Emo Girl Haircuts

What is Emo?

As mentioned in previous articles on LovetoKnow Hair, Emo stands for “emotional” and is most closely associated with a style of hair and dress often found within the teenage generation. Characterized as a sort of “soft punk”, emo-oriented individuals wear dark, serious colors intermingled with bursts of rainbows, polka dots, or other fun and childish prints.

Emo girl haircuts usually start with very dark hair, either cut around the shoulders or in a spiky and uneven style with long, side swept bangs. Blondes can also pull off the signature emo haircuts, and no matter what the shade emo styles usually wear a portion of the hair hanging in front of the face. This gives the sullen and put-off appearance that the emo look is notorious for.

An unfortunate misconception with the emo movement is that of severe depression and bodily mutilation. While this may be true of some individuals, following this type of dress and hair styles does not in any way suggest a mental illness or internal struggle. Many individual follow just the style of emo haircuts, without all of the personal angst so often stereotyped with them.

How to Get Emo Girl Haircuts

Some people prefer to go to a stylist, and with good reason, for an emo look. Achieving this sort of cut can be very difficult if you are unsure how to layer and position the hair. There are some salons, especially in urban areas, that specialize in emo hairstyles. Take advantage of this resource if it is your first time and is available to you.

Be sure to observe everything the stylist does and don’t be afraid to ask questions such as what tools and products they are using on your hair. Being able to replicate the look after leaving the salon is the goal. Some people are too timid to ask for guidance, thinking it will offend or “steal” from the salon. However, stylists often love to share their tips and their business depends upon happy customers who will be satisfied enough to refer them to others.

If you decide to attempt one of the popular emo girl haircuts on your own, then start with the back of your hair. Cut at a slant, leaving the hair longer at the shoulders and choppier in the back. You can spike the sides or use gel to texturize and give a sharper contrast to the front, back, and sides.

Next, focus on the bangs. When wet, sweep them to the side and blow dry them straight. Cut them at an angle so that they are covering a portion of the face, such as the left eye. This is the simplest part of the cut, as bangs grow out quickly if you make a mistake. The steady hand of a friend can help to make sure your layers and chops are even and well-executed.

Hair dye is another important aspect of the final result. Those with dark hair will often add a dramatic streak of blonde and vice versa. Emo hair is all about stark contrast combined with youthful sultriness, so play it up and never be afraid to try something new.

What Emo Hair Isn’t

Emo haircuts for girls are not for those who are looking to “belong” to a certain demographic. This subculture is especially known for having “posers,” and many young people have attempted the emo look only to be teased by their peers.

Emo styling is not a lot of effort after the initial cut and arrangement. Many individuals with emo looks put in minimal effort and allow the hair to go naturally with only a little assistance from hair products. Despite their dark demeanor, those with Emo girl haircuts are usually free spirits who love to think outside of the box.