25 Shag Hairstyles For Wavy Hair Ideas (You’ll Want to Steal Right Now)
Let’s be honest—wavy hair and shag cuts are basically soulmates. The shag thrives on texture, layers, and movement, and wavy hair naturally delivers all three.
Put them together, and you’ve got that effortlessly cool “I woke up like this” vibe that everyone secretly spends 20 minutes in front of the mirror trying to achieve.
If you’ve ever struggled with making your waves look intentional instead of “accidentally messy,” a shag cut might just be your new best friend.
I’ve tried a couple myself, and let me tell you—there’s something liberating about having a haircut that looks even better when you don’t style it perfectly.
So today, I’m sharing 25 shag hairstyles for wavy hair that prove this cut works on literally everyone.
Whether you want short, long, layered, or with bangs, there’s a shag here for you. And yes, some of them will make you feel like you just walked off a 70s rock album cover.
1. Classic 70s Shag
If you want to channel your inner rock star, the classic 70s shag is the way to go. Think curtain bangs, layers around the crown, and messy waves that scream “effortless.” It’s retro but still feels fresh—especially with wavy hair that naturally adds volume.
2. Shoulder-Length Shag
This one’s my personal favorite. Shoulder-length shag cuts hit that sweet spot: long enough to play with, short enough to style easily. On wavy hair, it gives bounce without weighing things down. Plus, it grows out beautifully.
3. Modern Layered Shag
For a more polished vibe, the modern shag keeps the layers soft and blended. Instead of choppy, it’s more flowy—perfect if you want movement but not a full rock-band look. Great for work, brunch, or date night without needing major effort.
4. Shag With Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs deserve their own fan club, and with a shag cut? Game-changer. Curtain bangs + waves = instant cool factor. They frame your face beautifully, and they’re low maintenance compared to blunt bangs.
5. Long Shag With Waves
If you’re not ready to chop off your length, don’t worry. Long shag hairstyles look incredible on wavy hair. Layers throughout keep the ends from looking heavy and give your waves more definition.
6. Wispy Shag Cut
Want something soft and airy? The wispy shag focuses on feathered layers and light texture. It’s romantic and effortless, perfect if you like movement without too much bulk.
7. Curly-Wavy Shag
If your waves sometimes turn into curls (story of my life), the curly-wavy shag embraces both textures. The layers help balance out volume so it doesn’t turn into a triangle situation. (You know what I mean if you’ve been there.)
8. Messy Shag
Honestly, this one feels like the cut was made for wavy hair. The messy shag leans into your natural texture and makes “bedhead chic” actually chic. Bonus: it looks better when it’s not too polished. Lazy-day approved.
9. Shag With Choppy Bangs
Ready for a bold move? Add choppy bangs to your shag cut. They give instant edge and highlight your waves. It’s a little punk, a little artsy, and very Instagram-worthy.
10. Short Shag Bob
Love short hair? The shaggy bob combines the bob’s structure with shag’s layers. On wavy hair, it looks playful and modern. It’s also ridiculously easy to style—scrunch, air dry, done.
11. Textured Shag Lob
If you like something longer than a bob but not full-length, go for the shag lob. It’s that in-between length that still lets you tie it up but looks amazing down. Wavy hair gives it a tousled, effortless finish.
12. Shag With Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are underrated, IMO. Pair them with a shag cut, and they blend seamlessly into wavy layers. Shag with side bangs softens your look while keeping it stylish.
13. Layered Shag With Highlights
Waves + layers + highlights = magic. A layered shag with highlights makes your texture pop even more. Balayage or face-framing highlights look especially good with this cut.
14. Wolf Cut (Shag Remix)
Yes, the wolf cut is basically a shag’s wilder cousin. It’s trendy, edgy, and ridiculously flattering on wavy hair. The layers start high and taper down, giving you that dramatic shape that’s been all over TikTok.
15. Beachy Shag
Love that “spent the day at the beach” vibe? The beachy shag keeps layers soft and tousled so your waves look like salt water styled them for you. Perfect with some sea spray and a carefree attitude.
16. Mid-Length Layered Shag
The mid-length shag works for anyone who wants movement but doesn’t want to go too short. Wavy hair gives it body without much effort, making it ideal for everyday wear.
17. Razor-Cut Shag
A razor-cut shag creates sharper, more defined layers that play up your natural waves. It’s a little edgier than a traditional shag and gives that cool, undone look without trying too hard.
18. Shag With Micro Bangs
Feeling bold? Pair your shag with micro bangs. It’s quirky, artsy, and works surprisingly well with waves. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely a statement-maker.
19. Shaggy Pixie
Short-hair fans, don’t worry—I’ve got you. The shaggy pixie uses choppy layers on top to create volume and movement. If your waves lean toward loose curls, this one looks especially cute.
20. Shag With Face-Framing Layers
Want to highlight your best features? Go for a shag with face-framing layers. It draws attention to your cheekbones and jawline while letting your waves bounce naturally.
21. Tousled Shag
This one is basically the poster child for effortless hair. The tousled shag is loose, messy, and wavy in the best way possible. Think French-girl hair without the six hours of effort.
22. Voluminous Shag
If you love big hair, the voluminous shag is for you. Wavy hair gets a boost from layers, creating major body. Honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to fake “thick hair” if yours is on the finer side.
23. Modern Shullet
The shullet (shag + mullet) is not for everyone, but on wavy hair, it can look insanely cool. Shorter in the front, longer in the back, with texture everywhere. It’s giving retro-meets-modern in the best way.
24. Layered Shag With Balayage
If you want your waves to look dimensional, a shag with balayage highlights is perfect. The layers and color play together to create texture that practically styles itself.
25. Long Shag With Bangs
To wrap things up, let’s talk about the long shag with bangs. Keep your length, add waves, and let bangs frame your face. It’s versatile, stylish, and proof that shag cuts aren’t just for short styles.
Why Shag Cuts Work So Well on Wavy Hair
Here’s the deal: shag cuts love texture. The whole point of a shag is movement, layers, and that slightly undone vibe. Wavy hair naturally has all of that built in. Instead of fighting frizz or volume, you get to embrace it.
Some perks of shag cuts for wavy hair:
- Low maintenance. You don’t need to style it perfectly—messy works.
- More volume. Layers stop waves from looking weighed down.
- Face framing. Bangs and layers highlight your best features.
- Versatility. Works on short, medium, or long lengths.
Styling Tips for Wavy Shag Haircuts
Want to make your shag look even better? Here are a few quick tips:
- Use lightweight products. Mousses, sea sprays, and light creams keep waves defined without weighing them down.
- Air dry when possible. Shags look amazing when styled naturally. Scrunch and go.
- Diffuse for volume. If you use heat, grab a diffuser to enhance texture.
- Don’t over-brush. Finger combing keeps waves intact. Brushes can make them frizzy.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—25 shag hairstyles for wavy hair that prove this cut is timeless, versatile, and ridiculously flattering. Whether you want something short and edgy like a wolf cut or long and romantic with curtain bangs, there’s a shag here for you.
IMO, the best part of this haircut is how forgiving it is. Bad hair day? Your shag just looks “intentionally messy.” Didn’t have time to style? Scrunch and leave the house—it works. Honestly, I wish every hairstyle was this low-maintenance.

Hi, I’m Ashley Miller, a wife, a busy mom, and someone who loves to share all the things that make life a little more fun and beautiful.
From easy DIY projects, delicious recipes, and chic hairstyles to nail ideas and home decor tips, I share everything I’ve learned and love.
My goal is to inspire other women to explore their creativity and make their homes even more special.