Not all emo hair is suitable for work, school, the UN Peace Conference. This article is for those who do not want to overdo it, but still want to have an emo look. This guide covers basic emo hairstyles, complete with instructions.
Steps
Step 1. Decide what you want to change
Even if you're not totally emo, there are 2 things every emo or quasi-emo should have. Bangs and layers.
- Bangs: should cover the eyebrows. It doesn't mean they have to get to your nose, but they shouldn't show your forehead either. Some prefer to have a clean cut above the nose, while others prefer them to the side and in front of only one eye. When you ask your hairdresser for emo bangs, choose from these words: layered, side / front, under the eyebrows, on one eye only.
- Layers: especially for girls. The layers define how emo you are, they are a metaphor for the depth and complexity of your emo head. Your emo counterpart will appreciate it. Plus, they work well with bangs. Ask for many, many layers, short enough to be pulled up with products, but not too short to make you look like a hedgehog sometimes.
Step 2. Choose your hairstyle
Different types of emo hair you can do:
- Girls (short): For many girls who favor short hair, this cut includes the zero cut at the nape of the neck, leaving it long and smooth across the forehead and sides.
- Girls (medium): This is the most common type of hair for girls. Shoulder-length and smooth (usually); VERY layered at the top but not so much at the bottom. If you are looking for a more "SCENE" style, make sure the top is visibly large - many girls use hairspray for this. The hair at the base of the head remains smooth. the bangs, of course, to the side or with a clean cut.
- Girls (long): Same as medium, but with hair up to the chest / lower back.
- Boys (short): practically the same as girls. Again, you cut them to zero at the nape of the neck, but leave the forehead longer than the back. You decide then whether to bring them up or not.
- Guys (Medium): The nape is the same as the short ones, but in this case you might prefer a more messy version. Usually, guys with medium length hair prefer to keep it long and straight in the front, with much of the tuft to the side to cover one eye.
Step 3. Decide how to 'style them'
Hairstyle: Emo hair is quite complicated to maintain. Once styled, they won't stand up on their own. You will need several great products (see "Things You Will Need"). Once bought, it's time to "get creative". But if in doubt, here are some guidelines:
- There is a rule for emo hair (especially for girls, but sometimes also for men): thick at the top, straight at the bottom. It essentially means that you should pull the top half of your hair up, smoothing the bottom half down. Think about the contrast.
- Tuft: depending on the style of your tuft, the hairstyle can change. If yours is lateral, it is better to flatten it (in this case, be sure to push the sides of your hair upwards so that it is not all flat). If you have a straight cut, it's up to you to decide (often it doesn't take much, so avoid overdoing it).
- For males and females with short hair: if you really groped in the dark, pass a hand UP on the nape of the neck, in order to get completely disheveled. Now, simply start styling and flattening the various pieces.
- For girls with medium / long hair: if you are impatient, simply grab the lower half of the hair in a fist and dishevel the upper half. In this way, they will remain smooth in the lower part.
Step 4. For an interesting look, you might want to add pops of color
If so, make sure your parents agree and that your school does not ban dyed hair. Make sure you always renew the color, otherwise it will be terrible. If your parents are against it, buy some extensions; if you don't find any colored ones, take the real ones and dye them, and cut them to the desired length.
Advice
- If you want a side tuft, ask for an off-center line (VERY important!).
- If you are a straight hair freak, you need to use some product that protects your hair and keeps it hydrated by using the straightener. Otherwise, your hair will become very dry and not attractive at all.
- The plate is also an option. The best part about straight hair is that it looks more emo, and easier to pull up. The worst part is that you have to keep smoothing them, and you risk ruining them. If you have naturally straight hair, don't use the straightener. Or you may only need to smooth them out occasionally. If you have them very wavy / curly then you need to straighten them.
- Dye is an option, but it is not absolutely necessary. If you have black, brown or red hair, you don't need a dye much. However, for lighter hair, such as blond, you might try dyeing it a darker shade of the same color. If you are blond, you could try highlights, or coloring the tips black … just the tips though … you could also try adding random streaks of a bright color (pink, green, blue, purple …) here and there!
Warnings
- The same goes for hair products. There is no need to exaggerate.
- Don't iron them TOO. You really risk ruining them.
- Don't suddenly get emo, or people will think you're fake or a poser. If you are "preppy" or particularly effeminate, it is best to change gradually. Start wearing darker clothes, listening to new bands (emo / punk) and maybe even seeing new people (if you want the transition to be that drastic).
