The Laid-Back, French-Looking Hairstyle Everyone's Suddenly Booking in For

I'm going to be honest: when I heard that the '70s shag hairstyle was back, I dismissed it immediately. I had visions of drastically short, choppy layers sticking out all over the place, and I told myself that there was no way that this hair trend would work for me. However, as it turns out, the modern-day iteration of this trend is a lot softer than the original and actually looks incredibly chic.

Thanks to subtle layers and relaxed styling, this haircut gives off the same vibes as all of the effortlessly cool French hairstyles I've been trying so hard to re-create. Not only does it look effortless, but this style is a lot more low-maintenance compared to other haircuts out there, as it's all about embracing your natural texture. Now that summer is in full swing, it doesn't look like this laidback style is going anywhere in terms of popularity.

As you can tell, I've quickly become a fan of this comeback hair trend, and as I've been doing my research, I've noticed that a lot of celebs and hairstylists are pairing the shag haircut with a fringe. From wispy bangs to curtain bangs and even statement, block styles, there's no denying that a fringe instantly elevates this look. And it's not just the A-listers. I've spotted this shag haircut dominating the streets of London this year, with countless friends of mine heading to the salon to get the exact cut for summer.

Why, I hear you ask? As you'll see below, a fringe blends beautifully with the feathered layers that define the shag haircut, whilst also adding a grungy, '90s feel that makes it a little fresher. Don't believe me? I've rounded up some of the coolest shag haircuts I've come across below, and bangs are definitely the stand-out feature in each of them. Plus, I've asked the experts about how to style it at home.

Who Suits A Shag Haircut With Bangs?

"This cut works brilliantly with naturally curly or wavy hair because it celebrates, rather than fights against, movement," says hairstylist Jason Collier. "The layers are designed to create shape and volume, so you can wear your hair slightly messy and it still looks intentional and stylish," he says. Plus, if you pair it with a fringe, such as a curtain fringe, it looks even cooler.

"The beauty of this fringe is its adaptability. You can style it parted in the middle for that relaxed, French-girl vibe, or sweep it to the side for a softer, more blended finish. It’s also incredibly easy to maintain," says Collier.

How to Style It

"To get that undone, bedhead finish, I suggest using a sea-salt or texturising spray through the mid-lengths and ends, scrunching it in to enhance the hair’s natural pattern and give a cool, rock-chic edge," says Collier.

As for your fringe, it couldn't be easier to style. "A quick blow-dry with a round brush or even a light flick with hair straighteners is all you need to create that soft, face-framing shape. It instantly adds polish to your everyday look while keeping things modern and wearable," he says.

Tempted to go for the chop? Scroll ahead for all the inspo to take to the salon for your shag haircut with bangs.

Shag Haircut With Bangs Inspiration

Jenna Ortega's signature shag hairstyle gives off the ultimate cool-girl vibes thanks to her feathered fringe.

This look is all about adding volume and movement to the top layers of the hair.

I feel like people often think shag hairstyles only work for straight hair, but I think this cut looks beautiful with curls.

It also works on super-cropped hairstyles with a feathered fringe.

If you don't want a full fringe, curtain bangs still look effortlessly chic.

So stunning.

Selena Gomez's wispy shag hairstyle is the perfect example of how to keep your layers light and subtle.

A shag hairstyle doesn't have to make a huge statement. For a more natural look, ask for long layers and side bangs.

Even Jennifer Lopez has given the feathered fringe and shag haircut a go.

From the colour to the cut, Natasha Lyonne's curly style is so damn cool.

While the shag haircut is often seen on mid-length styles, Emily Ratajkowski's longer lengths look amazing with some choppier layers and curtain bangs.

The volume, the fringe, the vibe—perfection.

Consider this your sign to embrace layers, curtain bangs, and that easy undone texture.

Texture, movement, and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll drama—this is the ultimate cool-girl shag.

It’s more than just a haircut, it’s an attitude. Soft, shaggy, and seriously chic.

The kind of cut that works with every outfit.

Effortlessly cool with a vintage twist — this modern shag proves bangs are back and better than ever.

Proof that micro bangs and a soft shag are the ultimate low-maintenance power move.

This is how to do statement hair without even trying — tousled bangs included.

’70s rockstar meets French-girl fringe. Bookmark this cut for your next salon appointment.

A masterclass in texture—the choppy layers and tousled bangs say I woke up like this.

Soft bangs, lived-in texture, and that je ne sais quoi that can’t be bottled.

Flirty fringe meets deconstructed layers. Who said effortless couldn’t be a statement?

Shag + bangs = instant cool.

The kind of haircut that looks even better with second-day texture—no heat styling required.

This is your reminder that bangs + layers = face-framing magic.

The definition of low-effort, high-impact hair. Add micro sunglasses and go.

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.