Buzz
If you're a fan of emo or scene style and want to showcase it, the right hairstyle is essential! Emo hair typically features choppy layers, dark or blonde tones with pops of color, and bold side-swept bangs. Explore various styles, and then either visit a salon or DIY your way to a killer emo look!
Creating Emo Hairstyles
- Start with a choppy, layered haircut for an edgy look.
- Create a deep side part, beginning just outside your eyebrow.
- Sweep your bangs across your face, or use bobby pins for a faux-bang effect.
- Add volume by backcombing your hair.
- Experiment with bold, bright hair dyes or bleach streaks for added flair.
Steps to Achieve the Look
How to Style Emo Hair
Start by creating a deep side part. Many emo styles begin with a bold side part. Hold a comb at the outer edge of your eyebrow, then move it through your hair from your hairline to the crown. Once parted, comb the hair on both sides, and use hairspray to keep it in place.
- If your bangs are long, part them so they fall over one eye for a classic emo look.
If you don't have bangs, use bobby pins to create the illusion of them. After parting your hair, take the front section and comb it slightly forward so it rests on your forehead. Sweep the hair to one side as if it were long bangs, and secure it in place with bobby pins near your ear.
Style your hair either straight or with waves, paired with straight bangs. Emo hair is often sleek and straight to highlight the choppy layers. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, you can straighten it using a flat iron. Alternatively, embrace your natural waves and simply straighten your bangs for the signature look.
Backcomb your hair for extra volume at the roots. Take a section of your hair and comb it backward toward the scalp. Repeat this process until you see noticeable volume. Smooth the top layer of hair over the backcombed section and set it with hairspray.
- You can also try a root volumizer, which you can find in most beauty or drugstores, for added lift. These products typically come in powder or foam form.
- Be mindful, though: backcombing can damage your hair and make it prone to tangling, so it shouldn't be done too often.
Add some fun hair accessories if you like. Emo hairstyles often feature playful, colorful plastic barrettes. Popular options include vibrant bows and plastic skulls. Pin them in your bangs or above your ear for a fun, unique touch.
Play around with your hair color. Many emo enthusiasts dye their hair black or bleach it to a platinum blonde, often with bright accents. Common combos include black with blue or red streaks, or blonde with pink streaks or dark horizontal stripes known as “coon tails." But don’t feel pressured to change your natural color — many emo fans rock their natural hues.
- If you’re new to hair dye, consider going to a salon for a professional touch. If you decide to dye your hair at home, make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
- If you want a non-permanent look, try using clip-in extensions or temporary hair color options like hair chalk or colored sprays.
Cutting Layered Emo Hair on Your Own
Look at inspiration photos to decide on your desired look. Study the haircuts you like, noting where the layers start and how they might look on your hair. Keep these images nearby while cutting to ensure you’re on track.
Make sure your hair is clean and dry before cutting. Wet hair stretches and appears longer due to the weight of the water, so cutting it when wet may result in a shorter style than intended. For best results, always cut hair when it’s dry and clean.
Use quality haircutting scissors. This isn't the time to grab your old craft scissors. Spend a little on a proper pair of haircutting scissors from a beauty supply shop. Professional-grade scissors can cost over $100, but a decent pair in the $15-$20 range should work just fine.
Make sure you have at least two mirrors. You'll need to see both the front and back of your hair. Set up a mirror in front of you and one behind you. If you have more mirrors available, position them so you can also view the sides of your hair.
Divide your hair into sections. Comb your hair into the style you plan to wear. Separate your bangs and clip or pin them out of the way. Then, section off the rest of your hair to prepare for layering.
- Use your inspiration images to decide how many layers you want and where they should begin.
Trim your hair using the tips of the scissors. It might be tempting to cut straight across for a blunt look, but this can make blending the layers difficult. Hold the scissors with the points facing upwards and make small, precise cuts across each layer.
- If you prefer a blunt finish, you can use a straight razor. Hold it at a 45-degree angle and trim small amounts at a time.
Trim slowly and gradually. It’s better to cut a little more as you go than to risk cutting too much at once. Start by cutting a bit longer than you want, then trim more until you reach your desired length.
- Leave some of the bottom layers longer to achieve that authentic emo vibe.
Trim your bangs to reach your cheekbones or chin. Emo bangs are typically long, falling below the eyes. Use the same technique you applied to cutting your layers. If you plan to tease your bangs for extra volume, leave them a bit longer to account for that added height.
Getting Emo Hair at a Salon
Bring some inspiration photos. Even the best stylist might not know exactly what you mean by "emo hair," especially since the term encompasses many different styles. Bring cutouts from magazines or show pictures on your phone so your stylist can visualize the look you’re aiming for.
- These days, the emo style is making a comeback with a more subtle, adult-friendly twist that works in professional settings. Make sure to consider how the style can reflect your personal vibe when going to the salon.
Request long, side-swept bangs for a classic emo look. Emo bangs are iconic. Ask your stylist for long, razor-cut bangs starting from a deep side part for that signature style.
Ask for a razor cut to achieve blunt layers. A straight razor can help your stylist create choppy, blunt layers. Since razor cuts can cause split ends, make sure your stylist uses a fresh razor to minimize damage to your hair.
Ask your stylist to thin out the bottom 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of your hair. Emo styles typically feature lots of volume at the top with a tapered bottom. Request that your stylist uses thinning shears to reduce the thickness at the bottom few inches to enhance the layers and give your hair a more dynamic shape.
Return for regular trims every 4-6 weeks. To maintain the shape of your short layers and heavy bangs, it’s best to schedule a trim every 4 weeks. If you wait longer, up to 6 weeks, split ends and grown-out bangs will start to make your emo look less sharp.
The tips in this section come from the shared experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have any useful advice you'd like to contribute, feel free to submit it in the field below on Mytour.
- Trim your hair in small amounts, using haircutting scissors and regularly checking the mirror to monitor the length. You can always cut more, but you can't undo a cut once it's made! Better to be cautious.
- Carefully examine inspiration photos before attempting your own emo cut. Pay close attention to where the layers start and how the bangs are styled. Copy these details closely to avoid regrettable results.
- Part your hair before you start cutting, and secure your bangs out of the way with clips. Divide the rest of your hair into sections to isolate the layers you want to cut. This will help keep things organized and ensure a more precise cut.
- For a true emo look, ask your stylist for razor-cut blunt ends. The razor creates clean layers without tugging on the hair, but be aware that it may make your hair more prone to breakage in the future.
- Add volume at the crown by briefly backcombing and then smoothing the top layer. Finish with strong hairspray, but be gentle with the backcombing to avoid damaging your strands.
- Schedule trims every 4-6 weeks to keep your emo style looking fresh. Choppy layers and heavy bangs need regular maintenance to avoid split ends and a messy appearance.
