23 Shaggy Haircuts Long Hair Ideas That Will Totally Change Your Look

If you’ve got long hair and you’re bored with the same old “straight and sleek” routine, let me just say: a shag haircut might be your new best friend. Shags are edgy, effortless, and ridiculously versatile.

They’re the kind of haircut that says, “I woke up like this” (even if you actually spent 20 minutes texturizing with salt spray—no judgment).

Here’s the deal: long shag haircuts aren’t just for rock stars from the ’70s. They’ve made a huge comeback, and for good reason.

They add movement, make your hair look thicker, and frame your face in ways that straight cuts just can’t compete with. And honestly? They make long hair fun again.

So, if you’ve been thinking about chopping layers into your locks but you’re nervous about going too short, this list of 23 shaggy haircuts for long hair will give you all the inspo you need.

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1. Classic Long Shag

This is the cut that started it all—lots of choppy layers, tons of texture, and that lived-in vibe. It’s effortless, edgy, and looks good whether you style it or not.

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2. Curtain Bangs Shag

Curtain bangs + shag = a match made in hair heaven. The face-framing layers soften your look while the shag layers in the back add volume. Ever wondered why so many celebs are rocking this? Because it works on almost everyone.

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3. Shag with Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs add that soft, flirty touch to a shag haircut. Pair them with long, layered locks and suddenly you look like you belong in a romantic indie film.

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4. Shag with Heavy Fringe

If wispy bangs feel too sweet, go the opposite route with a thick, bold fringe. It gives the haircut a retro vibe—think Brigitte Bardot but with a grungy twist.

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5. Beachy Shag

Want that “I just got back from the beach” hair without actually stepping foot in the sand? A beachy shag, with lots of texture and movement, does the trick. A little salt spray and boom—you’re there.

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6. Shag with Soft Waves

This one’s perfect if your hair naturally waves when you let it air dry. The shag cut enhances those waves so you don’t have to do much styling. Lazy girls, rejoice.

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7. Voluminous Shag

More layers = more volume. If your hair feels flat, a voluminous shag gives it that instant lift. Pro tip: blow-dry upside down and thank me later.

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8. Layered Shag with Face-Framing Pieces

Sometimes you don’t want an extreme cut—you just want something that makes your face pop. That’s where face-framing layers in a shag come in. They highlight your cheekbones and jawline perfectly.

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9. Boho Shag

Think loose, airy, and relaxed. A boho shag pairs beautifully with messy waves or braids, and it always looks laid-back but stylish.

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10. Rock ’n’ Roll Shag

This one screams “effortless cool.” It’s messy, it’s bold, and it’s perfect if you like your hair to look slightly undone. Honestly, it’s like the haircut version of ripped jeans.

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11. Long Curly Shag

Yes, curly-haired friends—you can absolutely rock a shag. In fact, shag cuts look incredible on curls because the layers prevent that dreaded triangle shape.

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12. Straight Hair Shag

If your hair is pin-straight, don’t think shags are off-limits. The layers add depth and dimension, so you won’t feel like your hair is just hanging there.

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13. Shag with Balayage Highlights

Add highlights to your shag and you instantly level up. Balayage, in particular, makes the layers stand out and gives your hair that sun-kissed glow.

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14. Shag with Ombre Ends

Ombre ends pair beautifully with a shag because the gradual color change emphasizes the texture. Bonus: it grows out super naturally, so less maintenance.

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15. Choppy Layered Shag

This version focuses on super choppy, noticeable layers. It’s bold, edgy, and makes your hair look fuller. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely a head-turner.

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16. Soft Feminine Shag

Not all shags have to scream rock star. A softer shag with gentle layers gives a romantic, flowy vibe while still adding texture.

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17. Shag with Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs instantly change the game. They blend with your shaggy layers seamlessly and give you that effortless “cool girl” look.

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18. Modern Minimal Shag

This is for those who want the movement of a shag without going too extreme. Fewer layers, less chop, but still enough to give your hair life.

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19. Shag with Blunt Ends

Pair blunt ends with shaggy layers, and you get a unique contrast—structured yet messy. It’s a combo that looks especially good on thicker hair.

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20. Shag with Caramel Highlights

Highlights are like the secret weapon of shag haircuts. Caramel tones add warmth and depth, making your haircut look more dimensional.

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21. Retro 70s Shag

Channel your inner Farrah Fawcett with a retro-inspired shag. Think feathered layers, dramatic bangs, and loads of volume. Warning: people will ask you where you got your blowout.

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22. Shag with Long Layers

If you’re scared of losing too much length, this one’s for you. A shag with long, gradual layers keeps your hair length while still giving you movement.

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23. Shag with Highlights and Lowlights

This one’s all about dimension. Combining highlights and lowlights in your shag creates depth and makes your haircut look even more dynamic.

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Why Shag Haircuts Work So Well for Long Hair

So, what makes the shag cut so magical? It’s simple: layers, movement, and versatility. Long hair can sometimes feel heavy and flat, but shags lighten it up without sacrificing length.

Plus, they work on every hair type:

• Straight hair looks fuller.
• Wavy hair looks beachy.
• Curly hair looks defined.

Basically, if you’ve got long hair, the shag is here to rescue you from boring hair days.

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Styling Tips for Long Shags

You don’t need a glam squad to make your shag haircut look good. A few tricks can keep it fresh every day:

• Use texturizing spray: It enhances layers and gives that messy, effortless look.
• Play with bangs: Style curtain bangs differently for fresh vibes without a full haircut.
• Experiment with heat tools: Loose curls, waves, or even straightening sections can all give your shag a different feel.
• Dry shampoo = lifesaver: Shags look better with a little grit, so don’t over-wash.

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My Personal Shag Story

I’ll be honest—I was hesitant about getting a shag haircut. I thought it would make my long hair look too thin. Spoiler: it did the opposite. Suddenly, my flat hair had movement, my face looked more defined, and styling took half the time.

And the best part? When I got lazy (which, let’s be real, happens often), my shag still looked like I tried. That’s the kind of haircut I can get behind.

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Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: 23 shaggy haircut ideas for long hair that prove this style is anything but outdated. Whether you want bold and edgy or soft and romantic, there’s a shag out there with your name on it.

The beauty of the shag is that it’s flexible. You can customize the layers, bangs, and texture to fit your style and face shape. And if you ever get bored, a little color or highlights will completely transform the look.

Long story short? Shags are cool, versatile, and ridiculously flattering. So, if you’re ready to give your long hair a glow-up, a shag haircut might just be the move. IMO, it’s the haircut that keeps on giving—and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.