WHAT is emo?

Emo is a lot of things. There is no true definition of emo, and emo can mean a lot of things to a lot of differn't people. To us, Emo is not a late 80's genre of music that is coming back. Today's "emo" is not what it was yesterday. The term may have been stolen from the 80's, but the term was the only thing that was stolen. Today emo is definitely an awesome genre of music, but it is much more than just a sub-genre of punk or indie music. It's a culture. It's a fashion statement. It's a way of life.

People often use the term to describe anyone who looks sad or depressed or has an emotional personality. You can't label someone just because of the way they look, and just because someone may fit the label, it's doesn't mean they should be labeled. It's okay to label yourself though. The emo bucket was built for people to share pictures, meet other scene kids, and to be the best community to discuss things like the true meaning of the term :-)

EMO hairstyles

Emo hairstyles are one of the hottest new fashion trends and people with the hair and overall fashion look can be seen everywhere. You see a lot of older people with hair who are not emo and probably couldn't name one true emo or indie band. What makes the hair so appealing is that it is wild and un-groomed looking, something that is very popular not only for teens but across whole fashion industry. Whether you like it or hate it, it's nothing new and it's not going away.

emo boys hairstyles

Hairstyles for boys. You can get some more hair ideas in the hot emo guys gallery.

emo girls hairstyles

Hairstyles for girls... Upload unique hairstyles and cool colored hair. You can also post a picture of your new hairstyle, and get rated! Also a great place to get tips and ideas for your next hairstyle

Emo Definition

What is emo?

Well most people would consider it punk with emotion is what we would call the classification of a new rising way of feeling your inner self.

More About Emo

Close enough to punk and rock Emo is now know for it's more emotional state of mind. Instead of the anger hard-core way of expressing one-self , Emo (short for emotional) has taken a new tole on the twentith century of expressing yourself. From the music with strong emotion and feeling, unlike hard rock or this is more of an alternative way to let your feeling be known.Emo is not only a classification or a type of music it's also taken over the way one expresses themself by dressing. It includes the tighter fiting pants to the dyed-black or dark hair with it covering your face. The longer hair in front with the spikes in the back is also a more Emo- or emotional look to dressing. Emo is also being known as for the hot emo guys and emo girls kissing. From pictures all on the web to the music videos. Hot emo girl to girl and well as hot emo guy to guy is becoming more and more adventurous and more open concluding; Emo meaning being comfortable with oneself. Its a more direct way of altering the feelings one has without words, just emotion.

Some say music is not a type of music. That it is more of a fashion and a way of feeling, hence the emotional. Just recently people have been considering emo to be a genre or music.. Taking back Sunday is one of the many bands people consider to be emo.

Wondering why everyone hates emo? Not all emo people are cry babies or sucidial. Many emo kids come from families which are having serious issues whether it being money issues or what have you

What is emo to mean to you? Send us what it means to you and we will add your description.

Viewers Voice

Emo,yes it is short for emotional. But,there is more to emo then hair and looks. Emo is a state of mind. Most people,made them selves appear emo. While in reality,they have to much hope to be emo. Emo is much like goth. But,goth is Darker. Emo is more emotional,harder to fake. Yes,some emos cut themselves,but there is more than that. Emo is one of the hardest things,to explain. People hate emos,b/c they view us as suicidal,cry babies,or just week. That's NOT what emo is. Suicidal yes,at times. But,don't judge me for being emo. It's not what I chose to be. It's just what I am.

Another says....

I think emo is just another label,but my definition of it will be for real.Personally,i used to cut,but I stopped.Take it from me.It's hard to stop!I am bi,but I'm not afraid of it!People shouldn't judge us for what we do and who we are.Emo is a music genre,but also a state of mind.If you're emo,don't be afraid of it.It's just who you are!It's perfectly normal to have a sensitive side,although I'm sassy sometimes.I'm really sensitive when 90% of the time.I love being who I am,though I get bullied alot.I don't care.Well,in my opinion,emo is just how people describe over-sensitive people.I write tons of poetry,and I'm in middle school.I am not ashamed to say I like girls,ever since I was 9,I have liked girls.I can't help how I feel! But over the summer,I've changed a bit.I'm not AS sensitive,but I still am.I don't let people put me down.Emo is just about being sensitive and expressing how you feel about something.If you get suicidal thoughts,talk to someone,trust me!Don't make the mistake I did.I am a lot better off without blades.

Emo Fashion & Style

Of course, music although the main part of the equation when evaluating the Emo movement; there is also the wardrobe to consider.

Emo music has even inspired its own subcultural style. Again as with the general definition of emo there is no one definition and there are main two sides to the style – the past and present. soEMO will be mainly referring to the present day emo, scene, etc fashion and style.

Emo fashion has changed dramatically over a period of time and is prevalent mostly among teenagers. It has been described as a perfect outlet for fickle teens trying on personalities. Gothic and punk cultures have a great influence on Emo fashion. Some people wrongly consider emo to follow the common goth look – "chalky white faces, black eyes, lips and clothing." Numerous articles describe the fashion as similar to goth, but more fluffy and sugar-coated by taking basic gothic fashion, (skulls, crosses, too much eyeliner, etc), making it tighter, and adding stripes of colour.

Emo fashion use to be more "nerdy" with defining characteristics like greasy black hair, thick black rimmed glasses and a tight dull-coloured v-neck sweater from grandpa’s wardrobe. [see picture top right]


Nowadays emo fashion has evolved and is considered trendier, especially what is now considered as "scene". However, Emo fashion still can be characterised as distinctly non-fashionable. Emo individuals perceive themselves to be outcasts and dress accordingly so as to avoid any appearance of attempting conformity. The emo look has now become considerably widespread and popular in today's society. The look is described in detail below:
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Emo Hair

Probably nothing characterises the Emo look more than the Emo hairstyle, which features:

A long fringe (bangs) brushed to one side of the face or over one or both eyes, dyed black (and/or other colours), straightened (and layered). Spikes are occasionally accentuated at certain angles of the hair, especially at the back. A common generalization for emo hair is short in the back and long in the front.

However, there are many emo-looking hair styles to choose from and it's important to think outside the box. Emo has its roots in the punk scene, and isn't just limited to black with a long fringe. Hair can be dark brown, black, blond, purple or any color you want - as long as the cut is expressive of a punk rock culture and has a little emo flare. Black hair, for example, may be highlighted with white accents, vibrant red streaks, orange tones, or any other shade the individual prefers. At the same time, any color that is bold and vibrant can be considered an emo look. Wear super girly hair bands, bandannas, ribbons. It's up to you!

It is a misconception that emo styles aren't washed frequently. While some teenagers may choose not to wash their hair regularly, this is not a necessary characteristic of emo styles.

Emo hairstyles are a great way to play around with your look. They allow you to have fun, be creative and unique. An Emo hairstyle treats your hair like a canvas; you have artistic freedom to express who you are, to show off your personal style almost like an art form. The beauty of an Emo hairstyle is how un-uniformed it is; they are asymmetrical and rather choppy.

As a result some emos prefer DIY hair or by cut by a friend at home shunning the processed, rubber-stamped appearance of mainstream hairstyles. A mistake in your cutting could actually turn into an advantage in your Emo look. Although sometimes it is best to visit a trained professional that you can clearly show what you want.

A great sculpting gel and some decent hairspray (don't overdo it) will be a good addition to your hairstyling collection. The right hair products will allow you to mold & shape your Emo hairstyle the way you want it to go.

Finally a pair of straighteners is important for many emo haircuts.

Emo Hair Reference Pictures from Living With Style Forums
Emo Hair Appreciation Myspace Group

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Emo Clothing

The term "slim fitted" is key to dressing emo. By almost all current definitions, Emo clothing is characterised by tight jeans (aka drainpipes or skinnies) on males and females alike. Males also sometimes where girls jeans as they “fit better”. Dresses and skirts can be worn by girls if properly paired with converse and leg warmers.

Tight t-shirts which often bear the name of rock bands such as "As I Lay Dying" or "Cute is What We Aim For” with common iconic symbols of emo such as the broken heart, the bleeding heart, stars and the every so popular skull. Vintage tees are also still popular including vintage-looking printed tees with random things like robots, dinosaurs, or any random icon that makes people think. Originality (at least the illusion of originality) is the key.

A dark coloured zip-hoodie is a classic must have. Like the tees these can be plain or covered in strange ghoulish and self deprecating designs with bleeding hearts, ribs, etc.

Black is probably the most popular colour for all the clothing, but certainly not the only colour. Emo’s generally wear less black than Goths for example.

Note it’s a misconception that emo’s have to follow the frail/skinny look.
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