Shag cuts and waves are a perfect match—light layers, airy texture, and movement that looks effortless. This guide rounds up crowd-favorite shag styles with quick, practical tips you can use today.

Expect short, useful advice on how each look wears, what to use, and who it flatters. Skim, screenshot, and bring your top picks to the salon.

  • Who this guide is for: anyone with wavy hair who wants volume and easy styling
  • How to pick: choose fringe vs. no fringe, then length and layer intensity
  • Quick tip: diffuse on low heat, then mist a dry texturizing spray for airy lift

Hairstyles to Try

1. Fiery Fringe: a Daring Twist on Wavy Shag

Photo: @rabbitbrushgoods

Bold fringe meets soft, fiery waves for a cool, confident vibe that still feels wearable.

Rough-dry, then bend the fringe with a small round brush; finish with light-hold spray.

Why it works: the contrast of blunt fringe and airy waves adds instant edge and volume.

  • Face Type: Oval, heart
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine, medium
  • Occasion: Casual, night out
  • Product Recommendation: Mousse — lift at roots, flexible hold.

2. Meets Playful Whimsy

Photo: @shythesage

Layered waves and a flirty fringe amplify your natural texture while keeping things soft.

Scrunch in curl cream and diffuse on low; flip the fringe lightly for bounce.

Why it works: face-framing lift brightens features and adds youthful movement.

  • Face Type: Round, oval
  • Hair Type: Wavy, curly
  • Hair Texture: Medium
  • Occasion: Versatile
  • Product Recommendation: Curl cream — definition without crunch.

3. Rebellious Elegance: the Edgy Shag for the Modern Muse

Photo: @heavy

Deep, inky waves with curtain bangs create drama and effortless cool in one swipe.

Air-dry with salt spray, then polish bangs with a quick brush-and-blow.

Why it works: lived-in texture plus balanced bangs = chic, wearable edge.

  • Face Type: Heart, oval
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Medium, thick
  • Occasion: Evening, creative
  • Product Recommendation: Sea salt spray — tousled grip.

4. Retro Vibes with a Modern Twist: the Sun-kissed Shag

Photo: @almarocketyommm

’70s-inspired waves, soft curtain bangs, and sunlit highlights give relaxed glam.

Wrap waves around a large wand, brush out, then mist with shine spray.

Why it works: layered highlights and fringe add dimension without heavy styling.

  • Face Type: Oval, square
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine, medium
  • Occasion: Day-to-night
  • Product Recommendation: Gloss serum — smooth, reflective finish.

5. Rebel-ready Textured Shag with an Edgy Fringe

Photo: @joeltorresstyle

Choppy fringe and tousled layers give a rebellious feel that still reads chic.

Use a light paste on dry hair and pinch the ends for piecey separation.

Why it works: strategic choppiness fakes fuller, thicker waves.

  • Face Type: Oval, round
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine
  • Occasion: Casual, street style
  • Product Recommendation: Paste — touchable definition.

6. Glamorous Tresses with a Radiant Embrace

Photo: @modestspotcarrillo

Soft, voluminous waves and airy bangs deliver romantic movement and glow.

Blow-dry with a round brush at the crown; finish with lightweight hairspray.

Why it works: volume at the root balances soft length for an effortless finish.

  • Face Type: Heart, oval
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine, medium
  • Occasion: Dinner, date
  • Product Recommendation: Volumizing spray — airy lift.

7. Ravenous Curls: the Ethereal Shag with a Modern Edge

Photo: @pauljoneshair

Tousled curls cascade around a soft fringe for a dreamy yet modern look.

Apply a gel-cream combo, diffuse gently, and break the cast with oil.

Why it works: defined curls plus fringe make eyes and cheekbones pop.

  • Face Type: Oval, diamond
  • Hair Type: Curly, wavy
  • Hair Texture: Medium
  • Occasion: Creative, events
  • Product Recommendation: Gel-cream — hold with softness.

8. Wavy Wonderland: the Effortlessly Chic Shag with Eye-catching Fringe

Photo: @skipdoeshair-1-1

Playful waves meet a textured fringe for bounce, lightness, and eye focus.

Blast-dry upside down, smooth fringe, then mist a dry texture spray.

Why it works: airy layers keep waves buoyant and flattering.

  • Face Type: Round, heart
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine
  • Occasion: Everyday
  • Product Recommendation: Dry texturizer — light lift.

9. Cascade Of Coils: Embrace Your Inner Boho Goddess

Photo: @skipdoeshair-2

Big, boho coils and soft layers frame the face with joyful movement.

Coil-enhancing cream + diffuser on low gives bounce without frizz.

Why it works: defined spirals highlight cheekbones and add volume.

  • Face Type: Oval, round
  • Hair Type: Curly, wavy
  • Hair Texture: Medium, thick
  • Occasion: Festivals, weekends
  • Product Recommendation: Curl cream — hydrated coils.

10. Effortless Edge: Embrace the Wild Waves Of Boutique Shag

Photo: @fieldtriphair

Textured layers and cheekbone-framing fringe bring cool-girl energy to waves.

Rake through with a wave foam, then air-dry for a relaxed finish.

Why it works: soft structure keeps waves lively, not limp.

  • Face Type: Heart, oval
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine
  • Occasion: Casual
  • Product Recommendation: Wave foam — airy control.

11. Wavy Shag with Playful Front Fringes

Photo: @florence

Defined shoulder-grazing waves with playful mini-fringes that soften the eyes.

Twist damp sections, diffuse, then separate with a drop of oil.

Why it works: micro-fringes add personality without heavy bang upkeep.

  • Face Type: Oval, square
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Medium
  • Occasion: Weekend
  • Product Recommendation: Lightweight oil — shine, frizz control.

12. Frizz-kissed Curls: Embracing the Playful Elegance Of Wavy Shag

Photo: @hairbrained_official

Embrace airy, frizz-kissed volume for a carefree, editorial finish.

Diffuse with head upside down; avoid over-brushing afterward.

Why it works: a touch of fluff reads modern, fun, and full.

  • Face Type: Round, oval
  • Hair Type: Wavy, curly
  • Hair Texture: Fine, medium
  • Occasion: Casual
  • Product Recommendation: Texture spray — airy lift.

13. Effortless Seaside Chic: the Flirty Shag with Face-framing Waves

Photo: @luna98246

Beachy layers trace the cheekbones and jaw for breezy, flattering shape.

Scrunch in sea salt mist; air-dry for authentic, undone texture.

Why it works: light layering keeps waves buoyant and photo-ready.

  • Face Type: Heart, oval
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine
  • Occasion: Daytime
  • Product Recommendation: Sea salt spray — surfy texture.

14. Fringe Meets Flair: the Effortless Channeling Of Wavy Shag

Photo: @thebangsbabe-1

Breezy waves with a bold, layered fringe bring instant character.

Round-brush bangs forward; scrunch lengths with a light mousse.

Why it works: punchy fringe focuses attention while layers add swing.

  • Face Type: Round, diamond
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Medium
  • Occasion: Social
  • Product Recommendation: Mousse — lift, touchable hold.

15. Holographic Highlights with a Playful Shag: a Colorful Wavy Transformation

Photo: @rebeccataylorhair-1

Pastel ribbons dance through layered waves for a vibrant, playful glow.

Use color-safe cream and low heat; finish with gloss spray.

Why it works: multidimensional color makes layers pop and waves shimmer.

  • Face Type: Oval
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine
  • Occasion: Festivals, events
  • Product Recommendation: Gloss spray — shine boost.

16. Electric Ember Boho: Embracing Audacious Color In a Shaggy Vibe

Photo: @she_runs_withscissors-1

High-contrast orange accents electrify soft waves and feathered layers.

Heat-protect, wave with a large iron, then finger-comb to loosen.

Why it works: bold color plus soft texture feels artsy yet wearable.

  • Face Type: Heart, oval
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Medium
  • Occasion: Creative
  • Product Recommendation: Heat protectant — color care.

17. Wildly Wavy Wonderland: Embrace the Untamed Texture

Photo: @k_vu__

Sun-kissed, tousled layers bring carefree fullness with minimal effort.

Scrunch foam into damp lengths; air-dry for natural lift.

Why it works: mixed lengths add bounce and movement all day.

  • Face Type: Oval, square
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Medium
  • Occasion: Everyday
  • Product Recommendation: Wave foam — buoyant body.

18. Wildly Radiant: the Retro Shag with a Modern Twist

Photo: @skipdoeshair-3

Vivid red waves, blunt bangs, and piecey texture deliver instant spotlight energy.

Polish bangs smooth; let lengths stay tousled with texture spray.

Why it works: retro lines meet modern mess for a cool contrast.

  • Face Type: Oval, diamond
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine, medium
  • Occasion: Night out
  • Product Recommendation: Texture spray — piecey lift.

19. Fringe and Waves: Effortlessly Edgy Chic

Photo: @caithelle_hair-3

Soft curtain bangs melt into buoyant waves for easy, edgy polish.

Blow fringe with a small brush; scrunch lengths with sea salt mist.

Why it works: the curtain shape narrows cheeks and opens eyes.

  • Face Type: Round, heart
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine
  • Occasion: Brunch, evenings
  • Product Recommendation: Sea salt spray — airy grit.

20. Fluffy Layers & Fringe: the Modern Boho Shag

Photo: @lib_george-1

Soft, fluffy waves and a curtain fringe create a relaxed, boho silhouette.

Diffuse on low with head tilted; finish with a touch of gloss.

Why it works: airy layers add lift while fringe frames the face gently.

  • Face Type: Oval, heart
  • Hair Type: Wavy
  • Hair Texture: Fine, medium
  • Occasion: Daytime, casual
  • Product Recommendation: Shine serum — light polish.

Best Picks by Face Shape & Hair Needs

Round faces benefit from diagonal flow and curtain shapes: try 19. Fringe and Waves or 14. Fringe Meets Flair. Heart faces love balance at the jaw and cheekbones: go for 4. Sun-kissed Shag or 10. Effortless Edge. Square faces soften with rounded movement and airy fringe: consider 8. Wavy Wonderland or 17. Wildly Wavy Wonderland.

Fine waves thrive with airy products and light layers: 5. Rebel-ready Textured Shag, 13. Effortless Seaside Chic. Medium/thicker waves suit controlled texture: 6. Glamorous Tresses, 3. Rebellious Elegance. Prefer low maintenance? Choose 2. Meets Playful Whimsy and 20. Fluffy Layers & Fringe.

  • Round face: 19. Fringe and Waves for balanced volume
  • Fine hair: 5. Rebel-ready Textured Shag for fuller shape
  • Thick hair: 6. Glamorous Tresses for manageability
  • Low maintenance: 2. Meets Playful Whimsy and 20. Fluffy Layers & Fringe

Final Thoughts

Shag cuts let wavy hair breathe—more lift, more movement, less effort. Save a few favorites from this list, note the fringe you prefer, and bring them to your next appointment. With the right layers and the lightest touch of product, your waves will do the rest.

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Women Hairstyles,