21 Medium Shag Haircuts Curly Hair Ideas You’ll Be Obsessed With

Let’s be real: if you’ve got curly hair, you’ve probably had at least one love-hate relationship with haircuts.

One day your curls look like they belong in a shampoo commercial, and the next, you’re wondering if your hairdresser secretly cut your layers with kitchen scissors.

But here’s the thing—medium shag haircuts for curly hair are an absolute game-changer. They add volume, shape, and that effortless “I woke up like this” vibe (minus the three hours of detangling).

I’ve tried a couple of shag-inspired cuts myself, and IMO, they’re the perfect middle ground between polished and wild.

Whether you’ve got tight coils, loose waves, or something in between, the shag works wonders because it embraces the texture instead of fighting it. And honestly, why fight the curls when you can let them run the show?

So, let’s go through 21 medium shag haircuts curly hair ideas that will make you want to screenshot everything for your next salon appointment.

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1. Classic 70s Shag with Curls

Think Farrah Fawcett meets modern curls. This cut has face-framing layers that let your curls bounce around your cheeks. Pair it with curtain bangs, and you’ll look like you walked straight out of a retro magazine.

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2. Messy Mid-Length Shag

Sometimes messy = magic. Keep the layers choppy, and let your curls do their thing. A little mousse or curl cream, and you’re rocking that perfectly undone look without even trying.

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3. Shag with Wispy Bangs

Ever thought bangs wouldn’t work with curly hair? Wrong. Wispy bangs blend into medium shag layers beautifully. They soften your face while still giving you that edgy, rockstar vibe.

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4. Volume-Boosting Shag

This one’s for anyone who feels like their curls sometimes fall flat. Add shorter crown layers to lift everything up. The result? Instant big-hair energy.

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5. Shag with Defined Ringlets

If you’ve got tighter curls, keep the layers longer so your ringlets fall naturally. This cut frames your face but doesn’t mess with your curl pattern too much. Bonus: it’s low-maintenance.

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6. Curly Shag with Balayage Highlights

Add balayage to the mix, and suddenly your shag cut looks like it belongs on Pinterest. The highlights add depth and dimension, making each curl stand out.

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7. Rock ‘n’ Roll Inspired Shag

This one screams “cool.” Choppy layers, mid-length curls, and maybe even a side-swept bang. You’ll feel like you should be holding a guitar—even if you can’t play a single chord.

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8. Curly Shag with Face-Framing Layers

Perfect if you want to highlight your cheekbones. These face-framing layers draw attention upward and make your curls cascade beautifully around your face.

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9. Textured Medium Shag

If your curls are more wavy than tight, go for lots of textured layers. It keeps your hair from looking too heavy and gives you that tousled, surfer-girl vibe.

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10. Shag with Side Part Curls

A side part instantly changes the vibe of your cut. Combine it with medium shag layers, and your curls fall in a way that looks dramatic without trying too hard.

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11. Curly Shag with Long Bangs

Long bangs that melt into your curls? Yes, please. They add softness while still keeping the playful, bouncy energy of the shag.

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12. Modern Shag with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are everywhere right now, and for good reason. Pair them with a shag cut and medium curls, and you’ve basically nailed the “effortless chic” look.

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13. Layered Shag for Thick Curls

If your hair is super thick, layers are your best friend. A shag cut removes bulk without killing volume. It’s like the haircut equivalent of decluttering your closet—you suddenly feel lighter.

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14. Curly Shag with Shaved Undercut

Want to take it edgy? Try a shag with an undercut. It’s bold, modern, and surprisingly easy to manage. Plus, you get the best of both worlds—volume on top, sleek underneath.

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15. Shag with Ombre Curls

Ombre and curls? Absolute perfection. The gradual color fade looks even more dramatic with shag layers because each curl shows off a different shade.

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16. Mid-Length Shag with Soft Layers

If you’re not into super choppy cuts, this softer version keeps the layers subtle. It still gives your curls shape, but it feels more romantic than rock-and-roll.

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17. Curly Wolf Cut (Shag-Inspired)

Okay, technically the wolf cut is a cousin of the shag, but it’s too good not to include. Think lots of choppy layers, volume at the crown, and a slightly wild, untamed finish.

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18. Curly Shag with Micro Bangs

Yes, micro bangs on curls. It’s quirky, bold, and not for the faint of heart. But if you’re feeling adventurous, it’ll definitely turn heads.

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19. Boho Shag with Loose Waves

For a softer take, go bohemian. Loose waves with shaggy layers give you that dreamy, carefree vibe. Add a middle part, and you’re basically festival-ready year-round.

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20. Mid-Length Curly Shag with Layers Around the Crown

Adding short crown layers makes your curls springy at the top while cascading down. It’s perfect if you don’t want all the volume sitting at the bottom of your hair.

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21. Shag with Natural Curls and Minimal Styling

Sometimes less is more. Let your natural curls shine with a cut that enhances your shape without tons of products. This is for the lazy days when styling tools feel like torture devices.

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Why Medium Shags Work So Well for Curly Hair

Ever wondered why this haircut has stuck around since the 70s? It’s because shags embrace texture. Instead of forcing your curls into one uniform shape, they celebrate the chaos.

• They remove bulk while keeping volume.
• They frame your face in flattering ways.
• They’re low-maintenance (because who wants to spend hours styling?).
• They look stylish even when messy—maybe especially when messy.

Basically, shags are like the best friend who hypes you up no matter what.

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Styling Tips for Curly Shag Haircuts

A great cut is only half the battle. Here’s how to keep it looking fresh:

• Moisturize: Curly hair = thirsty hair. Use a leave-in conditioner.
• Diffuser attachment: Dry your curls with a diffuser to keep shape and reduce frizz.
• Styling cream or mousse: Helps define the layers without making your hair crunchy.
• Don’t overbrush: Unless you want to look like you stuck your finger in an outlet.

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Final Thoughts

Medium shag haircuts and curly hair were basically made for each other. They bring out the best in your texture, add movement, and give you that effortlessly cool vibe. And the best part? There’s a version of the shag for literally everyone—whether you want soft and subtle or bold and edgy.

So, which of these 21 medium shag haircuts curly hair ideas are you adding to your Pinterest board (or, let’s be honest, screenshotting for your stylist)? Personally, I’m all about the curtain bangs with curls—it’s chic without feeling like I tried too hard.

At the end of the day, curly hair already has personality. The shag just gives it a stage to shine on.