The long shag haircut is on trend. Messy and textured, it looks like you did nothing to your hair, but in reality, your hair stylist has done something special.
But long and shaggy haircut is not the only one. Another popular choice is butterfly haircut. Bouncy and stylish, it is an elegant version of shag hairstyle.
So which one actually fits you? Both belong on any shortlist of the best hairstyles for long hair right now, but they suit very different people. Let’s break down the long shag haircut piece by piece, then put it head-to-head with the butterfly cut.
What Is a Long Shag Haircut?
The long shag haircut gives you length while giving you lots of layers all through your hair. The layers begin by being shorter near the top of your head and gradually getting longer as you go down.
This is not a simple haircut. It’s a real transformation. Your hair gets movement, texture, and volume it didn’t have before.
The shag isn’t new. It’s a throwback to the ’70s, but the modern version is softer and easier to wear day to day. Stylists cut it with more precision now, so it looks intentional instead of just choppy.
Curtain bangs often come along for the ride. They soften the whole look and frame your face without adding bulk. If you’re considering pairing bangs with your shag, it’s one of the most popular combinations right now for good reason.
Long Shag Haircut by Hair Type
Shag is not suitable for all hair types equally. Here is what to expect from your hair type.
Fine hair. Adding shag gives an impression of volume right away. Layers make your hair look thick without any extra products. Ask your stylist to leave longer layers to avoid losing weight of the ends.
Thick hair. Thick hair is ideal for shag haircut as the layers remove bulkiness and allow your natural movement to be seen. Shag allows reducing styling time as thick hair often keeps the shape itself.
Wavy hair. It is probably the best match on the list. Layers complement wavy texture perfectly. All you need is some texturizing spray while air drying your hair.
Curly and coily hair. A shag can look incredible on curly hair, but it takes the right stylist. Curls shrink up as they dry, so layers need to be cut with that in mind. If your curl pattern falls into the coilier range, understanding your specific texture helps you communicate exactly what you want in the chair.
How to Ask Your Stylist for a Long Shag
Bring pictures. The shag cut has many variations, and “shag” by itself is not enough for your stylist to know what you want.
Decide on the type of layers. Do you want choppy layers or blended layers? They are both considered shags.
State your hair type. A shag on straight hair will not be the same as a shag on curly hair. This information should be given to the stylist before cutting starts.
Ask about bangs. Curtain bangs, no bangs, or something in between all change the finished look. Decide before you sit down, or at least come with questions.
Maintenance and Trim Schedule
A long shag haircut requires more maintenance compared to a one-length haircut. The layers will eventually become disheveled, particularly around the face area.
Expect a regular haircut after every 8 to 10 weeks. If you have finer hair, you may have to go for a haircut every 8 weeks as finer layers grow faster. On the other hand, thicker hair may last for up to 10 to 12 weeks.
In between haircuts, some light dusting is required to keep the layers around the face sharp. Consult your stylist if they provide any face-framing service in between haircuts. Many salons do, and it costs less than a full cut.
Long Shag vs. Butterfly Cut
Here’s where things get interesting. Both cuts use heavy layering, but they create very different results.
The shape. A shag has choppy, disconnected layers all over. A butterfly cut uses softer, blended layers that frame the face and flip outward, almost like wings. The shag looks undone on purpose. The butterfly looks polished on purpose.
The vibe. Shag hair comes across as edgy and effortless. Butterfly hair comes across as soft and elegant. There’s no hierarchy here; they simply convey different vibes.
Styling time. The time it takes for styling these two cuts is probably their main difference. Shags tend to air dry into place, while the butterfly cut requires a brush and blow dryer for its iconic flip look. If you’re not one of those people who style their hair every day, the shag is easier for you.
Face framing. Butterfly layers hairstyle hugs the face and forms a delicate frame. Shag layers also frame the face, but with more texture and less polish.If you want something closer to the shag’s edge with a bit more structure, it helps to see how a wolf cut compares as well, since it sits even further toward the choppy, textured end of the spectrum.
Letting it grow. Shags can be forgiving. The uneven layers disguise any problem areas during growth. Butterfly cuts can grow out nicely, but you will start to see the side pieces growing faster than the rest.
Best for you if…
Choose the shag if you prefer not to spend a lot of time on styling, enjoy natural textures, and don’t mind an “undone” appearance. Choose the butterfly cut if you like a finished, romantic appearance and don’t mind spending additional time with a blow dryer.
Products to Make a Long Shag Last Longer
The proper product can really help with this type of style.
Texturizing spray gives your hair grit and texture without making your hair heavy. Spray it on damp hair before letting your hair air dry for the best natural result.
If your shag is on curlier or wavier hair, a strong leave-in conditioner keeps the ends from drying out. Layered cuts expose more ends to air and heat, so extra moisture matters here.
Curl cream is worth considering too, especially if you’re working with natural texture, since it locks in shape without leaving hair stiff or crunchy.
A light hair oil on the ends finishes the look. It tames flyaways without flattening the texture you just spent time creating.
FAQs About the Long Shag Haircut
Is a long shag high maintenance? Not really, except you’ll have to go back for trims every 8-10 weeks or so to maintain layers.
Does a long shag work on straight hair? Yes, the style works great because it provides texture to straight hair, which doesn’t have enough texture in its natural form. Texturizer should be used to make the hairstyle even better.
How is a shag different from a butterfly haircut? There are some differences. Layers in a shag look disconnected and chopped, while in a butterfly cut, layers are softer and flipped out. A shag is a rough hairstyle, and a butterfly cut is elegant.
Can I get a long shag with curly hair? Yes, but find a stylist who knows how to work with curly hair since they will take into consideration how much curls will shrink once dried.
Final Thoughts
The long shag haircut and the butterfly cut both provide lots of movement and style but simply go about it differently.
If you are always on a morning rush and like natural texture, you will find a home in a shag cut. If you are into hair styling and you prefer something more delicate and glamorous, you may fall for a butterfly cut instead.
No matter which one you choose, you will never end up with a boring cut. Just show your pictures, discuss your hair type and leave everything to your hairstylist.
