by HL Moran

Created on: May 02, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2008

Emo hairstyles represent a current craze on the punk/goth hybrid fashion fringe that is slowly leaking it's way into main stream. The most significant factor that shapes an Emo look is the mood of the moment and the personality that the person has and wants to express using their hair as a featured creative accessory.

One of the main characteristics of an Emo style is the use of dark intense blue/black color throughout a jagged perimeter. Because this look is meant to be unique, no two Emo hairstyles are alike, that is the "beauty" of it. You may see intense dramatic bangs in the front featuring a myriad of points and spikes that often hang over one side of the face. With this particular look the hair at the nape of the neck can be buzzed fairly short leaving graduated lengths as you move towards the top and front of the head. A more feminine variation is shorter in front with face framing jagged edges and strands at different lengths and different intensities of color in the back. Especially popular for girls is to keep the black on the underneath fringes getting gradually lighter at the crown with color throughout bangs framing the face.

If you choose to go to a salon for this look be sure to seek one out in a diverse community that caters to alternative looks. If you try to have this style created at a typical salon they will put too much emphasis on balance and symmetry. You will not end up with a true Emo look and you'll have to have to modify it when you get home. In a salon environment this look is best achieved as a razor cut style, be specific about what you want and don't let them talk you into toning down your ideas, that defeats the purpose of this look. Request semi-permanent color so that you are able to change up the look.

If you want to achieve the look at home, start with scissors to achieve your over-all shape, and then using a razor (like the type you shave your legs with ) divide strands into small sections, twist and use the razor to shave away from the roots towards the end of the twisted shaft at uneven intervals. Note; The closer you are to the roots when you start sculpting, the shorter the strands will be. This technique will create differentiation throughout that can then be enhanced with color (try natural Henna!) and textured with sea salt water spray, gel or wax for a thick piecey look. A note of caution especially for girls - subtle sculpting here and there to change the profile and line of your Emo hairstyle can leave you with not much to work with if you overdo it. Try experimenting with texture and color to achieve the variety of looks you are going for only shave/ sculpt if it is absolutely necessary.

The very nature of the silhouette of an Emo hairstyle makes it ideal for any face shape as the weight and bulk can be modified accordingly, however, this unique hairstyle is not a look for the faint of heart and it does take some maintenance to keep it looking like you did nothing to it! It also can be difficult to grow out into a more conservative look so make sure the look is suited to your individual lifestyle.

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