20 Best 70s Shag Haircuts for Medium Length Hair

The best 70s shag haircuts for medium length hair combine heavy internal layers, curtain bangs, and wispy ends that fall between the chin and collarbone — the silhouette flatters most face shapes and works equally well on straight, wavy, or lightly curly hair.

The 70s shag haircut is back — and for medium length hair, it has never looked better. This layered shag haircut lands between the chin and the collarbone, giving you the full rock-and-roll volume of the original without the maintenance of floor-grazing lengths. The key moves are heavy internal layers, a softly textured perimeter, and curtain bangs that frame the face and let your cheekbones do the work.

What makes 2026’s take on the medium shag so compelling is how low-effort it is to style. Air-dried, it looks intentionally tousled; blown out with a round brush, it delivers serious Farrah Fawcett lift. Whether your hair is pin-straight, wavy, or lightly curly, the layered architecture of the shag works with your texture rather than against it. Below are 20 variations — from sleek feathered blowouts to beachy undone waves — so you can bring exactly the right reference to your next salon appointment.

1. Classic Center-Part Curtain-Bang Shag

The defining move of the 70s shag revival, this version leads with heavy curtain bangs that part at center and sweep outward past the brows. The layers are cut in a rounded shape at the collarbone, giving the look a clean landing even as it stays deliberately tousled. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces best, and works particularly well on medium-density straight or wavy hair. Blow dry with a round brush, curling the fringe away from the face for authentic 70s sweep.

2. Feathered Farrah Blowout Shag

Inspired by Farrah Fawcett’s iconic wings, this version uses a round-brush blowout to flip the face-framing layers dramatically away from the face. The layers start high at the crown for maximum volume, cascading in feathered waves to just past the collarbone. It is most flattering on oval or long face shapes where the added width at the sides is an asset. Use a large-barrel round brush and angle the dryer at the root for lift that lasts all day.

3. Textured Wavy Boho Shag

This version leans into natural wave patterns rather than fighting them, using internal layers to remove bulk and let the waves spiral loosely. The perimeter is cut with point-cut ends that prevent any bluntness, and the finished look sits just past the shoulder. It flatters most face shapes but adds particular softness to square jawlines. Scrunch in a sea-salt spray while hair is damp and diffuse on low for effortless beachy texture.

4. Jet-Black Sleek-Textured Shag

This high-contrast take keeps the silhouette of the classic shag — layers, wispy ends, curtain-style fringe — but uses a flat iron on the mid-lengths and ends for a polished, almost graphic look. The jet-black color amplifies the defined layers and makes every strand visually distinct. Best for straight to slightly wavy hair types and particularly striking on oval or angular face shapes. Run a flat iron from mid-shaft down, skipping the roots to preserve natural volume.

5. Copper-Toned Disco Shag

Rich copper coloring with 70s metallic warmth gives this shag a head-turning dimension that photographs beautifully. The layers are cut slightly shorter than a classic shag, landing between the chin and shoulder, and styled with a diffuser to maximize curl and wave definition. This shortened length is flattering on petite frames and round or heart-shaped faces. A tinted gloss in paprika or sienna keeps the copper vivid between salon visits.

6. Natural-Curl Shag with Defined Ringlets

Designed specifically for curl types 2C through 3B, this shag builds movement without sacrificing definition by removing only internal weight and leaving the perimeter intact. The layers allow each ringlet to form independently rather than clumping from bulk, creating a full and dimensional silhouette. It is best cut dry so the stylist can see exactly where each curl falls. Define with a curl cream applied in sections and diffuse upside down.

7. Wispy Side-Swept Bang Shag

This variation swaps center-parted curtain bangs for a long, wispy fringe that sweeps diagonally across the forehead, creating a retro-glam asymmetry. The rest of the layers are cut in the classic shag silhouette at collarbone length, but the off-center bang gives it a moody editorial feel. It works especially well for high foreheads or those who want the drama of bangs without full commitment. Blow dry the sweep with a vent brush and finish with light-hold hairspray.

8. Chunky Highlighted Shag

Chunky highlights — wide sections of lightened hair alternating with the natural base — were a hallmark of 70s style and they translate perfectly into a modern layered shag. The contrast between the highlights and dark roots emphasizes the movement of each layer, making the texture appear even more dimensional. This is ideal for medium-density hair that can handle the chemical process without becoming fragile. Space highlighting appointments at least four months apart and use a protein treatment monthly.

9. Blunt-Perimeter Modern Shag

This modernized shag keeps the heavy internal layering of the 70s original but finishes the outer perimeter with a clean, straight-across cut rather than a wispy point-cut edge. The result is a hybrid — tousled on top with movement from the layers, crisp and intentional at the bottom — that reads as polished even on rushed mornings. It works best on medium-density hair and oval or oblong face shapes. Blow dry smooth and finish with a flat iron on the bottom two inches for a defined hem.

10. Ginger Curtain-Bang Shag with Close Face Framing

This warm ginger colorway plays up the 70s aesthetic naturally — the era was practically defined by earth-tone hair — and the face-framing layers are cut extra-close around the jaw to draw attention to the cheekbones. The curtain bangs are slightly longer than classic, brushing the tip of the nose, for a more relaxed and free-spirited feel. It suits heart and oval face shapes particularly well. Use a warm-toned gloss to keep the ginger vivid and prevent it from going brassy.

11. Half-Up Pinned Shag with Visible Layers

A half-up clip at the crown exposes the shag’s interior architecture — the cascade of graduated layers visible at the back — while the lower section flows freely in its textured, slightly wavy state. This is a styling moment that highlights exactly why the shag silhouette is so visually interesting from every angle. Works best when layers fall between the chin and collarbone on at least medium-density hair. A vintage barrette or claw clip keeps the reference authentically 70s.

12. Ash-Blonde Effortless Air-Dry Shag

Cool ash-blonde coloring gives this version a contemporary edge that distances it from a purely retro read. The cut itself is a classic shag — dense layers, wispy ends, minimal fringe — but styled entirely air-dried for a low-effort, authentically undone result that takes less than five minutes to prep. Apply a curl-enhancing milk to damp hair and shake the sections loose as they dry to break up any crunchiness without adding frizz.

13. Dimensional Brunette Bedhead Shag

This version prioritizes wearable everyday tousle over any structured styling — the layers are cut choppy and uneven, and the styling is purposefully relaxed so the shag reads lived-in rather than blow-dried. Dimensional brunette color with subtle balayage adds visual depth even on a lazy morning. It is excellent for busy schedules or naturally wavy hair types who need a cut that looks intentional at any stage of the day. Sleep with your hair in a loose braid and shake it out in the morning for this exact effect.

14. Voluminous Root-Lifted Crown Shag

Root lift is the secret weapon of this variation — using a round brush or Velcro rollers at the crown before the style sets gives the shag serious height at the roots, replicating the big-hair energy of 70s editorial looks. The layers then cascade down without the weight that typically collapses fine hair by midday. Best for fine or medium-density hair that struggles to hold a blowout past noon. Set roots with a volumizing spray before blow drying, then clip crown sections back with butterfly clips until completely cool.

15. Razor-Cut Ultra-Feathery Shag

A razor cut — rather than scissors — creates an ultra-fine, piece-y texture at the ends of each layer that no scissor cut can fully replicate. The result is hyper-textured, almost feathery tips that catch light and create serious visual movement, particularly on straight and slightly wavy hair. The trade-off is slightly faster layer growth, meaning trims should come at the 8-to-10-week mark rather than 12. Ask specifically for a razor-cut perimeter and point-cut interior when booking.

16. Sun-Kissed Beach Wave Shag

This summer-ready interpretation combines a classic medium shag structure with lived-in, salt-spray beach waves and natural sun-kissed highlights — the kind of color that looks like a season spent outdoors. The layers are cut looser and more gradual than a tight 70s shag, giving the wave patterns room to develop fully. It suits wavy and lightly curly hair types best. Mist in a texturizing sea-salt spray and scrunch; skip the diffuser and let hair dry naturally for maximum surf-goddess effect.

17. Micro-Fringe Punk-Inspired Shag

The micro-fringe — cut straight across just above the brows — gives this shag a defiant edge that echoes the late-70s punk movement rather than the strictly boho side of the era. The layers beneath are cut in a classic shag silhouette but finished with deliberately uneven, choppy ends for extra attitude. This suits oval and oblong face shapes best. Blow dry the micro-fringe flat with a paddle brush and keep the rest deliberately undone for a striking contrast.

18. Warm Caramel Ombre Shag

A seamless ombre transition from dark brunette roots into warm caramel ends mimics the natural sun-lightening that gave 70s hair its effortless glow. This color placement works especially well on a shag because the caramel tones fall exactly where the layers create movement, visually accentuating each layer flip. It is also a low-maintenance choice — root regrowth blends rather than creating a stark line. Refresh the caramel depth with a warm-toned toning gloss every eight weeks between salon visits.

19. Fine-Hair Curtain-Bang Shag with High-Crown Graduation

Fine, straight hair benefits enormously from the shag’s internal layering because removing bulk lets individual strands move freely rather than pulling flat. This version is cut with extra graduation at the crown — more layers, placed higher — to build volume where fine hair needs it most. The curtain bangs are kept slightly sparse so they don’t overwhelm thin hairlines. Avoid heavy conditioner on the roots, use a volumizing dry shampoo between washes, and trim every eight weeks to maintain layer separation.

20. Retro-Glam Barrel-Curl Shag

This fully styled version channels peak 1970s glamour by finishing each layer with a large-barrel curling iron, creating bouncy, open waves that roll away from the face throughout. The finished silhouette is voluminous rather than tousled — suitable for events or evenings out where bedhead isn’t the goal. It looks best on medium-density to thick hair that can hold a curl. Loosen the finished curls gently with your fingers and mist with flexible-hold spray to set without stiffness.

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The medium-length 70s shag is one of those rare haircuts that photographs beautifully, grows out gracefully, and suits an impressively wide range of hair types and face shapes. If you’re tired of one-length cuts that sit flat and lifeless, the layered movement of a shag can completely transform your day-to-day styling routine.

For the easiest styling win, work a nickel-sized amount of mousse through towel-damp hair, scrunch gently, and diffuse on low heat. Finish with a pea-sized drop of glossing oil on your palms, smooth over the ends, and you have that signature 70s texture in under 15 minutes. Schedule a trim every 10–12 weeks to keep the layers sharp and the fringe out of your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What face shapes does the 70s shag haircut flatter on medium length hair?

The 70s shag works well on oval, round, square, and heart-shaped faces. Curtain bangs soften angular foreheads and widen narrow or oblong faces, while the face-framing layers add the illusion of width at the cheekbones. The collarbone length prevents the cut from dragging the face down, making it one of the more universally flattering options available.

How often do I need a trim to maintain a medium-length shag?

Plan for a trim every 10–12 weeks. The shag's interior layers grow out at different rates, and by the 12-week mark the feathering at the ends can start to look blunt and heavy rather than wispy. A quick dusting of the ends and a refresh on the curtain bangs is usually all you need between full cuts.

Does the 70s shag work on fine or thin hair?

Yes — the interior layers remove bulk and weight, which lets fine hair move more freely and appear fuller. The key is to avoid removing too much perimeter length; keeping the hem at or below the collarbone preserves enough visual density. A volumizing mousse and diffuser will amplify the effect further and sustain lift throughout the day.

Can I get a 70s shag on naturally curly or wavy hair?

Absolutely. The shag's layered structure is ideal for wavy and curly textures because it eliminates the heavy triangle silhouette that one-length cuts create on curly hair. Ask your stylist for dry-cut layers if you have curl type 2B–3A so the cut accounts for how your curls naturally spring up after they dry.

What styling products work best for a medium-length shag?

A lightweight mousse applied to damp hair builds texture and hold without weighing layers down. For a sleeker, more Farrah Fawcett-style result, use a medium-hold cream with a round brush blowout. Finish either look with a pea-sized amount of glossing oil on the ends to control frizz and add shine without greasiness.