Men's Shaggy Hairstyles for Short, Medium and Long Hair

The structured fade had a long reign, but times are changing. We have seen a shift in our chairs recently. More and more gentlemen are requesting texture, movement, and a relaxed edge. They want a shaggy look. 

Of course, it’s more than a return to 70s rock stars and 90s grunge idols. The contemporary shag is a sophisticated and calculated hairstyle. It’s got that effortless look that’s achieved not by a careless snip of the scissors, but by a skilled one that can give the hairstyle a "lived-in" look without making it look like you slept in a hurricane. Whether you're transitioning from a buzz cut that’s gotten out of hand or a mane that’s gotten out of control, the versatility of the shag is hard to beat.

At Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon, we feel that every guy can sport this look if it’s done right in terms of tailoring. Here’s how we do the shaggy hairstyles for men depending on the length of the hair:

Shaggy Styles for Short Hair

You may think you have to have shoulder-grazing hair in order to rock a shag, but that is incorrect. A short shag is all about layering texture on top and having the edges slightly softer than a traditional barber style. We typically reserve this look for men who are looking for a departure from the military precision look but are not ready for full length.

When cutting a short shag, the key thing for us to focus on is layering the top sections to add volume. Rather than having a blunt finish or a skin fade around the ears, we opt for scissor-over-comb cutting to leave a bit of length around the edges. This helps to soften the whole shape. Styling this cut is very easy. All it should take is a nominal amount of matte paste or texturing clay applied to damp hair to add the separation.

If you're searching for inspiration, check out men's shaggy hairstyles online or ask one of our friendly team members.

Shaggy Styles for Medium Hair

The medium length is where the shag haircut is at its best. This is where you get to achieve the signature look without having to worry about maintaining long hair. Hair that is in between your ears and your chin is ideal for the medium shag haircut.

We usually cut this length with lots of layers to eliminate bulk. If you don’t layer your medium-length hair, you could end up with what’s commonly referred to as the "helmet" or mushroom cut. By cutting into your hair, you create waves and curls that pop out, giving you the look you want. This length perfectly frames your face and works for any face shape. What we recommend doing for this look is to apply sea salt spray to your damp hair and allow it to air dry.

You might also explore shaggy short hairstyles for men if you prefer a lower-maintenance yet stylish look.

Shaggy Hairstyles for Long Hair

For the gentlemen with lengthier locks, the long shag is the ultimate symbol of coolness. This cut exudes the classic rocker look with ease and can always be tamed to suit professional requirements if necessary. The trick is to keep the hair from looking like it's weighed down.

When it comes to long shags, we like to add lots of face-framing layers. The front sections should be shorter than the back sections. This creates a cascading effect and emphasizes the jawline and eyes. The ends of the hair should also be texturized so they don’t appear heavy and blunt. Long hair requires a little more work in the conditioning department. This will help prevent split ends. However, it is easy to style. A grooming cream or leave-in conditioner keeps frizz at bay and adds movement.

If you're interested in more dimension, ask about layered men's short shaggy hairstyles for a customized approach.

Your Ideal Shaggy Haircut

The idea of a shag cut is to have a relaxed and effortless look, and it is achieved by moving away from rigidity and embracing your natural texture. The irony of having effortless hair is that it sometimes requires a lot of effort to cut it.

If you are thinking of making the change, come to our salon at Frank’s. Our stylists can evaluate your hair type and facial structure to tailor a cut that will specifically suit your needs. Come to us and allow us to help you strike a balance between being rugged and refined. To get started, meet our team and discover the right stylist for your new look!

Lisa Franz

Lisa Franz is the founder and owner of Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon, a premier men’s salon and barbershop in Denver. With a background in theatre and a deep passion for community-building, she created Frank’s to merge high-end grooming services with a warm, inclusive space.