Goth (or Gothic) culture is deeply influenced and recognizable by a peculiar aesthetic - and the Goths are well known for their gorgeous, dark and unique style. Hair plays a major role in the Goth look, as there are different subcultures in the same Goth culture that give rise to so many styles and possibilities to choose from. Sometimes this can be difficult, especially if you are a little Goth. There is a huge amount of colors, sizes, cuts, styles and accessories to select from, which makes it increasingly difficult to define yourself and your personal style. If you want to get a gothic look with your hair but aren't quite sure how, then you've come to the right place.
Steps
Step 1. Determine your Goth style
Don't think that the Goth is just that - the Gothic. There are various styles, beliefs, cultures and lifestyles within the same "Goth" culture. Take the time to explore them, try them out and find out which one suits you the most. The following is a short list of Goth subcultures.
- Vampire Goth: obsessed with, or at least very attracted to, vampires. They are often fans of Anne Rice or Lestat. Vampire Goths generally love everything to do with vampires, from stories to clothes, from legends to movies.
- Romantic Goth: Romantic Goths love the dark and sensual side of culture; they love poetry and classical literature. They typically wear Victorian or medieval-inspired clothing - lace, velvet, and corsets.
- Cyber Goth: Cyber Goths love glow-in-the-dark colors, love modern technology, and are easily recognized by their goggles, crazy locks of hair, and rave-style clothing. Cyber Goths typically listen to dance music, especially futurepop / EBM and hard dance.
- Cabaret Goth: Cabaret Goth are also easily recognized by their attractive and whimsical style - corsets, garters and black dresses. Cabaret Goths are adept at dressing up the class with the utmost extravagance. They typically listen to Siouxsie & The Banshees, Voltaire, Tiger Lillies and the Sex Gang Children, to name a few.
- Deathrocker: they belong to a subculture halfway between Punk and Goth. They typically wear ripped fishnets, pins from their favorite bands, and extremely extravagant hair. They listen to 1980s Goth Rock as well as Horror Punk and Psychobilly.
Step 2. Fit the Goth style to your hair
You will find that many Goth types share the same hairstyle style. More sensual styles, such as Romantic Goth and Cabaret Goth, typically prefer longer, darker hair. More hardcore or punk styles, such as Deathrocker and Cyber Goth, typically have brighter, more extravagant hair. Other styles, such as Vampire Goth, fall in the middle. To get a clearer idea of the various styles, look for them on the internet and in online stores to get inspired by some hairstyles.,
Step 3. Get the cut you want
After doing some research and looking at different styles, decide which cut you prefer. If you are a girl, or a long-haired boy, you can choose to cut them short. Some good short hairstyles are smooth and sleek with bangs. You can also go for more extreme cuts, like spikes on top with long side bangs, a Mohawk cut, or something else extreme. Either way, you don't have to cut your hair if you don't want to. Many styles, such as Romantic Goth and Vampire Goth, favor very long hair.
Step 4. Straight or Curly
Frizzy hair is generally not good for these styles. However, free and romantic waves, ruffled curls and tips are perfect. Get a good quality straightener with which you can both straighten and curl your hair. Since you already have the cut you want, it shouldn't be hard to get what you want.
- Thin, shiny, straight hair is great for Romantic Goth, Vampire Goth, Cabaret Goth, Fetish Goth, and Victorian Goth. They work well on any sensual style.
- Rich waves or wavy curls work equally well for the aforementioned styles, especially Romantic Goth, Vampire Goth, and Cabaret Goth.
- Crazy straight ends or crazy curls are good for Deathrockers and sometimes Cyber Goths.
- Frizzy hair is good for Hippie Goths or Medieval Goths.
- Curly hair fits almost any romantic and sensual style.
Step 5. If you are not allowed to use the hair straightener, curling iron and hair dryer, find an alternative
To make them smooth, there are many anti-frizz shampoos and conditioners to choose from, or try massaging your hair with olive oil after washing and drying it to prevent curls and keep them shiny. Use some gel for the tips. If you prefer curly hair, braid your hair for wavy curls.
Step 6. Make the tincture
If you are looking for a simple color, color your hair dark. Standard black suits almost any style and almost any hair color. However, if you are opting for the Cyber Goth or Deathrocker look, you have to choose a bright color, such as hot pink, blue, purple or green. Take some time to think about which is the best choice for your hairstyle, and remember that:
- Black works well for sensual styles, such as Cabaret Goth, Romantic Goth, and typically Vampire Goth as well. It fits almost any style, but if you're a Cyber Goth or anyone else that requires a pop of color, you might look pretty flat.
- Purple and blue are great for different styles, such as Vampire Goth, Perky Goth, and Deathrocker. Any dark color is generally fine.
- The bright phosphorescent colors are great for any extreme and hardcore style, those similar to Cyber Goth or Deathrocker. If you are looking for a similar look, almost any bright color is fine - try pale pink, lavender, orange / pink and green.
- Solid, natural colors, such as chestnut or blonde, are fine for Fetish Goths, as color is not essential. They are also good for Medieval Goths.
Step 7. Obviously, you don't have to dye your hair
Any natural color - blonde, brown, black, even red / orange - pairs well with a style when you become proficient with the right techniques.
Step 8. Make streaks
They will make the dye complete and further define your style. If you have black hair (colored or natural), then you are in luck, as you can choose almost any color. The most suitable colors are generally dark ones, such as blue, purple or green for the Romantic Goth, the Vampire Goth and perhaps even the Cabaret Goth. Bright colors, such as hot pink, orange, red, and glow-in-the-dark green are great for Cyber Goths, and are also good for Deathrockers and other more eccentric styles. Remember:
- Black goes well with almost any color, but look for an attractive match, such as a dark color or something bright and contrasting.
- Nearly identical colored highlights add a pop of color and are good for Cabaret Goth, Fetish Goth and if you don't want to draw too much attention to your hair.
- If you've already dyed your hair a bright color, it's best to leave it as it is.
- Likewise, if your hair is naturally dark, leave it that way.
Step 9. Get some accessories
There are so many to choose from. If you are Cyber Goth, Vampire Goth or Romantic Goth, extensions are fine - choose a color as explained above. Buy colored clothespins, bands, bows and rubber bands according to your taste. Create your accessories using ties, bow ties, velvet or lace strips, or by coloring old hairpins. If you keep your eyes peeled, you'll end up with a wardrobe full of hair accessories just by recycling old items.
Step 10. Find the right hairstyle for you
Maybe you look better with your hair down. Or maybe you want a different style. If you already have a strong cut, such as a very short one, Mohawk, or an extreme color, your hair is likely to look just as good as it is. But if your hair has a flat color or allows for several possibilities, then explore them. Some styles are:
- The pigtails. Great for Perky Goth and Cyber Goth, and great if your hair has streaks or extensions.
- Ponytail. A simple ponytail with cute bangs works great when paired with ribbons, bows and the like. Big ponytails from the top of the head are great for Cyber Goths.
- Side-Pulled Hair: Secure your hair to one side with a nice - or hideous - ribbon, bow, bow tie, etc.
Step 11. Continue to take care of your look
If you've gone all the way to get the perfect style, then don't screw it up. Wash your hair an adequate number of times - once or twice a week for colored hair, more often for oily hair - and become adept at curling, straightening, pointing to style it best. Use quality shampoos, conditioners, oils, sprays and gels - don't try to save on junk. Follow a healthy diet - eggs, milk and lots of vitamins - to make your hair shine.
Advice
- If people insult you, accept that some may not like your style - and then forget about them. Only your opinion counts - after all, it's your hair.
- Don't be afraid to mix styles, coordinating different elements to create your personal look. There are no rules, there is no rule to follow - let yourself go and dare, do what you want.
- Be creative. Goths generally have extremely personal attire and look.
- Before using a straightener on your hair, make sure you have applied a protective conditioner well, or you will end up burning it. This kind of conditioners and lotions are easily found.
- Side bangs are great for this look, and work with hair of any length.
- If you have dandruff, use an anti-dandruff shampoo. Don't try to scratch it off, it will only make things worse. Find the right treatment and stick with it. In the meantime, try not to wear too much black …
- Make sure you wash your combs and brushes regularly - every time you wash your hair. Otherwise the hair will start to smell.
- If you have particularly extreme hair, take it easy on your makeup and clothing style. Don't use too many bright colors or heavy makeup, and do the same with clothing. You would look boring by always wearing all black - lighten the look a bit.
- Try to keep your hair away from your face when you sleep. Keeping your hair on your face all the time promotes the transfer of dirt and bacteria to the skin, causing pimples and even acne.
- Keep your hair tangle-free - untangle it regularly with a comb and brush it when you want it to spike or shine.
- Create a collection of accessories over time. Homemade hair accessories are the best. Collect bits of velvet or lace, wrap a tie or scarf around your head, or cut your dad's bow tie… after asking, of course.
Warnings
- Be yourself. Don't be what you are not.
- Try explaining to your parents what you want to do. Spare them the trauma of seeing you walk out as a shy brunette teen and come back as a pink and purple Deathrocker.
- Don't try homemade recipes - get your hair done by a hairdresser, by people who know what they're doing.
- Continuing to straighten, curl, dry your hair can ruin it in the long run. Always use a protective conditioner.
- Your parents may get angry if you color or cut your hair without telling them, or they may not allow it at all. Always ask their permission before radically changing your hair.
