14 Medium Shag Haircuts Over 60
Embracing your 60s is about celebrating wisdom, experience, and timeless style. When it comes to hair, this vibrant decade offers an incredible opportunity to refresh your look with a haircut that not only flatters but also exudes modern elegance and youthful spirit. The medium shag, with its iconic layers, texture, and effortless charm, stands out as a supremely versatile and universally flattering choice for women over 60.
Forget outdated notions of what mature hair should look like. Today’s shag is sophisticated, dynamic, and designed to enhance natural volume, soften facial features, and require minimal fuss. It’s about movement, personality, and showcasing your unique flair. Whether you’re seeking a subtle update or a dramatic transformation, these 14 medium shag haircuts offer inspiration for finding your perfect, age-defying style.
The Classic Voluminous Shag
This timeless take on the shag features generous layers throughout, especially around the crown, to create magnificent volume and bounce. It’s a cut that truly celebrates natural texture, whether your hair is fine or thick. The Classic Voluminous Shag provides a graceful frame for the face, softening angles and adding a youthful lift.
Color Suggestions
Warm honey blonde highlights, soft auburn, or a rich chocolate brown can enhance the dimensions of the layers, making the hair appear even fuller and more vibrant.
Fabric & Fit
Ideal for those with medium to thick hair looking for an easy-to-style, impactful look. It complements most face shapes, particularly round or square faces, by adding height and elongating features.
Styling Tips
Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots. Finish with a light-hold texturizing spray to define the layers and add movement.
The Soft Wispy Shag with Bangs
For a delicate and romantic aesthetic, the Soft Wispy Shag incorporates light, feathered layers that create an airy feel. Paired with soft, wispy bangs that gently sweep across the forehead, this style beautifully softens facial features, particularly around the eyes and temples, giving a refreshed and youthful appearance.
Color Suggestions
Light ash blonde, subtle silver tones, or a warm caramel balayage work wonderfully to emphasize the softness and movement of this cut.
Fabric & Fit
Best suited for fine to medium hair, as the wispy layers prevent the style from becoming too heavy. It’s excellent for softening strong jawlines or high foreheads.
Styling Tips
Use a lightweight volumizing spray and finger-comb while air-drying for an effortless look. For bangs, a quick pass with a flat iron can smooth them, or use a round brush for a slight curve.
The Textured Modern Shag
This contemporary shag is all about creating deliberate, piecey texture that adds an edgy yet sophisticated vibe. It features sharper, more defined layers that give the hair a playful, ‘lived-in’ feel. The Textured Modern Shag is perfect for those who want to make a subtle statement and embrace a stylish, low-maintenance look.
Color Suggestions
Cool platinum blonde, vibrant copper, or a deep espresso brown can amplify the modern feel. Strategic highlights can further accentuate the texture.
Fabric & Fit
Works well with medium to thick hair that has some natural wave or can hold a style. It’s versatile for various face shapes but particularly chic on oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tips
Apply a sea salt spray or texturizing cream to damp hair and scrunch as it air-dries. For more definition, use a flat iron or curling wand on a few select pieces.
The Layered Shag with Side-Swept Bangs
This elegant variation of the shag features cascading layers that blend seamlessly into longer side-swept bangs. The bangs gently frame one side of the face, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones while providing a soft, flattering asymmetry. It’s a sophisticated choice that offers movement and dimension.
Color Suggestions
Mahogany brown, golden blonde, or rich burgundy tones can add warmth and depth, complementing the sophisticated layering.
Fabric & Fit
Suitable for all hair types, especially those seeking a chic look that’s easy to manage. Side-swept bangs are universally flattering and can soften almost any face shape.
Styling Tips
Use a styling cream to smooth and define layers, then sweep bangs to the side while blow-drying with a flat brush. A light hairspray will hold the style.
The Curly Shag
Embrace your natural curls with a shag cut designed to enhance their bounce and definition. The Curly Shag features layers specifically cut to work with the curl pattern, reducing bulk while creating beautiful shape and movement. It’s a wonderfully liberating style that celebrates natural texture.
Color Suggestions
Sun-kissed highlights, a warm auburn, or a deep black can beautifully define the curls and add richness to the hair.
Fabric & Fit
Perfect for naturally curly or wavy hair. The layers can be customized to suit different curl patterns and densities, creating a balanced and flattering shape for any face.
Styling Tips
Apply a curl-defining cream or mousse to wet hair, then scrunch and diffuse or air-dry. Avoid brushing dry curls to prevent frizz; instead, use your fingers to reshape.
The Face-Framing Shag
The Face-Framing Shag strategically places layers around the face to highlight features such as the eyes, cheekbones, and jawline. These layers are often slightly shorter around the face and gradually lengthen, creating a soft, flattering cascade that draws attention upwards and inwards, brightening the complexion.
Color Suggestions
Subtle face-framing highlights in a shade lighter than your base color can further accentuate the layers and add a youthful glow. Consider shades like soft caramel or pale gold.
Fabric & Fit
Works well on most hair types and is particularly effective for softening angular or square face shapes. It adds a gentle contour without requiring heavy styling.
Styling Tips
Use a lightweight serum or styling oil on damp hair, focusing on the face-framing pieces. Blow-dry these sections with a small round brush to create a soft, inward curve.
The Sleek and Subtle Shag
For those who prefer a more understated elegance, the Sleek and Subtle Shag offers minimal, finely-tuned layers that provide just enough movement and texture without being overtly choppy. This style maintains a polished, refined appearance while still benefiting from the shag’s inherent volume and softness.
Color Suggestions
Rich, uniform colors like deep brunette, glossy black, or a sophisticated silver-grey enhance the sleekness. Subtle lowlights can add depth without disrupting the smooth aesthetic.
Fabric & Fit
Best suited for straight or slightly wavy hair that has a tendency to be fine to medium. It’s an excellent choice for oval or long face shapes, adding gentle width.
Styling Tips
Apply a smoothing balm to wet hair before blow-drying straight with a paddle brush. A light finishing oil can add shine and tame any flyaways.
The Wavy Shag
Celebrate your natural waves with a shag cut designed to bring out their best. The Wavy Shag uses carefully placed layers to encourage natural undulations, creating a beachy, effortless look that’s both chic and low maintenance. It’s perfect for a relaxed yet stylish everyday vibe.
Color Suggestions
Beachy blonde highlights, sun-kissed brunette, or warm bronde tones can amplify the natural texture and create a lived-in feel.
Fabric & Fit
Ideal for naturally wavy hair. The layers can be customized to enhance looser or tighter waves, providing a flattering shape for most face types, especially those seeking a softer outline.
Styling Tips
Apply a wave-enhancing spray or mousse to damp hair and scrunch upwards. Either air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat to maintain wave definition and volume.
The Long Shag with Curtain Bangs
While still within the medium length, this shag leans slightly longer, offering more versatility. It’s paired beautifully with curtain bangs that part in the middle and sweep to the sides, framing the face softly. This style offers a chic, sophisticated look with a touch of bohemian flair, perfect for maintaining a modern edge.
Color Suggestions
Subtle balayage, deep caramel, or rich chocolate with lighter ends can add depth and movement, enhancing the length and the flow of the curtain bangs.
Fabric & Fit
Works well with medium to thick hair, especially those with natural body or a slight wave. Curtain bangs are incredibly flattering for most face shapes, particularly oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tips
Use a heat protectant and a large round brush to blow-dry the curtain bangs away from the face, creating a soft, outward curve. Finish with a light texturizing spray on the ends.
The Shaggy Bob
A fusion of two classic cuts, the Shaggy Bob brings the timeless appeal of a bob together with the playful layers and texture of a shag. This medium-length style typically sits between the chin and shoulders, featuring graduated layers that add volume at the crown and texture through the ends. It’s a fresh, vibrant look that offers structure with a touch of undone charm.
Color Suggestions
Platinum blonde, vibrant silver, or a sophisticated salt-and-pepper blend can highlight the modern silhouette. Deep jewel tones like sapphire or emerald can also make a bold statement.
Fabric & Fit
Excellent for all hair types. It’s particularly good for giving fine hair the illusion of thickness and for managing thicker hair by removing bulk. Flattering for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tips
Apply a volumizing root lifter before blow-drying. Use a flat iron or large-barrel curling iron to create subtle bends and flicks at the ends for that signature shaggy texture.
The Gamine Shag
While typically shorter, a medium-length Gamine Shag offers a spirited and slightly whimsical look. It features shorter, choppier layers around the face and crown, blending into a medium length that grazes the nape or shoulders. This cut emphasizes a playful, mischievous charm, highlighting sharp features and a confident personality.
Color Suggestions
Bold colors like intense silver, striking black, or a playful strawberry blonde can complement the daring nature of this cut. Vivid fashion colors like lavender or blue can also be striking.
Fabric & Fit
Best for fine to medium hair, as the choppy layers work well to create structure. It beautifully enhances angular or small features and can be incredibly flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tips
Use a texturizing paste or wax to define the individual layers and create a piecey, edgy look. Finger-style for maximum texture and minimal effort.
The Grown-Out Shag
The beauty of a grown-out shag lies in its effortless, undone appeal. This style is characterized by longer, softer layers that have naturally grown out, maintaining shape and texture without frequent trims. It’s a low-maintenance yet incredibly stylish option for those who prefer a more relaxed aesthetic.
Color Suggestions
Natural tones with subtle, sun-kissed highlights, a soft ombré, or a lived-in balayage are perfect for enhancing the relaxed vibe of this cut.
Fabric & Fit
Suitable for most hair types, particularly those with a natural wave or slight bend. It’s forgiving and versatile, suiting a variety of face shapes that benefit from soft, flowing lines.
Styling Tips
Embrace air-drying or use a diffuser for natural texture. A lightweight leave-in conditioner can keep ends healthy, and a dry shampoo can add volume between washes.
The Feathered Shag
Drawing inspiration from classic feathered styles, the Feathered Shag incorporates layers that are expertly cut to sweep away from the face, creating a soft, voluminous effect. This cut adds movement and a sophisticated lightness, particularly around the temples and cheekbones, evoking a timeless elegance.
Color Suggestions
Classic blonde hues, warm caramels, or a delicate grey blend can accentuate the feathering and add a soft, radiant glow.
Fabric & Fit
Works best on medium to thick hair that can hold a slight bend. It’s highly flattering for round and square face shapes, as the outward-sweeping layers add softness and width.
Styling Tips
Blow-dry hair using a medium round brush, turning the ends outwards, especially around the face. A light hairspray can hold the feathering in place.
The Volumizing Shag for Fine Hair
Fine hair can sometimes lack volume, but the right shag cut can work wonders. This specialized Volumizing Shag for Fine Hair utilizes strategic layering to create lift at the roots and through the mid-lengths, giving the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. The layers are typically cut with precision to maximize body without sacrificing density.
Color Suggestions
High-contrast highlights and lowlights can create an optical illusion of depth and fullness. Think delicate streaks of blonde with darker roots, or subtle brown lowlights in a lighter base.
Fabric & Fit
Specifically designed for fine to very fine hair. The tailored layers prevent limpness and provide structure, making it a great option for any face shape that needs a boost of volume.
Styling Tips
Apply a root-lifting spray or volumizing foam to damp roots. Blow-dry upside down initially, then use a vent brush to direct hair away from the scalp for maximum lift. Finish with a light texturizing powder.
Key Takeaways for Your Shag Transformation
Choosing the perfect medium shag for your 60s is about understanding what you want to achieve. Remember these key points:
- Volume is your friend:Â Layers are fantastic for creating the illusion of fullness, especially as hair naturally thins.
- Texture adds youth:Â Embrace natural waves or create soft texture to add a modern, effortless feel.
- Bangs can flatter:Â Wispy, side-swept, or curtain bangs can beautifully soften features and draw attention to your eyes.
- Color makes a difference:Â Strategic highlights or rich, vibrant tones can enhance the cut and brighten your complexion.
- Low maintenance is key:Â Many shag styles are designed to be easy to style, fitting a busy, active lifestyle.
Shag Haircut Dos and Don’ts Over 60
Do’s:
- Do consult a professional:Â A skilled stylist can tailor the shag layers to your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle.
- Do embrace your natural texture:Â Whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly, a shag can enhance what you naturally have.
- Do consider highlights/lowlights:Â These can add dimension and make your hair look thicker and more vibrant.
- Do experiment with styling products:Â Mousse, texturizing sprays, and light serums are your allies for definition and volume.
- Do refresh your cut regularly:Â To maintain the shape and vitality of your shag, plan trims every 6-8 weeks.
Don’ts:
- Don’t go too short or too heavy with bangs:Â Unless it’s a specific, intentional style, overly short or blunt bangs can be less flattering.
- Don’t neglect hair health:Â Use nourishing shampoos, conditioners, and treatments, especially if you color your hair.
- Don’t be afraid of change:Â Your 60s are a perfect time to try something new and invigorating.
- Don’t over-style with too much heat:Â Excessive heat can damage hair, especially mature hair. Opt for heat protectants and lower settings.
- Don’t let it become shapeless:Â A shag thrives on its layers; without proper trims, it can lose its distinctive form.
Styling Rules for the Perfect Medium Shag
- Volume at the Crown:Â This is a hallmark of a great shag. Focus on lifting the roots when blow-drying.
- Defined Ends:Â The layered ends should have a slightly piecey, defined look rather than being perfectly straight or blended.
- Movement is Key:Â A shag should have a sense of playful movement. Avoid making it too stiff with heavy hairspray.
- Frame the Face:Â Layers around the face should be soft and flattering, drawing attention to your best features.
- Work with Your Hair’s Natural Flow:Â Instead of fighting your hair’s texture, let the shag work with it for an easier, more natural look.
Accessorizing Your Shag
Accessories can add an extra touch of personality and polish to your medium shag.
- Headbands:Â A chic fabric headband or a thin metallic one can elevate a casual shag, especially on days you want to keep hair off your face.
- Scarves:Â A silk scarf tied loosely around the crown or woven into a low ponytail (if your shag is long enough) adds a touch of bohemian elegance.
- Hair Clips & Barrette:Â Decorative clips can secure side-swept bangs or hold back a few front layers, adding sparkle or a pop of color.
- Earrings:Â With the movement and face-framing nature of a shag, statement earrings can truly shine, complementing the cut beautifully.
- Hats:Â A stylish fedora, wide-brimmed hat, or a cozy beanie can look incredibly chic with a shag peeking out from underneath.
Conclusion
Stepping into your 60s is a wonderful journey, and your hairstyle should reflect the confidence, vitality, and style you embody. The medium shag haircut, in its many versatile forms, offers a refreshing and empowering choice for women who wish to look effortlessly chic, modern, and utterly fabulous. These 14 variations prove that layers, texture, and movement are your allies in crafting a look that is both age-defying and distinctly you.
Embrace the freedom of a cut that celebrates your hair’s natural beauty while providing volume, shape, and an undeniable sense of flair. With the right shag, you’ll not only turn heads but also feel a renewed sense of confidence and joy in your personal style. It’s time to discover the shag that speaks to you and step out with a look that’s as vibrant as you are.
