Short Emo Hair

All about Emo Style

Emo, short for emotional, has proven to be more than just a state of mind for the current generation of "tweens" and teenagers. Considered a form of expression, emo incorporates everything from clothing to music to attitudes to hair styles. While certain styles may dominate this seemingly brooding generation, it is also true that no particular style need be favored in order to best embody that which is considered emo.

People may view emo as nothing more than a state of darkness, dreariness, and depression. While there may be anger beneath the surface – or even bubbling way over the surface – of individuals who consider themselves emo, in truth emo may best be described as a cataclysm of feelings that aren't easily explained. This may explain the tendency for emo individuals to express their style in a manner that may not be easily defined by others. It sets them apart and encourages individuality, and although the look is becoming increasingly more common, it doesn't negate the fact that emo style is unique.

Almost anyone can relate to the spiked rush of confidence resulting from flawless hair, a gorgeous outfit or a great hair day. Emo individuals favor a sharp, unexpected look.

Emo Hair Color

You would be hard pressed to find an emo individual whose hair didn't include at least a streak or two of black color. Generally, black is the color of choice. However, there's no hard and fast rule when it comes to expressing individuality, so there is no reason to consider black an absolute must. Now, vivid highlights in varying degrees of red, pink, eggplant, maroon and white are popular – but at the end of the day, anything goes.

Types of Short Emo Hair Styles

The messy bun was considered the height of style for so long because it suggested a sort of carefree, nonchalant, wash-and-go attitude. Bed head hair styles are similarly appealing for their ease and laid-back approach. Short emo styles, on the other hand, are the polar opposite. These styles are intriguing and often complex, involving plenty of creativity.

It's noteworthy that the emo hair style is probably the most profound element of the entire look. The time spent on a style, the attention given to the hair, and the obvious amount of effort put into achieving something occasionally bordering on artistic equates to the hair's importance for emo individuals.

Short emo hair styles offer plenty of opportunities for creativity and expression. While it may seem as simple as the "chop and go" looks adopted by some individuals, it can require quite a bit more attention than that for others.

In general, emo hair styles tend to favor the short side. They don't differ much between males and females, making the use of colored streaks all the more appropriate. It is also typically unkempt, but easily "dressed up" with gel or hairclips.

The Comb-Over

You might be most familiar with the comb-over. It's seen on members of some of the most popular bands of the moment, such as My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy, and it has been adopted by some as an emo hair "uniform" of sorts. It's so common that it is also known as scene hair; in other words, it's the hair style that has defined the emo trend.

Achieve the look by following these simple steps:

1. The cut is crucial. The back of the hair should be cut short, while the bangs should be allowed to grow long.
2. Use a flat iron to straighten the bangs completely. A touch of heat-protecting spray or shine serum (such as John Frieda's Frizz Ease) will make the process easier. The bangs should ideally fall over the eyes, either in a casual manner that suggests they were just pushed to the side, or flattened further with a hair gel to achieve shine.
3. Shape the crown and sides as desired using hair gel.

Looks similar to this have been spotted for years on artists such as Robert Smith of The Cure and Davey Havok of AFI. While the emo generation may be a relatively current phenomenon, its looks have existed for years.

The Neo-Mullet

A young woman sports a neo-mullet.

The mullet has never exactly been more than a major style faux pas, but this updated take on the look is widely accepted by emo individuals. This look consists of the same long bangs that the comb-over favors, but the back of the hair features a long tail, usually on one particular side of the head. For example, if the bangs are combed over to the right side of the face, the tail would most typically be cut on the left side of the head.

Common among males and females alike, this look is easily accentuated by vivid, dynamic colors.

Regardless of what type of short emo hair styles an individual favors, the most important characteristic is for the style to reflect their personal flair and uniqueness. By expressing themselves through a creative hair style, the emo look can help express emotions that may be hard to describe.