17. The Sleek-Ends Contrast Shag
The sleek-ends contrast shag is a modern, high-fashion variation that plays with contrasting textures. While the top and mid-lengths of the hair are cut into classic, voluminous, wavy shaggy layers, the ends are kept blunt, straight, and piecey. This creates a striking visual dynamic where the bouncy, organic waves of the shag transition abruptly into sharp, sleek lines at the bottom. It is a highly polished, sophisticated look that is perfect for the modern trendsetter.
To style this contrasting look, apply a wave-defining cream to the upper two-thirds of your damp hair, and a smoothing cream to the ends. Diffuse your hair to enhance the waves in the upper sections. Once dry, use a flat iron to gently straighten just the very ends of your hair, pulling them straight down. This simple styling trick creates a beautiful, editorial-worthy finish that looks like it stepped straight off the fashion runway.