My First Time: A Razor Cut with Nick Arrojo
In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.
by Anne Moratto
Why This Modern Shag Is the Year's Most Convenient Cut
Once the epitome of rockstar glamour, now the go-to style for lockdown.
March 23, 2021
Hair by Dawn Atkinson, @hairartistrybydawn
1/5
2 min to read
The shag has long been the epitome of rock n’ roll aesthetic – casual, sexy and effortless. In 2021, however, this choppy, layered look from he ‘70s and ‘80s is making a comeback as the year’s most convenient cut.
Globally, people have been unable to visit their hairdressers regularly, and many are looking for a style that’s low maintenance without sacrificing texture. Enter: the shag, an easy, messy style you can embrace as the triplet to loungewear and no-makeup makeup. And the best part is that a shag can be stretched out for months since it’s built around hair’s natural texture.
“The typical features that make up a shag hairstyle include choppy, disheveled ends, layers around the crown and lots of texture,” explains Sam Ashcroft, creative team member at Brooks & Brooks, London. “The modern shag is choppy and has lots of texture but doesn’t make you look like everyone in an ‘80s hair metal band.”
The secret of the shag’s success is that it’s fantastic in any length and works on fine and thick, curly and straight hair. But as Ashcroft cautions, too many layers and the style can appear overly choppy and dated. “The key to getting this haircut right and bang on is the fringe. Get the fringe right and the haircut will always fall into place.”
When it comes to color, there are endless options because a shag has so much movement and texture. Coppers and redheads will naturally look amazing with this cut. For others, the goal should be to create dimension, so hair contouring, or a money piece can really bring the style to life. Even a gentle touch of color on the fringe can be effective for mixing the retro and modern aspects of this trend.
Shags are a playful style by nature, but for those who want to adopt the rebellious side of this cut, Ashcroft says to go pink. From pastel rose to vibrant pink, a flash of bold color will turn heads.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Cut
Challenging the Rules of Haircutting: An Interview with Nashville Artist Stan Newton
With more than four decades in the industry, hairdresser and MODE Education founder Stan Newton has built a career around the art and discipline of cutting hair, learning the rules so he can break them.
by Anne Moratto
Step-by-Step: How to Recreate This Refined Shag
Get the steps to create this look, New Muse, which is a "couture cut," that perfectly accentuates the client’s face shape and haircolor. Straight lines build structure, while soft, jagged, diffused lines showcase a delicate beauty.
The Fairy Cut: Inspiration from Abroad Creates a Magical Result
“We are some of the luckiest creatives on the planet. As hairdressers, we get to shape more than hair—we shape identity. We create for our clients, inspire fellow artists, and are continuously inspired by each other. That exchange of artistry is at the heart of this story and at the heart of this haircut."
by Anne Moratto
Follow the Formula: Tasty Looks to Add to Your Hair Color Menu
This collection of color formulas is your recipe box for luscious finishes with the ingredients, tested techniques, and step-by-step guidance to satisfy your color cravings. And just like in any great kitchen, the real magic happens when the chef adds a personal twist.
by Anne Moratto
The Cascade Cut: Lloyd Court’s Modern Take on Layering for Volume, Movement, and Versatility
Discover the Cascade Cut, a trending haircut technique from Lloyd Court, creative director and co-owner of seanhanna salons in Wimbledon. This disconnection-based layering method can be customized for any hair type, especially fine hair in need of volume.
by Anne Moratto
How to Cut a Flattering Pixie Haircut: Step-by-Step with Adrian Sandoval
Learn how to cut the perfect pixie haircut with expert advice from Sam Villa Team Member Adrian Sandoval. Step-by-step techniques and pro tools included.
by Anne Moratto
Royal Style: The Hime or Princess Haircut
The disconnected cheekbone-grazing layers, and the heavy fringe, are the hallmarks of the hime or princess cut, also sometimes known as the jellyfish cut.
by Anne Moratto
MODERN SALON Top 10 Articles of 2024
They cover your favorite reads related to your salon career, your favorite trending hair cuts, some of your favorite color formulas, and more!
Meet the Trending Haircut That Defies Boundaries
Great Clips keeps stylists’ skills sharp with advanced techniques and trends training. Meet The Alex, a hairstyle inspired by a stylist's child and a desire to create gender-neutral looks.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Chopped Roundup: Cutting Fall 2024's Trendiest Bobs with the Sam Villa Team
Let the Sam Villa Artistic Team take you step-by-step through how they achieved what will be this fall's hottest bob styles.
Timeless Cool: Photo Collection Embraces the Beauty of Maturity
Stephen Moody shared that his goal was to celebrate proud women through transformative hair color, cut, finish, and photography.
Fringe Evolution: Transitioning from Curtain to Bottleneck to Wispy
See Sam Villa ArTeam member Ellen Devine demo how to transition your clients between different styles of fringe, without changing their whole cut.
Sport Clips Announces Winners of "The Look" Creative Competition
El Paso Stylist Valerie Rivera is the winner of Sport Clips Haircuts' "The Look" creative competition, with this year's theme focusing on curls.
Power to the Bob: 100 Years of Style
A trending haircut in different forms for the past century, the bob is one style that has stood the test of time.
Hairdreams & Lorenzo Marchelle Debut More than a Dream Collection
More than a Dream is a new collection of 5 styles from Hairdreams, a collaboration with Lorenzo Marchelle.
Tennessee Woman Sports World's Longest Mullet
Tami Manis of Knoxville, Tennessee is the Guinness World Records 2024 title holder for the world’s longest competitive mullet (female).