If your hair has been feeling flat or lacking dimension, a medium shag haircut might be just what you need. The secret to a great shag isn’t just in the layers—it’s about how they complement your face shape and hair texture. When done right, a medium shag adds movement, volume, and a youthful touch without looking overdone. For women over 40, the key is avoiding choppy, disconnected layers that can make hair appear thinner. Instead, soft, feathered layers with strategic face-framing create lift and dimension where it matters most.
No matter your hair type—thick, fine, wavy, or straight—there’s a shag style that suits you. Keep reading to discover the best medium shag haircuts and find the one that will give your hair the fresh, effortless look it deserves!
1. Modern Medium Shag
This stylish yet low-maintenance cut enhances natural volume and movement. The subtle layers frame the face beautifully, while blonde balayage adds depth and dimension. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this cut provides fullness without excess weight. To maintain a sleek yet voluminous finish, use a round brush when blow-drying and finish with Redken Triple Dry 15 for soft texture.
2. Medium Shag for Fine Hair
Perfect for fine hair, this cut features wispy bangs and blended layers that create the illusion of thickness. Soft, feathered edges prevent the hair from looking flat, adding much-needed movement. Subtle highlights enhance dimension, making fine strands appear fuller. Style with Paul Mitchell Extra Body Sculpting Foam and a round brush for lightweight volume.
3. 70s-Inspired Medium Shag
Embrace retro vibes with this classic 70s shag featuring full, wispy bangs and heavy layering. The feathered layers add movement and work best for medium to thick hair. This style is ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, as it softens angular features. Use a round brush and Velcro rollers for a voluminous, Farrah Fawcett-inspired finish.
4. Medium Shag for Thin Hair
Designed for thin hair, this cut features delicate layering that adds movement without compromising volume. Wispy ends prevent the style from feeling heavy, while dimensional blonde balayage enhances fullness. Ideal for women over 40 seeking a light, airy look that accentuates natural texture. Use Redken Full Volume Mousse before blow-drying with a round brush for added lift.
5. Soft Medium Shag
A soft shag offers just enough layering to create movement without extreme choppiness. Best suited for medium-density hair, this cut is perfect for oval or heart-shaped faces. The layers are kept long and blended, making it a great transitional cut for those growing out shorter styles. Style with Ouai Wave Spray for lightweight, effortless texture.
6. Curly Shag with Bangs
This curly shag enhances bounce and reduces bulk with well-defined layers. Soft, wispy bangs frame the face beautifully, adding an effortless charm. Best for medium to thick curls, this style requires moisture-rich products like DevaCurl SuperCream Curl Styler to keep curls hydrated and frizz-free.
7. Medium Shag Without Bangs
For those who prefer a sleek, easy-to-maintain look, a shag without bangs offers texture and movement without extra styling. The blended layers create a soft, face-framing effect, making this cut great for medium to thick hair. Pair with natural waves or styled curls using a GHD Classic Curl Iron and finish with L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray for hold.
8. Voluminous Medium Shag
Designed for those with fine or thinning hair, this cut provides maximum lift and movement. Layers build height at the crown while keeping the shape soft and feminine. Style with a round brush and volumizing mousse like Kenra Root Lifting Spray for extra body.
9. Edgy Textured Shag
A modern twist on the classic shag, this edgy, textured version features choppy layers for a lived-in, rock-inspired feel. Perfect for women seeking a bold look, this style works best on medium to thick hair with a natural wave. Enhance the texture with Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair Spray and light scrunching.
10. Medium Shag for Thick Wavy Hair
For thick, wavy hair, this shag enhances movement while removing bulk. Strategically cut layers allow waves to fall naturally without appearing heavy. Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, as waves soften overall features. Define waves with Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream and let hair air-dry or diffuse for extra bounce.
11. Brown Layered Shag with Curtain Bangs
This effortlessly chic shag features soft curtain bangs that blend seamlessly into textured layers. Enhancing natural movement, it suits medium to thick hair beautifully. The curtain bangs frame the face, making this an excellent choice for round or oval face shapes. Use a 1.25-inch curling iron and finish with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for a bouncy finish.
12. Collarbone-Length Shag
A versatile, low-maintenance option, this cut adds movement while maintaining a relaxed, effortless feel. The collarbone length flatters most face shapes and works well with fine or thick hair. For a tousled texture, use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray and scrunch while blow-drying.
13. Medium Blonde Shag
Soft, feathered layers give this blonde shag movement and volume. Golden blonde highlights brighten the complexion, making it an excellent choice for fine to medium hair. The layered cut removes excess weight while maintaining a bouncy, youthful effect. Blow-dry with a round brush and volumizing mousse like Paul Mitchell Extra Body Sculpting Foam for long-lasting lift.
14. Featherflow Shag
This airy style features cascading layers that create a lightweight, breezy effect. It is designed to remove bulk while maintaining fullness and’s ideal for medium to thick hair. Best styled with Ouai Wave Spray and a diffuser for soft, touchable texture.
15. WhisperShag
A delicate take on the traditional shag, this cut features subtle layers that add movement without extreme texture. Ideal for those who prefer a softer look, it works well for fine to medium hair. Enhance natural waves with Davines Dry Texturizer for a tousled finish.
16. Freeform Shag
For an effortless, undone look, the Freeform Shag enhances texture while requiring minimal styling. Best for medium to thick hair, this wash-and-go cut looks best when air-dried or styled with Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion for a beachy finish.
No matter your hair type or personal style, there’s a medium shag haircut that can elevate your look with minimal effort. Choose the one that best suits your texture, face shape, and maintenance preferences, and embrace a fresh, modern hairstyle for 2025!