Forget the scrunchies, ultra-high ponytails and voluminous blow-dries straight from the 90s – the hottest hairstyles on sandy beaches this summer will take inspiration from the groovy 70s.

Everyone knows the shag haircut – it makes a “comeback” every year, as if it hasn’t been seen in 50 years, and was made iconic by Hollywood actresses such as Jane Fonda and Farrah Fawcett.

Rather than one specific cut, the shag is more of a concept, like a variation on the mullet. The shag cut is characterised by more fullness at the top of the head than in the lengths.

As its name suggests, it essentially involves shaggy, textured layers, with a chiselled, choppy look, often edging into the wilder side of styling with strands of different lengths tapered in all directions and, if possible, with waves or curls.

To bang or not to bang?

Make no mistake, the 2021 version of the shag haircut has nothing to do with the ultra-glamorous version of the 70s. With a more rock ‘n’ roll vibe, it blurs gender boundaries while its forerunner was an ultra-feminine style.

Some have chosen to play up the style by opting for short, or even very short, bangs, while others prefer a particularly long fringe for a slightly more glamorous look.

But if you really want to rock “the” shag cut that’s currently all the rage, set your sights on curtain bangs, where hair is parted down the middle or just slightly off-centre. Far out!