by Sherrie Porter

Created on: May 01, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2008

Emo-emotional punk. That seems to be the definition of Emo. It's not just a hairstyle, it's a way of life to these kids. They are very emotional, bordering on the sad and sometimes suicidal. But they are all very intelligent. They are very shy, as well. That's why they love the hairstyle so much. It helps disguise their shyness and they don't have to fully look people in the eyes.

The first thing to do to begin achieving the Emo hairstyle, is dying your hair. You can dye it either jet black (which is the preferred color of choice) or dark brown, and even sometimes, you can go with like a dark burgundy. I've even seen some blonds, but they had several other colors blended in, so it still achieved the same look. After you've dyed your hair, yes, you can do it yourself at home without having to go to the salon, you need to pick out the color(s) you want to highlight your hair with. Several like to use bright blue, maroon, pink, or any bright hued color to give your hair great contrast. Use whatever color matches the mood you are feeling.

Next, come the cut. You can do it yourself or have one of your friends help you. Just start cutting until you reach the style you like best. A lot of girls have a part to the side with choppy bangs to cover one side of their face. The back is usually short, not going past the shoulders. However short or spiky or choppy your hair is depends upon your personal feelings. You can have it short in back and long in front, or short on one side and longer the rest of the way around. Just cut it how you see fit. The bangs usually cover one eye and are swept to one side, or you can have bangs all across your forehead that are straight and come to or over your eyes. Enough so you can still see, but not to much to show off your eyes.
This helps disguise the shyness most Emo girls feel. The style is asymmetric, so you have a pretty wide choice how you want to cut it.

You have to use a lot of hair sculpting gel or hair glue to keep it straight and in place. You also have to use the blow dryer to help blow it out straight. Some girls use flat irons as well to keep their hair straight.

If you do decide to go to the salon, take pictures that you really like to show your hairdresser. Discuss your favorite parts of each picture. This way they have a pretty good idea what you want. I know you are generally shy, but this is when you need to speak up so you can get the look you want. I think it's pretty cool, myself.

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