The iconic shag haircut, known for its rock-and-roll roots, is getting a modern twist. Enter the polished shag, a sleek, sophisticated version of the classic cut that retains its rebellious spirit while embracing a more refined, elegant aesthetic. With its chic makeover, the polished shag is expected to be one of the hottest trends of 2025, offering a playful yet polished look for those ready to embrace the new age of the shag.
What Is a Polished Shag Cut?
The polished shag is a more grown-up, feminine version of the traditional shag. As hairstylist Elisha Smith describes it, it’s the “pretty girl” version of the shag, retaining the cut’s rebellious energy but with less pieciness and a more structured silhouette. The cut often features longer layers and less texture compared to the traditional shag, which tends to be much shorter with more dramatic layering.
Celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble explains, “This cut tends to be longer in length, offering less layering and a more refined shape,” making it an ideal choice for those looking for the edginess of a shag without the extreme layers.
Who Does the Polished Shag Flatter?
The beauty of the polished shag lies in its versatility. Kylee Heath, celebrity stylist and ANATOMY ambassador, emphasizes that the shag can be customized to suit virtually any face shape. The layers can be tailored to balance your features, whether you prefer a longer or shorter style. For example, people with round faces may benefit from having the shortest layers fall at the cheekbone to break up the roundness, while a triangular cut bang can elongate the face.
While the cut can work for most face shapes, Kimble cautions that individuals with particularly tiny faces might feel a bit overwhelmed by the volume and layers of the shag. However, careful customization can ensure it flatters everyone.
How to Style a Polished Shag
Though the term “polished” might evoke images of flat or lifeless hair, the polished shag can actually have plenty of volume, texture, and movement when styled correctly. To create this look, Kim Kimble suggests incorporating waves and texture, making the style stand out with dynamic volume.
Kylee Heath recommends using a round brush while blow-drying to give the cut volume and bounce. Afterward, a leave-in cream like ANATOMY can help “polish” the look, adding softness without losing the shag’s natural texture.
For those who want to add even more definition to the layers, Elisha Smith suggests using a small-barrel curling wand to add bend and texture where necessary. To finish, a texturizing volume spray can be applied through the ends, and for a more rebellious vibe, Balmain Silk Perfume can be used to break down the polish, creating a more tousled, rock-and-roll effect.
Why It’s Set to Be a Hit
The polished shag is a perfect balance of edge and elegance, making it a highly versatile haircut for 2025. It maintains the free-spirited essence of the classic shag while offering a more sophisticated, controlled appearance. Whether you’re looking to add volume and texture or create a sleek, structured silhouette, this chic version of the shag promises to be the ultimate haircut for those who want a bit of fun with their polish.
If you’re ready to reinvent your look for the new year, the polished shag is a must-try hairstyle that promises both versatility and a timelessly cool edge.
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