Shag Haircut for the Generations: Timeless Styles for All Ages

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Nov 14, 2024

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The shag haircut was first created by trendsetter and hairstylist Paul McGregor for actress Jane Fonda in the 1970s. It wasn’t long before celebrities like David Bowie and Florence Henderson, known for playing the mom on The Brady Bunch, adopted the look. Now, almost fifty years later, the shag has made a comeback, with some West Coasters even calling it "the San Francisco haircut." Today, hairstylist Jayne Matthews from Edo Salon has made the shag a 21st-century sensation, booking clients from all over the world months in advance.

The Original Shag: Iconic 1970s Style

In the 1970s, the shag haircut became the go-to look for many celebrities. Originally from New York’s East Village, the shag was perfect for those wanting a casual, effortless style. With longer hair in fashion at the time, it was ideal for rock stars and TV personalities alike. The beauty of the shag was its androgynous appeal—both male and female stars, like Rod Stewart and Patti Smith, rocked the look.

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The Modern Shag: A Style That Evolves

The shag has evolved since the 1970s. Today’s version often includes bangs and layers to create volume at the top and a cascade of varied lengths below. It’s unstructured but still well-defined, with versions like the shag bob and shag lob (long bob) offering even more variety. This versatile cut has stayed on trend for decades, constantly evolving both in media and on the streets.

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Celebrity Shag Cuts: Effortless and Chic

Many women love the shag cut for its "wash and wear" simplicity, but celebrities often use it as a way to combine laid-back vibes with an elegant twist. It offers more movement and freedom compared to the "anchor helmet" styles that scream high maintenance. Whether worn short, medium, or long, female stars and their stylists have found the shag to be endlessly adaptable.

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Musicians and Shag Cuts: A Stage Favorite

Decade after decade, the shag cut has been a popular choice for male musicians. From rock stars to boy bands, the layered, relaxed look has been a hit. It’s a perfect fit for those with naturally curly hair, offering a cool, slightly messy style. Jon Bon Jovi has made shag-inspired hair a part of his signature look, and members of groups like NSYNC have followed suit, embracing the skater and surfer vibes that the shag embodies.

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Shag Hair’s Evolution: Adding New Twists

Over the years, the shag cut has seen some creative changes. One big update is the incorporation of curls, which adds more dimension to the style. Bangs remain a popular feature, adding structure to an otherwise free-flowing look. Razor-cut shag styles have also gained popularity, though only a few stylists have mastered this technique. Today, variations like the shag lob and bob add layers and personality to shorter cuts, taking the shag in new, exciting directions.

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The Short Shag: Casual Yet Stylish

Short shag hairstyles bring a casual, laid-back vibe with them. The crown layers give volume at the top, while the choppy ends create texture and a relaxed look. What’s great about a short shag is that it’s hard to make it look overly styled—it keeps its natural, carefree charm without trying too hard.

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Medium-Length Shag: Flow and Movement

For women with medium-length hair, the shag cut brings new life to the look. With layers, crown volume, and choppy ends, the medium shag feels dynamic and full of energy. It’s a great change for those who’ve worn straight shoulder-length hair but are looking for more excitement in their style. Younger women especially love adding color highlights to accentuate the layers, creating a playful, fresh look.

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Long Shag: A Playful Take on Long Hair

The long shag cut offers plenty of room for layers and waves, making it an excellent option for those with longer hair. It’s especially fun in the summer or for outdoor events, adding a bit of wildness and volume to what would otherwise be a simple long-hair look. Compared to sleek straight hair, the long shag feels textured and full of movement, giving the hair more personality.

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Stylists to Watch: Bringing the Shag to Life

Jayne Matthews is one stylist who has taken the shag cut to new heights, gaining recognition for her razor-cut skills at Edo Salon. Celebrity stylist Mara Roszak has also embraced the style, using shag-inspired cuts on stars like Taylor Swift and Rihanna. Roszak explains that while these looks take inspiration from the 70s, they’re refreshed and modern, moving away from the unisex look of the past toward more feminine, refined styles.

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Shag Cuts for Special Occasions: Sophisticated and Versatile

Although the shag haircut has a casual reputation, it can also be styled for special occasions. By adding curls or layers to the bangs, the shag can easily transform into a more polished, sophisticated look. Jane Fonda herself was initially hesitant about trying the shag in the 70s, but she quickly realized how versatile and chic it could be—and she was right!

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