The shag haircut continues to be the coolest chop right now

In case you haven't heard what the cool girl cut of right now is, it's hands-down, the shag haircut.

Pretty much exactly as sexy as it sounds, it counts choppy layers, mussed up texture and lots of volume at the crown as its discerning features. It's relaxed, it's casual and it's styled to look like you just rolled out of bed after an properly exceptional shag – which helps explains the name.

Inspired by the choppy cuts of the 70s, with a 90s grungy edge, the modern shag is a messy, beachy, low-fuss, high fashion chop. It's liberating since it requires nearly no styling to look its absolute best. In fact, if you really did just roll out of bed with it, or left it to kink and curl naturally as it dries, you're only adding to the vibe. Good, right?

Ask any of the top hair stylists and they're very much on board since the shag haircut works beautifully across a range of textures. "One length-hair weighs down waves," explains top hair stylist, Ricky Walters, director of SALON64. Undone layers help break this up and the choppy shag is a perfect example. “Cutting the length to the collar bone and slicing shorter layers throughout the hair has created the shag,” he says, which is all about showcasing texture.

Want to keep it longer? You can always go for the looser shag style that’s popular amongst Suki Waterhouse and Kaia Gerber. “Both have a haircut that sets them apart from everyone else,” says celebrity hair stylist Harry Josh.

East London based hair legend, Adam Reed, told GLAMOUR “the shag is a big story this year because it's easy to style with maximum effect. It can be worn natural, soft and fresh (you can leave it to dry naturally, it doesn’t need a lot of time spent on it) or, if you want, it can be styled,” he explains. Hair pro, Luke Hersheson agrees: "if the layering is done well and belongs to the hairstyle, it shouldn’t take too much styling. You should be able to wash it, leave it to dry and it will fall into place.”

Sounds like the type of haircut dreams were made of.

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And it looks like it's here to stay. Bradley Deeming, stylist at Salon 64, says “it will definitely further push the era of grunge. Think undone and tastefully messy do’s with a strong shape, evolving current beachy looks. It even has potential to replace the classic ruched wave.”

Current celebrities setting a great example for why we should all be braving the chop include Alexa Chung (arguably the pioneer of this style), Suki Waterhouse and most recently, Selena Gomez, who left it textured for good measure, so look to these muses for some inspo to take to your post-lockdown salon appointment (or if you're feeling brave, a DIY haircut).

But how can you achieve it for yourself without looking like a mushroom (my greatest fear)?

Opt for layers

Bradley suggests opting for a style with maximum layers and choppy, sliced ends - and even a curly fringe a la Selena if you’re feeling bold.

Keep hair healthy

And although the ‘shag’ is a typically messy style, he says that there are so many ways you can keep your hair looking super healthy and sheen in the process:

“We are more conscious than ever of our hair's condition and its feel. Mixing Olaplex into the majority of colour we offer at SALON64, I have found it even more beneficial to offer my clients an Olaplex treatment every six weeks regardless of if they’re having colour appointments. This is a great little trick for anyone looking to grow their hair longer as it gives a shiny salon-fresh feel.”

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And he’s not alone. Kim Kardashian has long relied on Olaplex for her silky smooth locks, and healthiest hair ever - and it’s definitely worth the investment if you’re ever undergoing a major change.

Change your hair habits

But if you’re thinking of transitioning from this year’s bob to something a little more messy, Bradley says the best way to do this is simply by changing your own habits.

“Luckily for the grower (so all of us during lockdown, then), it’s an easy transition from blunt to boho” he adds. “Changing your habits to learn to style your new haircut is key - gone are the round brush blow dries, as the shag requires a looser, undone finish.

“Flipping your head upside down and using a large quantity of R&CO dry shampoo is one of my top tips!”

Not convinced you can nail the trend? Luckily, the shag has been deemed one of the only hair cuts that suits almost everyone - mostly because of the large variation of ways you can rock it - with no colour or length limitations, and adding looseness from even the most outdated of ‘dos.

We’re sold - see you at the salon (hopefully soon).