Shag hairstyles have been a timeless choice for women for decades, and they continue to evolve with modern trends. For women over 50, shag haircuts offer the perfect blend of youthfulness, texture, and style.
Whether you’re looking to add volume to thinning hair, embrace natural waves or curls, or simply try a fresh, low-maintenance look, the shag hairstyles is incredibly versatile.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into 30 stunning shag hairstyles for women over 50, detailing how each cut works for various hair types, face shapes, and personal styles. From the trendy shag with curtain bangs to the voluminous curly shag, these cuts are not only stylish but also easy to maintain.
Why Shag Hairstyle Are Perfect for Women Over 50
Shag hairstyle offer several key benefits for mature women. Here’s why they work so well:
- Youthful appearance: Shag cuts are known for their messy, textured look, which can give a more playful, youthful vibe.
- Volume and movement: The layers in a shag haircut can add much-needed volume to thinning hair, helping it appear fuller.
- Versatility: Whether your hair is curly, straight, or wavy, can be adapted to suit your natural texture.
- Low maintenance: Many shag styles, especially those with longer layers or tousled waves, require minimal styling effort. They’re perfect for a wash-and-wear routine.
Let’s dive into the specifics of each style, with tips on how to customize them to your face shape and hair type.
1. Mid-Length Shag with Curtain Bangs
The mid-length shag with curtain bangs is a classic option that suits almost every face shape. Curtain bangs cut to frame the face add softness and dimension to your look, while the layers in the shag help give your hair volume and texture.
Why It Works
- Face-framing: Ideal for elongating round faces or balancing out angular features.
- Volume-boosting: Great for women with fine or thinning hair, as the layers add lift.
- Effortless styling: A wash-and-go look that suits natural hair textures, whether straight, wavy, or curly.
Styling Tips:
- Use a light mousse to enhance volume.
- Add some waves with a curling iron for extra texture.
2. Layered Shag with Soft Waves
A layered shag with soft waves gives a romantic and effortless appearance. This cut involves layers that enhance the movement and shape of your hair, perfect for women who want a little bit of bounce without too much styling effort.
Why It Works
- Ideal for thin hair: Layers add body to fine hair, making it look fuller.
- Natural waves: Enhances your hair’s natural texture without needing heavy styling products.
Styling Tips:
- Air-dry or use a diffuser to bring out natural waves.
- A texturizing spray can help separate and define layers.
3. Short Textured Shag with Choppy Ends
The short textured shag is perfect for women who want a modern, edgy look. With its choppy ends and layered structure, this cut creates volume and movement, even for women with fine hair.
Why It Works
Low maintenance: The choppy layers make this a wash-and-wear style that looks intentional with little effort.
- Volume for fine hair: Shorter lengths often help fine hair look fuller.
Styling Tips:
- Use a dry shampoo or texture spray to enhance the choppiness.
- Tousle with your fingers for that lived-in, rock star vibe.
4. Chin-Length Shag with Razored Ends
The chin-length shag is an excellent choice for those wanting a bit more definition around the face. Razored ends soften the cut, giving it a relaxed yet structured feel.
Why It Works
- Face definition: Perfect for highlighting the jawline, making it great for round or square faces.
- Soft yet edgy: Combines softness with the edgy feel of razored layers.
Styling Tips:
- A round brush and blow dryer can help create a sleek yet voluminous finish.
- Use a light pomade to define the razor ends.
5. Tousled Shag with Swoopy Layers
The tousled shag is all about carefree texture. Swoopy layers give your hair movement and volume, creating a more dynamic look. This style is particularly great for women with natural waves or loose curls.
Why It Works
- Easy to maintain: Works with your hair’s natural texture, requiring minimal styling effort.
- Volume: Great for boosting fullness in thin or limp hair.
Styling Tips:
- Spritz a sea salt spray for a beachy, tousled look.
- Let your hair air dry for a more relaxed, natural vibe.
6. Shoulder-Length Shag with Wispy Bangs
A shoulder-length with wispy bangs offers a soft and feminine approach to the wispy bangs provide a light touch around the face, while the shoulder-length cut gives versatility for styling.
Why It Works
- Face-framing: Wispy bangs are perfect for women with oval or heart-shaped faces.
- Versatile length: Can be worn straight, wavy, or curled, making it suitable for many occasions.
Styling Tips:
- Use a flat iron to flick the ends of the layers outward.
- Apply a light mousse to the roots for added volume.
7. Shag with Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs add an extra dimension to this shag haircut. They soften angular features and bring attention to the eyes. Combined with the shag layers, this cut offers both volume and sophistication.
Why It Works
- Ideal for square and oval faces: Side-swept bangs soften angles and create a more balanced face shape.
- Added dimension: The layers provide a voluminous look, especially for fine or thinning hair.
Styling Tips:
- Blow dry the bangs with a round brush for a soft sweep.
- Use a volumizing mousse for the roots to keep the style from falling flat.
8. Voluminous Shag with Layers
For women who struggle with thinning hair, a voluminous shag with layers can add body and fullness. This style works by stacking layers throughout the hair, giving the illusion of thickness.
Why It Works
- Volume-boosting: Layers help to add lift and create fullness, especially for thinning or flat hair.
- Low maintenance: This cut is easy to manage and requires minimal styling, making it ideal for busy women.
Styling Tips:
- Use a root-lifting spray or mousse for extra volume at the crown.
- Blow dry with a round brush to enhance body and movement.
9. Straight Shag with Feathered Ends
A straight shag with feathered ends is perfect for women who want a polished look while still maintaining some texture. The feathering gives the hair a light, airy feel, making it ideal for straight or fine hair types.
Why It Works
- Polished yet textured: Feathered ends soften the look without sacrificing volume or structure.
- Versatile: Works well with straight or slightly wavy hair.
Styling Tips:
- Flat iron for a sleek finish or add waves for a more tousled effect.
- Use a lightweight serum to add shine and smooth out flyaways.
10. Shag with Full Fringe
The shag with full fringe is bold and eye-catching. Full bangs draw attention to the eyes and can help frame the face beautifully. This style works particularly well for women with longer face shapes, as it can balance out the length.
Why It Works
- Bold and youthful: Full fringe creates a dramatic look that can take years off your appearance.
- Face-framing: Ideal for balancing out longer face shapes like oval or oblong.
Styling Tips:
- Use a flat iron to keep the fringe straight and smooth.
- Pair with a texturizing spray to enhance the layers for added volume.
11. Cropped Shag with Asymmetrical Layers
A cropped shag with asymmetrical layers gives an edgy, modern twist on the traditional shag haircut. This style works well for women who want a bold, youthful look with a bit of attitude.
Why It Works
- Edgy and bold: Asymmetry adds a modern, youthful touch to the classic shag.
- Great for fine hair: Shorter styles can make fine hair appear thicker.
Styling Tips:
- Use a lightweight gel or mousse to add texture and definition.
- Style with a side part for added asymmetry.
12. Feathered Shag for Fine Hair
A feathered shag is an excellent option for women with fine hair. The feathering technique lightens the ends and adds a sense of volume without weighing the hair down, making it appear fuller and more voluminous.
Why It Works
- Light and airy: The feathered layers lift fine hair appear fuller.
- Low-maintenance: Requires minimal styling and works well with natural hair texture.
Styling Tips:
- Use a lightweight mousse to add body to the roots.
- Air-dry or blow-dry with a diffuser to bring out a natural texture.
13. Tapered Shag with Soft Layers
The tapered shag features soft, tapered layers that gradually shorten towards the ends. This cut creates a sleek, sophisticated look while maintaining the texture and movement typical of a shag.
Why It Works
- Soft and sophisticated: Tapered layers create a refined, feminine shape without sacrificing the texture.
- Flattering for most face shapes: The layers frame the face beautifully, making it ideal for oval, square, or round faces.
Styling Tips:
- Use a smoothing serum to maintain sleekness and control frizz.
- Blow-dry with a round brush to keep the shape defined.
14. Tousled Long Shag with Curtain Bangs
This long shag with curtain bangs gives off a boho, effortless vibe that is both stylish and relaxed. The tousled layers create movement, while the curtain bangs frame the face beautifully.
Why It Works
- Relaxed and youthful: Tousled layers give the hair a carefree look, perfect for casual or laid-back styles.
- Face-framing bangs: Curtain bangs add softness and elegance to the look.
Styling Tips:
- Use a sea salt spray for a tousled, beachy texture.
- Air-dry or lightly curl the ends for more defined waves.
15. Curly Shag with Layers and Bangs
A curly shag with layers and bangs is a fantastic way to embrace your natural curls. The layers prevent the curls from becoming too heavy, while the bangs add a modern touch.
Why It Works
- Emphasizes natural curls: The layers enhance the curl pattern while keeping the shape balanced.
- Modern and fresh: Adding bangs adds a youthful, trendy element to the look.
Styling Tips:
- Use a curl-enhancing cream to define your curls and prevent frizz.
- Air-dry or use a diffuser to enhance volume without disrupting the curl pattern.
16. Voluminous Curly Shag
The voluminous curly shag is ideal for women with naturally curly hair who want to embrace volume. This cut maximizes the curls’ natural texture while adding layers to create an even shape.
Why It Works
- High volume: Great for women with thicker hair or those who want to create the illusion of fullness.
- Curl-enhancing: The layers help curls maintain their structure, preventing them from becoming weighed down.
Styling Tips:
- Use a curl-defining mousse to enhance volume and definition.
- Dry with a diffuser to keep curls intact and reduce frizz.
17. Ombre Shag Cut
The ombre shag cut combines a trendy coloring technique with a modern shag style. Ombre transitions from darker roots to lighter ends, cutting depth and dimension.
Why It Works
- Modern coloring: The ombre technique adds contrast and highlights the layered structure of the shag.
- Low maintenance: Ombre color is easy to maintain as the roots grow out naturally.
Styling Tips:
- Use a purple shampoo to keep the lighter ends vibrant.
- Add waves with a curling iron to highlight the color gradient.
18. Shag with Wispy Bangs
The shag with wispy bangs is soft, feminine, and versatile. Wispy bangs are perfect for women who want bangs without committing to a heavy, full fringe.
Why It Works
- Soft and subtle: Wispy bangs create a gentle, face-framing effect without being too dramatic.
- Great for all face shapes: This style complements most face shapes by adding balance.
Styling Tips:
- Blow dry the bangs with a round brush for a light, airy finish.
- Add some dry shampoo to give the bangs a bit more texture.
19. Short Shag with Bold Highlights
A short shag with bold highlights adds contrast and interest to a short haircut. The layers in the shag cut are emphasized by the highlights, creating dimension and texture.
Why It Works
- Bold and modern: Highlights draw attention to the shag layers, adding a modern, edgy touch.
- Great for short hair: Perfect for women who want to keep their hair short but still have a stylish, dynamic cut.
Styling Tips:
- Use a texturizing spray to bring out the highlights and layers.
- Keep the color vibrant by using color-safe products.
20. Modern Cropped Shag
The modern cropped shag is a fresh, contemporary take on the traditional shag. Clean lines, minimal layers, and a cropped length make this a chic and sophisticated option for women over 50.
Why It Works
- Sleek and trendy: This style is less messy and more refined than classic shags, giving it a more modern appeal.
- Low maintenance: The shorter length and minimal layers make this cut easy to style and maintain.
Styling Tips:
- Use a smoothing cream to keep the look sleek.
- Blow dry with a round brush to maintain volume and shape.
21. Tousled Wavy Shag
The tousled wavy shag is a carefree, relaxed style perfect for women who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The wavy texture adds softness, while the layers create movement.
Why It Works
- Effortless and natural: This style works with your hair’s natural texture, making it easy to maintain.
- Volume-enhancing: Layers add body to the hair, making it ideal for women with fine or thin hair.
Styling Tips:
- Use a sea salt spray to enhance waves and create a tousled effect.
- Let your hair air dry for a more natural finish.
22. Layered Shag with Silver Highlights
A layered shag with silver highlights is perfect for women who want to embrace their natural grays. The layers add movement and depth, while the highlights enhance the silver tones for a youthful, modern look.
Why It Works
- Embraces natural grays: The highlights blend seamlessly with natural gray hair, making it look intentional and stylish.
- Adds dimension: The layers and highlights create depth and texture, giving the hair a fuller appearance.
Styling Tips:
- Use a purple shampoo to keep the silver tones bright and fresh.
- Add some soft waves to bring out the layers and highlights.
23. Shag with Side Part
A shag with a side part adds a touch of sophistication to the traditional shag cut. The deep part creates a flattering silhouette, especially for women with round or square face shapes.
Why It Works
- Flattering shape: A side part can elongate the face and add balance, making it ideal for round or square faces.
- Volume-boosting: A deep side part can create the illusion of more volume on one side.
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry the hair to one side to create volume at the roots.
- Use a volumizing mousse to keep the style from falling flat.
24. Copper Shag with Soft Waves
A copper shag with soft waves is a warm, vibrant option that adds color and texture to your look. The copper tones give the hair depth, while the soft waves create movement and bounce.
Why It Works
- Warm and vibrant: The copper tones add warmth and dimension, making this style stand out.
- Great for wavy hair: Soft waves enhance the layers and bring out the richness of the color.
Styling Tips:
- Use a wave-enhancing cream to define the waves.
- Keep the copper tones fresh with color-safe products.
25. Pink Shag Bob
The pink shag bob is a fun, playful style that adds a pop of color to the classic shag cut. The short bob length keeps the look fresh, while the pink tint adds a youthful, edgy vibe.
Why It Works
- Fun and playful: The pink tint adds a unique, youthful touch to the shag cut.
- Great for short hair: The bob length makes this style easy to maintain and style.
Styling Tips:
- Use a color-safe shampoo to keep the pink tones vibrant.
- Add some waves with a curling iron for a more textured look.
26. Tousled Shag with Full Bangs
The tousled shag with full bangs combines messy, textured layers with bold bangs for a balanced look. The tousled layers give the hair movement, while the full bangs add structure and drama.
Why It Works
- Balanced and bold: The combination of tousled layers and full bangs creates a balanced yet dramatic look.
- Great for adding volume: The layers add body, making this style ideal for fine or thin hair.
Styling Tips:
- Use a texturizing spray to enhance the tousled look.
- Blow dry the bangs with a round brush for a soft, smooth finish.
27. Textured Layered Shag
The textured layered shag is all about movement and definition. The layers are cut in such a way that they create texture and volume, making this style perfect for women with thicker hair.
Why It Works
- Full of texture: The layers add definition and shape, making thick hair more manageable.
- Volume-enhancing: The layered structure gives the hair a voluminous look, perfect for women who want more body.
Styling Tips:
- Use a volumizing mousse to add lift at the roots.
- Blow dry with a round brush to keep the layers defined.
28. Curly Shag with Face-Framing Layers
The curly shag with face-framing layers is perfect for women with natural curls. The layers help to define the curl pattern, while the face-framing pieces create a flattering shape.
Why It Works
- Enhances curls: The layers help to define and shape the curls, giving them structure without weighing them down.
- Flattering shape: Face-framing layers create a flattering silhouette, making this style perfect for round or oval faces.
Styling Tips:
- Use a curl-defining cream to enhance the curl pattern.
- Dry with a diffuser to keep the curls intact and reduce frizz.
29. Piecey Shag with Highlights
A piecey shag with highlights creates a textured, dimensional look. The highlights add contrast and depth, while the piecey layers give the hair movement and structure.
Why It Works
- Textured and dimensional: The highlights and piecey layers create a multi-dimensional look with lots of movement.
- Great for fine hair: The piecey layers add texture, making fine hair appear fuller.
Styling Tips:
- Use a texturizing spray to bring out the layers and highlights.
- Keep the color vibrant by using color-safe products.
30. Shag with Feathered Bangs
The shag with feathered bangs is a soft, feminine take on the classic shag. The feathered bangs add a light, airy touch to the cut, while the layers create movement and texture.
Why It Works
- Soft and feminine: Feathered bangs create a gentle, face-framing effect without being too dramatic.
- Great for all face shapes: This style complements most face shapes by adding balance.
Styling Tips:
- Blow dry the bangs with a round brush for a light, airy finish.
- Add some dry shampoo to give the bangs a bit more texture.
CONCLUSION
The versatility of makes them an ideal choice for women over 50. Whether you’re after something bold and modern, soft and feminine, or low-maintenance and practical, the shag haircut has endless variations that can suit any face shape, hair texture, or personal style.
