Medium Shag Hairstyle Ideas for 2024

Medium shag hairstyles have been making a triumphant comeback in recent years, offering women a perfect blend of style, versatility, and effortless chic. This article delves into the world of medium shag haircuts, exploring their unique characteristics and why they've become a go-to choice for fashion-forward individuals.

The medium shag is characterized by its layered, textured look that typically falls between the chin and shoulders, creating a perfect balance between short and long styles. It's a cut that exudes a carefree, rock-and-roll vibe while maintaining a polished and modern edge. Whether you're looking to add volume to fine hair, tame thick locks, or simply shake up your current style, the medium shag offers a solution for every hair type and face shape.

In the following sections, we'll explore 20 stunning medium shag hairstyle ideas, complete with detailed descriptions and styling tips. From classic cuts with a twist to bold, avant-garde interpretations, this guide will inspire you to embrace the shag and discover a look that perfectly expresses your personal style.

Classic Medium Shag with Curtain Bangs

The classic medium shag with curtain bangs is a timeless look that never goes out of style. This cut features layers that start at the chin and gradually increase in length towards the shoulders, creating a beautiful, textured silhouette.

The standout feature is the curtain bangs – long, face-framing pieces that can be styled to either side or worn straight down for a more dramatic look.

This versatile cut works well with various hair textures, from straight to wavy, and can be customized to flatter different face shapes.

To style, use a texturizing spray and scrunch the hair while blow-drying for added volume and movement. The result is a effortlessly cool, lived-in look that's perfect for both casual and dressy occasions.

Textured Lob Shag

The textured lob shag combines the sleekness of a long bob with the edgy appeal of a shag haircut. This style typically falls just above or at the shoulders, with layers cut throughout to create texture and movement.

The ends are point-cut or razored for a piecey, lived-in look that's both modern and low-maintenance. This cut is ideal for those who want to add volume and dimension to fine hair or remove bulk from thick hair. To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a round brush, focusing on creating lift at the roots. Finish with a texturizing spray and tousle with your fingers for that perfectly imperfect look.

The textured lob shag is a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various occasions and lifestyles.

Shaggy Wolf Cut

The shaggy wolf cut is a bold and daring take on the medium shag, perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair. This style combines elements of a mullet and a shag, resulting in a cut that's full of attitude and edge.

The hair is cut shorter and more voluminous at the crown, with layers that gradually increase in length towards the back and sides. This creates a striking silhouette that's reminiscent of a wolf's mane, hence the name. The shaggy wolf cut works best on medium to thick hair types and can be customized to suit different face shapes.

To style, use a volumizing powder at the roots and rough-dry the hair upside down for maximum volume. Finish with a texturizing spray and use your fingers to piece out the layers for a wild, untamed look that's sure to turn heads.

Wavy Medium Shag with Side-Swept Bangs

This romantic and feminine take on the medium shag combines soft waves with flattering side-swept bangs. The cut features layers that start around the cheekbones and continue down to the shoulders, creating a beautiful cascade of waves.

The side-swept bangs add a touch of sophistication and can be adjusted to complement various face shapes. This style works particularly well for those with naturally wavy hair, as it enhances the hair's natural texture. To style, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch while air-drying or diffusing. Once dry, use a large-barrel curling iron to touch up any unruly sections and create more defined waves.

Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place while maintaining movement. This wavy medium shag is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet polished look that works for both day and night.

Razored Medium Shag with Baby Bangs

For those looking to embrace their edgy side, the razored medium shag with baby bangs is an excellent choice. This cut features sharp, razor-cut layers throughout the hair, creating a choppy, piecey texture that exudes rock-and-roll vibes.

The standout feature is the short, blunt baby bangs that sit high on the forehead, adding a bold and daring element to the look. This style works well with straight to slightly wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and rough-dry using your fingers to enhance the natural texture.

Once dry, use a flat iron to create subtle bends and waves throughout the hair for added dimension. Finish with a dry texturizing spray to enhance the piecey look and provide hold. This edgy shag is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair and aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Curly Medium Shag with Rounded Layers

The curly medium shag with rounded layers is a celebration of natural texture, perfect for those blessed with curly locks. This cut features strategically placed layers that are cut in a rounded shape, helping to enhance the natural curl pattern and create a balanced, bouncy silhouette. The layers start around the cheekbones and continue down to the shoulders, preventing the dreaded "triangle" shape that can occur with curly hair.

This style is particularly flattering for those with round or square face shapes, as it helps to elongate the face. To style, apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and scrunch upwards towards the scalp.

Allow the hair to air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on low heat to minimize frizz. Once dry, use a small amount of curl-defining gel to enhance individual curls and add shine. This curly medium shag is a low-maintenance option that embraces natural texture while providing a polished, put-together look.

Choppy Medium Shag with Micro Bangs

For those who dare to be different, the choppy medium shag with micro bangs is a bold and adventurous choice. This cut features deliberately uneven, choppy layers throughout the hair, creating a raw, edgy texture that screams punk rock.

The micro bangs – ultra-short, straight-across bangs that sit high on the forehead – add an extra element of rebellion to the look. This style works best on straight to slightly wavy hair and can be particularly striking on those with strong facial features.

To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and rough-dry using your fingers to enhance the natural texture. Once dry, use a flat iron to create random bends and kinks throughout the hair for added dimension and messiness.

Finish with a strong-hold texturizing spray to enhance the piecey look and provide long-lasting hold. This choppy shag is perfect for those who want to express their individuality and aren't afraid to push the boundaries of conventional hairstyles.

Soft Layered Medium Shag

The soft layered medium shag is a more subtle and wearable interpretation of the shag trend, perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the style without going too extreme. This cut features long, face-framing layers that start around the cheekbones and blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair.

The overall effect is a soft, flowing look that enhances natural movement and adds volume without appearing too choppy or disconnected. This style works well on various hair types and is particularly flattering for those with fine hair, as the layers help to create the illusion of thickness and volume. To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a round brush, focusing on creating lift at the roots.

Once dry, use a medium-sized curling iron to add soft waves throughout the hair, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style while allowing for movement.

This soft layered shag is a versatile option that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both professional and casual settings.

Asymmetrical Medium Shag

The asymmetrical medium shag adds a modern, avant-garde twist to the classic shag haircut. This bold style features longer layers on one side of the head, typically falling to the shoulders or slightly below, while the other side is cut shorter with choppier layers.

The result is a striking, unbalanced look that's sure to turn heads. This cut works well on straight to wavy hair types and can be particularly flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. To style, create a deep side part on the longer side of the hair.

Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a round brush, focusing on creating volume and movement. Once dry, use a flat iron to add subtle bends and waves throughout the hair, emphasizing the difference in length between the two sides. Finish with a texturizing spray to enhance the piecey look and provide hold.

The asymmetrical medium shag is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement with their hair and aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Feathered Medium Shag

The feathered medium shag is a nod to the iconic 70s hairstyle, updated for the modern era. This cut features soft, wispy layers that are cut to blend seamlessly, creating a light and airy look reminiscent of feathers.

The layers typically start around the cheekbones and continue down to the ends, with the shortest layers framing the face. This style works particularly well on fine to medium hair types, as the feathered layers help to create the illusion of volume and movement.

To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a round brush, focusing on creating lift at the roots and flipping the ends outwards. Once dry, use a small round brush to touch up the face-framing layers, curling them away from the face for a classic feathered look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style while allowing for natural movement.

The feathered medium shag is a versatile option that can be worn sleek for a more polished look or tousled for a carefree, bohemian vibe.

Textured Medium Shag with Curtain Fringe

The textured medium shag with curtain fringe combines the best of both worlds – the edgy texture of a shag cut with the softness of face-framing curtain bangs. This style features choppy layers throughout the hair, creating a tousled, lived-in look that's full of movement and dimension.

The curtain fringe, which parts in the center and swoops to either side, adds a touch of softness and versatility to the overall style. This cut works well on various hair types and is particularly flattering for those with square or round face shapes, as the curtain fringe helps to elongate the face. To style, apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and rough-dry using your fingers to enhance the natural texture.

Once dry, use a flat iron to create subtle bends and waves throughout the hair, focusing on accentuating the layers. Style the curtain fringe by blow-drying it forward and then sweeping it to either side.

Finish with a dry shampoo at the roots for added volume and texture. This versatile shag can be worn messy and tousled for a casual look or smoothed out for a more polished appearance.

Shaggy Bob with Blunt Ends

The shaggy bob with blunt ends offers a unique twist on the traditional shag, combining the texture and movement of layered hair with the precision of a blunt cut. This style typically falls at chin length, with choppy layers throughout the top and interior of the hair to create volume and texture.

The standout feature is the blunt, straight line at the bottom, which provides a striking contrast to the messy, lived-in texture above. This cut works well on straight to wavy hair types and is particularly flattering for those with fine hair, as the blunt ends create the illusion of thickness. To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a paddle brush, focusing on creating volume at the roots.

Once dry, use a flat iron to add subtle bends and waves throughout the top layers, leaving the ends straight for contrast. Finish with a texturizing powder at the roots and a light mist of hairspray to maintain the style. This shaggy bob is perfect for those who want the edginess of a shag combined with the sleekness of a classic bob.

Long Layered Shag with Side Bangs

The long layered shag with side bangs is a versatile and flattering style that works well for those who prefer their hair on the longer side. This cut features long layers that start around the cheekbones and continue down past the shoulders, creating a beautiful cascade effect.

The side-swept bangs add a touch of softness and can be adjusted to complement various face shapes. This style works particularly well on medium to thick hair types, as the layers help to remove bulk and add movement. To style, apply a heat protectant and blow-dry the hair using a large round brush, focusing on creating volume at the roots and a slight bend in the layers.

Once dry, use a large-barrel curling iron to add loose waves throughout the hair, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural look. Style the side bangs by blow-drying them with a round brush, sweeping them to one side. Finish with a texturizing spray for added volume and piece-y texture. This long layered shag is perfect for those who want the edgy appeal of a shag cut while maintaining longer length.

Messy Medium Shag with Highlights

The messy medium shag with highlights combines texture and color for a stunning, multidimensional look. This cut features choppy layers throughout the hair, creating a tousled, lived-in appearance that's full of movement.

The addition of subtle highlights adds depth and dimension to the style, enhancing the layered effect and creating the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. This style works well on various hair types and colors, but is particularly striking on darker base colors with lighter, sun-kissed highlights. To style, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch while air-drying or diffusing to enhance the natural texture.

Once dry, use a flat iron to create random bends and waves throughout the hair, focusing on accentuating the layers and highlights. Finish with a dry texturizing spray to enhance the messy, lived-in look and provide hold. This messy medium shag with highlights is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that looks effortlessly cool and sun-kissed.

Rounded Medium Shag with Full Bangs

The rounded medium shag with full bangs offers a modern take on the classic 70s shag. This cut features layers that are cut in a rounded shape, creating a soft, voluminous silhouette that's reminiscent of vintage styles.

The standout feature is the full, straight-across bangs that sit just above the eyebrows, adding a bold and eye-catching element to the look. This style works well on various hair types but is particularly flattering for those with fine to medium hair, as the rounded layers help to create the illusion of fullness.

To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a large round brush, focusing on creating lift at the roots and a rounded shape throughout. Style the bangs by blow-drying them straight down using a small round brush. Once dry, use a medium-sized curling iron to add soft waves throughout the layers, enhancing the rounded shape.

Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style while allowing for movement. This rounded medium shag is perfect for those who want to channel retro vibes with a modern twist.

Shaggy Lob with Wispy Ends

The shaggy lob with wispy ends combines the sleekness of a long bob with the edgy texture of a shag cut. This style typically falls just above the shoulders, with choppy layers throughout that create movement and dimension. The ends are cut to be wispy and textured, adding a soft, feathered look to the overall style.

This cut works well on various hair types and is particularly flattering for those with fine hair, as the layers and wispy ends create the illusion of fullness. To style, apply a texturizing mousse to damp hair and rough-dry using your fingers to enhance the natural texture.

Once dry, use a flat iron to create subtle bends and waves throughout the hair, focusing on creating a piecey, lived-in look. Finish with a dry texturizing spray to enhance the wispy ends and provide hold. This shaggy lob is a versatile option that can be worn sleek for a more polished look or tousled for a carefree, bohemian vibe.

Voluminous Medium Shag with Root Lift

The voluminous medium shag with root lift is a bold and dramatic take on the classic shag, perfect for those who love big hair. This cut features layers that are strategically placed to create maximum volume, especially at the crown and around the face.

The overall effect is a big, bold look that's reminiscent of 60s bouffant styles, but with a modern, textured twist. This style works best on medium to thick hair types and can be particularly flattering for those with long or oval face shapes. To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots.

Blow-dry the hair upside down to create maximum lift at the roots. Once the hair is mostly dry, use a large round brush to finish drying, focusing on creating volume at the crown. Tease the hair at the roots for added lift, and use a medium-sized curling iron to add waves and movement throughout the layers.

Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to maintain the volume and texture. This voluminous medium shag is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair and aren't afraid of a little extra height.

Textured Medium Shag with Peek-a-Boo Highlights

The textured medium shag with peek-a-boo highlights adds an element of surprise and dimension to the classic shag cut. This style features choppy layers throughout the hair, creating a tousled, lived-in look that's full of movement. The standout feature is the peek-a-boo highlights – subtle streaks of lighter color that are placed underneath the top layers of hair, peeking out when the hair moves.

This technique adds depth and dimension to the style without being too bold or obvious. To style, apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and rough-dry using your fingers to enhance the natural texture. Once dry, use a flat iron to create random bends and waves throughout the hair, focusing on accentuating the layers and revealing the peek-a-boo highlights.

Finish with a dry shampoo at the roots for added volume and texture. This textured medium shag with peek-a-boo highlights is perfect for those who want to add a subtle pop of color to their shag without committing to all-over color.

Sleek Medium Shag with Face-Framing Layers

The sleek medium shag with face-framing layers offers a more polished and refined take on the classic shag. This cut features long layers that start around the cheekbones and blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, creating a soft, face-framing effect.

The overall look is smoother and more controlled than a typical shag, with a glossy finish that adds a touch of sophistication. This style works well on various hair types and is particularly flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. To style, apply a smoothing serum to damp hair and blow-dry using a large round brush, focusing on creating a sleek finish with subtle volume at the roots.

Once dry, use a flat iron to smooth out any frizz and create subtle bends in the face-framing layers. Finish with a shine spray to enhance the glossy look and a light-hold hairspray to maintain the style. This sleek medium shag is perfect for those who want the layered look of a shag but prefer a more polished, put-together appearance.

Tousled Medium Shag with Balayage

The tousled medium shag with balayage combines texture and color for a stunning, sun-kissed look. This cut features choppy layers throughout the hair, creating a tousled, beachy appearance that's full of movement. The addition of balayage highlights – a freehand coloring technique that creates a natural, graduated color effect – adds depth and dimension to the style, enhancing the layered effect and creating a lived-in, sun-kissed look.

This style works well on various hair types and colors, but is particularly striking on darker base colors with lighter, natural-looking highlights. To style, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch while air-drying or diffusing to enhance the natural texture. Once dry, use a medium-sized curling iron to add loose waves throughout the hair, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural look.

Finish with a texturizing spray to enhance the tousled appearance and provide hold. This tousled medium shag with balayage is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that looks effortlessly cool and sun-kissed.

We hope you've enjoyed our comprehensive exploration of medium shag hairstyles for women. From classic cuts with a modern twist to bold, avant-garde interpretations, these 20 styles showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of the shag haircut.

Whether you prefer a polished, sophisticated look or a messy, lived-in vibe, there's a medium shag style to suit every taste and hair type. Remember, the key to rocking a shag is embracing its natural texture and movement – don't be afraid to let your hair's unique characteristics shine through.

When choosing a shag style, consider your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle to find the perfect cut that not only looks great but is also manageable for your daily routine. With the right styling products and techniques, you can easily adapt your shag for different occasions, making it one of the most versatile haircuts out there.

We encourage you to experiment with these styles, mixing and matching elements to create a look that's uniquely you. After all, the beauty of the shag lies in its ability to be customized and personalized to reflect your individual style and personality.