Short shaggy hair is a dynamic and versatile style that has been embraced by many for its effortless charm and ability to suit a wide range of face shapes and hair textures. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance look or a bold fashion statement, a short shaggy cut can be the perfect choice. In this article, we’ll explore how to cut short shaggy hair, taking into account different hairstyle variations and personal characteristics.
Understanding the Short Shaggy Style
What is Short Shaggy Hair?
Short shaggy hair is characterized by its layered, textured appearance. The layers are typically shorter in the back and sides and gradually get longer towards the front, creating a feathered and tousled effect. This style is all about movement and volume, giving your hair a lived-in, effortlessly chic look.
Suitable Face Shapes
While short shaggy hair can work for most face shapes, it’s particularly flattering for round, square, and heart-shaped faces. The layers and texture help to soften angular features and add length to round faces. For those with a heart-shaped face, the longer layers around the jawline can balance out a wider forehead.
Hair Textures
This style is incredibly versatile when it comes to hair texture. It can work well for straight, wavy, or curly hair. Straight hair will have a sleek, textured look, while wavy and curly hair will have a more voluminous and tousled appearance.
Preparing for the Cut
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start cutting, make sure you have the right tools on hand. You’ll need a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors, a fine-tooth comb, a spray bottle filled with water, and hair clips to section your hair.
Consider Your Personal Style
Think about your personal style and how you want to wear your short shaggy hair. Do you prefer a more tousled, bedhead look or a more polished, styled appearance? This will influence the length and texture of the layers you cut.
Assess Your Hair Condition
Take a look at the condition of your hair. If it’s damaged or dry, you may want to consider a trim to remove split ends before cutting your new style. Healthy hair will hold the layers and texture better, giving you a better overall result.
Cutting the Hair
Step 1: Wash & Dry Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Towel-dry your hair until it’s damp, but not soaking wet. You can also use a blow-dryer on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Use your fine-tooth comb to divide your hair into sections. Start by parting your hair down the middle, from forehead to nape. Then, create horizontal sections from the top of your head to the bottom. Use hair clips to secure each section in place.
Step 3: Cut the Back & Sides
Begin by cutting the back and sides of your hair. Take a small section of hair from the back, hold it between your fingers, and cut it to your desired length. The length will depend on your personal preference and the overall style you’re going for. As a general guideline, the back and sides should be shorter than the top and front.
Use your comb to check the length and make sure it’s even. Repeat this process for the other sections on the back and sides, working your way up to the top of your head.
Step 4: Cut the Top & Front
Once you’ve finished cutting the back and sides, move on to the top and front of your hair. Take a larger section of hair from the top and hold it between your fingers. Cut it slightly longer than the back and sides, creating a layered effect.
For the front, you can add some longer layers around your face to frame it and soften your features. Use your comb to blend the layers together and create a smooth transition between the different lengths.
Step 5: Add Texture
To create the shaggy, textured look, use your scissors to point-cut into the ends of your hair. This means cutting the hair at an angle, rather than straight across. Point-cutting will help to remove bulk and add movement to your hair.
You can also use a razor comb to further texture your hair. A razor comb has small teeth that can be used to thin out and add texture to the ends of your hair. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much texture can make your hair look frizzy or damaged.
Step 6: Check & Refine
Once you’ve finished cutting and texturing your hair, take a step back and check your work in the mirror. Make sure the layers are even and the length is consistent. If you notice any areas that need to be adjusted, use your scissors to make small refinements.
Styling Short Shaggy Hair
Blow-Drying
To style your short shaggy hair, start by applying a small amount of styling product, such as a texturizing spray or mousse, to damp hair. Use your fingers to tousle your hair and distribute the product evenly.
Then, use a blow-dryer on a low heat setting to dry your hair. As you dry, use your fingers to lift and separate the layers, creating volume and texture. You can also use a round brush to add some curl or wave to your hair.
Using a Curling Iron
If you want to add more curl or wave to your short shaggy hair, you can use a curling iron. Choose a small-barrel curling iron for tighter curls or a large-barrel curling iron for looser waves.
Wrap small sections of hair around the curling iron, holding it in place for a few seconds before releasing. Repeat this process for all of your hair, alternating the direction of the curls to create a more natural look.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve styled your hair, use a small amount of hairspray to set the style in place. You can also use a bit of pomade or wax to add definition and shine to your hair.
Maintaining Short Shaggy Hair
Regular Trims
To keep your short shaggy hair looking its best, you’ll need to get regular trims every 4-6 weeks. This will help to maintain the shape and texture of your hair, and prevent split ends from forming.
Conditioning Treatments
Since short shaggy hair can be prone to dryness and frizz, it’s important to use a good conditioner regularly. You can also use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Protecting Your Hair
When styling your hair with heat tools, such as a blow-dryer or curling iron, make sure to use a heat protectant spray. This will help to prevent damage to your hair and keep it looking shiny and healthy.
Personalizing Your Short Shaggy Cut
Adding Bangs
If you want to add some extra flair to your short shaggy hair, consider adding bangs. Bangs can help to frame your face and add a touch of sophistication to your look. You can choose from a variety of bang styles, such as side-swept bangs, blunt bangs, or curtain bangs.
Experimenting with Color
Another way to personalize your short shaggy cut is by experimenting with color. You can add highlights, lowlights, or a bold all-over color to give your hair a new look. Just make sure to choose a color that complements your skin tone and personal style.
Accessorizing
Don’t be afraid to accessorize your short shaggy hair. You can add a headband, hair clip, or scarf to add some extra style to your look. Accessories can also help to keep your hair out of your face on windy days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cutting Too Much at Once
One of the biggest mistakes people make when cutting their own hair is cutting too much at once. It’s always better to start with a longer length and gradually trim it down until you reach your desired style. Remember, you can always cut more hair, but you can’t put it back once it’s gone.
Not Using the Right Tools
Using the wrong tools can also lead to a bad haircut. Make sure you use sharp hair-cutting scissors, a fine-tooth comb, and a spray bottle filled with water. Avoid using kitchen scissors or other household items, as they can damage your hair and make it difficult to cut evenly.
Ignoring Your Hair Texture
When cutting your hair, it’s important to take your hair texture into account. Different hair textures require different cutting techniques and styles. For example, if you have curly hair, you’ll need to cut your hair when it’s dry to see the natural curl pattern. If you have straight hair, you can cut it when it’s wet or dry.
Conclusion
Cutting short shaggy hair can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can achieve a stylish and versatile look that suits your personal style and hair texture. Remember to take your time, be patient, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques. And if you’re not confident in cutting your own hair, don’t hesitate to visit a professional stylist who can help you achieve the perfect short shaggy cut.
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