When Russian Doll first aired on Netflix a few months back, everyone was raving about Natasha Lyonne's unique style in the show—and her hair in particular—just as much as they were lauding her performance. Around the same time, Sandra Oh emerged with curly bangs. After that, I started noticing the hair trend everywhere; celebrities, influencers, and everyday stylish people alike were all obsessing over what can only be described as a modern day shag haircut.
In order to get to the bottom of what has made this edgy haircut so popular—and what you need to know before requesting this look at your next salon visit—I enlisted the assistance of 3 top hairstylists: Scotty Cunha, Miles Jeffries, and Juan Carlos.
Keep reading to get their thoughts on the modern day shag!
HAS WORKED WITH: Kylie Jenner, Kristin Cavallari, and Lucy Hale
SARAH BOYD: Why do you think this trend has become so popular recently?
SCOTTY CUNHA: I think this hair trend is so right now because more people are embracing their natural hair texture and there are way more products on the market for different hair textures and for different hair styles.
SB: Is there a certain face shape and/or hair type that this cut works best on?
SC: I always love a fringe style on an oval or heart shaped face, like Maisie Williams, but anyone can rock curls or super wavy hair.
SB: What should people know about this hairstyle before getting it for themselves?
SC: Before getting this hairstyle, I always tell my clients honestly that fringe and short hair is high maintenance. You need the correct products, the correct tools, and need to see your hair stylist way more often for trims. This is a fab look but it is not a get up and go style.
SB: How would you recommend styling this haircut?
SC: To style this haircut, I always say dry shampoo is your new best friend, especially for fringe if you are in a rush and can’t style the rest of your hair. I always top knot the hair and then dry shampoo the fringe if you have a few extra minutes. Then, I re-dampen the fringe with rose water and re-blow dry with a round brush or if your hair is on the wavy side I’ll re-dampen the fringe with rose water and scrunch to re-vamp the wave and add a little Apres beach wave spray from Oribe since it’s a little more dense than the texture dry spray.
HAS WORKED WITH: Maria Carey, Angela Bassett, and Tinashe
SARAH BOYD: Why do you think this trend has become so popular recently?
MILES JEFFRIES: I think shaggy, curly fringe (aka bangs) are popular again due to fashion being heavily influenced by the 70’s and 80’s and the wave of people embracing their natural texture. Hair that looks touchable and free, yet polished, is what’s in.
SB: Is there a certain face shape and/or hair type that this cut works best on?
MJ: This look works well with hair that has some natural wave or curl. However, this can be interpreted with any face shape or hair texture.
SB: What should people know about this hairstyle before getting it for themselves?
MJ: Before committing to this look make sure you thoroughly consult with your stylist. Go over products and ways of styling to make sure you will be able to maintain it on your own. Ultimately, be free and have fun with it because that’s the spirit of this look.
SB: How would you recommend styling this haircut?
MJ: I recommend utilizing the natural curl of your hair as the best way for styling this look. If your hair is on the straight side, using a defuser and some product with your hand to provoke some wave would also work.
HAS WORKED WITH: Chrissy Teigen, Jennifer Lopez, and Emmy Rossum
SARAH BOYD: Why do you think this trend has become so popular recently?
JUAN-CARLOS MACIQUES: It’s not necessarily a trend from the runways but more Hollywood in nature. There is a difference within these two worlds although the subject matter is the same. Having said that, this trend is the perfect way of keeping your length, but changing the look. It is also in keeping with the current 70’s - 90’s trend of the shag. Of course, this is the updated version and makes for an interesting difference.
SB: Is there a certain face shape and/or hair type that this cut works best on?
JCM: Texture reigns key with this look and therefore having a wave or well-behaved curl is best. This adds dimension and creates the movement necessary to show it off. Round faces are not ideal but oval or oblong are most suitable to the look as they shorten length and/or draw attention to the beauty of the eyes and lips, or the face overall.
SB: What should people know about this hairstyle before getting it for themselves?
JCM: Before getting this style people should know it is a commitment and the growing out process can be painstaking. Also, if you have a strong hairline cowlick, it will be very difficult to allow for the bangs to lay nicely and will require a lot of effort to make them look appealing.
SB: How would you recommend styling this haircut?
JCM: I recommend combing the bangs down right away after you’ve washed your hair. This is key, as it allows the bangs to start drying in the position intended. Besides this, as stated, creating texture is best. You can achieve this by adding a salt spray to the hair if it is limp to allow for separation and lift or by using a medium to large curling iron to hair that is very straight for movement, body, and bounce.
