25 Stylish Medium Shag Haircuts For Women

Medium shag haircuts combine the perfect balance of length and texture, offering incredible versatility for women of all ages and face shapes.

This iconic style has evolved from its 70s roots into a modern, effortlessly chic option. It works beautifully across straight, wavy, and curly hair textures.

With its characteristic layers and movement, the medium shag creates volume and dimension while remaining surprisingly low-maintenance.

Ready to embrace this perfect blend of rock-and-roll edge and feminine softness?

Discover these 25 stunning medium shag variations that will instantly elevate your style.

1: Classic Medium Shag with Curtain Bangs

Embrace timeless style with this quintessential shag featuring face-framing layers and center-parted curtain bangs.

The combination creates perfect balance while highlighting your cheekbones. The curtain bangs should hit just below eyebrow level.

Ask your stylist for layers that begin at chin level and gradually cascade down, with special attention to framing around your face.

Style with a round brush for slight volume at the roots and soft movement through the ends, enhancing the cut’s natural flow and dimension.

2: Modern Shag with Wispy Bangs

Update the traditional shag with a contemporary twist featuring softer layers and delicate, wispy bangs.

This version maintains the shag’s signature texture while appearing more refined. The wispy bangs should be light enough to see through, creating a soft veil effect.

Request subtle graduation throughout with face-framing pieces beginning at cheekbone level.

Style with texturizing spray and scrunch-drying for effortless movement that enhances the cut’s inherent texture without appearing too “done.”

3: Curly Medium Shag

Embrace your natural curls with this texture-enhancing cut that works with your pattern rather than against it.

The strategic layering creates beautiful shape and removes unwanted bulk. Focus on removing weight through the interior while maintaining length.

Ask your stylist to cut your hair dry to account for curl shrinkage, creating layers that enhance your specific curl pattern.

Style with curl-defining cream applied to soaking wet hair, then either diffuse or air-dry without disrupting your curl pattern for maximum definition.

4: Blunt Shag with Heavy Bangs

Create striking contrast with this modern interpretation featuring blunt ends paired with heavily textured layers and statement-making straight bangs.

The juxtaposition creates visual interest. The heavy bangs should hit just at or slightly below eyebrow level.

Request internal layers that maintain thickness at the perimeter, creating the illusion of a one-length cut with hidden movement.

Style with a flat iron to emphasize the sleek ends while using texturizing spray through the layers for internal movement and dimension.

5: Face-Framing Shag for Round Faces

Flatter a round face shape with this strategic cut featuring longer face-framing layers that create the illusion of length.

The vertical lines visually slim and elongate your face. Keep layers longer in front than in back to draw the eye downward.

Ask for your longest layers to hit at your collarbones, with face-framing pieces beginning at chin level.

Style with a round brush, directing the face-framing sections away from your face to enhance the lengthening effect while adding volume at the crown.

6: Shaggy Bob with Textured Ends

Combine the structure of a bob with the movement of a shag in this hybrid style. This creates movement without sacrificing the clean bob perimeter.

The shorter length offers versatility while maintaining the shag’s signature texture and dimension.

Request a length that hits just above the shoulders with heavily texturized ends and lots of interior layering.

Style with a texture spray and rough-dry by tousling with your fingers, enhancing the piece-y definition that makes this cut so dynamic.

7: Thinned-Out Shag for Thick Hair

Transform unmanageable thickness into deliberate texture with this tailored approach.

Strategic thinning creates movement while reducing unwanted bulk and weight.

Ask your stylist to use thinning shears and point-cutting techniques throughout, focusing on removing interior weight while maintaining the shag’s characteristic shape and movement.

Style by rough-drying with your fingers, then adding a lightweight texturizing cream to enhance definition without weighing down your newly lightened layers.

8: Shag with Curtain Bangs for Fine Hair

Add the appearance of density to fine hair with this volume-enhancing cut. This preserves weight at the ends while adding movement where needed.

The strategic layering creates the illusion of thickness while curtain bangs frame your face beautifully.

Request light layering concentrated at the crown and around the face, with minimal texturizing throughout.

Style with volumizing mousse at the roots before blow-drying with a round brush, focusing on creating lift at the crown and soft movement through the ends.

9: ’70s-Inspired Rocker Shag

Channel your inner rock star with this retro-influenced cut featuring choppy layers and piece-y bangs.

This authentic throwback creates maximum texture and effortless cool-girl vibes. The bangs should be choppy and imperfect, hitting just at or below eyebrow level.

Ask for heavily texturized layers throughout with substantial face-framing and a strong interior gradient.

Style with sea salt spray scrunched through damp hair, then either air-dry or rough-dry by tousling with your fingers for authentic ’70s texture.

10: Layered Shag with Side-Swept Bangs

Create asymmetrical interest with this flattering variation featuring longer layers and dramatic side-swept bangs.

This versatile style works beautifully across face shapes and hair textures. The asymmetrical effect creates movement and dimension.

Request longer layers beginning at collarbone level with face-framing pieces that blend seamlessly into side-swept bangs.

Style by blow-drying with a round brush, directing the bangs to your preferred side while adding volume throughout the crown and soft bends through the ends.

11: Beach Wave Shag

Embrace effortless summer vibes year-round with this texture-celebrating cut designed to enhance natural waves.

The lived-in finish creates that coveted “just left the beach” aesthetic. The perimeter should maintain some weight to allow for natural movement.

Ask for layers that begin at chin level with plenty of texturizing throughout to enhance wave formation.

Style with salt spray on damp hair, then either scrunch-dry with a diffuser or air-dry for natural-looking waves that showcase the cut’s dimensional layers.

12: Blended Shag with Money Piece Highlights

Add dimension to your medium shag with face-framing highlights that brighten your complexion.

The strategic color placement enhances the cut’s natural movement and structure.

Request seamlessly blended layers throughout with slightly more dramatic face-framing pieces.

Add lighter money piece highlights just around the face to draw attention to your best features.

Style with a round brush to create soft movement that showcases both the cut’s layers and the dimensional color placement around your face.

13: Textured Shag with Micro Bangs

Create edgy contrast with this fashion-forward take on the medium shag. This juxtaposition balances soft texture with geometric precision.

The combination of tousled layers with precisely cut micro bangs creates unexpected visual interest.

Ask for heavily texturized layers throughout with ultra-short straight-across bangs that hit about an inch above your eyebrows.

Style with texturizing spray throughout the layers while keeping the bangs sleek and straight for maximum impact and contrast.

14: Low-Maintenance Shag for Wavy Hair

Embrace your natural texture with this wash-and-go shag designed to enhance your waves while minimizing styling time.

The right layers work with your natural pattern for effortless style. The key is cutting with your natural tendencies in mind.

Request layers cut to enhance your specific wave pattern, with strategic texturizing that removes bulk without creating frizz.

Style with curl-enhancing cream applied to damp hair, then air-dry without touching to prevent frizz and maintain definition through your waves.

15: Angled Shag with Long Layers

Create dramatic lines with this architectural approach to the medium shag.

The angled perimeter adds structure while internal layers maintain the shag’s signature movement.

Ask for a cut that’s slightly longer in front than in back, creating a subtle but noticeable angle.

Internal layers should maintain the shag’s characteristic texture without disrupting the clean lines.

Style with a flat iron to emphasize the angled perimeter, then add texturizing spray through the layers for internal movement that contrasts with the sleek outline.

16: Curly Shag with Bangs

Make a statement with this texture-celebrating cut that pairs curly layers with curly bangs.

This combination creates beautiful framing while enhancing your natural curl pattern.

Ask your stylist to cut your hair dry to account for shrinkage, creating bangs that hit just at or below eyebrow level when curly.

Interior layers should enhance curl formation without creating triangle shape.

Style with curl-defining products applied to soaking wet hair, then either diffuse or air-dry without disrupting your curl pattern for maximum definition and bounce.

17: Graduated Shag for Fine Hair

Create the illusion of thickness with this strategically structured cut.

The graduated layers add volume at the crown while maintaining weight at the ends for a fuller appearance.

Request a subtle graduation from back to front, with minimal texturizing to preserve weight.

Face-framing layers should begin no higher than chin level to maintain density.

Style with volumizing mousse at the roots before blow-drying with a round brush, focusing on creating lift at the crown where the graduation creates natural volume.

18: Soft Shag for Heart-Shaped Faces

Balance a wider forehead and narrower chin with this tailored shag featuring carefully placed layers.

The strategic cutting flatters your natural face shape while maintaining movement.

Ask for layers that begin at chin level with curtain bangs that soften your forehead width.

The overall effect should draw attention to your cheekbones while softening angular features.

Style with a round brush to create soft movement around your face, directing the curtain bangs outward to create width at the chin level for balanced proportions.

19: Dimensional Shag with Balayage

Enhance your medium shag’s movement with hand-painted highlights that follow your natural layers.

This color technique emphasizes dimension while remaining low-maintenance.

Request layers throughout with special attention to face-framing pieces.

Pair with subtle balayage highlights concentrated on the mid-lengths and ends to showcase the cut’s movement.

Style with a large-barrel curling iron, creating loose waves that showcase the dimensional color and enhance the shag’s natural texture.

20: Choppy Shag with Razor Ends

Create maximum texture with this edgy take on the medium shag. This technique removes weight while maintaining length and movement.

Razor-cutting creates wispy, feathered ends that enhance movement and create piece-y definition.

Ask your stylist to use a razor for the ends of your layers, creating soft, diffused lines rather than blunt edges.

Style with texturizing paste applied to dry hair, twisting small sections between your fingers to emphasize the piece-y texture that makes this cut so dynamic.

21: Blended Shag for Transitioning Gray Hair

Embrace your natural transition with this flattering cut that works with changing texture and color.

The layered structure enhances movement while accommodating multiple textures.

Request layers that begin at chin level with plenty of movement throughout.

This approach works with the typically coarser texture of gray hair while creating a modern, deliberate shape.

Style with a round brush to smooth without flattening, enhancing natural movement while maintaining the sophisticated edge that makes this cut so versatile.

22: Shag with Deep Side Part

Create dramatic volume with this asymmetrical approach to the medium shag.

The deep side part instantly creates height at the crown while directing hair across your face for elegant framing.

Request layers throughout with special attention to the fringe area, allowing for versatility in parting.

The deep side part creates natural volume on the heavier side without additional styling.

Style by blow-drying with a round brush, directing hair away from the part for maximum volume and sweeping the fringe area across your forehead for that signature side-part effect.

23: Shag with Disconnected Layers

Embrace the architectural potential of the shag with this editorial take featuring deliberately disconnected layers.

The intentional separation creates dramatic texture and movement. This creates visual interest and emphasizes the cut’s carefully constructed shape.

Ask for distinct separation between your shortest and longest layers without blending between them.

Style with texturizing spray throughout, using your fingers to enhance separation between the disconnected sections for maximum impact and dimension.

24: Airy Shag for Oval Faces

Take advantage of your versatile face shape with this perfectly balanced cut featuring evenly distributed layers.

The all-over texture creates movement while maintaining your natural harmony.

Request layers that begin at chin level, distributed evenly throughout with moderate texturizing.

This creates all-over movement without disrupting your naturally balanced proportions.

Style with a medium-sized round brush for slight volume throughout, enhancing the cut’s natural movement without creating any extreme volume that might disrupt your balance.

25: One-Length Shag with Internal Layers

Create the illusion of a blunt cut with the movement of a shag in this clever hybrid. This creates movement without disrupting the strong outline.

The hidden internal layers create texture while maintaining a strong, clean perimeter.

Ask your stylist to maintain a solid baseline at your desired length, with layers concentrated only in the interior and around your face.

Style by straightening the ends for a clean perimeter, then adding texturizing spray throughout the interior layers for hidden movement and dimension.

Conclusion

The medium shag offers incredible versatility for women seeking texture, movement, and style.

Whether you prefer bold and edgy or soft and feminine, there’s a shag variation that will perfectly complement your personal style!