Posted by Isobelle van Zyl
on April 01, 2026
If there is one thing we’ve learned from the street-style stars of Paris and the red carpets of Hollywood lately, it’s that the era of the “perfectly polished” blowout is taking a backseat. In its place, we are seeing a glorious return to movement, volume, and—most importantly—personality.
Enter the shaggy curl, the cool-girl aesthetic that is currently breathing new life into natural textures across South Africa. The beauty of this trend lies in its rebellious spirit; it’s a look that says you didn’t try too hard, even if you spent a few minutes with your tools to get it just right.
What Exactly is the Modern Shag Haircut?
Forget the stiff, overly thinned-out layers of the 70s. The modern shag haircut is all about strategic weight distribution. It’s a choppy, layered cut that uses shorter pieces around the crown to create height, blending into seamless, effortless length.
For ladies with curls, this is a total game-changer. Traditionally, many stylists—fearing the “triangle” shape—would avoid short layers, resulting in heavy, bottom-heavy styles that pull the hair down. Ironically, this lack of layering is exactly what causes the dreaded “pyramid” look. But the shaggy haircut for curly hair flips the script. By layering the hair from the top down, the cut releases the weight that usually pulls curls flat. The result? Your coils finally have the freedom to spring up and defy gravity.
Tailoring the Shag to Your Unique Features
The magic of a shaggy hairstyle is its versatility. It is not a one-size-fits-all cut; it’s a bespoke experience tailored to your face shape and hair density.
- For Volume: If you feel your hair lacks “oomph,” shaggy hairstyles for fine hair are incredibly effective. Shorter, choppy layers create an internal structure that makes the hair look much fuller.
- For Framing: This style works beautifully for round faces when layers start at the cheekbones to create vertical interest.
- The Fringe Factor: A shaggy hairstyle with bangs—specifically those soft, curtain-style bangs—frames the eyes perfectly. If you aren’t ready for a full fringe, side-swept bangs offer a softer transition.
The Veaudry Method: Definition Without the Frizz
Knowing how to get shaggy hair is only half the battle; the other half is the styling execution. To get that perfect mix of volume at the crown and high-definition curls, your prep work must be impeccable.
Start in the shower. To ensure your curls clump perfectly into their natural patterns without snapping, use the Veaudry myDetangler Pro while your conditioner is still in. Its flexible bristles can glide through knots, preventing the breakage that often leads to a fuzzy shag rather than a shaggy curl.
Once you’ve applied your styling cream, it’s time for the secret weapon: the Veaudry myDryer equipped with its professional diffuser.
The “Secret” to High-Shine Curls: Hover Diffusing
Most people make the mistake of “scrunching” their wet curls into the diffuser bowl immediately. This moves the hair too much, creating friction and, ultimately, frizz. If you want a high-shine finish that looks like you just stepped out of a salon, you need to master the Hover Diffuse technique.
- Set the Stage: Turn your myDryer to a medium heat and medium airflow.
- The Hover: Hold the diffuser about 10–15cm away from your head. Move it around the perimeter of your hair without actually touching the curls. This “sets” the gel cast or styling product.
- The Lift: Once the outside of the hair feels slightly firm (the “cast”), you can then move the diffuser closer to the scalp to encourage that signature shaggy volume at the crown.
By hovering first, you dry the hair to a polished finish without disturbing the natural curl pattern. The myDryer’s advanced ionic technology ensures that even as you dry, you are locking in moisture—essential for women who want to keep their bounce for days.
Maintaining the Shaggy Hairstyle
The best part about shaggy hairstyles is the low-maintenance factor. Because the cut is inherently messy, it actually looks better as it ages. You don’t need to rush back to the salon every four weeks. In fact, as the layers grow out, they often settle into a beautiful, bohemian shape that requires even less effort to style.
Just remember to keep your curls hydrated. A shaggy cut exposes more of your hair’s surface area, meaning a good quality leave-in treatment is your best friend. Keep those layers moisturised, keep your dryer heat settings mindful, and let your natural texture do the talking.
Ready to Embrace the Bounce?
The shag isn’t just a haircut; it’s a mood. It’s about reclaiming your volume and celebrating the natural rhythm of your hair. So, are you ready to embrace the bounce? Explore our premium hair styling tools to help you maintain your shaggy hairstyle while keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
