21 Best Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

November 4, 2024

Jessica Hamilton

Smiling woman with short, layered shag hairstyle, hoop earrings, and a beaded necklace against a dark background.

Shag hairstyles are a vibrant, versatile choice for women over 50, offering a blend of edge, personality, and low-maintenance style. “Shags add texture and movement, making them ideal for a youthful, modern look,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based expert with over 20 years of experience [1].

This curated list of 21 shag hairstyles incorporates layers, bangs, and textured ends to suit various face shapes, hair types, and preferences. Backed by insights from trichologist Dr. Sophia Carter and 2025 trends, this guide provides detailed styling tutorials, maintenance tips, and face-shape compatibility to enhance confidence and flair.

Why These Shag Hairstyles Shine

Shag cuts are celebrated for their ability to add volume, reduce bulk, and frame the face, creating a youthful, carefree vibe. “Choppy layers and textured ends make shags adaptable and low-maintenance,” Polko explains [1].

\These styles align with 2025’s focus on natural textures, eco-friendly products, and bold yet manageable looks, suiting active lifestyles and complementing glasses, as seen in client stories like Patricia’s curly shag transformation.

General Styling and Maintenance Techniques

  • Cutting: Use precision shears (e.g., Joewell) or razors for choppy layers and textured ends. “Face-framing layers and side parts enhance shags’ versatility,” says Polko [1].

  • Styling: Apply lightweight products like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for texture, SheaMoisture Curl Cream for curls, or Pureology Volume Mist for lift. Use fingers for tousled looks, a round brush for volume, or a diffuser for curls.

  • Scalp Care: Nourish with sulfate-free shampoos like Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! and weekly rosemary oil massages to promote growth, per Dr. Carter [2].

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain shape; bangs every 2-3 weeks if included. Use silk pillowcases to reduce frizz and breakage.

Top 21 Shag Hairstyles for Women Over 50 in 2025

Case Study: Patricia’s Curly Shag Transformation

Patricia, 54, a graphic designer with curly, medium-length hair, chose a curly shag with bangs. “The layers gave my curls bounce and made styling effortless,” she said. Her stylist used SheaMoisture Curl Cream, creating a vibrant, low-maintenance look for her round face.

1. Salt and Pepper Shag

Salt and Pepper Shag Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length shag with airy layers and bangs, ideal for natural gray hair and all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for texture. (3) Style bangs to frame face. (4) Add light mousse.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Low-maintenance, sophisticated style seekers.

2. Long Brown Shag

Long Brown Shag Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length shag with jagged layers, adding warmth for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for tousled look. (3) Style layers for movement. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Use rosemary oil [2].

  • Best For: Effortless, elegant style lovers.

3. Shag for Thick Hair

Shag for Thick Hair Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Platinum shag with choppy ends, lightening bulk for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs softly. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Bold, vibrant style enthusiasts.

4. Long Shag

Long Shag Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Long, choppy layers with textured ends, boosting volume for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for wave definition. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Carefree, natural style seekers.

5. Choppy Shag with Fringe

Choppy Shag with Fringe Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Shoulder-length shag with choppy layers and fringe, adding volume for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style fringe to frame face. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; fringe biweekly. Use rosemary oil [2].

  • Best For: Youthful, textured style lovers.

6. Short Messy Shag

Short Messy Shag Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Platinum, short shag with tousled layers, ideal for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply volumizing mousse. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for messiness. (3) Style layers for texture. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Rebellious, low-maintenance style enthusiasts.

7. Cropped Shaggy Cut

Cropped Shaggy Cut Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Short, dense shag with bold layers, adding energy for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply light mousse. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style for volume. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Use rosemary oil [2].

  • Best For: Bold, energetic style seekers.

8. Shaggy Layers With Bangs

Shaggy Layers With Bangs Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length shag with soft layers and bangs, creating flow for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs softly. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Natural, flowing style lovers.

9. Shaggy Pixie

Shaggy Pixie Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Short, feisty pixie with jagged layers, boosting volume for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply texture paste. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style for playful texture. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Edgy, vibrant style enthusiasts.

10. Shaggy Pixie Bob

Shaggy Pixie Bob Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Pixie-bob hybrid with choppy layers, offering versatility for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs to frame face. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use rosemary oil [2].

  • Best For: Whimsical, adaptable style seekers.

11. Shaggy Layers

Shaggy Layers Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length shaggy layers, framing the face for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply volumizing spray at roots. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style for volume. (4) Add light mousse.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Youthful, vibrant style lovers.

12. Shag with Wispy Fringe

Shag with Wispy Fringe Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length shag with wispy fringe, softening features for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style fringe to frame face. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; fringe biweekly. Use rosemary oil [2].

  • Best For: Mysterious, textured style seekers.

13. High Volume Shag

High Volume Shag Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Layered shag for thick hair, reducing weight with feathered layers for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for natural texture. (3) Style for volume. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Feminine, voluminous style enthusiasts.

14. Piecey Textured Shag

Piecey Textured Shag Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Short shag with piecey layers, adding quirkiness for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply styling wax. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style layers for definition. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Edgy, playful style lovers.

15. Curly Shag With Bangs

Curly Shag With Bangs Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length curly shag with soft bangs, enhancing curls for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for curl definition. (3) Scrunch for bounce. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.

  • Maintenance: Trim dry every 6-8 weeks; bangs biweekly. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Vibrant, curly style enthusiasts.

16. Voluminous Silver Shag

Voluminous Silver Shag Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Short, glossy shag with silver tones, adding body for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply volumizing mousse. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style for lift. (4) Add texturizing pomade.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Bright, voluminous style seekers.

17. Piecey Shag

Piecey Shag Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Short shag with frosted tones and jagged layers, offering texture for all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply styling paste. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style layers for crispness. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Modern, textured style lovers.

18. Shaggy Side-Swept Pixie

Shaggy Side-Swept Pixie Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Short pixie with side-swept bangs, adding softness for square faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply lightweight wax. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Sweep bangs to one side. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 4 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Delicate, textured style enthusiasts.

19. Shag with Side Part

Shag with Side Part Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length shag with deep side part, creating asymmetry for oval faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Part deeply to one side. (4) Add shine spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].

  • Best For: Classic, versatile style seekers.

20. Tousled Wavy Shag

Tousled Wavy Shag Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length shag with wavy layers, adding texture for round faces.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for wave definition. (3) Tousle with fingers. (4) Add sea salt spray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Low-maintenance, polished style lovers.

21. Wavy Shaggy

Wavy Shaggy Shag Hairstyles For Women Over 50

  • Description: Medium-length shag with soft waves, boosting volume for fine hair and all face shapes.

  • Styling Guide: (1) Apply texturizing spray. (2) Use a curling wand for loose waves. (3) Style layers for movement. (4) Add light hairspray.

  • Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].

  • Best For: Relaxed, voluminous style enthusiasts.

Case Study: Diane’s Voluminous Silver Shag

Diane, 57, a yoga instructor with fine, gray hair, chose a voluminous silver shag. “The layers added body, and the silver color made it pop,” she said. Her stylist used volumizing mousse, creating a low-maintenance, glossy look for her oval face.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Flat Hair: Blow-dry with Pureology Volume Mist and a round brush; use volumizing spray at roots [2].

  • Frizz in Curls/Waves: Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream sparingly and diffuse on low heat; use anti-frizz serum [2].

  • Dry Scalp: Weekly rosemary oil massages; use sulfate-free shampoos, per Dr. Carter [2].

  • Shape Loss: Trim every 6-8 weeks; bangs biweekly if included.

2025 Trends and Expert Insights

In 2025, shag hairstyles trend toward choppy layers, bold colors, and eco-friendly products like Briogeo, Oribe, and SheaMoisture, popular on Instagram [2]. “Shags with textured ends and bangs are perfect for adding edge and volume,” Polko says [1]. Medium-length shags, pixie shags, and curly shags are trending for their versatility and youthful appeal, per creativebooster.net [3].

Why These Shag Hairstyles Shine

These 21 shag hairstyles empower women over 50 to embrace edgy, youthful looks with minimal effort. From salt and pepper shags to wavy shaggy cuts, each style enhances texture and suits active lifestyles. Explore guides on Best Products for Shag Hairstyles or How to Style a Shag at Home for more tips.

References:

  • [1] Hair Adviser. (2025). 50 Best Shag Hairstyles for Women Over 50 in 2025.

  • [2] Southern Living. (2024). The 20 Best Shag Hairstyles for Women Over 50.

  • [3] creativebooster.net. (2025). 27 Stunning Shag Hairstyles for Women Over 50 in 2025.

About Jessica Hamilton


essica Hamilton is the visionary behind Expert Hairstylist. With over 15 years of experience in the hair industry, she has honed her craft as both a stylist and a creative director. Jessica’s passion for hairstyling is matched only by her commitment to helping others discover their best selves through their hair. When she’s not at the salon, Jessica enjoys painting, traveling, and exploring new hair trends.

    Jessica Hamilton