Style is more than just clothing or hairstyle; it’s a personal statement, a way to communicate our inner world to those around us. So, it’s not surprising that the shag haircut, once a symbol of the rebellious 1970s, has re-emerged as a leading beauty trend.
This layered cut, recognized for its volume, texture, and fringe, has made a powerful comeback, captivating the fashion crowd with its poetic charm. It’s not just a fleeting fashion fad; it’s a trend that’s here to stay.
NYC hairstylist Devin Toth echoes this sentiment to Instyle, calling the shag “the hottest haircut trend for the last couple of years.” He describes it as cool, geometric, and fresh. While it may seem simple at first glance, the shag hair trend is far from boring.
It’s essentially a lob with bangs, but it’s the unique geometry it adds around the face that sets it apart from other styles. The shag hair is not just about the length of the haircut, but the way it frames the face, offering variations in bangs, layers, and textures. This is why it’s becoming a popular hairstyle as it offers a fresh perspective on a classic style.
Photo: Getty Images The shag haircut, the hairstyle that was once the hallmark of 70s icons such as Farrah Fawcett, Jane Fonda, David Bowie, and Tina Turner, has now evolved into a cultural phenomenon that transcends generations. These stars planted the seeds of this trend, which has grown and flourished over time, becoming a staple in contemporary fashion.
Deja Foxx, founder of GenZ Girl Gang and a young activist, views the shag haircut as a symbol of personal growth and self-expression, especially for the younger generation. She believes that making a bold, unconventional hairstyle choice can be an empowering act, a way to explore and express one’s identity. Foxx’s transformation into a ’70s-inspired shag was beautifully captured in the Emmy-nominated TikTok, Boom.
She’s not alone in her love for the layered cut. Many celebrities, including Miley Cyrus, Brennan Rock, Alexa Chung, Julianne Hough, Molly Ringwald, Anok Yai, Debby Ryan, and Taylor Swift, have embraced the shag haircut in the last couple of years.
The influence of these stars is evident in the mainstream beauty world. A quick search for #shaghaircut on Instagram reveals over 328,000 posts, while the same hashtag on TikTok has garnered an astounding 577.1 million views. According to Linter, who has worn a shag on and off since 1972, the beauty of the shag haircut lies in its versatility. Whether you’re going for a punk look, a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, or a classic style, the shag haircut can be adapted to suit your style. It’s a timeless hairstyle that can look great on anyone, regardless of age.
Ancient roots
The shag hair trend has deep historical roots tracing back to Paul McGregor, who crafted it for Jane Fonda. This transformative style, characterized by its choppy, feathered look, gained prominence when Fonda debuted it as Bree Daniels in the 1971 film ‘Klute.’ The dramatic change from her prior long, blonde hair reportedly boosted her self-esteem.
The shag hairstyle’s popularity was further propelled by Siouxsie Sioux, the frontwoman of Siouxsie and the Banshees. Her punk rock interpretation of the 1970s shag haircut left a lasting impression on a generation. Sioux’s enduring influence is evident in her hairstyle today, which mirrors her iconic look from the past. Her unique style played a pivotal role in the emergence of the punk fashion trend in the 70s.
This gender-neutral hairstyle gained even more traction when it was adopted by a host of celebrities at the pinnacle of their careers in the early 70s, including Joan Jett, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, David Cassidy, Stevie Nicks, and Florence Henderson. However, perhaps the most famous shag belonged to Farrah Fawcett.
The iconic image of Farrah Fawcett, radiant in a vibrant red swimsuit with her signature shag hairstyle, was a staple in pop culture history. Fawcett’s feathered, airy, and effortlessly chic shag hairstyle played a pivotal role in making it one of the most prominent hair trends of the 1970s. This trend took root far and wide, from Anchorage, Alaska, to the rest of the country, with people handing their stylists copies of Fawcett’s photograph, hoping to emulate her look.
Photo: Getty Images The resurgence of the “Shag” hair trend
The trendy haircut disappeared from the beauty scene in the 1980s; however, Jennifer Aniston breathed new life into it in the 1990s. Aniston’s “Rachel” hairstyle, named after her character in the hit sitcom Friends, was the style du jour that everyone aspired to replicate. Interestingly, most people are unaware that the Rachel haircut is essentially a contemporary interpretation of the shag style. The defining characteristic of a shag hairstyle is layering, which was precisely how Aniston’s hair was styled for the show.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, and Meg Ryan brought the haircut back into the limelight. However, its popularity was short-lived until it made a comeback in the early 2020s.
In the 2020s, a novel spin on the shag haircut, known as the wolf cut, gained popularity. This modern interpretation stands out with its shorter front, reminiscent of a mullet, often accompanied by bangs. Notable celebrities like Camila Cabello and Miley Cyrus have embraced this trend-setting look.
Contemporary Interpretation
In the modern era, the layered haircut continues to fascinate with its various modern renditions, tailored to suit the tastes of today’s women. The present-day shag is characterized by its choppiness and rich texture, making it a versatile style that complements everyone who dares to try it. Women with both curly and straight hair are seen flaunting this cut, regardless of the length of their hair.
Reverie Salon and Kazien Education owner Sal Misseri concurs that the nineties have made a comeback in recent fashion trends, inspiring the updated shag look. According to him, the modern variant pays a stylish, grunge tribute to the decade.
Misseri asserts that the modern shag is customizable, stating that: “Almost anyone can wear bangs and layers, as long as they’re balanced with their face shape and hairline.” He considers the shag to be one of the most adaptable wash-and-wear styles. He suggests applying a dry texturizer to your wet or dry roots, tousling, and you’re good to go.
If you’re contemplating getting this trendy cut, your stylist must consider your unique face shape and hair growth pattern before making the first snip. This will ensure that the layers grow out seamlessly over time. To enhance the fluidity and liveliness of the cut, ask your stylist to employ a razor.
The current season’s must-have cut exudes a soft and appealing charm, requires minimal upkeep, and effortlessly radiates coolness. The modern shag hair trend, with its face-framing qualities, is the ideal summer cut. It features choppy long layers, feathered ends, and bangs, striking the perfect balance between style and ease.
Photo: Getty Images
