Trendy Medium Length Shag Haircuts: Modern Styles & Tips for a Perfect Cut in 2025

The medium-length shag haircut has become a defining style of modern hair fashion, offering the perfect blend of edgy texture and effortless sophistication. This versatile cut, characterized by its layered composition and feathered ends, adapts beautifully to various hair textures and face shapes. From its rebellious roots in the 1970s to its contemporary interpretations, the medium shag continues to evolve while maintaining its signature tousled, rock-and-roll spirit. Whether styled with piece-y bangs, soft waves, or choppy layers, this adaptable cut provides movement, volume, and that coveted lived-in look that defines today’s hair trends.

Modern Tousled Shag with Wispy Bangs

This contemporary interpretation of the medium-length shag features perfectly disheveled layers that create natural movement and texture throughout the hair. The cut incorporates piece-y, wispy bangs that softly frame the face, while the overall length falls just above the shoulders with graduated layers that add volume and dimension. This versatile style works exceptionally well for those with fine to medium hair texture, as the strategic layering creates an illusion of fullness and body. To maintain this effortlessly chic look, use a texturizing spray and rough-dry the hair while scrunching to enhance the natural wave pattern. This cut is particularly flattering for oval, heart, or square face shapes, and can be styled either messy for a casual vibe or smoothed out for a more polished appearance. For best results, have your stylist point-cut the ends to achieve that coveted lived-in texture.

Soft Layered Shag with Side-Swept Bangs

This refined take on the medium-length shag showcases beautifully blended layers with a sophisticated side-swept bang that adds a touch of elegance to the classic cut. The haircut features subtle honey-toned highlights that enhance the dimensional movement of the layers, while the length sits perfectly at the collarbone, creating a flattering frame for the face. This versatile style is ideal for those with medium to thick hair who want a manageable yet stylish look that can be dressed up or down. To style, use a medium-sized round brush while blow-drying to create gentle waves, and finish with a light-hold styling cream to maintain the soft, flowing movement. This cut works especially well for those with round or oval face shapes, as the side-swept bangs and face-framing layers help elongate the face while providing a balanced, feminine silhouette.

Textured Rocker Shag with Heavy Bangs

This edgy interpretation of the medium-length shag embodies rock-and-roll chicness with its heavily textured layers and bold, piece-y bangs that create a striking frame around the eyes. The cut features deliberately tousled layers throughout that add remarkable volume and movement, while the length grazes the shoulders for a perfectly balanced silhouette. This style is particularly suited for those with medium to thick hair who aren’t afraid to embrace a more dramatic, lived-in look. To achieve this effortlessly cool aesthetic, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and rough-dry while using fingers to enhance natural texture, finishing with a dry texturizing spray for that coveted bedhead effect. The cut is especially flattering for long, oval, or diamond-shaped faces, as the heavy bangs and face-framing layers create beautiful proportions while maintaining an air of sophisticated rebellion.

Caramel Balayage Shag with Feathered Layers

This sophisticated medium-length shag showcases a stunning blend of caramel balayage highlights that perfectly complement the cut’s dynamic layers and movement. The style features expertly crafted feathered layers that create natural volume and texture, while the side-swept bangs effortlessly blend into the face-framing pieces. This versatile cut is ideal for those with fine to medium hair seeking both body and dimension, as the strategic layering creates the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair. To style, apply a heat protectant and use a medium-sized barrel brush while blow-drying to enhance the natural wave pattern, finishing with a lightweight texturizing spray for added movement. The cut works beautifully for those with oval, heart, or square face shapes, as the soft layers and wispy bangs help soften facial features while maintaining a modern, lived-in aesthetic that’s both professional and effortlessly chic.

Messy French-Inspired Shag with Full Bangs

This artfully disheveled medium-length shag channels effortless Parisian chic with its perfectly imperfect layers and full, eye-grazing bangs. The cut features strategically placed layers that create natural volume and movement throughout the hair, while maintaining a slightly lived-in, undone appearance that’s both sophisticated and edgy. This style works exceptionally well for those with naturally straight to slightly wavy hair textures, particularly medium to thick hair types that can hold the piece-y definition. To achieve this enviable French-girl aesthetic, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with fingers for natural texture, finishing with a dry texturizing spray and gentle tousling for that coveted undone look. The cut is especially flattering for oval, long, or heart-shaped faces, as the full bangs and face-framing layers create a beautiful balance while maintaining an air of cool-girl nonchalance.

Sun-Kissed Blonde Shag with Airy Layers

This ethereal take on the medium-length shag features weightless layers that create beautiful movement and a naturally undone finish, enhanced by warm blonde tones that add dimension and brightness to the overall look. The cut incorporates wispy bangs that blend seamlessly into face-framing layers, while the length hits just below the shoulders for a perfect balance of sophistication and casual charm. This style is particularly flattering for those with fine to medium hair textures, as the strategic layering creates the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair while maintaining an airy, lightweight feel. To style, apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a medium round brush, focusing on creating subtle bends and waves throughout. This versatile cut works especially well for those with oval, heart, or diamond-shaped faces, as the soft layers and textured ends create movement while maintaining a feminine, ethereal appearance.

Copper-Toned Bedhead Shag with Piecey Bangs

This effortlessly cool medium-length shag showcases a stunning blend of copper and honey tones that enhance the cut’s natural, undone texture. The style features deliberately tousled layers that create an enviable bedhead effect, while the piecey bangs fall naturally around the eyes for a sultry, lived-in look. This cut is perfect for those with fine to medium hair who want to achieve maximum texture and movement with minimal styling effort. To maintain this perfectly imperfect style, use a salt spray on damp hair and rough dry while scrunching to enhance natural waves, finishing with a light-hold texturizing powder at the roots for added lift and separation. The cut is particularly flattering for oval, heart, or diamond-shaped faces, as the layered bangs and face-framing pieces create a soft, romantic silhouette while maintaining an edge of rock-and-roll insouciance.

Platinum Blonde Shag with Beachy Waves

This breezy interpretation of the medium-length shag features a stunning platinum blonde color that perfectly complements the cut’s casual, wave-enhanced layers. The style incorporates perfectly imperfect layers throughout, with piece-y bangs that sweep effortlessly across the forehead and blend seamlessly into the longer face-framing sections. This relaxed yet polished cut is ideal for those with naturally wavy or straight hair looking to achieve that coveted beach-inspired texture. To style this laid-back look, apply a wave-enhancing cream to damp hair and either air dry or diffuse with a hair dryer, scrunching gently to encourage natural movement. The cut works particularly well for those with fine to medium hair thickness and suits oval, heart, or square face shapes, as the soft layers and textured ends create movement while maintaining an easy, California-cool vibe that transitions perfectly from day to night.

Voluminous Brunette Shag with Flipped Layers

This sophisticated take on the medium-length shag showcases richly layered dark brown hair with beautifully flipped ends that create dynamic movement and body throughout the style. The cut features longer layers that cascade past the shoulders, with shorter pieces strategically placed to frame the face and create natural volume at the crown. This versatile style is perfect for those with medium to thick hair who want a look that can be dressed up or down with minimal effort. To achieve this polished yet effortless appearance, apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and blow-dry with a large round brush, focusing on creating outward flips at the ends of each layer. This cut is particularly flattering for oval, square, or diamond-shaped faces, as the swooping side-swept bangs and face-framing layers create a beautiful balance while maintaining a modern, sophisticated edge that works well for both professional and casual settings.

Chocolate Brown Textured Shag with Choppy Fringe

This modern interpretation of the medium-length shag features rich chocolate brown hair cut into perfectly imperfect layers that create natural movement and effortless texture throughout. The style incorporates choppy, piece-y bangs that blend seamlessly into face-framing layers, while the overall length sits just past the shoulders with textured, lived-in ends. This cut is ideal for those with medium to thick hair seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look that embraces natural texture. To enhance this carefree style, apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair and rough dry while twisting sections to create natural waves, finishing with a dry texturizing spray for added definition and separation. The cut works exceptionally well for oval, heart, or square face shapes, as the tousled layers and wispy fringe create a soft, flattering frame while maintaining an edgy, contemporary vibe that’s both versatile and easy to style.

Wavy Brunette Shag with Side-Swept Bangs

This elegant medium-length shag showcases rich chocolate brown waves with expertly cut layers that create natural volume and movement throughout the style. The cut features sophisticated side-swept bangs that blend seamlessly into face-framing layers, while subtle shorter pieces throughout add texture and dimension to the overall look. This versatile style is perfect for those with natural wave patterns or straight hair who want to achieve effortless, lived-in texture. To style, apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and blow-dry using a medium-sized round brush, focusing on creating soft waves and movement. This cut is particularly flattering for those with oval, long, or heart-shaped faces, as the side-swept bangs and layered pieces create beautiful facial framing while maintaining a polished yet relaxed appearance. For best results, finish with a lightweight texturizing spray to enhance the waves and add lasting hold without compromising the hair’s natural movement.

Honey Blonde Tousled Shag with Feathered Layers

This effortlessly chic medium-length shag features warm honey blonde tones and perfectly disheveled layers that create a stunning bed-head texture. The cut incorporates wispy, side-swept bangs that blend seamlessly into shorter face-framing pieces, while the overall length sits just above the shoulders with expertly feathered ends that add movement and dimension. This style is ideal for those with fine to medium hair seeking to create the illusion of fuller, more voluminous locks. To achieve this perfectly undone look, apply a root-lifting mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using your fingers to encourage natural texture, finishing with a dry texturizing spray for that coveted lived-in effect. The cut works particularly well for oval, heart, or diamond-shaped faces, as the tousled layers and textured ends create a soft, romantic silhouette while maintaining an air of effortless sophistication that transitions beautifully from day to evening wear.

Edgy Dark Shag with Piece-y Layers

This sophisticated take on the medium-length shag features rich dark hair cut into dramatic, piece-y layers that create a bold, editorial-worthy silhouette. The style incorporates an eye-skimming side-swept bang that seamlessly blends into textured layers, while the ends are purposefully choppy to create movement and an effortlessly cool vibe. This modern cut is perfect for those with medium to thick hair who want to achieve a fashion-forward look with minimal styling effort. To recreate this sultry texture, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and rough dry while using fingers to enhance natural movement, finishing with a lightweight texturizing paste on the ends for piece-y definition and separation. The cut is particularly flattering for oval, heart, or diamond-shaped faces, as the dramatic side-swept bangs and face-framing layers create an alluring frame while maintaining an air of modern sophistication that works especially well for those wanting to make a statement.

Lived-in Bronde Shag with Airy Fringe

This beautifully balanced medium-length shag combines warm brown and blonde tones (bronde) with effortlessly tousled layers that create natural movement and volume. The cut features a soft, wispy fringe that blends seamlessly into face-framing layers, while the ends flip outward with a subtle retro influence that feels modern and fresh. This versatile style works especially well for those with fine to medium hair texture who want to achieve a lived-in, French-girl aesthetic. To style, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a medium round brush, focusing on creating gentle movement at the ends. The cut is particularly flattering for oval, heart, or long face shapes, as the full bangs and layered pieces create beautiful dimension while maintaining an air of effortless sophistication. For best results, finish with a texturizing spray at the roots and mid-lengths to enhance the piece-y texture and maintain that coveted undone appearance throughout the day.

Tousled Dark Shag with Textured Waves

This contemporary medium-length shag showcases rich dark brown hair styled into perfectly imperfect waves that create dramatic movement and volume throughout. The cut features choppy, piece-y layers with side-swept bangs that blend effortlessly into the overall texture, while the length sits just above the shoulders for a modern, edgy feel. This style is ideal for those with natural wave patterns or straight hair seeking to achieve an effortlessly undone look with plenty of body and texture. To recreate this sophisticated bedhead effect, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and diffuse or air dry while scrunching to enhance natural waves, then finish with a dry texturizing spray for added separation and lived-in texture. The cut works exceptionally well for oval, heart, or square-shaped faces, as the tousled layers and wispy fringe create soft movement while maintaining an air of urban sophistication that transitions seamlessly from casual to formal occasions.

Sultry Layered Shag with Caramel Highlights

This sophisticated medium-length shag features soft caramel highlights woven through dark brown base color, creating beautiful dimension throughout the tousled layers. The cut incorporates piece-y bangs that sweep elegantly across the forehead and blend seamlessly into face-framing layers, while the overall length falls just past the shoulders with expertly textured ends. This versatile style is perfect for those with medium to thick hair who want to achieve that coveted lived-in look with minimal styling effort. To recreate this effortlessly chic texture, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a medium round brush, using your fingers to piece out the layers and create natural separation. The cut is particularly flattering for oval, heart, or diamond-shaped faces, as the layered bangs and textured pieces create a beautiful frame while maintaining an air of understated glamour that works well for both professional settings and casual occasions.

Feathered Brunette Shag with Wispy Bangs

This modern take on the medium-length shag features rich chocolate brown hair cut into beautifully feathered layers that create natural movement and texture throughout. The style showcases perfectly piece-y bangs that blend seamlessly into face-framing layers, while the length extends past the shoulders with deliberately textured ends that add lightness and movement. This versatile cut is ideal for those with medium to thick hair seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look that can be dressed up or down. To achieve this effortlessly tousled appearance, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using fingers to enhance natural texture, finishing with a dry texturizing spray for added definition and lived-in movement. The cut works particularly well for oval, heart, or square-shaped faces, as the soft bangs and layered pieces create a flattering frame while maintaining an air of casual sophistication that’s both modern and timeless.

Tousled Bob-Length Shag with Sun-Kissed Highlights

This effortlessly chic medium-length shag combines a modern bob silhouette with perfectly imperfect layers and natural-looking caramel highlights throughout the dark base. The cut features a deep side part and textured layers that create beautiful movement and volume, while the length sits just above the shoulders for a fresh, youthful feel. This versatile style is ideal for those with medium to thick hair who want to achieve that coveted lived-in, beachy texture with minimal styling effort. To recreate this casual-cool look, apply a salt spray to damp hair and rough dry while scrunching to enhance natural waves, then finish with a lightweight texturizing spray for added body and piece-y definition. The cut works particularly well for round, oval, or heart-shaped faces, as the tousled layers and side-swept style create length and dimension while maintaining an air of effortless sophistication that’s perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Voluminous Deep Brown Shag with Swooping Layers

This sophisticated medium-length shag showcases rich chocolate brown hair cut into beautifully sweeping layers that create natural volume and movement throughout. The style features a side-swept top section that flows seamlessly into face-framing pieces, while the length extends past the shoulders with expertly crafted layers that flip outward for dynamic texture. This versatile cut is perfect for those with medium to thick hair who want to achieve a polished yet effortlessly tousled look. To style this modern shag, apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and blow-dry using a large round brush to create lift and movement, finishing with a lightweight texturizing spray for lasting body and definition. The cut is particularly flattering for oval, long, or heart-shaped faces, as the swooping layers and piece-y ends create beautiful dimension while maintaining an air of refined elegance that transitions well from professional settings to evening occasions.

Textured Raven Shag with Full Bangs

This effortlessly cool medium-length shag features deep black hair cut into perfectly undone layers that create natural movement and lived-in texture. The style incorporates full, piece-y bangs that frame the eyes beautifully while seamlessly blending into face-framing layers that add softness around the face. The cut falls just past the shoulders with deliberately tousled ends that enhance the overall casual-chic vibe. This versatile style is ideal for those with medium to thick hair who want to achieve that coveted French-girl aesthetic with minimal styling effort. To recreate this beautifully disheveled look, apply a wave-enhancing cream to damp hair and either air dry or diffuse while scrunching to encourage natural texture, finishing with a light-hold texturizing spray for added definition and movement. The cut works particularly well for oval, heart, or square-shaped faces, as the full bangs and layered pieces create a romantic frame while maintaining an air of effortless sophistication.

Layered Chocolate Brown Shag with Side Sweep

This elegant medium-length shag showcases rich chocolate brown hair styled into soft, cascading layers that create natural movement and volume. The cut features a sophisticated side-swept front section that gracefully blends into longer face-framing pieces, while the length extends past the shoulders with textured, piece-y ends. This versatile style is perfect for those with medium to thick hair who want to achieve a polished yet effortless look. To recreate this refined appearance, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a large round brush to create gentle waves and movement, finishing with a lightweight smoothing cream for shine and definition. The cut is particularly flattering for oval, heart, or long face shapes, as the side-swept style and layered pieces create beautiful dimension while maintaining an air of understated glamour that works well for both casual and formal occasions.

French-Inspired Shag with Wispy Bangs

This chic medium-length shag embodies effortless Parisian style with its perfectly tousled layers and face-framing wispy bangs. The cut features rich dark brown hair styled into soft, undone waves that create natural movement and texture throughout, while the length sits just above the shoulders for a modern, versatile silhouette. This sophisticated style is ideal for those with medium to thick hair who want to achieve that coveted French-girl aesthetic with minimal effort. To recreate this beautifully disheveled look, apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using fingers to enhance natural texture, then finish with a dry texturizing spray for that perfectly imperfect, lived-in feel. The cut works particularly well for oval, heart, or square-shaped faces, as the soft bangs and layered pieces create a romantic frame while maintaining an air of understated elegance that transitions seamlessly from day to evening wear.

Tousled Strawberry Blonde Shag with Airy Layers

This effortlessly cool medium-length shag features warm strawberry blonde tones styled into beautifully disheveled layers that create natural movement and lived-in texture. The cut incorporates piece-y bangs that blend seamlessly into face-framing layers, while the length extends past the shoulders with deliberately tousled ends that enhance the overall bohemian vibe. This carefree style is perfect for those with fine to medium hair who want to achieve that coveted bedhead texture with minimal styling effort. To recreate this perfectly undone look, apply a salt spray to damp hair and rough dry while scrunching to encourage natural waves, finishing with a dry texturizing powder at the roots for added lift and separation. The cut works particularly well for oval, heart, or square-shaped faces, as the wispy layers and textured ends create a soft, romantic frame while maintaining an air of effortless cool that’s both modern and versatile.

Edgy Raven Black Shag with Textured Layers

This statement-making medium-length shag features intense black hair cut into deliberately piece-y layers that create dramatic movement and rock-and-roll texture. The style incorporates side-swept bangs that blend seamlessly into face-framing layers, while the length extends past the shoulders with expertly razored ends that enhance the overall edgy aesthetic. This bold cut is perfect for those with medium to thick hair who want to achieve a fashion-forward look with attitude. To recreate this perfectly tousled style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using fingers to enhance natural texture, finishing with a dry texturizing spray for that coveted lived-in separation and movement. The cut works particularly well for oval, heart, or diamond-shaped faces, as the choppy layers and wispy ends create an alluring frame while maintaining an air of rebellious sophistication that’s both modern and striking.

Voluminous Brunette Shag with Flipped Ends

This sophisticated medium-length shag showcases rich chocolate brown hair styled into bouncy, flipped-out layers that create dynamic movement and body. The cut features piece-y side-swept bangs that blend seamlessly into face-framing layers, while the length sits just above the shoulders with elegantly curved ends that add a touch of retro flair. This versatile style is perfect for those with medium to thick hair who want to achieve a polished yet effortlessly chic look. To recreate this bouncy style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a medium round brush, focusing on creating lift at the roots and flipped ends, finishing with a light-hold hairspray for lasting volume and movement. The cut is particularly flattering for oval, heart, or square-shaped faces, as the sweeping layers and curved ends create a beautiful frame while maintaining an air of refined sophistication that works well for both professional and casual settings.

Modern French Shag with Textured Waves

This contemporary take on the classic French shag features rich dark brown hair cut into perfectly imperfect layers that create natural movement and lived-in texture. The style incorporates full, wispy bangs that blend seamlessly into face-framing pieces, while the length falls just past the collarbone with soft, tousled ends. The cut embodies that coveted Parisian je ne sais quoi with its artfully disheveled appearance. To achieve this effortlessly chic look, apply a wave-enhancing cream to damp hair and either air dry or blow dry with a diffuser, scrunching to encourage natural texture. Finish with a light misting of texturizing spray for added separation and that perfectly undone effect. The cut is especially flattering on oval, heart, or diamond-shaped faces, as the layered fringe and gentle waves create a soft, romantic frame while maintaining an air of understated elegance that transitions beautifully from day to evening wear.

Tousled Lob with Feathered Bangs

This modern shag-inspired lob (long bob) features deep brunette hair cut into soft, piece-y layers that create natural movement and texture. The style incorporates wispy bangs that perfectly frame the face, while the length sits just above the shoulders with expertly texturized ends that enhance the overall lived-in look. The cut pairs beautifully with the mustard yellow sweater, creating a striking contrast against the dark hair.

Sultry Copper Shag with Windswept Texture

This dynamic shag cut showcases a stunning copper red hair color that catches the light beautifully, creating dimensional warmth throughout the style. The cut features deliberately disheveled layers with wispy, piece-y bangs that blend seamlessly into the overall texture. The natural freckles complement the warm auburn tones perfectly, creating a harmonious look that enhances the effortless, windswept styling.

Platinum Blonde Textured Bob with Wispy Bangs

This modern, ethereal bob features a stunning platinum blonde color with slightly darker roots that add depth and dimension. The cut incorporates choppy, piece-y layers throughout with wispy bangs that create a light, airy texture. The subtle freckles and peachy-toned makeup complement the cool platinum shade beautifully, while the tousled waves add movement and modern edge to the classic bob silhouette.

As we move further into 2025, the medium-length shag haircut continues to reinvent itself while maintaining its status as a timeless style choice. This versatile cut proves that with the right styling techniques and maintenance, anyone can achieve that perfect balance of polish and effortless cool. Whether you opt for textured layers, wispy bangs, or face-framing pieces, the medium shag adapts to your personal style while keeping you fashion-forward. Remember, the key to rocking this signature look lies in embracing its natural movement and choosing a variation that complements your hair texture and lifestyle. With proper care and regular trims every 8-10 weeks, your shag will remain fresh and modern throughout the seasons.