Shag
A layered, unisex haircut featuring feathered top sections and thin edges.
The shag is a layered, unisex haircut featuring feathered top sections and thin edges. Paul McGregor created his version in the late 1960s, and it saw major revivals in the early 2000s and the 2020s, keeping it relevant.
- Paul McGregor originally named his creation the Funky before it became widely known as the shag.
- The style features feathered layers at the crown that taper into thin fringes at the edges.
- A modern variation called the wolf cut emerged in the 2020s with shorter front sections.
- Jane Fonda helped popularise the look after wearing it in a 1971 film.
What it is
This medium-length haircut features multiple layers cut to distinctly different lengths. The top and side sections are typically feathered, creating noticeable volume around the crown area. The hair then tapers down gradually, ending in thin, wispy fringes at the outer edges. It is a completely unisex look suitable for anyone seeking a textured appearance. While it started as a specific cut, modern variations keep the layered essence alive. The overall shape provides a relaxed and effortless aesthetic.
Where it comes from
Although the term existed by the mid-1950s, the modern version began in New York. Stylist Paul McGregor originally named his creation the Funky. He introduced it to Jane Fonda around 1969. Her appearance in a 1971 film propelled the look to widespread fame. Various musicians and actors adopted it during the early 1970s. The style experienced another major wave of popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, before seeing a massive resurgence in the early 2020s.
What it means
This haircut represents a blend of rock-and-roll edge and mainstream fashion. Its adoption by prominent musicians and actors in the 1970s cemented its status as a symbol of youthful rebellion and artistic flair. Decades later, its continuous revivals show its enduring appeal in popular culture, shifting from a specific celebrity trend to a staple of everyday fashion.
How it is made
A stylist cuts the hair into multiple distinct layers of varying lengths. The top and side sections are feathered to build volume at the crown. The cutting technique thins out the lower portions, creating soft, wispy fringes along the outer boundaries. This layering approach removes bulk while maintaining a full, textured appearance throughout the rest of the hair.
Versions
A notable modern variation is the wolf cut, which gained traction in the 2020s. This version features shorter front sections, echoing the silhouette of a mullet, and frequently incorporates bangs. Another historical variation is the Rachel style, which gained popularity during the 1990s and shares the heavily layered characteristics of the original design.
In culture
The style holds a strong presence in entertainment and music. It was famously showcased in a 1971 film, launching it into the public eye. Rock and pop musicians heavily adopted the look, cementing its ties to the music industry. Decades later, contemporary pop stars and actors have kept the aesthetic relevant, ensuring its continuous presence in modern media and fashion news.
Questions people ask about Shag
Who created the modern version of this layered haircut?
A New York hairstylist named Paul McGregor created the modern version. He originally called it the Funky and introduced it to Jane Fonda around 1969.
What makes the wolf cut different from the original style?
The wolf cut is a modern variation that features shorter front sections, similar to a mullet. It also frequently includes bangs, distinguishing it from the classic layered look.
Which famous film helped make this haircut widely popular?
The haircut rose to widespread fame after Jane Fonda wore it in the 1971 movie Klute. Her appearance in the film introduced the style to a massive global audience.
Good reading and sources
- Shag (haircut) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Shag (haircut)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
Like Shag
All cuts
WorldFeathered hair
Layered style brushed back to resemble bird feathersCut · Straight hair · 1970
🇺🇸 United States and 2 moreMullet
An asymmetric haircut with short hair at the front and sides, and long hair at the back.Cut · Any hair · 1980
🇻🇳 VietnamCurtained hair
A parted fringe with short sides and back.Cut · Any hair · 1980
WorldTemple fade
A short haircut tapering from the scalp to a longer length on top.Cut · 1990