Because low-effort chic is the ultimate flex
There’s a reason your FYP is full of curtain bangs and feathered layers: the shag is back—and cooler than ever. Celebs like Jenna Ortega and J.Lo are proof that this retro-meets-modern cut works on just about everyone, offering that perfect sweet spot between “just rolled out of bed” and “I know what I’m doing.”
In 2025, hair is all about movement, air-dried texture, and cuts that grow out gracefully. The shag with curtain bangs ticks every box: easy, face-framing, and totally vibe-y.
If you’re craving low-effort chic with a side of edge, this is your cut. Learn which celebs are rocking it, who suits it, and exactly how to style it (short, medium OR long) below.
What does a shag and curtain bangs consist of?
Well, the clue’s in the name—but even so, let’s break it down.
The shag |
Curtain bangs |
|
A shag haircut is all about layers: feathered, textured, and full of personality. Born in the '70s but reimagined for now, today’s shag ditches the overly dramatic chops for a more wearable, tousled vibe. Expect volume at the crown, movement through the lengths, and those signature choppy ends that make even air-dried hair look styled. It's messy—but in a “cool girl at the farmers’ market” kind of way. |
Then there’s the curtain bang, arguably the fringe of the moment. Think of it as the anti-commitment bang: parted down the middle, longer at the sides, and soft enough to grow out without panic. It frames the face without taking over your forehead and plays nicely with waves, curls, or a sleek finish. Plus, it’s versatile—you can flick them out Farrah-style, tuck them behind your ears, or let them do their thing. |
Together? They’re a match made in hair heaven. The shag gives your cut volume and texture, while curtain bangs add structure and a face-framing finish. The softness of the fringe balances the layers, keeping the look undone but intentional. It’s got the vintage edge of a rockstar muse, but feels fresh, wearable, and totally 2025. Basically, if you want a haircut that looks like effort without being effort, this duo delivers.
Who does it suit?
The beauty of a shag with curtain bangs is that it’s a chameleon. It can be personalized to your face shape, your texture, and even how lazy (or not) you are when it comes to styling.
Face shape-wise, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
– Got an oval face? Lucky you—this cut was basically made for you. The curtain bangs accentuate your cheekbones while the shag layers add volume in all the right places.
– If you’ve got a rounder face, ask your stylist to keep the fringe longer and the layers more graduated around the jaw to create length.
– For a square face, soften any strong angles by opting for shaggy layers that start below the cheekbone and a curtain bang with a little curve.
Texture-wise, it’s incredibly forgiving.
– Straight hair gets movement and volume it often lacks.
– Wavy hair? This is your zone—just scrunch in some product and go.
– Curly hair works too, especially if you’re into that fluffy, lived-in look. Just make sure the bangs are cut dry and shaped to suit the curl pattern.
And if you’re someone who’d rather snooze than style? You’ve hit the jackpot. The shag with curtain bangs is ideal for air-dry girls, low-maintenance types, and anyone whose styling routine peaks at dry shampoo and a prayer. It's a haircut that does the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.
Still on the fence? If you tick any of these boxes, the shag with curtain bangs cut is for you.
☐ You hate perfectly polished blowouts☐ You wear sunglasses and want your bangs to peek through☐ You secretly want to be in a band (or just look like you are)☐ You want your hair to look great when you don’t do anything to it☐ You save haircut inspo that says “effortless” but still makes a statement |
A-lister inspo
Jenna Ortega
The Gen Z shag icon
Source: Cosmopolitan
Jenna Ortega’s medium-length shag is the gold standard for that moody, messy, “don’t touch my fringe” energy. Her layered cut hits just past the shoulders, with soft, shattered ends that give it tons of movement. But it’s her piecey curtain bangs—usually parted slightly off-centre and full of texture—that pull the whole look together. What makes it work? The mix of softness and edge. It’s feminine but has a rebellious streak, just like her red carpet looks.
Emulate it: Use a salt spray or matte texturising cream, like R+Co’s Badlands, on day-two hair. Twist small sections around your fingers to encourage definition. Bonus: This cut air-dries like a dream.
Camila Morrone
Boho but polished
Source: Pinterest
Camila Morrone wears the long shag like she was born with it. Her signature style leans more polished than punk, with cascading layers and barely-there curtain bangs that blend seamlessly into her lengths. The effect? Lived-in waves with just enough face-framing to feel intentional, not overly styled. It’s the ultimate “rich girl who surfs” haircut.
Emulate it: Start with a moisturising leave-in spray, then create soft bends using a large-barrel curling wand or the TYME Iron set to a medium heat. Finish with a lightweight oil to tame frizz and add shine. Skip perfection—it’s better with a bit of fluff.
Natasha Lyonne
Big hair, bigger energy
Source: Katie Couric Media
Nobody does chaotic-cool quite like Natasha Lyonne. Her short, rocker-style shag is all drama—tight layers, major crown volume, and bold curtain bangs that practically demand a smoky eye. This version is unapologetically textured, giving off glam 70s groupie meets downtown art scene. What makes it work? Confidence. And a killer hairstylist.
Emulate it: Blow-dry with a diffuser and volumizing mousse to amp things up at the roots. Use a dry wax or styling paste to define ends and add grit. And don’t stress about precision—this cut looks best when it’s a little wild.
Florence Pugh
Short ‘n’ sharp
Source: RollingStone
Florence Pugh’s take on the shag proves you don’t need long locks to make an impact. Her cropped cut features choppy layers, volume at the crown, and shorter curtain bangs that graze just above the cheekbones. The result? A cut that’s edgy, expressive, and made to be tousled.
Emulate it: Apply a volumizing spray at the roots and rough-dry with your hands. Add texture with a matte paste or styling cream, scrunching the ends upward. Want extra lift? A tiny bit of dry shampoo at the crown never hurts—even on clean hair.
Sydney Sweeney
Soft glam with a vintage twist
Source: Vogue
Sydney Sweeney’s shag skews soft, romantic, and just retro enough. Her curtain bangs are perfectly blended into flowing layers that start mid-length and fall into soft curls or brushed-out waves. It’s giving 70s starlet, but make it modern. What makes it work is the polish: every layer feels intentional, even when it’s worn loose.
Emulate it: Use a blow-dry brush to add bend at the ends and volume around the face. Wrap sections away from the face with a large curling wand, then brush out with a paddle brush for that brushed-glam finish. A shine spray will tie the whole look together.
How to style it
Styling a shag with curtain bangs isn’t about getting every strand spot-on. It’s about leaning into the texture, the movement, and the “I didn’t try that hard (but I absolutely did)” approach. Here’s how to make the cut work for you, whether you’re team short, medium, or long.
Short shag with curtain bangs
Best for: fine to medium hair, bold face-framing shape lovers
Vibe: messy but intentional
Styling tips:
– Use a pea-sized amount of wax or pomade on dry ends to define and separate layers.
– Let hair air-dry upside down for natural crown volume.
– Use a round brush to blow-dry your curtain bangs forward, then flick them out for shape.
– Got waves or curls? Use a diffuser to dry while enhancing texture.
– Trim the bangs regularly—they’re the star of the show at this length.
Medium shag with curtain bangs
Best for: most face shapes, wavy or slightly textured hair
Vibe: low-effort, high-reward
Styling tips:
– Apply light mousse or texturising spray to damp hair for lift and grit.
– Use a blow brush to add movement through the layers and volume at the roots.
– Scrunch-dry with a microfibre towel if you’re skipping heat.
– For soft waves, try wrap-drying—twist sections with fingers as they dry.
– Blow-dry fringe with a round brush, or pinch the ends with your fingers for a natural flick.
Long shag with curtain bangs
Best for: thick, wavy hair or anyone growing out layers
Vibe: soft, swishy, a little glam
Styling tips:
– For damage-free volume, braid damp hair or use heatless rollers overnight.
– Use a large-barrel curling wand on dry hair, leaving out the ends for an undone finish.
– Smooth a small amount of argan oil through mid-lengths and ends for shine and frizz control.
– Section hair when drying to prevent flat roots—lift at the crown for movement.
– Keep fringe defined with a quick pass of a straightener or round brush.
– Loosely lock in place with a medium-hold hairspray (recommended for these longer styles).
How to grow it out (without the awkward phase)
One of the best things about a shag with curtain bangs? It grows out really well. Unlike blunt cuts or full fringes, this style is built on soft transitions and blended layers—so there’s no harsh grow-out line.
As your curtain bangs get longer, they melt into face-framing pieces. And shaggy layers? They slowly morph into a more subtle, long-layered shape that still moves and holds volume.
Pro tip: Book a micro-trim every 8–10 weeks to keep the shape while letting length do its thing. You’ll avoid the triangle effect, keep your ends healthy, and make it through the grow-out gracefully.
Go on, get the shag with curtain bangs cut
Whether you go short and shaggy or long and layered, this cut nails that sweet spot between effortless and elevated. It’s got movement, personality, and just enough polish to feel put-together—even when you’ve only got five minutes and a spritz of dry shampoo.
Want to keep your shag looking salon-fresh without the actual salon trip? We’ve got you. Head over to the LifeTYME blog for pro styling tricks, heat tool how-to’s, and product picks that’ll keep your curtain bangs swishy and your layers living their best life.
