How to Be Emo or Scene Without Parental Approval

Last Updated: November 16, 2022

Many teenagers wish to become "emo" or "scene," but their parents, teachers, and even sometimes friends don't approve. This article will show you how to gradually grow into the emo or scene phase so your family and friends are more accepting of it.

Steps

1
Understand what being Emo is. An emo teen is usually quiet and introverted, as well as sensitive and thoughtful. They remain to themselves and rarely interact with anyone who aren't in the emo scene.
2
Get the hair right. Begin by having emo-styled hair; there was no such thing as an emo haircut before the mid-2000s. "Emo hair" nowadays mainly refers to a layered hairstyle with long bangs swept to one side and held in place with mousse, hair gel, or pomade. Emo hair is mostly natural in color, however it is occasionally dyed black and contains a brilliant highlight of blonde or other punky hues.
- To finish off your look, add a few emo hair accessories. Accessorizing with hats, hair clips, and ribbons in emo color schemes is popular.
- If you want, you can get side-swept bangs. Bangs that follow your side part and sweep to the side are a popular emo hairstyle. Or you could make a deep side part in your hair for a classic emo look.
- For a bold look, you can dye your hair a dark or experimental color. Emo kids frequently dye or streak their hair black or bright, experimental colors such as blue, red, or pink. This, however, is entirely optional—you are not required to dye your hair if you do not wish to. If you aren't ready to dye your hair permanently, you can try clip-on hair extensions.
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3
Embrace the androgyny of being Emo. Emo teens of all genders have a similar style. Haircuts, clothing, and make-up application tend to cross gender lines, resulting in a distinct and androgynous appearance.
4
Wear combat boots, sneakers, or canvas shoes. Because of its roots in underground music, emo teens frequently wear boots or shoes that resemble "punk" footwear. Emo footwear includes canvas shoes, combat boots, and sneakers, among others.
5
Listen to Emo music. Music is a crucial component of Emo culture. Begin by listening to emo bands and broadening your musical horizons. Try out the most well-known bands in the genre to get a sense of what emo sounds like:
- My Chemical Romance (MCR)
- Fall Out Boy
- Paramore
- Jimmy Eat World
- Green Day
6
Develop an interest in many types of music. All emo music has two characteristics in common: large, sweeping, immensely melodramatic guitar-based music, either forceful and harsh or acoustic and delicate, with confessional or directly personal lyrics, frequently about heartbreak and loneliness. Go ahead and look emo while listening to Sunny Day Real Estate. It doesn't make you any less emo if you also have Lady Gaga, Johnny Cash, and Cannibal Ox on your playlist.
7
Attend music concerts and shows. Emo began as a small local scene that gained national attention. As a result, a global movement was launched. Get in touch with your original impulse by attending local shows in your own backyard. It's one thing to go to Warped Tour and see the national bands you hear, but it's quite another to see and support local emo bands just starting out.
8
Consider learning to play an instrument. Being able to play music solo or in a band would give you a lot of credibility and would be a fun way to interact with emo more directly. Begin writing and performing your own songs, and you will be actively participating in the creative culture.
9
Dress in vintage or band tees. Vintage clothing, as well as clothing that promotes punk or underground music, is a popular emo style. Shop at a thrift store or a garage sale for vintage clothing that speaks to your personal style. Make a list of your favorite punk or "emo" bands and purchase their T-shirts to round out the look.
10
Choose dark-colored slim-fit jeans or skirts. Emo teenagers dress in form-fitting bottoms in dark colors or patterns. Skinny jeans and tight-fitting skirts are both popular choices, particularly when embellished with chains or buckles. Choose outfits that are form-fitting. Wearing tight clothes that contour to the shape of your body is part of emo fashion. Take measurements of your body and look for clothes that closely match these measurements for a snug fit.
11
Accessorize your look with emo accessories. Personalize your look with a few accessories after you've chosen an emo top and bottom. Large or studded belts, horn-rimmed glasses, messenger bags, wristbands, fingerless gloves, and striped socks are all popular accessories in the emo subculture. Pair a studded black belt with your favorite Fall Out Boy or My Chemical Romance T-shirt, for example.
12
Consider getting a piercing or tattoo. Piercings and tattoos are another popular emo accessory. Before getting piercings or tattoos as a teen or young adult, always consult with your guardian(s).
13
Apply Emo makeup (option) Apply a layer of foundation and powder to even out your skin tone. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and use a sponge or powder brush to apply a thin, even coat to your entire face. If you want to stand out, use smoky or bright-colored eyeshadow. To draw attention to your eyes, use dark eyeliner. Thick black, blue, or violet eyeliner is a popular emo accessory. If desired, use dark or colorful lipstick. Choose lipstick that contrasts or complements your eye makeup. To finish off your look, apply nail polish. Nail polish is a popular look among emo individuals.