If you’ve been thinking about doing something different with your curls, but still want to keep things wearable and low-effort, the curly shag is about to be your favorite move. It’s that perfect balance between volume, shape, and natural texture — without over-layering or leaving you with a frizzy mess. Medium-length curls shine with this cut when layers are dry-cut to respect your curl pattern and shrinkage, especially around the crown and jawline.
Pro tip? Always ask your stylist for soft face-framing layers and interior texture — not thinning — to avoid a bulky base.
Ready to see which curly shag shape will bring your curls to life this year? Let’s get you inspired.
#1 Bouncy Curly Shag Haircut for Shoulder Length Layers
Shoulder-grazing curls are layered to perfection in this lively, bouncy curly shag. The cut features airy, tapered ends and natural volume that flatters oval and heart-shaped faces. Ideal for medium-density curls, it adds movement without bulk. The soft, full fringe blends seamlessly into face-framing layers, giving it a youthful lift. A great pick for clients wanting shape without sacrificing fullness.
#2 Textured Curly Shag with Defined Layers
This lovely mid-length curly shag features beautifully defined layers that add movement and texture, perfect for those with naturally wavy or curly hair. The voluminous curls are great for creating a soft frame around the face, especially for oval or heart-shaped faces. While this cut is low maintenance, keep in mind that curls can sometimes require more hydration. The model’s hair has a medium density, which helps the layers pop. For a unique twist, try adding subtle highlights to enhance the curls’ depth.
#3: Rustic Copper Medium-Length Curls with Artful Layering
This medium-length haircut is a perfect choice for those who prefer a manageable length that still offers versatility. Designed for medium-density hair, the artful layering technique enhances each curl, providing shape and movement. The rustic copper color adds a vibrant touch, ideal for adding warmth to your complexion. However, maintaining the color might require frequent salon visits to preserve the intensity. The subtle asymmetry visible on the left side not only frames the face beautifully but also gives a contemporary twist to this curly style.
#4: Lively Natural Curls with Structured Volume
This photo captures the essence of a medium-length curly shag that’s perfect for dense, naturally curly hair. The cut enhances the hair’s natural body and texture, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to embrace their curls without too much fuss. The structured layers reduce weight at the ends, allowing the curls to spring up and frame the face beautifully. It’s tailored to minimize styling time—great for busy lifestyles. On the flip side, it requires knowledgeable drying techniques to keep the curls well-defined and frizz at bay. Ideal for someone looking for a playful, easy-to-maintain style that keeps curls under control.
#5: Chic Asymmetrical Curly Cut with Subdued Highlights
This image showcases a curly shag haircut on medium-length hair, perfect for someone wanting a stylish yet manageable look. The asymmetric cut emphasizes unique shaping, ideal for hair that has natural volume and requires less daily styling. Notice the soft highlights that add dimension without overwhelming the natural curls, a great option for enhancing texture subtly. This look is versatile, suited for various face shapes, and especially flattering for round or oval faces. The cut requires some upkeep to maintain the shape, but is a fantastic way to embrace your natural curls with a modern twist.
#6: Rich Auburn Voluminous Curl Medley
This medium-length shag haircut celebrates a robust array of dense, springy curls that work beautifully to enhance volume and movement. The rich auburn shade adds warmth and depth, making it a fabulous choice for those looking to energize their look. Unique to this style is the marriage of curls with subtle layering, optimizing bounce without thinning the hair excessively. Ideal for those with naturally curly hair, this style offers easy maintenance while maximizing your hair’s natural body. However, it does require the right product to hold the curls without weighing them down. This haircut is a charming choice, especially for those with round or heart-shaped faces, as it frames the face softly yet distinctly.
#7: Whimsical Brunette Curls with Playful Fringe
This haircut showcases medium-length brunette curls, perfected with a face-framing, asymmetrical fringe that enhances the cheekbones. Ideal for those with medium to thick hair density, the cut adds movement and a playful, airy quality to the curls. The layered technique used here amplifies each curl, creating a voluminous yet manageable style. A fabulous choice for someone looking for a fresh, youthful look with minimal styling needs. The asymmetry could require precise trimming to maintain the shape, making it a bit more maintenance-intensive compared to a basic cut. Yet, its unique charm and flattering silhouette make it well worth the effort.
#8: Golden Blonde Curly Shag with Luminous Highlights
This hairstyle flaunts a sun-kissed golden blonde shag, perfect if you’re aiming for a youthful and easy style. Tailored for medium-length curly hair, the strategic layers enhance natural volume and texture. This look suits those with tighter curl patterns looking for manageable style without sacrificing body. It’s particularly nice for peer visibility, especially under lighting that picks up the gloss of the highlights. While this cut maintains shape with minimal effort, regular moisturizing is key to keep the curls defined and frizz at bay. Ideal for individuals wanting balance between a casual yet put-together appearance.
#9: Curly Medium-Length Bob with Subtle Layers
This curly medium-length bob is perfect for someone looking to balance ease and style. The cut is about shoulder length, making it versatile and easy to manage. The subtle layers help define the curls and add bounce, enhancing the overall shape of the haircut. Ideal for medium to thick hair types, this style adds movement without being overly bulky. A great choice if you’re on the go but still want to look polished. The only drawback? The layered cut might require regular maintenance to keep the curls looking their best, especially if your hair grows fast!
#10: Modern Soft Curls with Delicate Bangs
This look features medium-length curls that softly embrace the face, accentuated with wispy, feathered bangs which provide a fresh, modern twist. What sets this style apart is its suitability for varied face shapes due to the framing and volume around the crown. This style is great for naturally curly hair, enhancing texture without overwhelming. Drawback? Curls like these require regular hydration and proper curl care to maintain their bounce and avoid frizz. This look, highlighted by subtle layering, elevates bounce and frames the face beautifully, making it a desirable choice for someone looking to rejuvenate their style.
#11: Swirled Chestnut Curls with Textured Layers
This medium-length curly shag showcases beautifully defined curls with a rich chestnut shade. The layers add texture and volume, making it a great option for those with thinner hair looking to enhance body. It’s ideal for someone wanting an easy-to-maintain style that doesn’t require frequent salon visits. However, it might require some effort with a curl defining product to keep the curls bouncy. Unique to this photo, the subtle highlights enhance the depth and dimension of the curls, which catches the light charmingly against a rustic brick background, highlighting how environmental factors can complement your hair color.
#12: Charming Cinnamon Swirl Curly Bob
This curly bob is perfect for anyone looking for a playful yet manageable hairstyle. It’s cut to medium length, which is great for versatility and ease of care. The curls are well-defined and dense, adding a lovely texture that enhances volume and body. Luscious cinnamon tones enrich the overall aesthetic, giving a warm glow that’s ideal for those looking to brighten their complexion. Ideal for wavy to curly hair types; however, keep in mind, maintaining curl definition may require some styling products. A delightful choice for those desiring a casual, low-maintenance yet stylish look.
#13: Charming Mid-Length Curly Cascade with Luminous Highlights
This mid-length curly cascade haircut showcases beautifully defined curls, enhanced by subtle luminous highlights that catch the light just right. Ideal for medium-density hair, this style adds volume without overwhelming the face, suitable for various face shapes. The layered cut promotes natural curl bounce and easy maintenance. While this style is versatile, it might require regular conditioning to keep the curls well moisturized and defined. Perfect for anyone looking to freshen up their look with minimal fuss but maximum impact.
#14: Rich Auburn Tousled Curls with Layered Dimension
This style features medium-length curly hair with a rich auburn tone. The curls are naturally dense and tousled, showing off their layered dimension that frames the face beautifully. While the haircut offers movement and volume, making it suitable for those with rounder face shapes, maintaining such curls may require regular use of hydrating products to keep the hair frizz-free and vibrant. Ideal for someone desiring a casual yet striking look, this cut can add a youthful and energetic touch to your appearance.
#15: Luxurious Spiral Curls with Harmonious Balance
This medium-length cut showcases luxurious, deeply-spiraled curls that give a full-bodied look and feel, ideal for those with naturally curly hair wanting balance and symmetry. The layers are artistically cut to enhance the natural texture and create movement, avoiding excess bulk. This style is great for her square-shaped face, emphasizing softness around the edges. With such a defined structure, it’s less flexible if you’re someone who likes to switch up styles daily; however, for ease of maintenance and lasting definition, it’s unbeatable. Ideal for medium density hair, just use a curl-defining cream to maintain these lush curls.
#16: Natural Brunette Waves with Soft Fringe
This haircut features medium-length curly hair, skillfully layered to enhance its natural volume and movement. The soft fringe contours nicely around the face, offering a fresh, youthful appearance which can beautifully accentuate heart-shaped and oval faces. With curls like these that have a robust density, it’s crucial to maintain a good moisturizing regime to keep the curls bouncy and vibrant. However, consider the time for styling in the morning, especially in humid conditions where curls tend to frizz. The chestnut brown color adds a warm, earthy feeling and blends seamlessly with many complexions.
#17: Effortless Medium-Length Curly Shag with Fringe
This haircut showcases a beautifully tousled shag on medium-length hair, ideal for enhancing natural curls. What’s lovely about this cut is the layered texture that boosts volume and movement, particularly beneficial for medium to thick hair. The fringe adds a playful touch, softening the face and highlighting cheekbones—great for oval or heart face shapes. While curls bring personality, maintaining them requires a bit of commitment to regular conditioning and occasional use of defining products. Consider this style if you’re looking for a dynamic, yet manageable look that’s perfect for both casual and formal settings.
#18: Natural Curls with Copper Highlights and Graduated Layers
This haircut showcases medium-length natural curls that are enhanced with warm copper highlights. The unique graduated layers offer volume at the crown, subtly tapering towards the tips for a balanced, face-framing effect. Ideal for those with medium-to-thick hair density seeking a lively yet manageable style. The highlights provide dimension, but remember, maintaining the color could require frequent salon visits. This look works beautifully for oval and heart-shaped faces, offering a fresh and stylish way to honor natural curl patterns while keeping the hair vibrant and full of movement.
#19: Emerald Tinted Curly Shag with Playful Bangs
This fun shag haircut tailored for medium-length curls incorporates airy, textured layers and vibrant emerald highlights, inspiring an audacious transformation. A low-maintenance option, the layers enhance volume perfectly for someone with naturally curly and dense hair. The cheekbone-accentuating bangs introduce a delightful frame to the face, aiding in softening angular features. Despite the bold color possibly requiring frequent upkeep to maintain its intensity, the haircut itself should remain effortlessly stylish between salon visits. Ideal for those looking to infuse playful personality into their look without compromising on manageability.
#20: Deeply Defined Natural Curls with Mid-Length Cut
This cut showcases natural, bouncy curls, cut to a flattering medium length that works superbly for thicker hair types. It’s layered to enhance the curl pattern without weighing down the volume. For those considering this hairstyle, note that it maintains length while elevating natural texture. While gorgeous, it does require consistent maintenance to keep the curls well-defined and moisturized. Ideal for a lively, youthful hairstyle that adds a touch of playfulness to any look. Great for someone who loves their natural hair but wants to give it a more shaped, deliberate look.
#21: Captivating Shoulder-Length Curly Shag with Lustrous Depth
This haircut showcases naturally curly hair cut to a flattering shoulder length, which enhances both volume and manageability. The layered cut adds depth, making each curl pop with a lustrous shine that’s just gorgeous. Ideal for those with medium to thick hair density, this style adds a youthful bounce while framing the face beautifully. One distinctive feature here is the slight asymmetry near the front, subtly drawing attention without being over the top. While the layered approach aids in reducing weight and increasing volume, it might require regular styling to maintain the defined curls. This cut is a brilliant choice for adding character and dynamic movement to your look.
#22: Chic Urban Tousled Curls with Natural Volume
This medium-length hairstyle with abundant, tight curls showcases a fresh, urban appeal perfect for dynamic lifestyles. The naturally tousled look promotes volume, making it a great choice for those with naturally curly hair who aim to boost their texture without much fuss. The collarbone length is versatile, suits various face shapes, and is perfect for clients seeking a manageable yet fashionable style. While this cut wildly embraces natural curls, it may require regular conditioning to keep the curls defined and frizz-free. Ideal for adding character to daily urban adventures!
#23: Dynamic Chestnut Curls with Layered Bangs
This medium-length haircut is perfect for naturally curly hair, focusing on enhancing the texture and volume. The layered bangs add a fresh and modern touch, making it versatile for both casual and formal looks. The slight asymmetry in the cut lends a chic appeal, while the rich chestnut color enhances the depth of the curls. Ideal for medium density hair, this style can require regular moisturizing to keep the curls defined and frizz at bay. Perfect for folks looking to embrace their natural texture without too much maintenance!
#24: Cascading Brunette Curls with Face-Framing Bangs
This style showcases great for medium-length hair with its rich brunette color and vivid spiral curls that provide texture. The lightly layered bangs frame the face beautifully, balancing the volume of the curls. While this cut promotes a youthful and energetic appearance, maintaining the curls might require regular use of curl-enhancing products and possibly a diffuser to keep them well-defined. The dynamic curl pattern might prove a bit demanding for someone not accustomed to curly hair upkeep. However, it’s an excellent choice for adding movement and a lively flair to your natural curls.
#25: Playful Spiral Curls with Natural Volume
This cut captures a fresh, energetic take on curly medium-length hair. Ideal for someone with thick, textured hair, it enhances natural volume and the dynamic shape complements an oval or long face beautifully. The layered cut not only boosts the curl’s buoyancy but also allows for versatility in styling. A potential challenge could be maintaining the definition of each curl, which requires specific products for hydration and hold. Use a curl-defining cream or gel to keep your locks looking lively. Regular trims will ensure the shape stays crisp and flattering, nurturing the hair’s best version of volume and swirl.
#26: Subtle Chestnut Spirals with Soft Curls
This medium-length shag exudes a relaxed and manageable style, perfect for those with naturally curly hair like yours. The soft curls are cut to enhance the hair’s natural texture, adding movement and lightness to the style. It’s particularly flattering for round and oval face shapes, emphasizing the eyes and cheekbones. While being low maintenance, the curls might require specific products to maintain definition and control frizz. Ideal for busy individuals who desire a stylish but practical look.
#27: Bouncy Curls with Natural Flair
This medium-length curly shag is great for someone with naturally curly hair looking for a lively, easy-to-manage style. This cut embraces the natural volume and texture of curly hair, creating a playful look that frames the face beautifully. The subtle layering around the face highlights the curl pattern and adds movement, making it ideal for you if you love a wash-and-go approach but want a bit of structure. Despite its many benefits, remember that curly hair like this might require regular hydrating treatments to maintain its shape and health, but if you’re up for it, it’s a truly charming choice!
#28: Softly Tousled Brunette Curls with Subtle Layers
This cut portrays Softly Tousled Brunette Curls finely trimmed into subtle layers. It beautifully accommodates thicker hair types, enhancing natural volume without overwhelming the face. The medium length is versatile, working well for salon-goers wanting a rejuvenating style that’s easy to manage but still offers a playful, youthful aura. The tousled look imparts an informal charm—ideal if you’re not too keen on high-maintenance styles. However, keep in mind, curls like these might require regular conditioning to maintain their bounce and prevent frizz.
#29: Voluminous Curly Shag with Soft Bangs
This look is a gorgeous example of a medium-length curly shag haircut that’s absolutely ideal for women with thick, bouncy curls. The layers are cut to enhance the natural volume and texture, which helps in reducing the weight of the hair, making it feel lighter. The incorporation of soft bangs frames the face beautifully and adds a touch of whimsy. This style is fantastic for adding movement and can be quite playful, but it might require some effort in styling to maintain the look, especially on humid days. It’s particularly flattering for round and heart-shaped faces, offering a youthful yet elegant appeal.
#30: Textured Curly Bob with Defined Layers
This shoulder-length curly shag with pronounced layering is divine for enhancing natural curls. The cut’s structure reduces bulk, makes it breezier around the neck, especially ideal as you’re transitioning seasons. The pronounced layering evident in the cut helps in accentuating curl patterns, making each strand pop more distinctly. This style’s a gem for those with thicker hair—it’s tailored to lighten the load without sacrificing volume. Note the subtle transition in lengths, shorter around the face to longer towards the back, framing the face beautifully. This versatility might mean a bit more time styling in the morning to define those curls, but it’s all worth it for the bounce and movement you’ll get.
#31 Fine Curly Hair with Lightweight Shag Layers
A feather-light approach to the shag, this cut was made for finer curls. The layering is delicate, ensuring the curls aren’t thinned out too much. Wispy bangs blend into the upper layers, creating volume at the crown without weighing down the overall silhouette. A fantastic choice for clients with thinner density who want movement without sacrificing fullness. Be sure to use curl-enhancing mousse to plump up the definition without stiffness.
#32 Medium Shag Haircut with Defined Spiral Curls
The defined spiral curl pattern here shines through with structured layering and a bold rounded fringe. The shape is stacked subtly to lift the crown and give height, great for elongating shorter face shapes. This is best for tight, uniform curls and clients willing to maintain the fringe. Benefits include amazing volume and curl separation; downside is that spiral curls can shrink significantly, so length checks are a must during the cut.
#33 Layered Shag Haircut for Naturally Curly Texture
For those with naturally curly texture, this shag relies on carefully placed layers to open up the curl and prevent bulk. The bang is softly curled and lightly feathered, blending into temple-length layers. Great for clients with mid-to-high density curls who want to control volume without cutting too short. This shape grows out beautifully and works well with diffused or air-dried styling. Just watch for frizz control in humid climates.
#34 Medium Gray Curls in a Shag Cut
Gray curls take center stage in this elegant shag, which uses mid-length layering to showcase natural silver tones. The fringe is subtle and blends smoothly into the overall shape, flattering oval and angular faces. The curl pattern is medium-tight, making it ideal for defining without frizz. Best for mature curls looking for shape and softness, this style embraces natural texture while giving the silhouette a youthful lift.
#35 Medium Shag Haircut for Curly Hair and Round Face
Designed with round face shapes in mind, this cut lifts the crown and slims the sides through strategic layering. The curls have volume in all the right places—especially the top and bottom—while avoiding width at the cheekbone. The full, rounded bangs fall above the brows, drawing attention upward. Great for those with 3B curls and medium thickness who want to elongate their silhouette without losing softness.
#36 Textured Curly Bob with Shaggy Finish
Compact and playful, this textured curly bob uses choppy shag ends to create movement without losing fullness. It hugs just above the shoulders, perfect for someone with thicker hair looking to shed bulk. The shaggy finish keeps the shape looking effortless and not too “done.” No fringe allows for versatile parting. This is a great wash-and-wear cut, though tighter curls may need light scrunching for definition at the ends.
#37 Medium Shag Haircut for Curly Hair with Bangs
This haircut pairs defined curls with a strong fringe for full facial framing. The curl pattern is uniform and springy, and the layered structure keeps the shape round and bouncy. Great for dense curls and square face shapes needing some softness at the edges. The bangs are cut short and full, enhancing eye-level focus but requiring more styling upkeep. Moisture-based products will be key to keeping that curl pattern juicy and frizz-free.
#38 Curly Haircut with Long Shag Layers
Long shag layers add flow and softness to this medium curly look, making it great for folks wanting definition without sacrificing length. The curtain-like fringe falls apart naturally, blending right into the longer layers—a smart cut for medium to long face shapes. Ideal for thick curls, the weight is cut out through the mid-shaft while preserving curl integrity. Expect more styling time with longer layers, but the payoff is graceful movement and volume balance.
#39 Shaggy Curly Haircut with No Bangs Option
This cut embraces natural curls without bangs, letting the coiled texture frame the face freely. The shaggy layers are slightly elongated near the face, which helps elongate rounder features. It’s a versatile shape for low-maintenance types, especially those with medium density and a looser curl pattern. Without fringe, there’s more styling freedom—updos, side flips, or natural parting. Just note: no bangs mean less framing around the forehead, which some clients may miss.
#40 Blonde Medium Shag for Curly Hair
Bright blonde curls are shaped into a flattering shag with full bangs and mid-length layers. The contrast between lightened curls and the textured cut adds depth and dimension. The fringe is structured but soft, offering face-framing without heaviness. Works well for medium to thick curls and adds bounce without frizz. Great for those wanting a fresh, youthful look that shows off both color and curl pattern effectively.
#41 Shag Cut with Defined Curls and Bangs
This look highlights tightly defined curls and bold bangs that create a full, rounded frame. The layering enhances natural definition without disrupting the curl pattern, and the volume is balanced evenly throughout. Great for thicker curls that need shape control rather than bulk removal. The fringe is cropped thickly, making a bold statement and offering forehead coverage. Ideal for clients wanting a dramatic yet wearable curl-forward style.
#42 Medium Curly Shag Haircut for Thin Hair
Fine curls benefit from this light-layered shag that gives maximum shape with minimal weight. The layering is concentrated near the crown and fringe to boost volume and prevent a flat top. The fringe is soft and eye-skimming, helping to draw attention upward—a smart strategy for those with thinner hair. Great for petite face shapes or narrow features, this cut adds body without needing excessive product or heat styling.
#43 Medium Curly Shag Cut with Side Part Styling
Side-parted styling gives this medium shag a casual, flattering asymmetry. The curls are defined but loose, and the layering adds movement while controlling bulk. It’s especially flattering for square and angular face shapes, softening strong lines with curl curvature. Ideal for medium-density curls, this cut creates fullness without puffiness. A light mousse or curl gel enhances shape while letting the side part do the face-framing work.
#44 Shaggy Layers for Naturally Curly Hair
Tailored for naturally curly textures, this medium shag adds airy lift through mid-length layering. The fringe is cut with a soft bend, blending into the curls effortlessly without overpowering the face. This style suits medium to thick densities and gives movement without feeling bulky. The shape frames the face without narrowing it, making it flattering for oval or longer face shapes. A go-to for those wanting shape with easy upkeep.
#45 3B Curls in a Medium Curly Shag Haircut
Perfect for 3B curl types, this medium-length shag uses consistent layering to define curl clumps and create a balanced shape. The fringe is textured and rounded, blending naturally into cheek-grazing layers. This cut thrives on natural volume and benefits from lightweight curl creams to prevent puffiness. Great for oval and square face shapes, it softens features while maintaining body and texture throughout.
#46 Medium Curly Haircut with Layered Shag Shape
Bouncy, medium-length copper curls cut into a layered shag create volume without overwhelming the face. This style suits dense, naturally curly hair types best, giving structure while allowing curl movement. The rounded fringe adds softness and frames the brows beautifully. It’s a great pick for oval or heart-shaped faces, but can require curl creams or diffusing to manage daily frizz.
#47 Defined Curls in a Medium Shag with Curtain Bangs
Clean and defined curls cascade through this structured medium shag, enhanced with symmetrical curtain bangs. The layering opens up the face and reduces weight, ideal for thick curls with natural density. The center-parted fringe adds softness around the eyes and works beautifully on long or diamond-shaped faces. Perfect for clients looking to show off curl definition while keeping the style lightweight and breezy.
#48 Voluminous Curly Bob with Shaggy Texture
This curly bob stands out with its rounded silhouette and shaggy texture. The layers are stacked subtly to maximize volume without adding width at the jaw—perfect for round and heart-shaped faces. Designed for tight, springy curls and medium to thick hair, this look offers bounce and softness. The bangs are lightly feathered, making them easy to grow out or blend. A great wash-and-go option for low-maintenance styling.
#49 Curlush Haircut
A dense, full-bodied take on the shag, the Curlush cut is all about volume and curl definition. The fringe is rounded and full, helping balance the heavier lower layers. Best for high-density hair with a tight curl pattern, this shape carves out volume while keeping the edges soft. Perfect for triangle and oval face shapes, though the shape does require regular sculpting to avoid puffiness. A favorite for drama and curl impact with structure.
#50 Shagrella Cut
Rich, dimensional curls give the Shagrella cut a bold yet balanced silhouette. This medium-length shag features voluminous layering that’s carefully graduated to avoid the dreaded triangle shape—perfect for high-density curls. The full curly fringe softens the brow area while enhancing facial symmetry, especially flattering for longer or heart-shaped faces. The subtle golden highlights create depth, giving the curls added pop without overwhelming the texture. While it’s a show-stopping style, it does require consistent moisture and curl refresh days to keep the shape polished.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.