Low-maintenance and chic, ‘shag bangs’ are going to be a key hair trend for 2026

Thanks to everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Lily Allen, we’ve never been more tempted to get a fringe. From the edgy, shattered fringe to Scandi-cool bangs, there’s no denying that 2026 is the year we’ll all be making the chop.

But with so many styles and vibes to pick from, it can be hard to choose the right fringe for your face shape and your lifestyle. For example, you won’t want a blunt fringe if you’re not prepared to factor in some styling time in the morning. And if you do veer towards low-maintenance in the grooming department, there is a solution for you: ‘shag bangs’.

Similar to the shag haircut that was trending last year, this fringe is all about a tousled appearance that works for all hair types. It’s not strictly one shape and can be as wispy and wild as you like.

The beauty of this haircut is that when your hair inevitably grows, you can sweep strands to the side and you’ve got the perfect shape for curtain bangs – no emergency haircut needed. It’s basically a two-in-one.

If you have wavy or curly hair, you can let your hair air-dry naturally to add a bit of texture. If you’ve got fine or straight hair, this can add some much-needed volume to your roots. It’s a win-win all round. 

The good news is that this can be customised to fit any face shape; you just need to adjust the length. Chat with your stylist about the length that works best for you, as well as the shape and depth that will make DIY styling easiest.

If you need some shag bangs inspiration to show your stylist to enter your next hair era, these are all the images you need to be screenshotting. 

Images: Getty