There’s something effortlessly cool about a super shaggy haircut. It’s a style that celebrates texture, movement, and a carefree attitude. If you’ve been dreaming of those choppy, layered ends and a frame full of volume, you might be wondering how to achieve that perfect, undone look. Whether you’re giving yourself a fresh new style or helping a friend, cutting a super shag is all about technique and a confident hand.
Gathering Your Tools for the Perfect Shag
Before you make the first cut, having the right tools makes all the difference. You’ll need a pair of sharp hairdressing shears for clean lines and texturizing. Thinning shears are your best friend for creating that soft, feathered effect. A fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, and a spray bottle filled with water are also essential. Remember, it’s much easier to cut hair that’s damp, not soaking wet, as this gives you more control over the texture.
Creating the Signature Shaggy Layers
The heart of a super shaggy cut lies in its layers. Start by sectioning the hair, creating a horseshoe-shaped part from just behind each ear over the top of the head. Clip the back section out of the way. Working with the top section, take vertical sections of hair and point your shears directly into the ends. This point-cutting technique removes bulk and creates the choppy texture you’re after. Don’t be afraid to cut at different lengths within the same section; perfection is not the goal here.
Focusing on the All-Important Fringe
A shag often features a wispy, curtain fringe. To create this, take a triangular section at the front. Hold the hair out and, using the point of your shears, snip into it to create a soft, broken line. You can always take more off later, so start conservatively. The fringe should blend seamlessly into the shorter layers around your face, framing it beautifully.
Blending and Texturizing for a Lived-In Feel
Once your main layers are in place, it’s time to blend everything together. Let down the back sections and connect your layers using the same point-cutting method. This is where the thinning shears come in. Gently use them on the mid-lengths and ends to remove any remaining heaviness and enhance that piecey, lived-in feel. The final step is to dry your hair naturally or with a diffuser, using your fingers to scrunch and encourage all that wonderful texture you’ve just created.
Cutting a super shaggy hairstyle is a fun and creative process. It’s a cut that gets better with a little messiness, so embrace the imperfection and enjoy your new, effortlessly textured look.