Here's How To Rock A Shag Haircut On Straight Hair

There are some things that just never go out of style, and shag haircuts are
a textbook example. Like denim or matte red lipstick, the layered hairstyle
has been solidified as a classic since it first entered the zeitgeist in the
’70s— just look at the countless celebs who continue to opt for the
effortlessly chic cut as proof (including Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Halle
Berry, to name just a few).
“The shag is the ultimate cool-girl hairstyle,” quips celebrity hairstylist Mia
Santiago. One reason for its enduring popularity? According to Larry Sims,
celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, it’s
because the haircut is incredibly low-maintenance. Because they’re choppy
and undone by nature, shag cuts are the perfect get-up-and-go style. While
the layers help enhance the texture of curly and wavy strands, shag
haircuts on straight hair — when done right — can be a great way to add
movement and volume. “On any face shape, shag haircuts are a great way
to add texture to straight hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Sophie Rose.
So if you have stick-straight strands, there’s no reason to skip the hair trend
— Bustle called on a handful of hairstylists for their tips on how to rock a
shag haircut on straight hair. Scroll on for what to know before hitting up
your favorite stylist.
1. Consider Your Face Shape
As with any haircut, Sims says the way a shag frames and falls around
your face is key. When you’re working through what you want with your
stylist, Rose says the goal should be to create a shape that brings out your
natural features and “opens up the face.”

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

2. Cut For Movement
A great shag, especially on straight hair, is all about creating movement.
“When cutting the hair you want to make sure you’re getting the right
amount of layers and movement, so going back in with thinning shears or
point cutting your layers after the hair is dry is a great way to achieve that,”
Santiago explains.
Sims and Rose actually like to go in with a razor for those finishing touches
on a shag. “Slide cutting with a razor can add texture to the hair that
scissors can’t,” Rose notes. “Most of the time, you let the fringe that the
client is comfortable with be the guide.” Sims adds that you don’t want
layers that are too blunt and heavy if your strands are straight. As Garnier
celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher puts it: “It should be very blended so
that you just see the movement in the hair and not the actual cuts.”
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
3. Go Easy With The Blow Dryer
If you want to embrace your sleek strands while letting your layers shine,
Sims says to drop the round brush. His tip? Let your hair air dry, or, if
you’re determined to use a blow dryer, use it quickly and sparingly (maybe
just at the roots) and without any comb or brush attachments.
aymond Hall/GC Images/Getty Images
4. Add Product For Texture
Straight doesn’t mean flat and lifeless hair. Santiago recommends using
mousse or a texturizing spray for, well, texture. And for a piece-y effect, she
says a light pomade is perfect.
Devin Graciano, hairstylist and head of product development at Goldie
Locks, agrees that the right products are key. “If your hair tends to fall flat,
prep it with a root boost spray,” she says. Then, after it’s dry, she suggests
applying a soft pliable wax with your fingertips for the “perfect amount of
definition.” And that’s it: With a little zhuzhing, your shag is ready to go.
Mike Coppola/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Get Even More From Bustle — Sign Up For The Newsletter
From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything
you need to sound like a person who’s on TikTok, even if you aren’t.