If your hair has been feeling a little flat or like it’s missing something, a medium shag might be exactly what you need. The secret to a great shag isn’t just in the layers—it’s in how those layers are cut to complement your face shape and hair texture. Done right, a medium shag adds movement, volume, and a more youthful edge without looking overdone. For women over 40, the key is avoiding choppy, disconnected layers that can make hair look thinner. Instead, soft, feathered layers with strategic shaping around the face create lift and dimension where it counts.
Whether your hair is thick, fine, wavy, or straight, there’s a shag that works for you. Keep reading to see the best medium shag styles and find the one that’ll give your hair the fresh, effortless shape it deserves!
#1 Medium Shag Haircut for Women Over 40
A modern medium shag that enhances natural volume and movement, perfect for women over 40 looking for a stylish yet low-maintenance cut. The subtle layers frame the face beautifully, while the blonde balayage adds depth and dimension. This cut works well for medium to thick hair, creating a fuller look without excess weight. To maintain a sleek yet voluminous finish, use a round brush when blow-drying and finish with Redken Triple Dry 15 for soft texture.
#2 Fine Hair Medium Shag
A fantastic choice for fine hair, this medium shag features wispy bangs and blended layers that give the illusion of thickness. The soft feathered edges prevent the hair from looking flat, making it a great option for those who need extra movement. The subtle highlights further enhance the dimension, making fine strands appear fuller. Style with Paul Mitchell Extra Body Sculpting Foam and a round brush for lightweight volume.
#3 70s Medium Shag
Inspired by the iconic 70s shag, this cut features full, wispy bangs and heavy layering for a true retro feel. The feathered layers create tons of movement and work best on medium to thick hair. This style is great for oval and heart-shaped faces, softening angular features. Use a round brush and Velcro rollers for a voluminous, Farrah Fawcett-inspired finish.
#4 Medium Shag for Thin Hair
This medium shag is perfect for thin hair, featuring delicate layering that creates movement without sacrificing volume. The wispy ends prevent the hair from looking too heavy, while the dimensional blonde balayage adds fullness and depth. Ideal for women over 40 who want a light, airy look that enhances their natural hair texture. Use Redken Full Volume Mousse before blow-drying with a round brush for a fuller effect.
#5 Medium Soft Shag Haircut
A soft shag is perfect for women who want just enough layering to create movement without extreme choppiness. This cut works best on medium-density hair and suits oval or heart-shaped faces. The layers are kept long and blended, making it a great transitional cut for those growing out shorter styles. Style with Ouai Wave Spray for a lightweight, effortless texture.
#6 Curly Shag with Bangs
This curly shag is a dream for naturally curly hair, featuring well-defined layers that enhance bounce and reduce bulk. The soft, wispy bangs frame the face beautifully, adding a touch of effortless charm. This cut works best for medium to thick curls and requires moisture-rich styling products like DevaCurl SuperCream Curl Styler to keep curls hydrated and frizz-free.
#7 Medium Shag Haircut Without Bangs
A shag without bangs keeps the look sleek and easy to maintain while still offering texture and movement. The layers are blended naturally for a soft, face-framing effect, making this a great option for those who prefer a longer front section. Best for medium to thick hair, this cut works well with natural waves or styled curls. Use a GHD Classic Curl Iron and finish with L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray for hold.
#8 Medium Shag with Volume
This voluminous medium shag is designed to give maximum lift and movement, perfect for those with fine or thinning hair. The layered structure builds height at the crown while keeping the overall shape soft and feminine. Best styled with a round brush and volumizing mousse like Kenra Root Lifting Spray for extra body.
#9 Edgy Textured Medium Shag
A bold take on the classic shag, this edgy, textured version features choppy layers that create a lived-in feel. Perfect for women wanting a rock-inspired cut with a modern twist. The messy, undone look is achieved with texturizing spray and minimal styling. Works best on medium to thick hair with a natural wave. To enhance the texture, use Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair Spray and scrunch lightly.
#10 Medium Shag for Thick Wavy Hair
For those with thick, wavy hair, this medium shag is a perfect way to enhance movement while removing excess bulk. The layers are strategically cut to allow the waves to fall naturally without looking heavy. This style is ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the waves soften the overall look. To define the waves, apply Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream and let hair air-dry or diffuse for extra bounce.
#11 Brown Layered Shag with Curtain Bangs
This brown layered shag is the perfect mix of effortless and stylish, featuring soft curtain bangs that blend seamlessly into the textured layers. The cut enhances natural movement and is ideal for medium to thick hair. The curtain bangs frame the face beautifully, making this an excellent option for round or oval face shapes. To keep the style bouncy, use a 1.25-inch curling iron and finish with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.
#12 Collarbone-Length Shag Haircut
A collarbone-length shag is a versatile option for women wanting a stylish, low-maintenance cut. The layered structure gives the hair movement, while the soft waves add a relaxed, effortless feel. This length is flattering for most face shapes and works well with both fine and thick hair. To enhance the tousled texture, use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray and scrunch hair while blow-drying.
#13 Medium Blonde Shag
This medium-length blonde shag is all about soft, feathered layers that add movement and volume. The golden blonde highlights bring warmth to the complexion, making this a fantastic option for women with fine to medium hair. The layered cut removes excess weight while creating a bouncy, youthful effect. Blow-dry with a round brush and volumizing mousse like Paul Mitchell Extra Body Sculpting Foam for long-lasting lift.
#14 Featherflow Shag
The Featherflow Shag is all about airy, natural movement with soft, cascading layers that create a lightweight, breezy effect. The cut is designed to remove bulk while still maintaining fullness, making it ideal for medium to thick hair. Best styled with Ouai Wave Spray and a diffuser for a touchable, effortless texture.
#15 WhisperShag
The WhisperShag is a delicate take on the traditional shag, with barely-there layers that add movement without extreme texture. Ideal for those who want a shaggy look without too much choppiness, this style works well for fine to medium hair. The natural waves can be enhanced with Davines Dry Texturizer for a soft, tousled finish.
#16 Freeform Shag
The Freeform Shag is perfect for those who love an undone, natural look. The layered cut enhances texture while keeping styling minimal, making it great for wash-and-go hair. Best for medium to thick hair, this shag looks best when air-dried or styled with Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion for a beachy finish.
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