Emo Hair Styles

From LoveToKnow Hair

Emo hair styles are one of the hottest teen hair styles today, but what exactly constitutes an emo style and what that style says about the individual are issues that are entirely open for individual interpretation.

What Is Emo?

The term “emo” is short for “emotional,” which is the basis for these unique hair styles. Any style that reflects the deeply personal, individual style of the wearer could be classified as an emo look. Emo styles are strongly related to the punk hair styles and unique styles popular among alternative music artists of the 1980s, though today there are many interpretations of what “emo” really is.

Characteristics of Emo Hair Styles

What an emo style is varies for each person wearing it, and the exact same style worn by one individual may be an emo look, but if worn by someone else it may be considered goth or punk. In general, however, emo styles do share certain characteristics.

Most emo styles have bangs.
  • Rich, deep colors, such as black or deep brunette shades, often including hair highlights in stark contrasts or unusual shades. Black hair, for example, may be highlighted with white accents, vibrant red streaks, orange tones, or any other shade the individual prefers. At the same time, any color that is bold and vibrant can be considered an emo look, such as white hair with pink or blue accents.
  • Loose styles that typically are not restrained by hair accessories or elaborate coifs. Emotion, after all, cannot be restrained, and most emo styles are loose as well, though heavy hair products may be needed to style the look.
  • Long bangs that may be worn obscuring the eye (left or right is up to the individual’s preference) or swept to the side. Bangs may also be straight across the forehead, but are generally longer than for other hair styles, and not every emo style has bangs.
  • A certain, deliberately messy look that reflects the individual’s personal style. Emo hair styles are popular with teens, and teenage emotions are rarely straightforward and clearly defined. To reflect those emotions, an emo style may be somewhat unruly, and in fact, many teens who wear emo styles will change their look from day to day to reflect their current state of mind.

Emo Style Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions about emo looks.

Teenagers are frequently misunderstood, and so are their hair styles. Emo styles, in particular, may be misunderstood by parents and adults who see the styles as rebellious or uncaring. Popular misconceptions include:

  • Emo styles must be long hair. Even a short hair style can be crafted to reflect the wearer’s emotions, and an emo style with short hair can be just as expressive as one with long hair.
  • Emo styles aren’t washed frequently. Because creating a style to reflect one’s emotions may require copious amounts of hair gel and other styling products, many people assume that the hair isn’t clean. While some teenagers may choose not to wash their hair daily, this is not a necessary characteristic of emo styles.
  • Only guys wear emo styles. In fact, many young women use their hair styles to express their emotions, and female emo hair cuts are just as popular as those among young men. This misconception comes from the roots of the style, when primarily male bands first introduced the popular look to teenagers.
  • Teens who wear emo styles are unstable. Parents and other adults can be nervous when a teen radically changes their hair style, especially if it is outside the accepted bounds of “proper” hair styles. The fact that many emo styles change regularly can be disconcerting to people who don’t understand the type of style. In fact, individuals who wear emo hair styles cannot be judged by the way their hair looks any better than they can be judged by the type of music they listen to or the clothes they wear.

Choosing an Emo Style

Short female emo style.

Teens interested in an emo style have many places to look for inspiration. Many alternative rock, ska, and indie bands wear their own variations of emo hair styles, and many emo hair style picture galleries are available for ideas, including these galleries and additional articles here at LoveToKnow Hair:

The best place an individual can look for inspiration for their emo style, however, is inside themselves. Because an emo style is a deeply personal expression, it cannot be copied from another person who many not have the same thoughts, beliefs, or emotions. Certain elements of different hair styles may appeal to many teenagers, but the style should always incorporate personal flair and preferences for color, length, styling, and other details. Consulting with a professional stylist can also help individuals choose expressive styles that are suitable for their face shape, hair texture, and other hair care needs.

Anyone can have an emo look.

Am I Emo?

Labeling someone as an emo based on their hair style is a poor way to interpret personal expression, just as calling someone a goth based on their preference for black clothing or calling them a preppie based on their grades is also inaccurate. Emo hair styles are just one way that teenagers express their emotions through individual style that does not necessarily conform to established guidelines. Whether or not a person listens to emo music, writes emo poetry, or adopts an alternative lifestyle is a personal decision that does not automatically have anything to do with the color or cut of their hair. Emo styles are unique, individual looks that say a lot about the wearer’s style, but the emotions behind them may never be understood by anyone else. Bold text

Next Article: Emo Hair for Girls »
 


Comments

King maame mo

-- Contributed by: King maame mo

Elizabeth - Check out Long Emo Hair for some great style ideas without needing to cut your locks.

-- Contributed by: Mayntz

How would i do my hair if it was long? I want to have long hair but i dont know if it would look good if i still had it emo.

-- Contributed by: Elizabeth
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