The trendy curly shag haircut adds tons of soft texture, volume, and movement to the tresses. It frames any face shape and highlights your best features. The more tousles, the more effortless it appears.
Stephanie Kerr, a hairstylist from Saugerties, NY, shares what she adores most in this cut. “The biggest benefit of a shag cut is its volume,” she says. “It’s a heavily layered haircut, offering tons of body and shape on women who desire the extra bulk.”
Kerr warns women that getting a shag entails commitment, particularly on curly hair. “Even though you can keep it long, you’re still taking off tons of hair within the layers,” she says. “Curly hair shrinks, so it may take a while for it to grow back.”
When styling a curly shag Kerr says it needs work and the use of good styling tools and products to keep its elegant, disheveled finish.
If seeking a wash-and-go haircut, get a shag with longer layers and less fringe instead. “This way, you won’t have to put much effort into styling it in the morning,” she explains.
When styling, her go-to products include AG Re:Coil and AG spray gel to hold the curls all day long. For the fringe area, she suggests the use of Sexyhair’s Matte Texture Paste.
Kerr advises women to be wary in styling curly shag cuts; if styled incorrectly, it will look outdated. Bring all the hair forward, then scrunch the hair away from the face in a handlebar-like motion; let the layers do their magic. When drying off the hair, use a diffuser so it won’t lose its volume.
Check out these inspiring photos of popular curly shag haircuts. They’ll update your style in an instant!
#1: Effortless Razor Shag for Curly Hair
Try an effortless razor shag for curly hair and transform your lank locks. I highly recommend this shape if you’re looking for fullness on the sides and a style with texture. The square layers cut with a razor lighten the ends and give you a wispy and full shape. One of the best ways to style your shag is to use a diffuser and try not to disturb the curls as they dry. You will be rewarded with defined and voluminous waves.
#2: Cute Shaggy Wolf Cut for Curly Hair
Consider the untamed style of a cute shaggy wolf cut for curly hair. A wolf cut includes lots of layering throughout the entire head to increase wave and movement, and frames the face beautifully. But be aware the short internal layers will not be easy to grow out, so make sure your ready for a new shape. You’ll want to use a curl amplifier to define your tresses and a spray wax is a great addition to your finish. You do not want to create to much volume, so try air drying or diffusing gently in place.
#3: Gorgeous Copper Shag with Messy Curls
This copper shag with messy curls is the perfect style for curly-haired girls. The shoulder-length cut has a carefree feel and looks effortlessly cool. To keep your hair looking its best, avoid overworking it with heat tools. Instead, use a light hold styling product to enhance and define each curl as you scrunch them in place. For extra hold, mist a finishing spray all over for an effortless look that will last throughout the day. It’s important to note that this cut works best on mid-length hair types with thick or medium curls. If you have extremely fine hair or straight strands, this may not be the ideal style choice.
#4: Shaggy Balayage
Something I’ve noticed lately is the popularity of the shaggy balayage look. It’s a great way to add dimension and texture to curly-haired girls’ styles. All while still maintaining a natural feel. The technique involves hand painting specific sections of hair with highlights. This creates an effortless blend that looks beautiful. Consider, however, that this look can take some time to achieve. It requires precision when selecting which strands should be highlighted. You’ll love the effect when you utilize your natural curl with a diffuser and a curl balm.
#5: Glam-Inspired Curly Shag
You’ll be in style with a curly shag. I suggest a soft center bang blended into a face frame and long shaggy layers to elevate the look of your long hair. This trending shape is the best way to change things up and maintain your length. Try using a round brush around the face, blow drying backward with a flat root, and avoiding too much height. To achieve waves in length, utilize your natural wave by diffusing or curling it with a 3/4-inch iron.
#6: Thick Medium-Length Shaggy Curls
Go from flat to fluffy with thick medium-length shaggy curls. If you want more volume in your hairstyle, the best way to achieve this is to add layering. My advice is to have your stylist over direct the hair forward. Keep the majority of the layers around the sides and face. This will help you maintain the integrity of the length and get you the fullness you are searching for.
#7: Bouncy Brunette Curly Shag
A bouncy brunette curly shag is trending. If you have natural waves you should ask your stylist for shaggy layers to round out your shape. Layers also help create volume. If you have straight hair, I suggest getting a shag cut. Then, have your stylist curl your hair with a 3/4-inch iron to see if you like it. You can then consider a loose perm to change it up. Curl products are definitely a must to achieve shine and separation.
#8: Brunette Shag with Frizzy Curls
Look carefree with a brunette shag with frizzy curls. A shag is one of the easiest cuts to manage and is very low-maintenance. A shag is a very creative style and can be customized to your curly locks. Invest in some good professional curl products to make styling at home a breeze.
#9: Collarbone-Length Curly Shag
A curly collarbone-length shag is such a chic style. If you wish to have a lot of volume and movement, all you need to do is ask your stylist to cut the layers and fringe shorter. And when describing it, use words like “textured”, “bouncy” and “layered.”
#10: Adorable Curled Shag with Straight Bangs
You’ll be adorable in a curled shag with straight bangs. Allow your hairstylist to choose exactly what length bang will work for you. You might have a pesky cowlick in your fringe, or your forehead might be small. In these instances, a longer bang might be better suited. A narrow face shape is perfect for a shorter straight bang and the fluffy curl will accent a thin face. You’ll want to style your shag with a 3/4-inch iron to achieve tighter curls and a bit more volume.
#11: Thick Jet Black Curls
Never have a bad hair day with thick jet-black curls. A shag cut will fall perfectly with your big bouncy curls. Make sure you cut lots of layers to give your curl a lift for maximum body and movement. After washing, I would advise you to use a leave-in conditioner. It will prevent your curls from becoming too dry and frizzy.
#12: Charming Curly Shag with Choppy Bangs
Feel wild and free with a charming curly shag with choppy bangs. A shag is low-maintenance and is one of the easiest cuts to manage. Shags are easy to upkeep and have a soft grow-out. I suggest a clean-up every 3 months to keep the shape and clean your dead ends.
#13: Tapered Shag with Highlights
A tapered shag with highlights gives an awesome shape on curly hair. If you wish to achieve this cut, have your stylist use squared layering to release weight from the bottom. This will allow you to wear your hair flatter on the top and fuller on the sides. Try wearing the part in the middle and add some highlights and you’ll be a straight-up ten.
#14: Razor-Cut Medium Shag with Bangs
For a low-maintenance style for your curls consider a razor-cut medium shag with bangs. Soft shaggy razor-cut layers will give your curls body and texture. To keep your curls from becoming dry my advice would be to wash your hair less and use a leave in conditioner always. Curls always lack moisture. However, use moisturizing products and your curls will stay hydrated for less frizz.
#15: Light Brown Short Curly Shag
Go for a creative look with a light brown short curly shag. A shag is one of the easiest cuts to manage. The perfect medium length and all the shaggy layers are effortless and easy. Be prepared to use a curl cream and defuser if you want your curls to be more full and defined.
#16: Disconnected Curly Shag Mullet
Look super edgy with a disconnected curly shag mullet. A shag is great for curly hair because of all the stacked layers that will bring body and volume to your locks. I highly recommend using scissors over a razor for curly hair. Sometimes the razor is too harsh for the curls and will make them too frizzy. Having disconnected layers on the top will give you more body so you can get more height at your crown.
#17: Blonde Curly Shag with Curly Bangs
Look cute and sassy with a blonde curly shag with curly bangs. Short layers will make your curls spring up and you will have the most perfect-looking tendrils. Adding a bang will conceal your forehead but be prepared to maintain them every 3-4 weeks. I avoid cutting bangs when they are wet. When they are dry they could spring up and the length may be way too short.
#18: Long Shag with Short Choppy Fringe
Set yourself apart and try a long shag with a short choppy fringe. One of the boldest moves in creating a hairstyle is a short fringe. I try to evaluate my client’s face shape to make sure it is right for them. I find that women with small foreheads can benefit from a strong bang. A choppy fringe added to a long shag is a beautiful texture mix between strong and soft and will elevate your style.
#19: Sweetest and Shaggiest Curly Hair
Here’s one of the sweetest, shaggiest styles for curly hair, and it’s also easy to recreate. If you can, achieve this look by using a diffuser on your natural waves. Or, if you don’t have enough natural waves, build them up with a 3/4 inch curling iron or wand. Avoid creating too much volume if you desire a softer, looser finish.
#20: Curly Shag with Blonde Highlights
A curly shag with highlights is one of the best ways to accentuate this crop. Adding dimension towards the bottom of your blonde hair will not only allow for more time between appointments but will help the layers and curls to pop within your cut.
#21: Curly Shaggy Cut for Women Over 40
A curly shaggy cut for women over 40 offers a youthful-looking radiance. Shaggy curly hairstyles offer a lived-in finish with a shape that flatters your face in the best light!
#22: Short Curly Shag Haircut
A short shag is the newest trend because shags can be modified to suit your face shape and hair type and are best styled with wispy curls. Be sure to use a texturizing spray, such as My Hair Dance Salt Spray, for extra volume, fullness, and a wispy look.
#23: Edgy Shaggy Cut for Curly Girls
Show off your style with an edgy shaggy cut for curly girls. Asking your hairstylist for a razor cut will soften the perimeters and remove any unwanted bulk. Shaggy hairstyles with curls are sure to turn heads wherever you go.
#24: Curly Shag with Bangs
If you’re looking for some variation with your current curly shag try it with bangs. This will add interest to the haircut and frame the face beautifully.
#25: Curly and Wavy Shag
A curly or wavy shag is perfect for that authentic, lived in, easy maintenance hairstyle. Shags are a great way to give new life to curly or wavy hair without heat styling or chemical styling. A shag like this lends itself to thicker hair because thin hair can look more stringy if not cut and styled properly.
#26: Curly Shag with Curly Curtain Bangs
The longer curly shag with curly curtain bangs adds a modern twist to the classic shag haircut. The curly shaggy hairstyles have lots of layers, starting at the crown. The layers create a beautiful shape for women, especially for women with thicker brown tresses.
#27: Shaggy Long Bob with Bangs
Give a shaggy long bob with bangs a try if you’re looking forward to upgrading your current hairstyle. Adding a shorter fringe will add interest to your overall look. Shags and curls work so well together as they frame your facial features in the best way possible.
Related: See more shaggy bob hairstyles.
#28: Shag Cut for Naturally Curly Hair
A shag cut for naturally curly hair will add instant volume to women with fine hair. Curls and shags go hand in hand as they compliment each other. In styling this cut, use Hairstory’s New Wash and Cult+King’s Set Spray.
#29: Shaggy Curly Bob for Women Over 70
A shaggy curly bob for women over 70 will keep you looking young and stylish. As we mature, our hair tends to go gray so, why not showcase it by keeping your hair color and sporting shaggy curly hair?
Related: No-fuss short bob hairstyle ideas for women over 70.
#30: Curly Shag for Women Over 60 with Glasses
A mid-length curly shag for women over 60 with glasses is a wonderful way to bring attention to your stellar frames. If you love wearing glasses, then this layered shag haircut will help draw attention to the eye area.
Related: Shag hairstyles for women over 60.
#31: 70’s Curly Shag
The 70’s curly shag is perfect on women with textured tresses. Your natural curls add body and volume, flaunting your facial features in the best light. Razor cutting this shag cut adds softness to the edge of your face, giving you an instant glow.
#32: Shaggy Long Pixie Cut for Curly Hair
A shaggy long pixie cut for curly hair can make any woman beautiful and confident. This cut is a shorter version of curly shag hairstyles. It draws attention to the eyes and accentuates your cheekbones, making them look well-defined.
#33: Long Shaggy Cut for Curly Girls
A long shag haircut for curly girls is a must-try. The shorter layers in a shaggy curly hairstyle allow added texture, volume, and dimension to flow seamlessly with the intricacy of the curls.
#34: Curly Textured Haircut for Women Over 50
A curly textured haircut for women over 50 is trendy and alluring that suits women who prefer a hairstyle that is easy to maintain and style. Add a fringe on your curly shags to create a youthful radiance, making you look half your age!
#35: Retro Long Curly Shaggy Hairstyle
A retro long curly shaggy hairstyle is the next best thing. Curly hair is now being layered for a fuller shape. Try swapping out your brush for a wide-tooth comb to keep those curls beautiful. For bigger hair, diffuse upside down with a curl creme, and for a flatter finish air dry. Curly-haired women embrace a new you.
#36: Curly Shaggy Bob
Consider a curly shaggy bob at your next salon visit. Many women have one-length bobs, and it might be time to change things up. Ask your stylist for a bob with 90-degree layers and go from flat to fuller hair. A little fullness can really perk up your face. To keep your shaggy haircuts with curls in the best condition, try wrapping your hair in a towel instead of rubbing, and definitely use curly hair products.
#37: Wash-and-Wear Shag for Curly-Haired Women
A wash-and-wear shag for curly-haired women could be your go-to haircut. Many curly-haired women are afraid to change their style. Don’t be, because this shape is trending and super cool. A shaggy haircut with curls is a rounder style and is achieved with lots of layers. A rounder shape is best suited for oval or long face shapes. Transform your ringlets into something fresh.
#38: Short Shaggy Cut for Curly Women Over 30
You’ll want to try a short shaggy cut for curly women over 30. A wash-and-go hairstyle, this cut has all the right moves. Ask your stylist for 90-degree layers all around, and razor cutting can add texture. Texture helps your haircut last longer and is especially helpful with bulkier short hair textures. Shaggy curly haircuts are easy to air dry and can make your routine a snap.
#39: Modern Shag Haircut with Loose Curls
Try a modern shag haircut with loose curls and glam up your long hair. Angles around the face and lots of 45-degree layers enhance movement away from the face and create a trendy visual. If you have wavy hair, blow-dry the bangs with a medium round brush slightly off the face and diffuse the rest. If you have straighter hair or thin hair you can add curl with a 1 1/4 inch iron. Curly shag haircuts look best messy and organic, so don’t try to make them look too perfect.
#40: Medium-Length Shaggy Curls
Embrace your natural texture with medium-length shaggy curls. Square layers are just the thing here, to create width and leave the top flatter. This face-framing, medium shag haircut looks great on women of any age group. Curly shaggy haircuts are fairly low-maintenance and should be cut about every 6-7 weeks.
#41: Curly Mullet Shag
A curly mullet shag is a cute style if you’re looking to change up your ringlets into something different. Ask your stylist to create a steep angle around the face, leaving the length in the back. Layers should be short on the top and longer in the back to maintain that length. A curly shag haircut could be just the change your looking for if you find it difficult to change up curly hair. Air-dry this style or diffuse in place with some curl amplifier to reduce frizz.
#42: Low-Maintenance Curly Shag
Choose a low-maintenance curly short shag and you’ll be out the door in no time. Ask your stylist for short layers and short piecey fringe, leaving the ears covered for a soft cute cut. The nape can be tapered, making it lay flatter for an interesting shape. Curly shaggy hair looks the best air-dried or diffused in place with some gel. Avoid touching it while it dries to achieve the best finish.
Related: See more short curly hairstyles.
#43: Shoulder-Length Shag for Curly Hair
Embrace your hair texture with a shoulder-length shag for curly hair. Curly hair does not have to be a struggle, with the right cut it can be effortless. Find a stylist who is great at cutting curly hair. Ask someone whose hair you admire for their recommendation. A curly shaggy hairstyle spruces up your ringlets and creates a cute shape.
Related: See more shoulder-length hairstyles for curly hair.
#44: Gypsy Haircut for Curly Hair
Create a new you with a gypsy haircut for curly hair. You’ll want to ask your stylist for layers at a 45-degree angle. Keep in mind this will make your curly hair fuller so make sure you are ready for that change. A curly shag will work well on all curly hair textures and adds width to narrow face shapes. Diffuse this style with a curl refiner for the perfect finish.
#45: Razored Shag for Older Women with Curly Hair
Razored shags for older women with curly hair offer an added layer of volume, texture, and definition to your tresses. Shaggy curls highlight your best features while canceling out any harsh lines, creating a youthful-looking glow.
#46: Shaggy Curly Hair with Bangs
with bangs offers a stylish, lived-in finish. Shaggy hairstyles with curls provide an extra layer of volume, definition, and texture with little to no styling and upkeep.
#47: Shaggy Bob for Curly, Thick Hair
A shaggy bob for curly, thick hair highlights the intricate shape of your curls. A shaggy curly haircut is perfect for women who want an effortless, lived-in look with a volumizing finish.
#48: Mid-Length Curly Shag
A mid-length curly shag is a haircut consisting of several layers and graduation that leave each strand of hair disjointed and volumized. Style a curly shag hairstyle with a hair mousse for added volume and texture.
#49: Shaggy Hairstyle for Curly Hair
A shaggy hairstyle for curly hair is a haircut that is chopped into several layers of various lengths. A choppy curly shaggy haircut can be styled with curl-defining products and using a diffuser when drying the tresses.
#50: Longer Shag Cut for Curly Hair
A longer shag cut for curly hair adds flair even for the curliest hair. Blown out, tousled or scrunched, a quick refresh on the fringe can pull the whole look together. It’s best suited for wavy to curly hair.