The Low-Maintenance Haircut Everyone Is Trying Because of French Girls

Twenty twenty-two is ushering in a lot of surprising beauty trends we never thought we’d see again. Things like the vivid blue eye shadow of the ’90s to equally nostalgic hair claws celebs adore have made a triumphant return, and we’d like to add more to the list: the shag haircut. Popularized in the ’70s, the retro cut isn’t just making a return—it’s fully arrived.

While everyone from celebrities to models to influencers has been opting for the cut recently, we’d like to point out that French girls have low-key been perfecting the tousled, effortless look for a while now with fringe bangs and long layers being the hallmark of many Parisian hairstyles.

Whether you pull inspiration from the retro shags or the modern iterations, one thing is clear: Less is definitely more when it comes to maintaining these cuts, which might be one reason we’re seeing them gain popularity. Who wouldn’t want to look cool with the least amount of effort?

Just to be sure we weren’t hallucinating, we polled the experts, who agreed that they’re also seeing the revival of this iconic cut. According to celebrity hairstylist Rebekah Forecast, shags are the natural progression after all the bobs and lobs we saw over the last few seasons, and it’s not hard to make the transition. Just grow out your bob a little and add layers, she advises. Patrick Wilson, another hairstylist with a roster of A-list clients, says he loves that this cut is super easy to maintain, and with more people embracing their natural texture, we’re only going to see more of it. “While clients are in isolation, they are really thinking about change, and the minute those hair salons are back open, I predict that people will be up for a restyle,” Wilson shared. “At the moment, women are bored with their hair and are even attempting to cut their own bangs at home. My personal advice has always been to wait and let the professionals do it.”

We couldn’t agree more, which is why we’re highlighting the easy, low-maintenance cut that we have the ’70s and our French friends to thank for. To see all the shag haircuts from celebs and fashion girls sparking this trend, just keep scrolling, and be sure to screenshot your favorites to show your stylist at your next hair appointment.