Choppy shag hairstyles for medium hair offer a bold, modern look while maintaining a relaxed and effortless feel. These hairstyles are known for their heavily layered structure, giving the hair volume, movement, and a lived-in texture. Whether you prefer soft, feathered layers or a more edgy, razor-cut finish, a choppy shag works on all face shapes and hair types. This versatile haircut suits any occasion, from casual everyday looks to stylish night-out ensembles. Let’s explore 25+ choppy shag hairstyles that will refresh your look and add a touch of rebellion to your hair.
1. Side-Parted Choppy Shag
A deep side part combined with choppy layers creates a stylish and voluminous effect. This look works especially well for medium to thick hair, as the layers help distribute weight while adding movement. The side part frames the face beautifully, drawing attention to the cheekbones and jawline. This cut is easy to style with a bit of texturizing spray for a relaxed, tousled finish. Whether you wear it straight or wavy, this shag cut brings an effortlessly cool vibe.
2. Retro Shag
This ’70s-inspired retro shag brings vintage charm with its wispy bangs and layered structure. The choppy layers give the cut a fuller appearance, making it an excellent option for those with fine or thin hair. With natural waves or curls, this hairstyle gains even more character, giving a carefree and artistic edge. The best part is its versatility—whether styled sleek or messy, the retro shag remains a statement look. Pair it with curtain bangs for a complete throwback aesthetic.
3. Choppy Shag For Women Over 50
A choppy shag is an excellent choice for women over 50 who want a youthful and modern hairstyle. This cut adds volume at the crown while keeping the ends wispy and light, creating an airy effect. The choppy layers soften facial features, making it a flattering choice for mature women. This shag works exceptionally well with natural grays or highlighted tones, adding depth and dimension. For an extra touch of elegance, style it with soft waves or flicked-out ends.
4. Wavy Shag With Choppy Layers
This choppy shag is perfect for those with naturally wavy hair, enhancing the movement and texture effortlessly. The layers are strategically cut to reduce bulk while maximizing volume, giving the hair a soft yet edgy look. Whether you opt for a natural finish or add loose curls, this hairstyle remains effortlessly chic. A middle or off-center part can change the entire vibe, allowing for multiple styling options. Use a lightweight mousse or sea salt spray to define the waves for a beachy, tousled effect.
5. Messy Shag With Peekaboo Highlights
If you love a bit of contrast in your hair, a messy shag with peekaboo highlights is a stylish and trendy choice. The choppy layers create movement, while the hidden highlights add a playful pop of color. This style works beautifully with balayage or bold fashion shades like pink, blue, or platinum blonde. The messier the look, the better—this shag embraces an undone, effortless feel. Simply scrunch in some texturizing spray for a carefree and stylish finish.
6. Heavily Textured Choppy Shag
For those who prefer an ultra-layered and textured cut, this heavily textured choppy shag is a game-changer. The choppiness adds volume, making it ideal for fine or medium-density hair that needs extra body. The uneven, razor-cut ends create an edgy and modern effect, perfect for those who want a bold statement hairstyle. This shag pairs well with side-swept or micro bangs for an added touch of drama. A volumizing powder or dry shampoo can help maintain its full, textured look throughout the day.
7. Choppy Shag With Micro Bangs
Micro bangs paired with a choppy shag create an avant-garde, fashion-forward style. The shorter fringe adds a unique touch while complementing the choppy layers throughout the hair. This look is perfect for those who love edgy and unconventional hairstyles that stand out. It works well on straight, wavy, or curly hair, depending on the overall aesthetic you prefer. To keep the micro bangs in shape, use a lightweight styling wax or a smoothing serum.
8. Split Dye Choppy Shag
A split dye choppy shag is the perfect fusion of bold color and an effortlessly cool haircut. With two contrasting shades—such as black and blonde or red and copper—this style adds an instant edge. The choppy layers give it a rebellious, lived-in feel, enhancing the two-tone effect. This shag works well with both natural hair colors and vibrant fantasy shades. Whether you go for subtle highlights or a high-contrast look, this hairstyle turns heads effortlessly.
9. Shaggy Butterfly Style
The butterfly cut meets the shag in this stunning, voluminous hairstyle. Long, face-framing layers blend seamlessly into the rest of the choppy haircut, creating a lifted and feathered look. The airy layers add softness, making this shag flattering for all face shapes. Whether worn sleek or tousled, this style has a modern yet effortless appeal. A round brush blowout can enhance the fluttery effect of the layers, giving them a dynamic and weightless look.
10. Fiery Red Choppy Shag
For those who love a bold and vibrant style, a fiery red choppy shag is a stunning choice. The combination of choppy layers and a bright red hue creates an eye-catching effect. This look works particularly well with copper, auburn, or deep cherry red shades. The layers add depth and texture, making the color appear even more dynamic. Style it with waves or tousled curls to enhance its fiery, rebellious feel.
11. Dimensional Shag With Babylights
A dimensional shag with babylights enhances the hair’s depth and movement with soft, natural-looking highlights. The choppy layers add texture, while the babylights provide a sun-kissed effect that gives the hair a healthy glow. This style works particularly well for fine to medium hair, as the added dimension creates an illusion of thickness. A lightweight mousse or volumizing spray can enhance the shag’s natural bounce.
12. Feathered Choppy Shag
The feathered choppy shag is a refined take on the classic shag, featuring soft, feathery layers that add volume without bulk. The delicate layers create a weightless feel, making this cut perfect for those who want movement without too much heaviness. This style pairs beautifully with a side or middle part, depending on the desired look. Blow-drying with a round brush can help enhance the feathered effect for a polished finish.
13. Shaggy Mullet Cut
A shaggy mullet cut merges the edgy appeal of a mullet with the effortless texture of a shag. The shorter layers at the crown add height and volume, while the longer, choppy ends create a rebellious, rock-and-roll aesthetic. This cut works well for all hair textures, from pin-straight to naturally curly. Styling with a texturizing spray will amplify the disordered layers, making the style even more dynamic.
14. Razor Cut Shag
A razor cut shag is perfect for those who want a lightweight yet edgy hairstyle. The razor technique creates wispy, choppy layers that frame the face beautifully while maintaining an airy texture. This cut is ideal for medium hair, as it removes bulk while keeping volume in all the right places. A bit of dry shampoo or matte pomade can help enhance the razor-cut edges for a more defined look.
15. Curly Shag With Choppy Layers
This shag is designed specifically for curly hair, embracing its natural texture with well-placed choppy layers. The layering helps shape the curls, preventing bulkiness while enhancing definition and movement. This cut works particularly well for medium-length curls, as it balances volume and structure effortlessly. A curl-enhancing cream or mousse can help maintain the bouncy, well-defined curls.
16. Choppy 70s Shag
The 70s-inspired choppy shag features dramatic layers, curtain bangs, and a voluminous shape that channels vintage glamour. This haircut is great for adding a retro touch while keeping it modern with added texture and movement. It works best for those who love a lived-in, effortless look with lots of personality. To style, use a round brush and blow-dry in sections for a voluminous yet tousled effect.
17. Elegant Shag With Soft Choppy Layers
An elegant shag with soft choppy layers is a refined version of the traditional shag, perfect for those who prefer a more polished look. The subtle layering adds movement without making the style look too edgy. This cut works beautifully for straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures. A light mist of shine spray can enhance the softness and give the hair a luxurious finish.
18. Modern Shag On Dark Choppy Hair
A modern shag on dark choppy hair creates a striking contrast, enhancing the depth and dimension of the layers. The choppy texture gives a fresh, contemporary feel, making it a great choice for those who want a stylish yet effortless haircut. This shag pairs well with dark brown or black hair, as the layering adds dimension without the need for highlights. Using a lightweight styling cream can help define the layers and keep the shag looking voluminous.
19. Blonde Choppy Shag
A blonde choppy shag is a vibrant, youthful style that enhances brightness while keeping the hair full of movement. The choppy layers prevent the blonde from looking flat, adding depth and texture. This cut works well for both cool and warm blonde tones, making it highly versatile. A purple shampoo can help maintain the vibrancy of the blonde while preventing brassiness.
20. Beachy Shag
The beachy shag is the perfect combination of relaxed and stylish, featuring tousled layers that create a windswept, sun-kissed effect. This style is ideal for those who love a natural, undone look with plenty of volume. It pairs well with soft waves or curls for an effortlessly chic appearance. A sea salt spray is the perfect styling product to enhance the beachy texture.
21. Choppy Wolf To Shag Cut
A fusion of the trendy wolf cut and the classic shag, this haircut is all about bold, voluminous layers. The top section remains slightly rounded while the ends become more choppy, creating a striking silhouette. This cut is great for those who want a fun, edgy look with a rebellious touch. A bit of pomade or wax can help emphasize the contrast between the layers.
22. The Bardot Shag
Inspired by Brigitte Bardot, this shag features soft, face-framing layers paired with voluminous bangs. The look exudes timeless elegance while still maintaining the modern, effortless charm of a shag haircut. This style is perfect for those who love a touch of vintage glamour. Blow-drying with a round brush can enhance the shape and create a flattering, full-bodied look.
23. Messy Shag With Choppy Bangs And Layers
This messy shag is full of disordered layers and uneven bangs, creating an effortlessly cool and laid-back aesthetic. The choppy bangs add a youthful touch, while the layers enhance natural texture. This cut works well for those who prefer a low-maintenance, “woke-up-like-this” look. A bit of dry shampoo or volumizing powder can add extra texture for a lived-in effect.
24. Choppy Shag With Bottleneck Bangs
Bottleneck bangs, which taper slightly at the sides, add a flattering shape to this choppy shag. The bangs blend seamlessly into the layers, making the hairstyle appear soft yet edgy. This cut is great for medium hair lengths, as it maintains movement without being too heavy. A lightweight styling spray can help keep the bangs in place without making them stiff.
25. Soft Straight Shag With Choppy Layers
A soft straight shag offers a more subtle take on the traditional shag haircut, featuring gentle choppy layers that add structure without overwhelming the look. This style works best for straight or slightly wavy hair, as it maintains a smooth yet voluminous shape. Flat-ironing the ends slightly can enhance the layered effect, giving the cut a sleek and polished finish.
26. Face-Framing Choppy Shag
The face-framing choppy shag emphasizes facial features with strategically placed layers that highlight the cheekbones and jawline. This haircut is perfect for those who want a flattering, slimming effect while maintaining a relaxed and modern style. Whether worn straight or tousled, this shag creates an effortlessly chic look. Using a lightweight styling mousse can help add volume while keeping the layers defined.
Conclusion
Choppy shag hairstyles for medium hair are a fantastic way to add texture, movement, and personality to your look. Whether you prefer a bold, edgy style or something more subtle and elegant, there’s a shag variation to suit every preference. With the right styling products and minimal maintenance, these haircuts can offer effortless volume and a trendy, youthful appeal. Experiment with different layers, bangs, and finishes to find the perfect choppy shag that complements your unique style.