Spring 2025 is proving to be the season of hair revival for women over 50, with the Side-Fringe Shag emerging as the must-have style that’s transforming mature locks across the country. This modern interpretation of the classic shag delivers volume, movement, and a youthful edge without trying too hard—exactly what aging hair needs as the warmer months approach.
Why the side-fringe shag is revolutionizing over-50 hair
As we age, hair naturally thins and loses its youthful bounce. The side-fringe shag counters these changes with strategic layering that creates the illusion of fuller, more voluminous hair. According to master stylist Elaine Bennett, “The brilliance of this cut lies in how the layers stack to create natural lift at the crown—exactly where women over 50 need it most.”
The side-swept bangs portion of this style does double duty: they frame the face beautifully while drawing attention to the eyes and softening fine lines around the forehead. This framing effect has led many women to report looking up to five years younger after making the switch.
Spring 2025’s fresh take on the classic shag
This season’s iteration of the side-fringe shag incorporates softer edges and more movement than its predecessors. “It’s like giving your hair a breath of fresh spring air,” explains celebrity hairstylist Marcus Chen. “The 2025 version incorporates slightly longer layers that catch the light, creating dimension that works especially well with the golden spring sunshine.”
Many women are discovering that this cut pairs perfectly with newly detoxed and rejuvenated hair, allowing the natural texture to shine through while requiring minimal styling effort.
The perfect antidote to winter hair blues
After months of cold weather, heated indoor environments, and hat hair, many women find their locks looking particularly lifeless by April. The shag’s inherent texture revitalizes winter-weary strands, and many salons report a surge in requests for this style as winter transitions to spring.
One client reported: “After getting my side-fringe shag, I realized I’d been wearing my hair the same way for nearly a decade. The new cut felt like shedding years of weight—both literally and figuratively.”
Incredible volume without the work
For women experiencing age-related thinning, this style has been nothing short of transformative. The layered technique creates what stylists call “negative space architecture“—essentially, building structure through strategic cutting that allows hair to move freely while appearing fuller.
Those seeking maximum volume without excessive styling might consider combining this cut with techniques like root crimping, which can add up to 40% more volume without damaging heat styling.
How to know if the side-fringe shag is right for you
This versatile cut works for most hair types, but it’s especially flattering for:
- Fine or thinning hair that needs movement and volume
- Round or square face shapes that benefit from the elongating effect of side-swept bangs
- Women transitioning to gray who want a modern, youthful cut
- Anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet sophisticated style
Seasonal styling tips from the experts
For spring’s unpredictable weather, professionals recommend these easy styling approaches:
- Use a lightweight mousse at the roots for humidity-resistant volume
- Try air-drying with a side part to enhance the fringe effect
- Embrace spring’s natural moisture with texturizing sea salt sprays for effortless waves
“Think of your new shag like a garden coming to life in spring,” says stylist Jennifer Reeves. “With the right cut, it practically styles itself, requiring just a little guidance rather than constant maintenance.”
Beyond the basic side-fringe
For those seeking variations, multiple adaptations exist for different hair textures and personal styles. Some women are pairing their side-fringe shags with subtle balayage highlights that mimic the natural brightness that spring sunlight brings to hair.
Others are opting for slightly shorter variations that incorporate elements of both the shag and the professional bob—perfect for women balancing style with workplace considerations.
As we embrace this season of renewal, the side-fringe shag stands out as more than just a haircut—it’s a declaration that beauty evolves rather than diminishes with age. With its perfect balance of sophistication and effortless style, it’s no wonder this cut has become spring 2025’s signature look for discerning women over 50.