Some haircuts just make you feel like the main character in your own story.
For me, medium length shag haircuts are exactly that kind of magic.
I've been cutting hair for eight years now, and honestly?
These shag styles never get old.
They're messy in all the right ways, flattering on basically everyone, and require way less maintenance than you'd think.
I've personally tried most of these looks (my poor hair has been through it all), and these twenty are the absolute game-changers.
Whether you're dealing with flat hair that won't cooperate or thick locks that need some movement, there's something here for you.
Trust me on this one.
1. Medium Length Soft Shag with Bangs
Picture this: wispy, face-framing bangs that hit just above your eyebrows.
Paired with soft, feathered layers that bounce when you walk.
Perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces, especially if you've got fine to medium hair.
I tried this style during my quarter-life crisis last year – best decision ever.
Just scrunch with some texturizing spray and you're golden.
2. Textured Shoulder-Length Shag
This one's all about those choppy, uneven layers that create gorgeous texture.
Hits right at your shoulders with tons of movement throughout.
Amazing for thick hair that tends to look too heavy – it lightens everything up perfectly.
My sister rocks this cut and literally just shakes her head after washing.
A good texturizing paste is your best friend here.
3. Medium Length Shag Haircut with Face-Framing Layers
These layers literally hug your face in the most flattering way possible.
Shorter pieces around your cheekbones, gradually getting longer toward the back.
Works wonders on round faces because it adds angles where you need them.
To be honest, I was skeptical about how much layering I needed.
Game-changer for sure.
4. Soft Sunkissed Medium Length Shag Haircut
Imagine golden highlights woven through tousled, medium-length layers that catch light beautifully.
The color makes this shag extra special – think beachy vibes year-round.
Perfect for anyone wanting to add dimension without going too dramatic.
I got this done right before summer vacation last year.
Definitely worth the salon splurge.
5. Neck Length Dimensional Blonde Shag Haircut
A shorter shag that hits right at your neckline with gorgeous blonde tones.
The dimensional color adds so much depth to the choppy layers.
Great for busy moms who need something stylish but manageable.
My cousin swears by this cut for school runs.
Actually looks better a little messy, which is perfect.
6. Blonde Medium-Length Shag Haircut for Older Women
This sophisticated take on the shag features softer layers and refined blonde tones.
Incredibly flattering on mature skin.
The layers add movement without being too wild or youthful-looking.
My mom tried this style and honestly? She looked ten years younger.
It's elegant but still has that modern edge.
7. Modern Thick Shag Hair
Built specifically for thick hair that needs serious thinning out.
Chunky, razored layers remove bulk while creating amazing texture and movement.
If you've ever felt like your hair was wearing you, this is it.
I won't lie – the first time I got this many layers cut off, I panicked.
But then I realized how much lighter and bouncier my hair felt.
8. Medium-Length Shag Haircut with Curtain Bangs
Those dreamy curtain bangs that part in the middle and frame your face perfectly.
Plus layered ends that flip and move.
Super trendy right now – I keep seeing this combo all over Instagram.
Works great for oval faces and medium-textured hair.
Pro tip: use a round brush when drying your bangs.
9. Blonde Soft Shag with Bangs
A gentler version of the classic shag with blonde highlights and soft bangs.
The layers are more subtle but still create gorgeous movement.
Perfect for someone wanting to try the shag trend without going dramatic.
My best friend started with this style before going choppier.
It's like shag training wheels, but in the best way.
10. Medium-Length Shag Haircut with Textured Bangs
These aren't your typical straight-across bangs – they're piece-y, textured, and perfectly imperfect.
Combined with layered medium-length hair, it's effortlessly cool.
Great for square faces because the soft texture softens strong jawlines.
I tried cutting my own textured bangs once during lockdown.
Please go to a professional. Learn from my mistakes here.
11. Bold Shag Haircut with Blonde Tones
This is shag with attitude – dramatic layers, bold blonde color, tons of volume.
Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely stunning on the right person.
Perfect for thick hair and strong facial features.
My client rocked this to her company Christmas party and stopped conversations.
Sometimes you need a haircut that demands attention, and this delivers.
12. Messy Curly Shag Haircut
Finally, a shag that works beautifully with natural curls!
The layers enhance your curl pattern instead of fighting against it.
Each layer springs up differently, creating the most gorgeous, natural-looking texture.
If you've got curly hair, you know the struggle of finding cuts that work.
This one actually celebrates your curls instead of trying to tame them.
13. Classic Medium Length Shag Haircut with Curtain Bangs
The timeless shag that never goes out of style, updated with trendy curtain bangs.
Layers start around your chin and get longer, creating that signature shag silhouette.
Works on practically every face shape and hair type.
I've been doing variations of this cut for years.
It's like the little black dress of hairstyles.
14. Wavy Mid-Length Shag Haircut
Designed to work with your natural wave pattern, this shag enhances texture perfectly.
The layers follow your waves, creating gorgeous movement and bounce.
Perfect if you've got naturally wavy hair that tends to look triangular.
Just scrunch with some mousse while damp and let it air dry.
Seriously that easy.
15. Cropped Shag Haircut with Overlapping Layers
A more structured take on the shag with precise, overlapping layers.
Shorter than most shags but still has that signature choppy texture.
Great for fine hair that needs more body.
The layers overlap in such a cool way that every angle looks different.
Actually, this style photographs amazingly well – perfect for all your selfies.
16. Copper Medium Length Shag Haircut for Thick Hair
Gorgeous copper tones combined with heavy layering to manage thick, unruly hair.
The warm color makes the choppy layers look intentional and stylish rather than messy.
If you've got thick hair that overwhelms your face, this creates perfect balance.
The copper catches light beautifully and makes the whole style come alive.
Honestly one of my favorite color combinations to work with.
17. Shag Mullet with Baby Bangs
Okay, hear me out – this edgy hybrid of shag and mullet is surprisingly wearable.
Shorter in front, longer in back, with shag-style layers throughout.
Perfect for artistic types or anyone wanting something truly unique.
I thought this would be too extreme when I first saw it.
But honestly? It's become one of my favorite cuts to create.
18. Multi-Coloured Medium Length Shag Haircut
This playful take features multiple colors woven throughout the layered shag cut.
Think highlights, lowlights, and maybe even some fun accent colors peeking through.
The layers show off the color work beautifully.
My teenage niece convinced her mom to try this style.
Now her mom gets more compliments on her hair than anyone in the family.
19. Shag Wolf Cut with Fringe
The trendy wolf cut meets classic shag styling with a heavy fringe.
More volume on top, connected to longer lengths that have signature shag texture.
Super popular with Gen Z right now – I've done this cut fifty times recently.
It's bold, it's current, and it definitely turns heads.
Not for everyone, but when it works, it really works.
20. Double-Toned Medium Length Shag Haircut
Two distinct hair colors create amazing contrast within the shag layers.
Usually a darker base with lighter pieces throughout, but you can play with any combo.
The layers show off both tones perfectly, creating depth and interest.
I love how this technique makes even subtle color changes look dramatic.
It's like having two different haircuts depending on how you style it.
Why Medium Length Shag Haircuts Work So Well
Here's the thing about shag haircuts – they're basically foolproof.
The messy, layered texture means they look good even when you haven't done anything to them.
Bad hair day? More like perfectly undone chic.
I've noticed clients with shags tend to get more compliments because the style looks effortless but put-together.
And honestly, after years of doing these cuts, I still get excited about how transformative they are.
The right shag can completely change how you carry yourself.
Styling Tips That Actually Work
Let me share some real talk about styling these cuts.
First off, you don't need a million products.
A good texturizing spray and maybe some lightweight mousse are your basics.
For most of these styles, less is definitely more.
I've seen too many people over-product their shags and lose all that gorgeous natural movement.
Air-drying works beautifully with most shag cuts – just scrunch lightly while damp.
If you want more volume, flip your head upside down while blow-drying.
But honestly? These cuts are designed to look good with minimal effort.
That's kind of the whole point.
Finding Your Perfect Shag Match
The best part about medium length shag haircuts is how adaptable they are.
Oval face? Pretty much any shag will work beautifully on you.
Round face? Go for longer layers that create vertical lines.
Square face? Softer, more textured layers will balance strong angles.
Heart-shaped face? Those face-framing layers are going to be your best friend.
And for hair texture – fine hair loves the volume that layers create.
Thick hair benefits from the weight removal.
Curly hair? The layers enhance your natural texture beautifully.
There really is a shag for everyone.
Which one caught your eye while scrolling through?
I'd genuinely love to hear which style you're thinking of trying – drop me a comment and let's chat about it!