The Subtle Shag Is The Perfect Haircut For Part-Time Rockstars
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3 months ago
A versatile take on the classic shag
Intrigued by how the salons are taking on the 70s revival? If you’d like to dip a toe into the trend, but aren’t ready to commit to a full transformation, then the subtle shag could be for you.
What Is A Subtle Shag?
‘The subtle shag haircut is a new age take on the classic 70s shag,’ explains Phoebe Friend, hair stylist and salon manager at SHAG! West London. ‘The cut has softer and less dramatic layering while still maintaining focus on adding more movement. It’s an evolution of the classic shag, which is all about being bold and dramatic with its short textured layers.’
@phoebejfriend A softer approach to a shag! This haircut could be for if you love lots of layers around your face but want to keep layers long around the back. Haircut and styling by me and colour by Steph .. come and see us in @SHAG! London As always, save this post for inspo :) #londonhairstylist #shaglondon #davines #hairinspo #althairstylist #90saesthetic #westlondonsalon #subtleshag ♬ Summer song – remy bond ☮︎
Shag power has hit new heights over the last year, largely in thanks to TikTok‘s obsession with throwback hairstyles. (And with 69.9 million posts currently sitting under #subtleshaggyhaircut, we doubt the hype with die out anytime soon.) This cut simply seems like the next bridge between modernity and nostalgia.
Seeing pictures of the subtle shag, we can see it’s an ideal in-between style for those who don’t want to go all in on the 70s staple. ‘It’s a good way to test out the shape and silhouette of a shag,’ says Phoebe. ‘You won’t lose too much density, nor the ability to style your hair in a more polished way.’
Who Suits This Cut?
Phoebe tells us this a look that works for every hair type – curly, coily, wavy and straight. ‘But I believe it’s especially good for a finer hair density, as you will create the shaggy effect without losing as much hair to the layers,’ she adds. ‘As always, ask your stylist for advice if you’re unsure what will suit you best.’
@tobiasbellhair My client asked for the 70’s Rockstar cut ✂️ #fyp #shaghaircut #70s #stevienicks #shagcuthair #70shairstyle #70sfashion ♬ Whole Lotta Love (Remaster) – Led Zeppelin
What To Ask For In The Salon (& What To Expect)
‘Ask for shorter, wispy, textured layers,’ recommends Phoebe. She also suggests bringing plenty of photo references for your stylist, so that you stay on the same page. ‘Your stylist will create the look by blending the layers from the shortest point to the baseline using a transient length technique.’
How To Style A Subtle Shag
The beauty of the subtle shag is its versatility; it has all the rockstar appeal of the original, but the wriggle room to make it sleek and glam. ‘The best thing is the diversity of the look,’ confirms Phoebe. ‘You can wear it messy and undone, or blown out and polished. Either will showcase the style beautifully.’
But for a classic look, Phoebe says to focus of texture and volume: ‘Products like sea salt spray, texturising serum or a dry texture spray are perfect for showing off this lived in style.’
Hair Inspiration
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Featured image: SS25 Copenhagen Fashion Week Streetstyle (c) Noor-u-Nisa
