The shaggy hairstyle is an easy, relaxed, clean-cut hair trim with soft layers, light volume, and a slightly messy finish, making it a prominent pick for anyone who wants an easy yet natural look. This haircut, called the shag, is often chosen by confident men with easygoing vibes and bold tastes who look up to artists, surfers, and creative people around the world every day.
Attractive mens shaggy hairstyles can be short, medium, or long. They work best with soft layers and natural movement. Even a lightly messy finish of this hairstyle gives off a cool, easy vibe. These soft touches work together to give depth, fresh personality, and a chic style, making it a fashion trend today for boys of all ages.
Here are some prevalent shaggy hairstyles for men in the following article that might inspire you to try the look. Book a trim, and show off an all-new, fresh style at your next event. From rough and rugged to relaxed, messy vibes, there’s a good chance you’ll find a cool example you’ll want to copy. So, let’s get started.
What Is a Shaggy Haircut for Men?
Shaggy Haircut
Men’s shaggy hairstyles are layered styles with choppy, textured ends. Such trims offer an aesthetic, messy look by adding bounce to natural hair volume. Additionally, the layers help the hair move easily and often include soft bangs. Overall, it’s a captivating, effortless style that suits many hair types.
Brief History of the Shag
Initially, the shag started in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After that, it became famous when “Jane Fonda” wore it in the movie “Klute. Rock stars like “Mick Jagger and David Bowie” made it even more popular. The cut has returned many times over the years in versatile versions.
Why Shaggy Hairstyles Are Trending in 2026?
Nowadays, it is again in trend because men have been loving the shag because of its low-maintenance and easy-to-style game. Another major reason is that it readily works on straight, wavy, and curly hair of all lengths. Furthermore, this kind of haircut or hairstyle naturally boosts hair texture without much heat or effort. Besides all, it also gives a mix of retro and modern styles that always make youngsters feel alive and fresh the whole time.
What Makes a Haircut “Shaggy”?
Mens shaggy hairstyles cut boast uneven, choppy layers to offer a messy, care-free look. The top in this trim usually has shorter layers to add volume at the crown. However, for a little feathery appearance, the ends are softened and made lighter. Additionally, bangs and face-framing segments are classically incorporated into the layers so that the effect flows smoothly. That is why this cut is known as “Shaggy Haircut.”
Best Shaggy Hairstyles by Hair Length
Now, given below are some prevalent mens shaggy hairstyles based on diverse hair lengths, featuring surfaced layers and versatile styling and caring options. Let’s get to know about each one of them in a bit more detail.
Short Shaggy Haircuts for Men
If you are in search of a short shaggy hairstyle that looks cool yet graceful, then try the short shaggy hairstyles shown below. They are adaptable to any hair length and face shape, offering a low-maintenance, edgy, and stylish vibe.
Short Messy Shags
These mens shaggy hairstyles are all about a cheerful, confident vibe. They highlight the natural hair’s texture and a bubbly movement, often by using texturizing products like sea salt spray or good styling wax to enhance the untidy layers. Also, they are simple to style and suit almost any face shape.
Short Messy Shags
Short Shag with Bangs
From my experience, such a variant includes captivating feathered or curtain bangs that frame the face. It looks really fantastic because it adds a youthful energy to the overall look. It is especially great for guys like me who want a natural, undone shaggy style.
Short Shag with Bangs
Textured Short Shag with Fade
A dashing twist on a simple classic shag, this hairstyle pairs the layered, textured top with a sleek fade on the sides and back, boasting a rugged look. It is flawless if you want both texture and a crisp finish.
Textured Short Shag with Fade
Short 70s-Inspired Shag
This version brings back the classic, retro choppy layers of the 70s. The cut focuses on natural volume and easy movement. Moreover, it works really well for straight or slightly wavy hair.
Short 70s-Inspired Shag
Edgy Shag with Temple Fade
This style is personally my favorite style. It blends shaggy layers on top with a bold temple fade. Its sharp sides create a strong contrast that stands out instantly. It is a great pick for anyone like me who loves a more alternative, rock-inspired look.
Edgy Shag with Temple Fade
Medium-Length Shag Haircuts
Medium mens shaggy hairstyles offer volume, movement, and effortless styling with soft layers. They work really well on many hair types, but look especially good on fuller or naturally textured hair. This length gives a relaxed, stylish look without being high-maintenance.
Medium Shag with Layers
This haircut uses feathered layers to add light volume and flow. It keeps the hair balanced without feeling too heavy and greasy. In addition, this is great for straight or wavy hair and most face shapes.
Medium Shag with Layers
Center-Parted Mid-Length Shag
A center part helps frame the face and gives the style a clean shape. You can wear it sleek or tousled, depending on your mood. It’s a simple, flattering option for many hair types.
Center-Parted Mid-Length Shag
Tousled Shag with Beard
Suppose you need a casual, textured look that can be styled with a beard. Then, try tousled shag for a rugged or edgy appearance. It involves creating a messy finish using texturizing products like a bit of sea salt spray or cream. It’s ideal for guys who like a relaxed, effortless style.
Tousled Shag with Beard
Medium Wispy Shags
Such mens shaggy hairstyles emphasize softer, lighter layers for a more delicate and airy feel. It’s a good option for those who want texture without the bulk of a more voluminous shag.
Medium Wispy Shags
Modern Shag Fade
This style is my friend’s favorite style. It mixes a textured shag on top with a fade on the sides. The clean fade adds sharpness to his look while the layers keep his overall appearance fuller. Nevertheless, it is a fresh, trendy choice for a more modern finish.
Modern Shag Fade
Long Shaggy Hairstyles
If you want a long hairstyle that’s easy to manage but still looks stylish. Then, a long shag is a great choice. It has textured layers for natural volume and movement, and works in both classic and modern edgy styles.
Long Classic Shag
This is the original shag version that has uneven, feathered layers all over. It adds an attractive volume at the crown and often includes bangs or face-framing layers. This hairstyle vibe is timeless, carefree, and rock-and-roll inspired.
Long Classic Shag
Surfer Shags
Such mens shaggy hairstyles look naturally windswept, like the sun and sea have shaped them. Their waves or curls can be enhanced with sea salt spray for an additional beachy finish. Overall, they deliver a laid-back, casual, adventurous feel.
Surfer Shags
Long Mullet Shag
This hairstyle version mixes shaggy layers with a mullet’s longer back and shorter front. Choppy layers on top meet longer length at the nape for a bold look. Somehow, it’s ideal if you dream of an edgy, retro, and rebellious look, inspired by 70s and 90s fashion.
Long Mullet Shag
Long Textured Shag with Short Sides
The shaggy top in such a hairstyle is often paired with shorter, cleaner sides for better contrast. It keeps the style chic and sharp while staying effortless to manage. Also, its overall look is relaxed yet polished and stylish.
Long Textured Shag with Short Sides
Long 70s Rocker Shag
Are you a fan of music? Then try this haircut with messy, voluminous layers, inspired by musicians like “Mick Jagger.” The feathered bangs and natural movement create a bold, free-spirited vibe. Moreover, it’s a vintage glam rocking effortlessly cool hairstyle.
Long 70s Rocker Shag
Best Shaggy Haircuts by Hair Type
Different mens shaggy hairstyles work best for diverse hair types, adding texture and a style naturally. They can suit all straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair while enhancing their overall volume and movement. Choosing the right cut according to hair type significantly helps the shag maintenance effortlessly for a long time.
Shag Haircuts for Curly Hair
Curly shags embrace natural curls for a fuller, textured vibe. The layers help reduce extra bulk and add definition to the curls. The following shaggy styles keep curly hair manageable while looking stylish and lively.
Curly Shag with Volume
This hairstyle focuses on enhancing natural curls for a fuller, bouncy look. The layers add lift at the crown and offer a decent shape to the curls. It is a soft yet noticeable hairstyle.
Curly Shag with Volume
Curly Shag with Fade
A fade on the shag sides offers the sharpest contrast to the textured curls on top. It keeps the curly hair look tidy while still showing off your hair’s natural volume. Overall, this look blends chic edges with natural curl flow.
Curly Shag with Fade
Coily Textured Shag with Beard
Handsome mens shaggy hairstyles usually pair coily hair with a beard for a rugged, bold vibe. The layers create shape and prevent the hair from looking too heavy. Together, they work well for a confident, stylish appearance.
Coily Textured Shag with Beard
Curly Bangs Shag Style
Recently, I tried bangs shag style. It looks absolutely fantastic on me as it adds a fresh, youthful touch to my curly shags that blend naturally with my hair layers for an easy, flowing look. Indeed, this style is very playful and perfectly highlights my hair’s natural curl pattern.
Curly Bangs Shag Style
Shag Haircuts for Wavy Hair
Wavy mens shaggy hairstyles use the hair’s natural waves to create a flawless movement and texture. The layers help define the waves while keeping the style light and simple to manage. These cuts give a stress-free, modish look that works for many occasions.
Wavy Layered Shag
Layers enhance natural waves and add volume without an additional styling effort. They keep the hair soft and bouncy while framing the face nicely. Moreover, they are a simple, low-maintenance style for everyday wear.
Wavy Layered Shag
Shaggy Flow for Wavy Hair
If you are looking for mens shaggy hairstyles in which the waves fall naturally, this particular style is perfect for you. The waves in this haircut fall loosely, and a little texturizing product makes it look messy and full. Comprehensively, it’s easy, casual, and great for a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
Shaggy Flow for Wavy Hair
Side-Swept Wavy Shag
In this type of hairstyle, the hair is parted to one side to create a stylish, asymmetrical gaze. Further, the waves add texture and movement. Generally, this shag is versatile, working for both casual and polished styles.
Side-Swept Wavy Shag
Shag Haircuts for Straight Hair
Mens shaggy hairstyles for straight hair boast layers and soft edges to add volume and movement. They help prevent straight, non-bouncy strands from looking flat while keeping the appearance stylish and modern. In addition, these cuts are simplest to wear and offer a fresh, textured look.
Sleek Straight Shag
This hairstyle keeps your straight hair smooth while adding shaggy layers for texture. It looks clean, trendy, and is easy to style every day. You can either use finger-shaping or a light paste to define the layers clearly.
Sleek Straight Shag
Razor-Cut Shag
At my friend’s barber shop, razor-cut mens shaggy hairstyles are in high demand, primarily among teens. In such a version, a razor is used to create feathered ends and soft edges on straight hair. The result is a textured, edgy style with natural movement. Overall, it’s perfect for a rock-inspired, lively look.
Razor-Cut Shag
Shaggy Mod Cut for Straight Hair
Inspired by 60s and 90s iconic hairstyles, this cut has choppy layers and a rounded shape. It often includes the bangs that frame your face while keeping a playful, funky texture. Moreover, this is a neat yet elegant hairstyle, giving your straight hair a classy, unique vibe.
Shaggy Mod Cut for Straight Hair
Stylish Shag Haircut Variations to Try
Mens shaggy hairstyles can be modern, edgy, or retro, ultimately delivering an easy, stylish vibe. Additionally, they work very well with many hair types and lengths for a chic, versatile look. Now, let’s see a few shagcut hairstyling variations for an inspirational look.
Shaggy Mullet Haircuts
The shaggy mullets are my favorite modern haircut as they perfectly blend texture and length for an awesome, laid-back style that truly stands out.
Classic Shaggy Mullet
This remarkable haircut has shorter layers on top with longer length at the back for a 70s-inspired rock look.
Classic Shaggy Mullet
Mullet with Blunt Bangs and Fade
Adding a sharp front fringe with a fade on the sides for contrast, this style looks effortless for every occasion.
Mullet with Blunt Bangs and Fade
Wolf Cut Shag for Men
Such a haircut combines shaggy texture with mullet length for a voluminous, edgy style.
Wolf Cut Shag for Men
Shag Haircuts with Bangs
If you want an elegant look that is face-framing too, add bangs to your shag. Undoubtedly, it can create a flawless, aesthetic appearance.
Curtain Bangs with Shag
It is a center-parted fringe that sweeps to the sides for a relaxed look.
Curtain Bangs with Shag
Fringe-Heavy Shag Style
Thick, textured bangs in such a style above the eyebrows exhibit layered hair for fuller volume.
Fringe-Heavy Shag Style
Shaggy Caesar Cut
Recently, my friend got a short Caesar cut with added shaggy layers. He looks really handsome as this combo offers a modern, royal, and low-maintenance finish.
Shaggy Caesar Cut
Unique & Modern Shag Variations
The fresh, and unique mens shaggy hairstyles mix simple, classic layers with some bold modern details for a trendier, updated finish.
Gender-Neutral Shag Style
The hairstyle is the soft layered hairdo, a really versatile and stylish option suitable for any hair length or type, regardless of gender.
Gender-Neutral Shag Style
Shag with Undercut Temples
It is an edgy, texture-focused haircut that combines the layered, voluminous shag with the striking contrast of shaved hair at the temples.
Shag with Undercut Temples
Skater Shag
My son has tried skater shag, and it looks cute and clean on his thick hair. The medium-length, choppy layers of this cut offer a remarkably casual and youthful vibe.
Skater Shag
Shag with Side Sweeper
Hair in such a trim is swept to one side, blending with the shaggy layers.
Shag with Side Sweeper
Shag with Pompadour Influence
The Pompadour-influenced mens shaggy hairstyles add lifted volume on top while keeping layered shag at the back.
Shag with Pompadour Influence
Shag with Faux Hawk Details
The central top is typically styled into a soft faux hawk while keeping the shaggy texture and flow ideal for boys of every age.
Shag with Faux Hawk
How to Style & Maintain a Shag Haircut for Men?
To maintain the trendiest mens shaggy hairstyles 2026, follow these tips and recommendations:
Daily Hair Care Tips for Shag Styles
Wash your hair every 2–3 days with a mild shampoo that suits your hair type and then use a light conditioner. Then, let it air dry to keep the natural texture, and use gentle styling products to avoid frizz and dryness. Further, to prevent flyways, soft handling, like using a microfiber towel, can help keep the layers smooth and healthy.
Styling Tips by Occasion
My barber friend advises picking volumizing or texturizing shampoos always for extra lift, and moisturizing ones if your hair is dry, brittle. Moreover, light mousses, sea salt sprays, and soft creams boost movement without weighing the hair down. Also, he always suggests sticking to mild, gentle formulas so the layers stay bouncy and full.
When to Trim a Shaggy Haircut?
Regular trims keep your shag looking light and fresh. A quick cut every 4–8 weeks stops the layers from getting heavy or messy. On the other hand, when your bangs feel long or tough to style, that’s another key sign that you need a touch-up. Nevertheless, a little trim brings back the soft, airy texture that makes the shag look at its best.
Final Thoughts: Why Shag Haircuts Still Rule in 2026?
Mens shaggy hairstyles are still going iconic and strong in 2026 because they are so easy, stylish, and fit almost every man’s needs. From the shaggy mullets to soft layered trims, there’s an excellent version for every guy, hair type, and face shape. In addition to its chicness, the blend of texture, movement, and low effort makes the shag a go-to choice for men who prefer a cool look without overthinking it.
If you want something modern, relaxed, and full of character, trying a shag hairstyle is one of the simplest ways to level up your game. Get to your barber’s salon and update your whole look with a stylish shag now!
FAQs
Yes, it can work well even on thin hair because the layers add light volume. It significantly helps thin hair look fuller and more textured.
Mens shaggy hairstyles suit almost all, like the oval, round, and square faces nicely. Their layers greatly help in balancing and softening most face shapes and features.
Yes, they’re almost similar, but not the same. A wolf cut is sharper and more dramatic, while a shag is softer, messier.
Most people wash their shaggy hairstyles 2–3 times a week. This helps them maintain their shags texture and prevents dryness.
Yes, as long as the layers are neat and not too messy, some clean, styled versions of mens shaggy hairstyles can look polished and serve great in workplaces.