27 Stunning Medium Curly Shag Haircuts In 2026

The medium-length curly shag cut is a timeless yet trend-forward hairstyle that celebrates natural texture, movement, and individuality. Defined by its strategic layering, face-framing fringe, and effortlessly tousled silhouette, this cut enhances curl patterns while removing excess weight and bulk. Sitting perfectly between short and long lengths, it offers the best of both worlds enough structure to shape the face and enough length to maintain versatility. Inspired by vintage 70s rock aesthetics and reimagined through modern techniques, the medium curly shag is adaptable to a wide range of curl types, face shapes, and personal styles, making it one of the most sought-after cuts for textured hair today.

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1. Golden Honey Shag
This style features heavy, eye-grazing fringe and dramatic internal layers to create maximum volume at the crown. Warm golden highlights accentuate individual curl patterns, giving the hair a dimensional and sun-kissed appearance. It is an ideal choice for someone looking to blend vintage 70s rock-and-roll vibes with modern texture.

  

 

 

2. Sun-Inspired Honey Shag

You can brighten your entire face with this warm, honey-toned shag that uses choppy layers to give your curls incredible bounce and life. Stylists suggest this specific cut because the shorter layers around the crown prevent your curls from being weighed down, creating a youthful and voluminous silhouette. To take care of this look, you should apply a curl-defining cream to soaking wet hair and use a diffuser on low heat to lock in the shape without creating frizz.

    

Read More: 29 Stunning Short Curly Shag Hairstyles

  

  

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3. Midnight Halo Curls

Tight, bouncy ringlets are cut into a rounded shape that perfectly frames the face and highlights the cheekbones. This look focuses on a shorter, more structured bang area that transitions seamlessly into shoulder-length layers. Dark, uniform color provides a sophisticated edge that makes the natural shine of the curls the main attraction.

  

4. Ash-Brown Cool Shag

You will achieve a sophisticated, "lived-in" vibe with these cool-toned ash brown curls that feature soft, face-framing "bottleneck" bangs. Professionals recommend this style because it beautifully balances the volume of mid-length hair, making it a great option if you want a trendy look that isn't too high-maintenance. To keep your ash tones from turning brassy, you must use a blue-toning conditioner once a week and always finish your styling with a lightweight hair oil for a healthy shine.

  

Read More: 31 Gorgeous Curly Shag Hairstyles

  

  

5. Platinum Textured Shag

Embrace a high-fashion, edgy aesthetic with this platinum blonde shag that uses dramatic layering to showcase your natural curl pattern. Hairstylists love this look because the bold color highlights the "shaggy" texture, giving you a look that is both rebellious and elegant. Because bleach can be drying, you should prioritize a deep-conditioning treatment every weekend to keep your curls hydrated and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle only while your hair is saturated with conditioner.

   

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6. Espresso Shaggy Cut

Defined, glossy spirals are layered heavily to create a tapered silhouette that narrows toward the ends. The curtain-style fringe opens up the face while maintaining significant height and movement throughout the top sections. Rich chocolate tones add depth, making this a versatile look that transitions easily from a professional setting to a casual outing.

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7. Raven Textured Shag

Short, choppy layers and piecey bangs give this cut a rebellious and effortless energy. The silhouette is slightly more horizontal, expanding outward to provide width and balance for more elongated face shapes. Natural dark waves are encouraged to be messy, creating a woke up like this aesthetic that requires minimal styling product.

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8. Curly Mullet Hybrid
This bold profile features a distinct contrast between the voluminous, rounded top and the longer, cascading curls at the nape. Short layers around the ears and temples create a modern mullet-inspired shape that feels both artistic and intentional. It is a high-fashion option for those with dense hair who want to remove bulk while keeping plenty of personality.

  

9. Deep Espresso Shag

You can create a sense of effortless romance with this rich, dark espresso shag that features heavy, eyebrow-grazing fringe. Stylists suggest this cut for women with denser hair because the interior layering removes excess bulk, allowing your curls to move naturally rather than looking triangular. To care for this deep hue, you should wash your hair with cool water to keep the cuticle closed and use a microfiber towel to gently scrunch out moisture to prevent breaking your curl clumps.

  

 

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10. Brunette Botticelli Shag

Soft, elongated curls fall past the shoulders, paired with a light and airy fringe for a romantic finish. The layering is more subtle here, focusing on maintaining length while preventing the hair from appearing triangular or heavy at the bottom. This approach works beautifully for looser curl patterns, offering a gentle frame that emphasizes the eyes and jawline.

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11. Crimson Edge Shag

This bold look features a sharp, straight-across micro-fringe that contrasts beautifully with deep red highlights. Face-framing layers are carved out to emphasize the cheekbones while maintaining a textured, edgy aesthetic. Vivid color placement enhances the movement of the curls, making it a standout choice for those seeking a punk-inspired vibe.

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12. Natural Volume Shag
Soft, rounded layers define this effortless style, allowing natural curl patterns to stack and create height at the crown. Heavily textured bangs blend seamlessly into the sides to frame the eyes without feeling too heavy or structured. It is an ideal shape for maintaining length while removing bulk, resulting in a breathable and bouncy silhouette.

 

13. Honey Amber Botticelli Shag

This style is characterized by soft, golden-blonde ringlets that mimic the effortless waves found in Renaissance art. The cut uses rounded layering to maintain volume through the shoulders without the aggressive choppiness of a typical wolf cut. It features piecey, forehead-grazing bangs that are styled with a slight opening to brighten the face and eyes.

 

14. Obsidian Cascade Shag

Dense, raven-colored ringlets define this ultra-voluminous look that focuses on maximum width through the mid-lengths. The face is framed by thick, curly fringe that blends into shorter face framing layers, creating a continuous flow of texture. This version of the shag is perfect for those with high density hair who want to embrace a bold, 1980s-inspired lion’s mane effect.

 

15. Ultra-Defined Raven Wolf Shag

This striking style features high-volume ringlets with extreme layering that creates a dramatic silhouette between the crown and the lengths. The face is framed by heavy, curly bangs that sit right at the brow line, drawing immediate attention to the eyes and cheekbones. With its deep obsidian tone and piecey, cascading curls toward the shoulders, it perfectly captures a bold and modern wolf cut aesthetic.

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16. Modern Indie Shag
This contemporary cut utilizes piecey, eye-grazing bangs and disconnected layers to achieve a cool, lived-in texture. Tapered ends give the hair a lighter feel toward the bottom, emphasizing a shaggy, rock-and-roll profile. It is a versatile shape that works perfectly for mid-length curls looking for a bit of rebellious, effortless flair.

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17. Crimson Micro-Shag

This look features a bold, deep red hue paired with an edgy micro-fringe that opens up the face. The layers are heavily textured to create volume at the crown while maintaining a wispy, tapered length. It is a high-contrast style that balances alternative aesthetics with soft, curly movement.

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18. Midnight Bottleneck Shag

This style utilizes a classic bottleneck bang that blends seamlessly into face-framing curls. The dark chocolate tone enhances the visual depth of the choppy, internal layers throughout the mid-lengths. It offers a soft, bohemian silhouette that feels effortless and lived-in.

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19. Raven Wolf Cut
This variation leans into the wolf cut territory with shorter, piecey layers on top and more length through the back. The curly texture adds significant grit and volume, making the silhouette appear full and multi-dimensional. It is a perfect choice for those wanting a gender-neutral, retro-inspired look.

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20. Copper-Halo Curly Shag
This cut stands out due to the vibrant copper halo highlights that trace the curvature of the fringe and cheekbones. The curls are defined and bouncy, creating a rounded shape that softens the overall jawline. It is a masterful example of using color placement to emphasize haircut structure.

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21. Brunette Butterfly Shag
Focusing on symmetry, this style features curtain bangs that wing outward to meet the layered sides. The haircut maintains a more polished, feminine flow while still providing the signature shaggy volume at the roots. It is an ideal bridge between a traditional layered cut and a more extreme shag.

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22. Sunset Horizon Shag
This striking look uses an ombre-like transition to bright orange at the ends to highlight the jagged, uneven layers. The fringe is kept thick and straight across, providing a sharp contrast to the wild, curly texture of the perimeter. It is a high-energy style that prioritizes bold geometry and vibrant color.

 

23. Copper Curl Shag
This vibrant look features a high-contrast copper hue that emphasizes the individual definition of each ringlet. Heavy, eyebrow-skimming bangs create a soft frame for the face while maintaining a playful, voluminous crown. Tapered ends ensure the hair retains its bounce without becoming too heavy at the bottom.

 

24. Bold Brow-Grazing Shag
Strong, short micro-bangs define this style by creating a striking horizontal line across the forehead. The natural dark texture flows into mid-length layers that expand horizontally, offering a beautiful halo effect. It is a perfect choice for those who want to balance a vintage 1970s aesthetic with modern edge.

 

25. Soft Curtain Shag
Subtle curtain bangs blend seamlessly into shoulder-length waves to create a romantic and approachable silhouette. This variation focuses on internal layering to reduce bulk while keeping the overall shape rounded and soft. It works exceptionally well for highlighting cheekbones and softening the jawline.

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26. Edgy Pixie Shag
Short, choppy layers and a dramatic length difference between the front and back give this style a rebellious, punk-inspired feel. The crown is heavily textured to provide maximum lift, while the tail at the nape adds a touch of modern mullet influence. It is an ideal low-maintenance option for showcasing natural texture with high impact.

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27. Classic French Shag
This sophisticated take features wispy, eye-level fringe and face-framing bits that tuck perfectly behind the ears. The layers are carved out to create a lived-in, effortless look that appears chic even when air-dried. It strikes a beautiful balance between a traditional bob and a more aggressive shaggy cut.

Conclusion

The medium-length curly shag cut is more than just a hairstyle; it is an expression of confidence, ease, and natural beauty. Its layered design allows curls to breathe, stack, and move freely, creating volume at the crown while maintaining a balanced, flattering shape throughout the lengths. Whether styled with bold fringe, soft curtains, or edgy micro-bangs, this cut effortlessly transitions from polished to undone, professional to playful. Ideal for those who want definition without rigidity, the medium curly shag proves that embracing texture and individuality can result in a look that feels both effortlessly cool and endlessly wearable.