The Shag is back and here, in Columbus, Ohio. It’s in the running for the best haircut of the year. We certainly stan the shag!
This year’s #Shag is a revolution in itself. Stepping aside is the solid, simple shapes of the last decade. We are seeing haircuts that contour, move freely, and offer a throwback that we’re guessing would be Stevie Nicks approved.
Jane Fonda made headlines, sporting this iconic shag at a time when hairstyles were still the flowy vibes left over from the 1960s. She arrived with a statement: Impactful fringe, obvious layers, and a clear unevenness that broke boundaries in haircutting.
What we’re not working with is an exact replica of the 1970 staple, and the hairspray is way more flexible too.
If you have a shag leftover from the glamor days, we have ideas on how to keep your favorite style and update it. We also are here to prepare you to speak with your stylist, if you are considering this trend for yourself.
With all these different variations running around, you may be wondering: What even is a Shag? Never fear, we have marked out the three distinctions of a shag so you can be ‘in the know’ on this trend reboot.
1. Styling
I’ll be blunt: If you are not willing to style your hair, this is not the look for you. When un-styled, a shag looks and feels like an edgy, 80’s rocker cut. But if you’re wanting all the fullness and flirty flow of a modern shag, then styling is about to be your secret weapon.
Flat irons, roller sets, diffusers, round brushes, root lifters, texture dusts, and hairsprays are likely to find their way onto your vanity if you’re working with this look. Volume is key, and our stylists can walk you through what your unique shag needs in order to get the most life out of it!
2. Texture
Stylists typically achieve a modern shag by cutting the hair with a razor. It’s a skilled stylists best tool to get that shattered, effortless look. If you are not comfortable with having a razor used on your hair, warn your stylist. It’s possible to have had a bad experience with dull razors*.
*Pro Tip: Stylist should replace their razor at least every haircut. Ask if that’s their normal practice. If not, maybe rethink your stylist.
The lightness and ease of this shag is easily created using a razor. It removes length and weight simultaneously when used correctly. This combo keeps a haircut feeling light and airy longer.
3. Intentional Imperfection
If your haircut feels perfectly even, you might not have a shag.
If you need perfection or symmetry with your haircut, this is not the look for you.
A modern shag can happen on any length of hair that sits at the shoulders when curled. Hair that is any shorter would be considered a bob which can still be plenty of fun but alas, that’s another blog. The reason is that a true Shag needs plenty of room to live, move, and breathe. Without enough length to allow for some freedom, it simply no longer possesses the spirit of Mother Shag.
@stylistannah, our artistic director, created this modern shag during a 70’s inspired cutting class. It shows off the intentional imperfections that go with her alternative look. It’s styled using Davines products and flat iron curls to give a lived-in look easy to replicate at home.
Color by @aerialdowdy
Still, feeling a little shag shy? You don’t have to jump all in. Playing with new elements like a full fringe, or a razor cut or more face-framing can give you the vibe without the commitment and add new elements to a cut you already love!
For those who have been rocking the look since its origin, try using a different tool or products to style to give your looks new life. If you are the queen of the roller set, try using a curling wand! Or if you’re still spraying to high heaven, try a more flexible hold like Your Hair Assistant Perfecting Hairspray by Davines and let your layers breathe. You may enjoy the playful bounce your hair has!
If you’re wanting to update your classic look or take the leap for the first time, Check out our stylist bios and book with one of our cutting specialists!
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