Admit it: you’re bored of your hairstyle. Maybe your hair lacks body and shine and falls in one direction that just looks flat. Perhaps you’ve tried every style in the book — from bobs to pixies — and can’t settle on one that feels right or that honors your hair type. And maybe your concerns as of late have expanded to include things like hiding wrinkles on your forehead and giving your face a little bit of a lift that makes you look and feel like the more refreshed version of you.
If you haven’t considered a shag haircut or aren’t sure what to expect from this trend-setting style, now is the perfect time to open your mind to one. This is the shag haircut with bangs that is so flattering — especially for women over 40.
Why Consider A Shag?
Let’s start with some basics — what is a shag and why should you even consider one? Put simply: a shag is a cut that usually lands somewhere between your collarbone and chest and features multiple layers, often with feathering at the tops and sides.
“Shags are such a great style if you want low maintenance and easy,” says Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites. “The fun part about this cut is that you can style it differently or leave it to dry on its own, which works very well if your hair tends to have a natural curl or wave. This cut works great on every face shape and hair type and definitely adds a more youthful appearance.”
In addition to being a low-maintenance option, shags are great if you’re looking for a cut that feels more youthful. “The shag cut can lift your eyes by diverting attention away from your wrinkles,” shares Jean Lopez, co-founder at LilyHair. “The haircut also looks good with grey hair because it gives light to grey highlights.”
Consider: A Butterfly Shag With Bangs
Another amazing thing about the shag is that, similar to a bob, it can be personalized depending on the facial features you want to highlight or minimize. A butterfly shag with bangs, for example, conceals any forehead fine lines and wrinkles while making thinning hair look more voluminous.
"If you're looking for a versatile hairstyle that adds texture and volume, consider the butterfly haircut, also known as the layered shag,” says Celebrity Hairstylist Shantise Michelle. “This style features short layers throughout the crown of the head and longer layers towards the ends, creating a feathered effect. It's suitable for most hair types, but especially for those with thinning hair.”
Michelle adds that you can style a butterfly shag with a center or side part, and it works well with both straight and wavy hair. “To achieve the desired look, simply use a volumizing mousse or spray and blow-dry with a round brush for an added lift,” she says.
To keep your shag haircut looking its best, build in a commitment to regular trims every six to eight weeks to help keep your layers light and airy. A texturizing spray or curl-enhancing gel will help make the most of your hair’s natural texture and really fine-tune your shag ‘do.
