26 Short Shag Haircuts and Hairstyles for 2020

Short hairstyles are all the rage these days—and for a good reason. Short hair is easy to manage and super-flattering to boot. But which short hairstyle is right for you? Have you considered a cool short shag haircut? Shaggy hairstyles have a trendy edge to them, and a short shag cut looks great regardless of your hair type. Intrigued? Keep reading for 26 of the best short shag looks, including the short shaggy bob.

1. SHORT SHAGGY BOB

We have to start with one of the most popular shag haircuts. The short shaggy bob is a great option for anyone who needs a little extra volume in their life. While some bobs fall flat, this one’s shaggy texture offers a boost of body that’s tough to beat.

Help prevent your bob from becoming frizzy by using the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner in the shower. Then, tame hair before styling with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Frizz Vanisher Cream, which can help lock out humidity and smooth flyaways for a sleek, polished look.

2. WAVY SHAG WITH HIGHLIGHTS

Wavy hair is a beauty staple that looks amazing all year round, but pair it with a shaggy texture and highlights, and you’ve got the ultimate cool-girl look. To style this short shag hairstyle, start in the shower with sulfate-free products, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Conditioner. Then, when you’re out of the shower, work an egg-sized amount of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse through damp hair, scrunch, and let your hair air dry.

If you want to complete your look with highlights, consider balayage for a naturally sun-kissed look. Balayage is a technique that can only be perfectly pulled off by the pros—so make sure to find a colorist who specializes in it before making an appointment.

3. ANGLED SHAG

If you have thin hair, an angled haircut can help hair that tends to look limp appear more voluminous, and an angled shag haircut is no exception. To keep your hair looking larger-than-life (in a good way), use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Conditioner. After showering, apply the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse throughout your mane, blow-dry your hair, and make bends with a curling iron for added volume. Va-va-va-voom!

4. PLATINUM SHAG

Platinum blonde hair is one of the most popular hair colors of the moment, and it looks particularly gorgeous when paired with a short shag haircut. Keep in mind that extreme hair color changes—such as going from dark brown hair to platinum blonde hair—should be done by a professional. Since going platinum blonde requires bleaching, it may take multiple sessions to achieve your desired level of hair color. Be patient because the wait is worth it for this stylish look!

If you want to get platinum blonde hair at home, try the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Absolute Platinum Extreme Platinum. Care for your platinum blonde short shag hairstyle with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment.

5. CHOPPY BOB SHAG

Looking to give a short shaggy bob extra flair? Consider switching things up with a shaggy choppy bob. The hairstyle flaunts thick layered ends that work to add texture to your look for just the right amount of edge. Great for those who want to rock a chic look with a modern spin, this shaggy haircut won’t disappoint.

6. SHAG LOB

Believe it or not, shag haircuts don’t always have to be super short. If you’re game to steer away from tradition, the shaggy lob will meet your standards. Boasting strands that sit right below your chin, giving you a bit of length to play with while working to frame your face, this look is where it’s at. Whether you prefer curly strands, trendy waves, or pin-straight strands, this short shag hairstyle makes for a stunning look.

7. PIXIE SHAG

If you’re ready to take the plunge and go seriously short, then the pixie shag could be just the right short shag hairstyle for you. However, it’s important to note that while pixies look absolutely beautiful, they are very high maintenance. You’ll need to head to the salon for regular trims to keep your pixie shag from becoming too long.

As for styling, to give your pixie shag workable hold, style your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty. Start with a dime-sized amount of putty and rub it between your palms. Work the putty through your hair and shape. To build volume and fullness, start at your roots, then lift your hair up and out.

8. RAINBOW SHAG

Love experimenting with hair color? How about test driving a rainbow shag? Whether pink, purple, blue, or green is your favorite color, you can get the look temporarily with the L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Sprays, which wash out in one shampoo, meaning there’s no commitment required. To use, first shake the can well. Then, hold it four to six inches away from dry hair and spray the color onto your strands. Wait a few minutes for the color to dry completely, and when you’re ready to say goodbye to your hair color at the end of the day, simply step into the shower and wash out.

Besides using a singular fun color, you can also mix multiple colors together and even concentrate the color on your ends for a fun take on rainbow ombré hair. When it comes to which colors to use, a good way to make your decision is by looking at your undertones. Try cool shades if you have cool undertones and warm shades if you have warm undertones.

9. SHAG WITH BANGS

Combine two trends into one with a short shag haircut with bangs. Like the pixie shag, bangs require quite a bit of upkeep since they grow out so fast, so this may not be the best short shag hairstyle for a low maintenance gal. On the other hand, if you’re okay with heading to the salon every few weeks for a bang trim, then this hairstyle really is a top pick.

To keep your bangs looking smooth, spritz damp hair with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, then blow-dry your bangs with a round brush. As for the rest of your hair, try rough drying your cut to play up its texture.

10. SHAG WITH SIDE-SWEPT BANGS

Now that you have bangs on the mind, it’s only right that we add side-swept bangs to our short shag haircuts list. A chic change of pace from traditional fringe looks, side-swept bangs cascade down the side of your face for an ultra-feminine and flirty look. Not to mention, if you have a square-shaped face, side-swept bangs will balance out your look for a softer appearance.

11. VOLUMINOUS SHAG WITH TEXTURED BANGS

Dare to go bold with your short shag haircut? Well, we have a feeling that the voluminous shag with textured bangs may be your perfect match. Featuring a gorgeous combination of volumized curls and tousled bangs, this look will definitely deliver the wow factor you’re looking for.

To style, simply apply a healthy amount of curl mousse on damp strands, scrunch, and let air dry. Once fully dry, finger-comb your length to give your curls some bounce. Add a dime-sized amount of hair putty to your bangs and shape in different directions for a tousled masterpiece. 

12. CURLY SHAG WITH FRINGE

Can’t resist a curly ‘do? It may be time to give the curly shag with fringe a go! This style is all about flaunting soft curls with piece-y bangs that work to frame your face for a sweet and playful vibe. Break out your curling iron and add curls throughout your mane, then spritz a touch of texturizing spray onto your fringe for a gorgeous finish.

13. SIDE PART SHAG

In case you missed it, blunt haircuts are totally on-trend. And when you add side part detailing and some texture into the mix, you’ll have yourself a head-turning look. That’s right, instead of opting for classic layers, the side part shag allows you to add a bit of personality to your look for the ultimate no-fuss style. Simply create a deep side part on either side of your head and add a texturizing spray to your strands to help amp up your look.

14. NATURAL TIGHT CURLS SHAG

Who says that those with natural hair can’t get in on the short shag fun? A great way to sport defined curls with gorgeous layers, naturally tight curls styled in a shag will make quite the impression. Set the stage by washing your strands with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner to nourish and moisturize your mane deeply.

Next, you’ll want to build your tight curls with Bantu knots. Simply create a one-inch part in your hair and start twisting from the ends to the roots. Twist the section tight around itself to form a tiny bun. Repeat until you have a mane full of Bantu knots. Cover your hair with a silk scarf and leave your Bantu knots in place overnight. In the a.m., undo each knot and gently finger-comb your hair to reveal gorgeous ringlets. Fluff your strands and seal the deal with a shine spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray. Voila!

15. TOUSLED SHAGGY CURLS

Hop on the messy yet stylish hairstyle bandwagon with tousled shaggy curls. The true epitome of carefree styling, this short shag look allows you to style your strands in just a few minutes. We also dig that it leaves you with a sultry style that can go the distance. To get the look, add a dollop of curl mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let air dry. Once dry, reach for a small amount of hair putty and shape your strands toward the front of your face.

16. LOOSE CURLS WITH LAYERS

In case you haven’t noticed, curly strands pair excellently with shag haircuts. After all, there is no better way to add movement and body to your strands than with the help of curls. And if you’re a fan of a subtle look, loose curls with layers will become your favorite in no time. Style your curls however you prefer—with a wand, socks, rollers, or any other method—and then you’re ready to go.

17. MULLET SHAG

Want to channel your inner rockstar with an unforgettable short shag haircut? The mullet shag covers all of the bases. While it’s easy to think that this style is reserved for men, women can also step out with this look. Sporting strands that are cut low at the front and sides with some length at the back, this short shag takes retro styling to new heights.

18. SHOULDER-LENGTH SHAG WITH FEATHERED ENDS

If you’re on the hunt for a shoulder-grazing haircut, consider a shoulder-length shag cut with feathered ends. Known to liven up thin strands, this shag cut flirts with texture and movement for a look that won’t go unnoticed. To get the look, simply grab a texturizing spray to help define your feathered ends.

19. STRAIGHT SHAG

Love the shag trend but not ready to part with your pin-straight strands? The straight shag is sure to be just your style! A modern twist on the shag style, this look highlights your straight hair by adding tons of texture. To style, spritz your mane with texturizing spray and gently tease your strands to sport a more lived-in look.

20. ROSE GOLD SHAG

What’s better than rocking a traditional short shag? A shag haircut paired with a super trendy color! Rose gold is one of the hottest hair color trends that allows you to bring your love for jewelry tones to your strands. And of course, this pretty pink and metallic hue looks stunning on all skin tones, making it a super-flattering option.

To get the hot hue without making a full commitment, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Rose Gold. If you find that this color really tickles your fancy, use the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Rose Gold for a more permanent take on the trend. Perfect for those who love to take risks in the hair color department, you’ll be totally smitten with this intense hair color.

21. MESSY A-LINE SHAG

Looking to keep things classic in the short shag haircut department? The messy A-line shag will rise to the occasion. Featuring long strands at the front with a subtle shift to short strands at the back, this haircut favors all hair textures for a universally-flattering look.

22. CHIN-LENGTH SHAG

A chin-length shag can add some pizazz to your mane. It’s a fabulous way to welcome texture to your strands, and this look can help thin hair types achieve more bounce and movement for a fuller appearance.

23. WAVY U-SHAPE SHAG

While it’s easy to stick with classic layers for a flowy look, sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone. The wavy U-shape shag is a great place to start. Offering a slight difference in the length of your layers so that the ends of your hair create a “U” shape, this haircut provides a layered look that’s different than your go-to cut.

24. SLICKED-DOWN SHAG WITH LAYERS

Seeking a short shag haircut that offers a little drama with a polished finish? Prepare to turn heads with a slicked shag with layers. This look features wavy layered locks on one side and slicked-down strands on the other. Basically, it’s everything you need in a shaggy hairstyle. Saturate your strands with a bit of curl mousse, scrunch, and let air dry. Once dry, add some hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, on one side of your head and brush downward to create a sleek look. Fluff your curls on the other side, and your look is complete.

25. UNDERCUT SHAG WITH SHAVED DESIGN

For those who are partial to short haircuts with stylish detailing, you may want to add the undercut shag to your must-try list. A foolproof way to add an edgy vibe to your look, this cut allows you to maintain some length while showing off your creative side with a shaved design.

26. SLEEK AND WAVY SHAG

The sleek and wavy shag is perfect for those with naturally wavy hair. This short cut welcomes bounce and body to your hair for a fresh out of the salon look—every single day. Style your mane with a small amount of hair putty to create a slightly tousled look, and finish up with a bit of shine spray.

And there you have it: the 26 best short shag hairstyles! For more short hairstyle inspiration, head on over to our article, The Best Curly Haircuts for Short Hair.