15 Medium Shag Haircuts to Try
Medium shag haircuts are the perfect balance between edgy and effortless, making them a top trend in modern hairstyling. With their choppy layers, tousled volume, and face-framing texture, they suit a variety of face shapes and hair types. Whether you prefer a soft, wispy style or a bold, rockstar vibe, there’s a shag cut for everyone. Adding hair color can further enhance the dimension, making the layers pop. Below, we explore 15 stylish medium shag haircuts, including color-enhanced variations for an even trendier touch.
1. Medium Shag with Face-Framing Layers
This timeless shag features layered cuts that enhance facial features while adding movement to the hair. The choppy layers create volume, making it ideal for thin to medium hair. Pairing it with curtain bangs or soft waves adds a modern touch. This cut works well for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces, giving an effortless yet stylish look.

2. Textured Medium Shag with Wispy Bangs
A lightweight, feathery shag cut with wispy bangs that softly frame the face. The subtle layering adds natural volume and texture, perfect for those with fine hair. This style looks great with soft waves or straightened ends for a relaxed feel. A light balayage or honey highlights can enhance the movement of the layers.

3. Medium Shag with Curtain Bangs for a Soft Look
Curtain bangs complement a medium-length shag by creating a chic, face-framing effect. The layered shag gives hair a fuller appearance, especially when styled with a bit of wave or texture spray. This versatile look suits both casual and professional settings. It pairs beautifully with warm caramel or ash-blonde highlights for added dimension.

4. Medium-Length Shag with Choppy Ends for an Edgy Style
If you love a more undone, rockstar vibe, this shag cut with razor-cut ends is a great choice. The choppy layers add a rebellious edge while maintaining volume. Ideal for thick hair, it removes excess weight while keeping movement intact. Pair it with shadow roots or a deep brown balayage for a striking contrast.

5. Wavy Medium Shag with Sun-Kissed Balayage
A perfect blend of texture and natural-looking highlights, this style enhances soft waves. The sun-kissed balayage adds depth, making the layers appear more defined. This cut works well on both straight and wavy hair, offering an effortlessly beachy look. Ideal for those wanting a low-maintenance yet stylish appearance.

6. Medium Shaggy Wolf Cut for Volume and Edge
Combining the wolf cut with a medium shag results in a voluminous, edgy style. This haircut features shorter layers at the crown, adding lift and body to the hair. Ideal for those with thick hair, it removes excess weight while maintaining a stylish, effortless shape. Pairing this cut with subtle ash or silver tones enhances the modern, cool aesthetic.

7. Curly Medium Shag with Caramel Highlights
Curly hair looks incredible with a shag cut, as the layers add shape and bounce. The caramel highlights bring out the texture, giving the curls more dimension. This haircut works especially well for those wanting a playful yet structured look. Keeping the layers slightly longer helps maintain curl definition without excessive frizz.

8. Medium-Length Shag with Ash Blonde Balayage
For a cool-toned, sophisticated style, this shag cut with an ash blonde balayage is a must-try. The soft layers create an airy, voluminous effect, while the cool blonde tones add depth. This look suits fine to medium hair and works beautifully with soft waves. It’s a great option for those wanting a modern, effortless style.

9. Shoulder-Length Shag with Piecey Bangs
Piecey bangs give this shag cut a trendy, lived-in appearance. The lightweight, choppy layers add movement, making it a great choice for those with naturally straight or wavy hair. This cut flatters most face shapes, especially round and oval. Adding honey or warm blonde highlights can further enhance the piecey texture.

10. Voluminous Medium Shag with Auburn Highlights
If you want a vibrant, bold look, adding auburn highlights to a medium shag is a great idea. The rich, warm tones enhance the movement of the layers while adding a lively touch. This haircut works well for medium to thick hair types, as the layers help reduce weight. Soft waves or a tousled finish make this style stand out even more.

11. Soft Medium Shag with Icy Blonde Tones
For a sleek, cool-toned vibe, this soft shag with icy blonde shades is a fantastic choice. The layers are subtle but effective in adding movement, making it perfect for fine hair. This style looks best with straight or slightly wavy textures. A darker root shadow can add depth and make the icy blonde tones pop even more.

12. Razor-Cut Medium Shag with Smoky Gray Ombre
A razor-cut shag with smoky gray ombre creates a bold, high-fashion look. The choppy layers give the hair an edgy texture, while the silver-gray ombre adds a futuristic touch. This haircut is perfect for those wanting a standout style that requires minimal styling effort. Works best on straight to slightly wavy hair.

13. Shaggy Shoulder-Length Bob with a Shadow Root
This shag variation is a mix between a bob and a shag cut, offering a structured yet relaxed appearance. The shadow root effect adds a natural grow-out look, making maintenance easier. Ideal for those who want a chic, effortless haircut with soft waves. Works well with blonde, brunette, or red-toned hair.

14. Medium Shag with Chunky Highlights and Side Bangs
Throwback to the early 2000s, this shag cut features bold, chunky highlights and flippy side bangs. The layers add volume and movement, making it a great choice for thick hair. This cut pairs well with contrast highlights like platinum blonde on dark brown hair. Perfect for those wanting a fun, retro-inspired look.

15. Messy Medium Shag with Copper Tones
A medium shag with copper hues brings warmth and vibrancy to the hair. The choppy layers enhance movement, while the copper tones add depth and shine. This look is ideal for wavy or slightly curly hair, as it enhances the natural texture. Perfect for those wanting a rich, autumn-inspired hairstyle.

Hair Care Tips for Medium Shag Haircuts
- Use a Volumizing Mousse – Shag cuts thrive on movement, so apply a lightweight mousse to enhance texture and add natural volume.
- Trim Regularly – To maintain the choppy layers and prevent split ends, get a trim every 6-8 weeks.
- Opt for a Texturizing Spray – A texturizing spray helps define layers, giving your shag haircut a more effortless, tousled look.
- Deep Condition Weekly – Since layered cuts can make hair prone to dryness, use a hydrating mask once a week to keep strands soft and healthy.
- Avoid Heavy Products – Thick creams and oils can weigh down the layers, so stick to lightweight styling products for a bouncy finish.
FAQs – Medium Shag Haircuts
Is a medium shag haircut high-maintenance?
No, it’s a low-maintenance style that looks great with natural texture and requires minimal styling.
Does a medium shag cut work for all hair types?
Yes, it suits straight, wavy, and curly hair, but fine hair may need extra texturizing products for volume.
Can I style a medium shag haircut without heat?
Absolutely! Use a texturizing spray or scrunch your hair with mousse for a natural, tousled look.
What face shapes look best with a medium shag?
Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces benefit the most, as the layers create a slimming and balanced effect.
Which hair colors enhance a medium shag haircut?
Balayage, highlights, and shadow roots add depth and dimension, making the layers stand out beautifully.
Conclusion
A medium shag haircut is the perfect blend of effortless style and modern edge, making it a go-to choice for those who love volume and movement. Whether you prefer soft, wispy layers or bold, choppy textures, there’s a variation to suit every hair type and face shape. Adding hair color, such as balayage, highlights, or shadow roots, can further enhance the dimension and depth of the cut. With minimal maintenance and versatile styling options, the medium shag remains a timeless yet trendy hairstyle. Try one of these looks to refresh your style with a chic and carefree touch!