How Do I Make My Hair Look Shaggy? A Simple Guide for a Trendy Style in 2024

Shaggy hair is more than just a trend; it’s a versatile style that adds texture and movement to your look. Whether you’re going for a casual daytime appearance or a chic evening vibe, the shaggy style is your go-to for a carefree, fashionable look. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about achieving and maintaining a shaggy hairstyle.

What Is Shaggy Hair?

Shaggy hair features a layered, textured look that creates a sense of effortless cool. The style is characterized by its volume, natural movement, and slightly messy appearance. This look works well for a variety of hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. The beauty of shaggy hair lies in its versatility; it can be customized to suit different face shapes, hair lengths, and personal styles.

How to Make Your Hair Look Shaggy: Detailed Steps

Creating a shaggy hairstyle involves a few key steps and the right products. Here’s a comprehensive guide to achieving the perfect shaggy look:

1. Get the Right Haircut

The foundation of a shaggy hairstyle is a layered cut. Here’s how to communicate with your stylist:

• Short Hair: Ask for choppy, uneven layers that add texture and volume.
• Medium Hair: Request layers that start around the chin and extend down, focusing on creating movement and volume.
• Long Hair: Opt for long layers with texturizing cuts to prevent bulkiness and enhance movement.

Pro Tip: A professional stylist can tailor the layers to complement your face shape and hair type, ensuring the shaggy look is flattering.

2. Prep Your Hair

Before styling, prepare your hair to maximize texture and volume:

• Wash Your Hair: Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to create a base of fullness.
• Towel Dry: Pat your hair dry with a towel to eliminate excess moisture while minimizing frizz.

3. Apply Styling Products

Styling products are essential for achieving and maintaining a shaggy look. Here’s what to use:

• Texturizing Spray: Adds grip and body to your hair, enhancing natural texture.
• Sea Salt Spray: Creates a beachy, tousled effect with a natural, messy finish.
• Mousse: Provides volume and lift, especially beneficial for finer hair types.

How to Apply:

• Texturizing Spray: Lightly spray onto damp hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths.
• Sea Salt Spray: Apply to damp hair and scrunch with your fingers to create waves.
• Mousse: Distribute evenly through damp hair and use a blow-dryer to enhance volume.

4. Blow-Dry for Volume

Blow-drying techniques can significantly impact the shaggy effect:

• For Wavy or Curly Hair: Use a diffuser to maintain natural curls and prevent frizz.
• For Straight Hair: For straight hair, dry it while flipping your head downward or use a round brush to boost root volume.

Pro Tip: Use a medium heat setting to prevent heat damage and maintain hair health.

5. Style with Your Fingers

Avoid using combs or brushes to maintain the shaggy look:

• Scrunch: Use your fingers to scrunch and tousle your hair, adding volume and movement.
• Separate: Gently separate layers and piece out strands to enhance the shaggy effect.

6. Set the Style

To keep your shaggy hairstyle in place:

• Light-Hold Hairspray: Provides a flexible hold that keeps the style intact without stiffness.
• Texturizing Paste: Ideal for adding definition to shorter shaggy styles.

Application Tips:

• Hairspray: Gently spray your styled hair from a distance of 6–8 inches to set the look without making it stiff.
• Texturizing Paste: Warm a small amount between your fingers and apply to specific areas for definition.

Best Products for a Shaggy Hairstyle

Here’s a list of products that work wonders for achieving and maintaining a shaggy look:

1. Texturizing Spray

• Recommended Brands: Oribe Texturizing Spray, Bumble and bumble Surf Spray
• Benefits: Adds body and texture, making hair look fuller and more voluminous.

2. Sea Salt Spray

• Recommended Brands: Beachwaver Co. Sea Salt Spray or Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse
• Benefits: Provides a natural, beachy wave and enhances texture without making hair crunchy.

3. Hair Mousse

• Recommended Brands: Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam or Kenra Volume Mousse
• Benefits: Adds volume and bounce, making it ideal for fine or limp hair.

4. Light-Hold Hairspray

• Recommended Brands: L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, Aveda Air Control Hair Spray
• Benefits: Offers a flexible hold that maintains the shape without making hair stiff.

5. Pomade or Hair Wax

• Recommended Brands: Baxter of California Clay Pomade or American Crew Fiber
• Benefits: Defines and separates strands, perfect for shorter shaggy hairstyles.

Shaggy Hair for Different Hair Lengths

Shaggy hairstyles can be adapted for various hair lengths. Here’s how to make it work for you:

Shaggy Short Hair

• Cut: Choppy layers with lots of texture.
• Style: Use a lightweight pomade or wax to define and piece out strands.

Shaggy Medium Hair

• Cut: Layers that start around the chin and flow down.
• Style: Apply texturizing spray and blow-dry for added volume. Scrunch with fingers to enhance the shaggy effect.

Shaggy Long Hair

• Cut: Long layers with texturizing at the ends.
• Style: Use a sea salt spray or mousse to maintain movement and volume. Scrunch and tousle to create a relaxed, shaggy look.

Maintaining Your Shaggy Haircut

Maintaining a shaggy haircut requires minimal effort but regular upkeep:

• Trims: Plan for a trim every 6–8 weeks to keep split ends in check and preserve the shape of your haircut.
• Conditioning: Use a deep conditioner once a week to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

Pro Tip: Adjust your hair care routine based on how your hair grows out to keep the shaggy style looking intentional and fresh.

Additional Tips for Perfecting the Shaggy Look

• Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils, making it harder to achieve the shaggy effect. Try washing your hair 2–3 times a week.
• Experiment with Accessories: Add headbands, clips, or hats to enhance your shaggy look and add a personal touch.
• Consider Your Hair Type: Tailor your products and techniques based on whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly to achieve the best results.
• Use Heat Protectant: If using heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage and maintain healthy hair.

Conclusion: Embrace the Shaggy Look with Confidence!

Now that you know how to make your hair look shaggy, it’s time to embrace this stylish, effortless trend. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, a shaggy hairstyle can add texture, volume, and personality to your look. Start with the right haircut, use the best products, and experiment with styling techniques to find what works best for you.

Ready to try the shaggy style? Follow these tips and steps to achieve a chic, tousled look that’s perfect for any occasion. Embrace the carefree, cool vibe of shaggy hair and let your unique style shine through!

Read Also: How to Style Shaggy Hairstyles in 2024: A Simple Guide to Trendy Looks

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