Metal is certainly not a new phenomenon. In fact, with the exception of rock'n'roll, it is one of the longest-running musical genres there is. For 40 years now, supporters around the world have not only listened to music, they have also embraced a culture based on aversion to trends and commercialism. Modern metal has its roots in the music of classic metalheads, who in turn listened to the pioneers of the genre, such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and so on. Heavy metal evolved from blues and psychedelic rock (hippie music). As a result, its culture partly shares the origins of the hippie movement of the 1960s.
Steps
Step 1. Metal is a very respectable and often qualitatively high musical genre, it should not be underestimated
For a start, looks don't matter that much: if you don't understand or have no consideration for music, you're a poser. You have to embrace and appreciate metal before you even try to become a metalhead. A business man in a suit and tie who talks enthusiastically about bands, guitarists and death metal or black metal singers is undoubtedly more metalhead than a guy who has the perfect look but only listens to Linkin Park.
Step 2. Style your hair right
Speaking of hair, the metalhead par excellence has it long. However, you are not obliged to let them grow: you have freedom of choice, especially if you are a man and are not used to it.
- Haircuts that are not metal at all include the mohawk, the bihawk, the one similar to the top of the Statue of Liberty (in English this hairstyle is called liberty spikes), those in the style of scenes or the typical emo quiff.
- Among the hairstyles suitable for a metalhead we include, for example, long or short hair (like that of Scott Hull) or dreadlocks. You can also shave them completely.
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A beard is also useful for creating a typically metal look.
Dress Like a Metal Head Step 2Bullet3 - If you are a boy, do not dye your hair, while if you are a girl and would like to do it, try to choose a natural color.
Step 3. Learn about hats
They are not typical of metal culture. However, if you really want to wear one, it is preferable to choose those depicting bands, camouflage, dull or dark colors, perhaps with a worn-out appearance. If hunting is a popular activity in your area, you might as well use an orange one. Unless you listen to nu metal (if so, prepare to be called a poser by many metalheads), it's best to avoid brightly colored hats, the ones a hip hop fan would wear so to speak: they would make you look like a fan of this subgenus.
Step 4. Put on a black band shirt
It is highly recommended that you bring t-shirts from bands that you really like to listen to - others might strike up a conversation about them. If you don't have a clue what they're saying, they'll call you a poser.
Step 5. Dress based on the climate
Is it cold and you want to wear warm clothes? A black leather or denim jacket is preferable, especially if you are a fan of eighties thrash metal. Some dark work jackets can also be considered metal. The orange or camouflage ones aren't that much, but they are acceptable if you live in a rural area or where hunting is a relatively common activity. If you want to look like an old school metalhead, you could wear a jacket or vest covered with patches depicting your favorite bands; it should be leather or jeans. The patches can be found on most websites that sell band t-shirts, especially the official record label stores. You should check out the international sites that ship to Italy.
Step 6. Put on the right pants
Those of denim, camouflage or chinos are preferable. Most styles are fine as long as they aren't too flashy or flashy. Avoid tight pants, unless you're a fan of the 80s thrash metal look. More specifically, if you listen to a lot of death metal, grindcore, goregrind and so on, you can express this style wearing chinos (green, khaki, gray, etc.) or camouflage. Do you prefer black metal? Of course, you can tell the whole world by putting on jeans or black pants. In case you listen to a lot of eighties metal thrash, doom or glam, you should opt for jeans, preferably faded.
Step 7. Choose your belt
Contrary to what you think, you don't need a belt decorated with spikes or studs. If you like them, of course use them as well, otherwise any belt that is not particularly colorful and flashy will do. Of course, only use it if you need it.
Step 8. Wear the right shoes
As for footwear, don't worry too much: you can bring any type of sneakers or skater shoes. However, it must be said that boots and walking boots are more suited to the style, so if you want to be a real metalhead, get a pair. The black ones, with a steel tip, or those in biker leather are preferable.
Advice
- Unless you're a huge black metal fan, don't wear makeup. And if you do, make sure you apply your make-up properly, avoid looking like scenes. Also, just because you are passionate about this subgenre, you don't have to walk around the street, school or work with a cadaverous makeup, studs and inverted crosses. Better to reserve these accessories for concerts.
- Metallics undoubtedly have more choice when it comes to fashion. In fact, it's harder for a woman to have a grunge style or look like a Viking. While you only need one band t-shirt to look like a metal girl (unlike men), it is acceptable to wear denim, camouflage, khaki or tartan skirts. Inspired by eighties fashion or punk culture. Plus, you can do your makeup without any problems, as long as the look looks metal or natural. Remember that this genre of music goes against trends. Contrary to scene girls, metallics are serious, they don't follow a passing trend. If they don't want to, they don't have to try to be pretty at all costs. Stay away from feminine and sophisticated looks.
- Try not to look wealthy. Metal stands against everything commercial. That doesn't mean you have to look homeless to be considered a metalhead, but it's hard to convey this idea by wearing visibly precious jewelry and tailored clothes. In fact, jeans from generic brands and cheap sweaters are enough; you can find them everywhere and they are ideal for this style. The so-called anti-fashion metal not only makes you look good, it also saves you money.
Warnings
- If you are going to wear a patch or t-shirt featuring a band, make sure you like it. Get to know his discography well enough and remember which songs you like best. If they start talking to you about this group, without you having a clue what they are saying, it won't be long before they realize it. At that point you will look like a poser. It's better to avoid wearing specific clothing or accessories and admit that you don't know that much about a particular artist than run the risk of looking like a fake person.
- Don't put on airs. You won't hit anyone if you just try to strut with the hottest girls in a club. You will probably make a fool of yourself, no one will respect you and people will get the wrong idea about metal.
- Try not to overdo it when dressing up as a metalhead. Sure, you like music a lot and are a genuine fan, but in doing so many people will consider you a poser.
- Don't wear too many chains and spikes, or your look will be decidedly mall goth, not very authentic.
- A person can call himself a metalhead if he deeply appreciates music and culture, not if he dresses a certain way. Many adopt the style and habits of this genre while knowing only two or three bands, and cannot distinguish a poser (because they themselves are) from a true lover of metal. While you hardly meet them at concerts of better quality bands (because they only listen to mainstream bands, like Slipknot or Korn), you should remember that they are outnumbered by real metalheads. It is not certain that an individual is a true metal enthusiast if he just seems to be.
