Haircut Tips For The Modern Shag

The shag is a universally sexy style, iconically worn by men and women most famously since the ‘70s and this trend has recently gained popularity again. “This season the shag is center stage, and learning how to create detached shorter lengths on the surface at the crown is crucial to pulling off the look,” says Sam Villa, co-founder of Sam Villa® and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken 5^th Avenue. Based on hair type and texture, there are a few ways in which to create movement within this cut. In this tutorial, Sam Villa shows you how to cut a modern shad to allow the hair to move away from the face. Follow along with the steps and video below!

This cut starts with a diagonal forward diamond pattern, and by elevating and over directing the corners of the diamonds away from the sections and forward, it maintains weight and length over the ear while directing hair back.  It’s a perfect layering technique for modern shags because the top detaches from the underneath hair.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Elevate sections and hold fingers diagonally, this creates shortness underneath and more length towards the top.
• Over directing hair forward causes it to fall back naturally after being cut.
• Once sections are cut, they will collapse, put Sam Villa Dry Sectioning Clips
  between each section for more control.
• Diagonally cut hair with a Sam Villa Signature Series 7" Dry Cutting Shear – use these to notch out the length for a diffused edge.
• Use the fine teeth of a Sam Villa Signature Series Long Cutting Comb in a contrasting color for added tension and control.
   
• Use a Sam Villa Signature Series InvisiBlend Shear by closing the blades and sliding it down to the ends. The teeth have an over polished rim that delivers a soft diffused edge ideal for lighter colors of hair that tend to show cutting lines.  The shears allow for maintaining length while creating movement that falls back away from the face.

“This technique creates diffused layers that can’t be seen on the surface, but manipulate hair to move back and away from the face,” adds Villa. Try this technique out and let us know how well it worked for you! Be sure to upload images or send any questions over to us on social media! 

Try this at home and share your results on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using #SamVillaHowTo. & be sure to check out the rest of Sam Villa's tutorials and tips on Bangstyle!