Retro Hairstyles: The Shag

Have you ever wanted a new hairstyle to turn your hair into something cool and stylish? Try the shag hairstyle. It was one of the most iconic hairstyles in the 70s and is making a major comeback this year. The shag was a huge trend when it was worn by Farrah Faucet and Janis Joplin in its original debut. It was one of the biggest styles in fashion and beauty because it was such a cool and effortless style.  

The shag hairstyle came in choppy and layered styles. The layers are often feathered at the top and sides. They make your hair full around the crown, and then your hair thins to fringes around the edges. Today, the shag has been modernized to fit the current culture, but still brings the classic 70s vibe. Stylist Anh Co Tran says, “Depending on your hair texture, the shag is a cut that can be worn extremely messy or seamlessly straight.” Whether you have long or short hair, straight or curly, it works with all types of hair.

Then:

Stevie Nicks’ shag haircut helped shape the effortless bohemian look combined with the classic rocker look. The style shown was one of the most iconic styles in that era. This hair is the best style to go for if you’re into boho styles. Nicks has the front bangs that often accompany the shag hairstyle, yet covers her side profile in a framing way. Her shag comes in a long, wavy look.

Joan Jett wears the shag haircut in a way that makes you want to rock out at a concert while listening to your favorite band. This classic jet-black shag shows the bangs with the teased crown through a straightened, short hair style. Her heavy black eyeliner completes the look. Jett has popularized this shag for those who love edgier styles. This shag is the perfect style to go for if you’re into edgy styles.


Now:

Now that the hairstyle is emerging as a trend again, people have modernized the shag haircut. They have brought a new style to it, but still bring the 70s vibe. Influencer Alyssa Coscarelli wears a shag in a bob haircut partnered with her bouncy curls. Her hair brings a modern-yet-retro vibe to the shag haircut. It shows that the shag can suit short hair lengths nicely. If you have bouncy curls and short hair, this look is definitely for you.

Another modern shag cut is worn by Zendaya. She wears a very curly hairstyle with front bangs. Her voluminous curly shag shows that the style suits every type of hair. This shag style is perfect for those with very curly hair who want to try the shag haircut as a new style that requires minimal effort to maintain.


The shag haircut is one of the best hair trends to make a comeback due to its absolutely effortless appeal and versatile use across hair types and personal styles. You can go from bohemian or rocker girl to a more relaxed look. If you want to get a new haircut but put a twist on it, try the shag. It can give you a new, fun and stylish look.