What Is Headless Shopify & Should You Use It?

What Is Headless Shopify?

Headless Shopify is a development approach where the front end (your store front) is separated from the back end. Instead of using Shopify’s standard themes, you build a custom front end using frameworks like Shopify Hydrogen, Next.js, or React, while still leveraging Shopify’s backend for product management, checkout, and order processing.

With a headless setup, Shopify acts as a content and commerce API, allowing you to display your store’s data anywhere—on a website, mobile app, or even a smart device.

How Does Headless Shopify Work?

Rather than relying on Shopify’s Liquid-based themes, a headless store communicates with Shopify via the Storefront API and Admin API. This gives developers complete control over the user experience, enabling them to build high-performance, custom storefronts while still using Shopify’s backend for managing products, orders, and customers.

Key Technologies for Headless Shopify:

• Shopify Hydrogen – Shopify’s own React framework designed for building headless storefronts.
• Next.js / React – Popular choices for creating fast, scalable eCommerce sites.
• GraphQL Storefront API – Fetches product, cart, and customer data from Shopify.
• Content Management Systems (CMS) – Headless platforms like Sanity or Contentful for flexible content control.

Pros of Going Headless with Shopify

✅ Custom Design & UX – Full creative freedom to design a unique storefront without Shopify theme limitations.
✅ Faster Load Times – Headless setups can be highly optimised for performance, reducing page load times and improving SEO.
✅ Omnichannel Selling – Display products across multiple platforms like web, mobile apps, and even IoT devices.
✅ Advanced Integrations – Easier integration with third-party services, CMS platforms, and external APIs.
✅ Scalability – Ideal for brands looking for a high-performance, enterprise-level solution.

Cons of Going Headless with Shopify

❌ Increased Development Complexity – Requires skilled developers to build and maintain the custom front end.
❌ Higher Costs – More expensive than using Shopify’s native themes due to custom development and ongoing maintenance.
❌ No Native Shopify Apps – Many Shopify apps rely on Liquid themes, so you may need custom development to replace key features.
❌ Checkout Limitations – Shopify’s checkout is still hosted separately unless you’re on Shopify Plus, which allows for more customisation.

Should You Use Headless Shopify?

Headless Shopify is best suited for:

• High-growth brands that need a fully customised eCommerce experience.
• Businesses with complex needs that require advanced integrations, custom UX, or multi-platform selling.
• Brands focused on speed & performance that want a fully optimised store experience.

You might not need headless if:

• You’re a small to mid-sized store that doesn’t need complex customisations.
• Shopify’s built-in themes and apps meet your needs.
• You want to keep costs and development requirements low.

Final Thoughts

Headless Shopify is a powerful solution for brands that want full control over their store’s design, performance, and functionality. However, it’s not for everyone—if you’re just getting started or don’t have complex development needs, Shopify’s native setup might be the better choice.

If you’re considering headless and would like to chat more, drop us a message.