Hairstyle comparison
Compare the Long Waves and Curly Shag by length, shape, finish, maintenance, salon wording, and how each changes your overall outline.
Published 22 September 2026
The short version
The Long Waves is defined by long length shaped by loose, continuous bends, while the Curly Shag uses layered curls with crown lift and progressively longer lower sections.
Both are rated medium for maintenance in this guide, so the stronger distinction is flowing and elongated versus layered and rounded.
| Feature | Long Waves | Curly Shag |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | long length shaped by loose, continuous bends | layered curls with crown lift and progressively longer lower sections |
| Length | long | medium |
| Shape | flowing and elongated | layered and rounded |
| Finish | wavy | curly |
| Maintenance | medium | medium |
Long Waves
You prefer a flowing and elongated outline with a wavy finish and the defining feature of long length shaped by loose, continuous bends.
Salon wording: Ask to preserve the overall length while adding enough long layering to stop the waves from forming one heavy block.
Curly Shag
You prefer a layered and rounded outline with a curly finish and the defining feature of layered curls with crown lift and progressively longer lower sections.
Salon wording: Discuss the dry shape, shrinkage, crown height, fringe option, and how much weight should remain through the lower curls before cutting.
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