How to Get Shaggy Hair for Guys

Achieving a shaggy hairstyle can give guys a cool, laid-back look that’s both stylish and easy to maintain. In this guide, we’ll show you how to get shaggy hair for guys, from selecting the right cut to styling tips for that perfect tousled finish. You’ll learn about the best products to use, techniques for creating texture and volume, and how to maintain your shaggy style for everyday wear. Whether you’re aiming for a surfer vibe or a rockstar edge, our step-by-step instructions will help you achieve a shaggy hairstyle that suits your personality and lifestyle. Let’s dive in and transform your hair into effortlessly cool, shaggy perfection!

The Versatility and Laid-back Appeal of Shaggy Hair for Guys

Shaggy hair is a truly versatile style that can be adapted to suit various face shapes, hair types, and personal preferences. One of the key appeals of this look is its effortless charm—it exudes a casual, relaxed vibe that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. With the right cut and products, shaggy hair can look sleek and polished for formal events, or tousled and carefree for a beach day. Moreover, this style works well with both short and medium lengths, making it accessible for all hair types, whether straight, wavy, or curly.

Embracing a shaggy hairstyle allows you to experiment with different textures and layers, offering endless possibilities for personal expression. Whether you prefer a subtly messy look or a more pronounced, edgy shag, this style lets you put your unique spin on a timeless, laid-back aesthetic.

Understanding the Shag Hairstyle

The shag hairstyle, first popularized in the 1970s, is characterized by its distinct layers and textured finish. A hallmark of this style is its choppy ends and varying lengths, which create a full, voluminous look. The layers are typically feathered around the face, adding definition and framing the features in a flattering manner. What sets the shag apart from other haircuts is its ability to add movement and dimension to the hair, making it perfect for those looking to break free from flat, lifeless locks.

One of the reasons the shag hairstyle has stood the test of time is its adaptability. Whether you have thick, thin, straight, or curly hair, a shag cut can be tailored to enhance your natural texture. For guys, this might mean more pronounced layers on the crown for added lift or subtle thinning out towards the ends to reduce bulk. Additionally, the shag is relatively low maintenance; its messy, undone look means you can often skip the meticulous styling and simply tousle your hair for an effortlessly cool, lived-in effect.

10 Methods How to Get Shaggy Hair for Guys

1. Get the Right Haircut

The foundation of shaggy hair lies in the haircut. Visit a professional stylist and request a shag cut, which typically involves lots of layers and texture. The length can vary, but shaggy hairstyles often work best with medium to longer lengths. Make sure to ask for choppy, uneven layers to add movement and volume. The stylist may also use thinning shears to remove bulk and create a more tousled effect. A good shaggy haircut sets the stage for effortless styling and ensures the hair naturally falls into place.

2. Embrace Natural Texture

One of the key aspects of shaggy hair is embracing your hair’s natural texture. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, work with its inherent qualities rather than against them. If your hair is naturally straight, you can add texture with styling products or by using heat tools. For wavy or curly hair, enhancing your natural curls or waves will contribute to the shaggy look. The goal is to achieve a tousled, undone appearance that looks effortlessly stylish.

3. Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

Maintaining healthy hair is crucial for achieving a great shaggy look. Use a lightweight, volumizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair clean without weighing it down. Look for products that enhance texture and add volume. Avoid heavy, moisturizing products that can make your hair appear flat and greasy. Washing your hair every 2-3 days is usually sufficient to maintain its natural oils and keep it from becoming too dry. Well-nourished hair will have more body and movement, essential for the shaggy style.

4. Apply a Texturizing Spray

Texturizing spray is a must-have product for creating shaggy hair. After washing and towel-drying your hair, spray a generous amount of texturizing spray throughout your hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. This product adds grip and volume, helping to create a tousled, undone look. Scrunch your hair with your fingers as you apply the spray to enhance its natural texture. Texturizing spray can also be used on dry hair to refresh and add volume between washes.

5. Use a Sea Salt Spray

Sea salt spray is another great product for achieving shaggy hair. It mimics the effect of ocean water, adding texture and wave to your hair. Spray sea salt spray onto damp hair, scrunching it with your fingers to create a tousled effect. You can also use it on dry hair to add volume and texture. Sea salt spray works particularly well for guys with wavy or curly hair, enhancing the natural wave pattern and creating a beachy, shaggy look.

6. Blow-Dry with a Diffuser

Blow-drying your hair with a diffuser attachment helps to enhance your natural texture and add volume. After applying texturizing or sea salt spray, use a blow dryer with a diffuser to dry your hair. Set the dryer to a low or medium heat setting to avoid heat damage. As you dry, scrunch your hair with your fingers or use the diffuser to lift and shape your hair. This technique helps to create a tousled, voluminous look that is essential for shaggy hair. The diffuser evenly distributes heat, reducing frizz and enhancing natural curls or waves.

7. Use a Lightweight Pomade or Wax

Styling products like lightweight pomade or wax can help define layers and add texture to your shaggy hairstyle. Take a small amount of product, rub it between your palms, and work it through your hair, focusing on the ends and layers. Avoid using too much product, as this can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Use your fingers to tousle and shape your hair, creating a messy, undone look. Pomade and wax help to hold the style in place while adding definition and texture.

8. Consider a Mousse for Volume

Mousse is an excellent product for adding volume and hold to your shaggy hair. Apply a golf ball-sized amount of mousse to damp hair, distributing it evenly from roots to ends. Blow-dry your hair with a diffuser or let it air dry for a more natural look. Mousse adds body and lift to your hair, making it appear fuller and more textured. It’s especially useful for guys with fine or thin hair who want to achieve a voluminous, shaggy style. The lightweight formula of mousse ensures your hair remains bouncy and full of life.

9. Regular Trims to Maintain Shape

To keep your shaggy hair looking its best, schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks. This helps to maintain the shape and prevent split ends, ensuring your hair stays healthy and stylish. During your trim, ask your stylist to refresh the layers and texture, keeping the overall look shaggy and tousled. Regular trims also prevent your hair from becoming too heavy or losing its shape, making it easier to style and manage. Keeping the layers sharp and the ends healthy is key to maintaining a great shaggy hairstyle.

10. Experiment with Different Styles

Shaggy hair is versatile and can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions and personal preferences. Experiment with different looks, such as a side-swept fringe, a messy top, or a more defined wave. You can also play with parting your hair in different ways to change up the look. Use styling products to create different textures and shapes, from a beachy wave to a more structured, tousled look. Don’t be afraid to try new styles and find what works best for you. Shaggy hair is all about effortless cool and versatility, so have fun with it.

Conclusion

Achieving shaggy hair for guys involves the right haircut, embracing natural texture, and using the appropriate styling products and techniques. From getting the perfect layered cut to using texturizing sprays, sea salt sprays, and lightweight styling products, each method contributes to the effortlessly cool, tousled look that defines shaggy hair. Regular maintenance and experimenting with different styles ensure your hair remains stylish and manageable. By following these ten methods on how to get shaggy hair for guys, you can master the art of shaggy hair and enjoy a versatile, laid-back hairstyle that looks great in any setting.