Shaggy haircuts for men are making a bold comeback, reinvented with modern twists that suit every hair type and personality.
From relaxed, effortless styles to more edgy interpretations with undercuts and fades, shaggy haircuts add texture, movement, and character.
This comprehensive guide explores 21 of the best shaggy hairstyles for men, complete with expert styling tips and maintenance advice to help you choose the perfect look.
1. The Classic Shag
Overview:
The Classic Shag features loosely layered, choppy hair that creates a naturally lived-in look. Perfect for medium-length hair, it exudes effortless cool while maintaining a timeless vibe.
Styling Tips:
- Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser to preserve natural movement.
- Apply a light texturizing cream to enhance definition without stiffness.
2. Modern Choppy Shag
Overview:
This style offers sharply defined, choppy layers with an intentionally messy finish. It works well with straight or slightly wavy hair that benefits from added texture and separation.
Styling Tips:
- Use a matte pomade to accentuate the choppy layers.
- Experiment with a subtle side part for an extra dose of modern edge.
3. The Curly Shag
Overview:
Designed for naturally curly hair, the Curly Shag embraces loose, defined curls with layered cuts that reduce bulk and enhance natural bounce.
Styling Tips:
- Apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair to define your curls.
- Diffuse on low heat to lock in your natural curl pattern.
4. Shag with Undercut
Overview:
Mix a long, textured top with sharply faded sides for a striking contrast. This hybrid look adds a contemporary twist to the classic shag.
Styling Tips:
- Keep the top longer and use a lightweight wax for texture.
- Schedule regular trims to maintain a clean, blended fade.
5. The Long Shag
Overview:
A long shag offers cascading layers that frame the face and add fluid movement. This versatile style works whether you wear your hair down or tie it back.
Styling Tips:
- Boost volume with a volumizing mousse before air-drying.
- Experiment with a center or side part to highlight the layers.
6. Layered Shag
Overview:
This cut focuses on carefully crafted layers that create depth and dimension. It’s an excellent choice for men with fine hair seeking more body and a refined look.
Styling Tips:
- Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to avoid weighing down your hair.
- Blow-dry with a round brush to enhance volume and maintain the layer structure.
7. The Shaggy Mullet
Overview:
Combining retro mullet vibes with modern shaggy layers, the Shaggy Mullet offers a daring mix of business in the front and party in the back.
Styling Tips:
- Use a light styling clay to enhance contrast between the front and back.
- Keep regular trims to maintain a balanced silhouette.
8. The Messy Shag
Overview:
For a look that’s all about “I woke up like this,” the Messy Shag embraces intentional disarray and tousled layers, perfect for a laid-back, rock-inspired vibe.
Styling Tips:
- Apply sea salt spray on damp hair to achieve natural texture.
- Let your hair air-dry to maintain that effortlessly messy finish.
9. The Textured Shag
Overview:
Featuring razor-cut ends and defined layers, this style provides a sharp, modern finish while retaining a relaxed, casual appeal.
Styling Tips:
- Use a light styling cream to define layers without adding unwanted shine.
- Consider a subtle center part to emphasize the texture.
10. Shag with Fringe
Overview:
This style highlights a heavy, shaggy fringe that falls partially over the forehead, creating a mysterious and stylish look.
Styling Tips:
- Keep the fringe trimmed for a balanced, soft appearance.
- Use minimal product to maintain a natural, effortless finish.
11. The Short Shag
Overview:
A cropped version of the shag that delivers the same textured appeal in a more low-maintenance format. Ideal for men who prefer a shorter style with plenty of movement.
Styling Tips:
- Use a strong-hold gel to maintain defined, choppy layers.
- Schedule regular trims to keep the cut looking fresh.
12. The Wavy Shag
Overview:
Perfect for men with natural waves, the Wavy Shag enhances your texture with layered cuts that add volume and softness around the face.
Styling Tips:
- Diffuse your hair on low heat to enhance natural waves.
- Apply a curl cream to boost shine and definition without weighing your hair down.
13. Shag with a Fade
Overview:
This modern interpretation pairs a longer, textured top with short, tapered sides, creating a striking contrast that’s both edgy and refined.
Styling Tips:
- Ensure the fade is blended smoothly into the top layers.
- Use a texturizing spray for added lift and separation.
14. The Pompadour Shag
Overview:
A bold fusion of a classic pompadour and shaggy layers, this style adds volume and texture on top for a statement look that’s both retro and modern.
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry with a round brush to create height at the crown.
- Secure the style with a medium-hold pomade for a refined yet edgy finish.
15. The Emo-Inspired Shag
Overview:
Embrace a dramatic, expressive look with heavy, choppy bangs and edgy layers that channel emo vibes. This style is perfect for those who want a rebellious twist on the classic shag.
Styling Tips:
- Use razor-cut bangs to create a bold, textured fringe.
- Experiment with subtle hair color changes to add extra attitude.
16. The Tousled Shag
Overview:
A carefree style characterized by loosely layered hair that appears naturally tousled. It’s the go-to look for everyday ease and a relaxed vibe.
Styling Tips:
- Scrunch a light texturizing spray into damp hair and let it air-dry.
- Maintain natural movement with minimal product.
17. The Rocker Shag
Overview:
Inspired by rock legends, the Rocker Shag features rugged, choppy layers paired with a neatly groomed beard for a full rockstar look.
Styling Tips:
- Use a lightweight cream to define the layers and add texture.
- Keep the beard trimmed to complement the haircut without overpowering it.
18. Shag with a Middle Part
Overview:
A balanced style featuring a defined middle part with soft, shaggy layers framing the face. This look is both classic and contemporary.
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry with a round brush to create volume and enhance the part.
- Apply a small amount of styling cream to maintain a natural finish.
20. The Shaggy Faux Hawk
Overview:
Combine the daring look of a faux hawk with shaggy layers on top. This style features spiked-up hair that retains a messy, laid-back feel.
Styling Tips:
- Use a strong-hold gel to spike the hair while keeping the textured layers intact.
- Refine the edges regularly for a clean, defined look.
21. The Carefree Sun-Kissed Shag
Overview:
Ideal for a relaxed, beach-ready vibe, the Sun-Kissed Shag offers long, flowing layers with natural highlights that evoke a laid-back, summer feel.
Styling Tips:
- Use a leave-in conditioner to keep hair moisturized and shiny.
- Let your hair air-dry naturally to maintain soft, sun-kissed waves.
Final Thoughts
Shaggy hairstyles for men are more than just a trend—they’re a dynamic expression of personality and style.
Whether you opt for the timeless Classic Shag, the edgy Shag with Undercut, or the effortlessly cool Sun-Kissed Shag, there’s a look here to suit every lifestyle and hair type.
To achieve your perfect shag, consult with a trusted barber who can tailor the style to your face shape and hair texture.
With the right care, styling products, and regular trims, your shaggy haircut will not only look stylish but will also keep you feeling confident every day.
Now, choose your favorite shaggy style, book that appointment, and let your hair do the talking!
Tasos Moulios is the founder of Beardlong. He loves trying different beard and hair styles and blogs about them. The tips he shares come from his own experience and love for what he does.