Have you ever had a shag haircut ? If you answered "yes," I can assume that you are a very cool individual. And if you said "no," don't worry—all you need is a hairstylist who knows how to wield a razor and some inspiration photos, and on that front, I have you covered.

"Technically speaking, the shag is a heavily layered cut with soft, tapered ends and lots of movement. But over time, it has evolved into something bigger than just a technique," explains Lauren Bailey-Chaidez , the owner of Feverfew Salons in California. "For me, it’s about the nostalgic energy it carries—instantly tied to the spirit of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s . It feels effortless, rebellious, and timeless all at once."

While you'll find shags that could belong in any decade while scrolling through your Instagram feed, IGK Hair Care co-founder Franck Izquierdo says the shag in 2026 is all about effortless movement with a modern, softer finish.…