To shag or not to shag

From Goldie Hawn to Meg Ryan, there is no other haircut that’s been redone as many times as the shag, and 2011 will bring its own version of this iconic ‘do. The shag is synonymous with bold layering, and has been seen on both male and female counterparts. Influenced by the 2009 chop of model Freja Beha Erichsen’s hair, the shag has evolved yet again to become the most sought after style this side of the new decade.

Described by freelance writer and Allure contributor Robyn Brown as “the hair equivalent of Frye boots”, the new shag is more rock and roll than trim and tidy. Varying in length, you can cut this new trend into most hair types. Keep in mind that clients with fine hair will be better off with the lengthier translation, while clients blessed with thick hair can sport the shag at any span.

It’s best to go at this trendy cut with an amateur mentality by mimicking a self hack job. The new shag is much more than a cut. It’s a mentality. Instead of taking a cookie cutter approach, remember that for this look the messier the better. Your client is looking for a fashion forward cut, but it has to be low maintenance. Don’t hesitate to suggest cutting a small bang as well, even if they don’t go for it, your client will appreciate your expert suggestion.

Aim for that disheveled, in your face, sultry layered style. A dollop of styling gel in the palm of your hand should be all you need to whip those wispy strands into place. Scrunch the hair with your fingertips just before it fully dries. With this cut especially, it won’t be necessary to shampoo every day, so suggest some dry shampoo formula at the roots for those days she’ll go without. For a less relaxed alternative, you can straighten sections of the cut, and leave the others. Instead of focusing on whole strands, straighten only the roots of some sections or only the tips of others. This will keep the cut’s definitively edgy feel, but also transform the shag into something a little more polished.