-in look. It was the antithesis of the polished, structured hairstyles that had dominated the previous decade.
Over the years, the shag went in and out of fashion. It had a minor revival in the 1990s and again in the early 2010s, but it always carried a whiff of vintage nostalgia that prevented it from feeling truly current. That has changed in 2018. Today’s shag has been updated with modern cutting techniques, softer layering, and more versatile styling options that make it feel fresh rather than retro.
What Makes the Modern Shag Different
The 2018 shag borrows the spirit of the original but refines it for contemporary tastes. The layers are still the defining feature, but they are cut with more precision and intentionality. Rather than the uniform, all-over choppy layers of the 1970s version, the modern shag uses a mix of shorter layers near the crown for volume and longer, face-framing layers that soften the overall shape.
Bangs are an essential component, but you have options. The most popular choice is curtain bangs, which part naturally in the center and blend into the face-framing layers. This creates a seamless, flowing look that is incredibly flattering. If you prefer a more dramatic fringe, a full set of textured, choppy bangs can give the shag a more edgy, rock-inspired vibe. And if bangs are not your thing at all, a modern shag still works beautifully without them, relying on shorter layers around the face to create that characteristic shape.
The texture is another key difference. Where the classic shag was often styled with a lot of volume and flipped-out ends, the modern version embraces a more relaxed, slightly undone texture. Think tousled waves, piece-y layers, and a general air of effortlessness. This is not a haircut that requires a round brush and thirty minutes in front of the mirror. It is designed to look good with minimal styling.
Who the Modern Shag Works For
One of the reasons the modern shag has become so popular is its versatility. It works on a surprisingly wide range of hair types and face shapes, though some variations are better suited to certain characteristics than others.
For fine hair, the shag is a revelation. The layers create the illusion of significantly more volume and thickness, especially when the shorter layers at the crown are cut to fall just right. If you have fine hair that tends to fall flat, a well-cut shag can give you the movement and body you have been craving without the need for volumizing products or teasing.
For thick hair, the shag provides welcome relief. The layers remove bulk and weight, allowing thick hair to move more freely and feel less overwhelming. A thick-haired shag has gorgeous natural volume and a luxurious, full shape that is easy to manage.
For wavy and curly hair, the shag is a natural match. Layers enhance the natural pattern of waves and curls, creating definition and bounce. A curly shag is one of the most striking haircuts you can get, with layers that cascade and frame the face beautifully.
As for face shapes, the shag is forgiving and adaptable. For round faces, longer face-framing layers create a slimming effect. For long faces, wider layers and full bangs add width. For square faces, soft, curtain-style bangs and rounded layers soften angular features. Your stylist will customize the layer placement and length based on your specific proportions.
Styling the Modern Shag
The beauty of the modern shag is how little styling it requires. For the most effortless look, apply a texturizing product to damp hair and let it air dry. The layers will create natural movement and shape as they dry, and the imperfect, tousled result is exactly the vibe you want. In Boca Raton’s humid climate, this air-dry approach is not just convenient, it is practical. Fighting humidity with a blow dryer and round brush is a losing battle, but a shag embraces natural texture and movement, making humidity work in your favor.
If you prefer a more polished look, a quick blow dry with a medium round brush can smooth the layers and add more defined body. Focus the brush on the face-framing pieces and bangs, flipping them away from your face for that classic, Farrah-inspired shape. The rest of the hair can be rough-dried with your fingers for easy volume.
For a more textured, editorial look, use a flat iron or curling wand to create loose, piece-y waves. The key is not to curl every section perfectly. Leave some pieces straight, curl others in different directions, and break up the curls with your fingers afterward. This creates that coveted undone texture that makes the modern shag so appealing.
Maintenance and Growing Out
A shag does require regular trims to maintain its shape. We recommend coming in every eight to ten weeks to clean up the layers and keep the overall silhouette balanced. Without regular trims, the layers can grow out into a shapeless, mullet-adjacent situation that nobody wants.
The good news is that a shag trim is typically quick and straightforward. Your stylist is maintaining an existing shape rather than creating a new one, so the appointment is shorter and less expensive than the initial cut.
If you decide to grow out your shag, the process is actually more forgiving than growing out many other layered cuts. As the shorter layers lengthen, they gradually blend into the longer ones. Your stylist can help manage the transition by trimming the longer sections less frequently while allowing the shorter layers to catch up.
Book Your Appointment at Sofia Loren Salon
Ready to try the haircut that is taking 2018 by storm? Visit Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton for a shag cut consultation. Our stylists will customize the perfect modern shag for your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. Call us at (561) 444-0720 or book online at sofialorensalon.com.