The shag haircut has been on trend for the past couple of years – a layered haircut with various lengths that looks super sexy, choppy, and effortless, and often features a soft, feathered fringe. However, for 2023 we are seeing a new take on the trend, ‘The Sparkling Shag.’ Andrew Smith, Owner of Andrew Smith Salons and Milkshake Global Ambassador, shares more insight about the latest trend below.
In previous years, clients would leave this haircut to air dry or style it with mousses and texturizing products like salt sprays to give it a messy, tousled, natural finish. In 2023, we will see a complete contrast, with clients looking to have their shag styled smooth and sleek and looking glossy. The hair will look incredibly healthy and luxe.
How To Get The Look:
You will need to cut the hair slightly differently to achieve this look. Layers will need to be less harsh and softer, blending into the hair more seamlessly. Think of adding invisible or “ghost” layers. You may also want to include slightly fewer layers in the hair than you usually would or incorporate longer-in-length layers to avoid the hair from looking too overly textured. The key is to keep the layers more feathered rather than sharp.
How To Style The Look:
Styling is also essential when creating ‘The Sparkling Shag’ and achieving that mirror-like shine, glass finish look - hair oil is your best friend when creating this look! I always start by applying a hair oil like Milkshake’s Integrity Incredible Oil Hair Oil through damp hair and drying the hair with a large paddle brush and hairdryer with a nozzle, through the hair in sections to create a high shine finish.
Then, go over the hair with heated styling tools to give the hair a smooth and shiny finish. Heat protection is essential before all heated styling! One of my favorites is the Milkshake Lifestyling Thermo Protector Heat Protection Spray. To finish the look, reapply oil to dry hair and then mist over a very light Milkshake No Frizz Glistening Spray for even more of a reflective shine.
The Upkeep:
To ensure the shag looks its best, clients should try to visit the salon for regular trims to avoid damage and get rid of split ends and should also have hair treatments every few months to keep their hair looking and feeling as healthy as possible. Glossing services paired with shag are also a match made in heaven. They will keep color radiant and give the hair a silky, soft, shiny look and feel.
