We take hair cuts and evolve them by detailing dry and catering to each clients hair type,” explains Rachel.Īfter you have established your length, use that as your guide for the rest of the cut. “This section can make or break the way your shag looks and take it from Marsha Brady to modern. An easy way to prevent this from happening is to leave the section behind the ear out. The hair has less density in that area so it is best to detail that section when the hair is dry and in its natural state. “One of the biggest mistakes made when cutting a shag is taking too much weight out of the mid and bottom layers, which can create an outdated mullet. What are some of the biggest mistakes you can make when cutting a shag? 1. This will be your guide for the rest of your cut,” explains Rachel. Cut your desired length and establish your perimeter. “Start with the hair below the occipital bone and hold the section straight out to 90 degrees. Rachel likes to establish her client’s desired length first because it will be her guide to the rest of the cut. “I will never recommend a shag for thin hair because it is such a layered cut that it will take out too much weight and look like a mullet,” notes Rachel. However, a lot of people tend to mix up fine hair and thin hair. The shag haircut works on all density levels. For hair that is wavy or curly, she prefers to cut the hair dry in its natural state in order to really customize and cater to the texture so it is easy to maintain and style. When cutting hair that is naturally straight, Rachel performs the entire cut wet and then details when it is dry.
It is important to take into consideration the client’s natural texture as well as how the client wears their hair 90 percent or more of the time. Rachel approaches a shag cut differently depending on the client’s texture. “It can be shocking to women who are used to one length and long hair.” “I feel that it is super important to always have a consultation first so the client fully understands the haircut and is not alarmed when they see so much hair being removed,” shares Rachel.
Since the shag has so many layers, it removes a lot of weight out of the hair and can catch a client off guard. What are the key things to consider when cutting a shag? 1. Because of its face-framing layers, it really accentuates the woman’s face,” explains Rachel. It’s perfect to style with a little volume mousse, let air dry or diffuse with a blow dryer. It’s low-maintenance and really shows off the natural texture of the hair. It’s a cut for all lifestyles, but if you’re a tousle and go type, this cut is perfect for you. “The shag is ideal for medium to thick hair types and straight, wavy or curly hair.
Originally created by barber Paul McGregor, the shag traditionally consists of layers that are feathered at the top and sides, making the hair full around the crown and thinner around the edges and throughout the ends. We reached out to ARC™ Scissors Architect and shag expert Rachel Williams to get all of her tips and tricks to ease your anxiety and set you up for success!
From section elevation to texturizing techniques, it can seem confusing but the shag is a highly customizable and versatile cut if you know how to slay it. The shag haircut can be an intimidating cut when you are first attempting it. Instagram via Learn The Major Dos & Don’ts Of Cutting Shags