by Ginger Voight

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: April 27, 2010

Traditionally teenagers have rebelled against convention using wardrobe and hairstyles. For today's youth, the epitome of personal style and individuality is demonstrated most dramatically in what as been defined as "emo" hair styles.

"Emo" is a popular counter culture that has arisen from a particular type of music; but evolved to more than just that. Now "emo" is an attitude that takes the Gothic look from the 1980s and gives it a more refined edge. Given the attention-grabbing styles under the "Emo" umbrella, it would take a person comfortable in standing out in a crowd to successfully pull it off.

One might even wonder how something so individualistic could be taught en masse because as varied as the people themselves. Each cut, color and style is created as an extension of the personality of the individual themselves. Some are dramatic, some are more subdued, but despite the particular nature of each style, there is are traits common to each one.

THE BANGS:

One of these characteristics of "emo hair" is bangs. Whether they are traditional bangs or a chunk of hair parted off to the side, the distinctive cut begins with how the individual chooses to frame - or sometimes hide - half of their face, usually totally covering one eye (typically the right eye).

Some leave large chunks across their forehead. Some choose to fringe their hair in a layered cut. No matter how it is worn, the emo look begins with how the hair is worn about the face, which almost always includes a sweep to one side. Therefore a flat iron can become an essential styling tool; as the hair brought toward the front typically is worn long and straight, rather than curled in any way.

THE STYLES:

Once the hair is long enough to create the desired look, the next step is to experiment with style.

Another commonality between the cuts is the haphazard way it is worn. It may look sloppy or unkempt, but it's a look that is carefully designed.

If your hair is short in the back, you can use gel to spike it, using layers of texture to add dimension to the longer, straighter look worn about the face.

Conversely, if the hair is worn long, it would be straightened, but for guys it can be worn in a more shaggy style.

THE COLOR:

Color also shakes up emo hairstyles. Bright colors such as red, blond, blue or purple can be used to create additional depth to the typically dark or jet black color that is the foundation of all "emo" hair. These can be used in large blocks of color or simple highlights, even just the ends of the hair can be colored.

Either way, emo hair is as personal and distinctive as each person who dares to wear it.

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