Whether you have naturally thin hair or are experiencing a decline in volume as you age, there are numerous techniques available to add dimension to your hairstyle after reaching the age of 40. One highly versatile and popular cut is the shag!
To aid in your search for the perfect shag cut, we consulted with professional hair stylists and experts to offer you two different ideas and examples of celebrity hairstyles that you can take along to your next appointment at the salon. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles and Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.
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2 Shag Haircut Ideas That Take Years Off Your Look
1. Shaggy Bob With Sideswept Bangs
A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shaggy cut, as seen here on Taylor Swift, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair," Rivera points out. She notes that the choice to "add a bang," and especially a voluminous, side-swept fringe can "add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
For women with longer hair, she says that "an added choice is to shorten the hair up a bit to the collarbone or above" to create some texture, and adding subtle layers to soften.
Abdullah recommends adding wispy sideswept bangs to this hairdo for not only a more youthful look overall, but also to hide any thinning or hair loss at the crown. Bangs that move off to the side, she says look "very youthful and fresh" and "will make people forget you're over 40, easily."
2. Long, Shaggy Layers With Curtain Bangs
Another flattering and no-fail shag cut with bangs is a long look with center-parted fringe that opens like a curtain. Kaley Cuoco frequently rocks this style, and as Rivera explains, there are many anti-aging benefits when it comes to trying it yourself!
"Shags are such a great style if you want low maintenance and easy," Rivera notes. "The fun part about this cut is that you can style it differently or leave it to dry on its own, which works very well if your hair tends to have a natural curl or wave. This cut works great on every face shape and hair type and definitely adds a more youthful appearance."
When curtain bangs are added, Abdullah says, this can instantly promote symmetry in the face as well as volume. Cuoco's long, wavy and layered ‘do works well with a middle-part and appears more voluminous with the help of these feathered-out bangs (that open like a curtain).
This type of fringe when paired with a shag, she notes, “flatters just about any face at any age,” and especially finer or thinner locks as it “makes your hair appear thicker and is a great way to add volume to thinning hair.” The style works “well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front,” she adds. Sounds worth a try to us!
