The Evolution of Gothic Hairstyles for Women
Gothic hairstyles have been a staple of alternative fashion for decades. The goth subculture first emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a branch off of the punk rock movement. Gothic fashion tends to feature dark, mysterious aesthetics with a focus on black clothing, dark makeup, and bold hairstyles. Over the years, gothic hairstyles for women have continued to evolve and take on new forms while still retaining their dark and edgy vibe.
The Origins of Gothic Hairstyles
In the early days of gothic fashion, hairstyles tended to be big, teased, and backcombed for volume. Gothic hairstyles were heavily influenced by the punk movement, which often featured mohawks, partly shaved heads, and wildly styled hair. Other influences came from 1970s glam rock and metal bands like Kiss and Mötley Crüe, who popularized long, voluminous hair.
Siouxsie Sioux, lead singer of the gothic rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees, was an early pioneer of goth style. Her stark black clothing and dramatic eye makeup paired with her spiky, severely styled jet black hair became iconic. Robert Smith of The Cure also popularized a signature goth look with his wild, backcombed black hair and smudged red lipstick.
Big Hair in the 1980s
In the 1980s, gothic hairstyles became bigger and more over-the-top. Crimped, teased hair towered atop goth girls' heads. Bold bangs or fringed, choppy layers framed heavily lined eyes and pale faces. The influence of glam metal hair carried over, with goth women adopting the huge, messy manes of metal musicians. Multicolored hair also came into play during the 80s. Goth girls experimented with dyeing their hair jet black or vibrant shades of red, purple, or platinum blonde.
Dark Romance in the 1990s
As goth style moved into the 1990s, it took on a darker romantic vibe. Hairstyles became longer with a feminine, Victorian-inspired aesthetic. Black hair was still prevalent but softened into loose curls or smooth, sleek cuts with a central or side part showing off the face. Around this time, gothic fashion also saw the influence of the emerging steampunk genre, adding touches of neo-Victorian style.
Long, free-flowing hair sometimes featured small braids or twisted sections evoking a medieval princess look. Soft bangs or wispy face-framing tendrils created a mysterious, romantic aura. This softer goth hair anticipated the development of sister style dark romantics. Jeweled hair combs, flowers, and other ornate hair accessories complemented the dark romantic style.
Revolution in the 2000s
As goth style reached the early 2000s, hair underwent another revolution. Short, severe cuts often with a jagged or asymmetric shape came into vogue. Goth hair became closely cropped or shaved on one side. Spiky pixie cuts also emerged as a popular option. Hair color retained a dark edge, with deep black, blood red, and platinum blonde locks.
This shift followed musical trends like industrial and Marilyn Manson ushering in a tougher, rebellious goth esthetic. Makeup also reflected this hardcore turn, with an emphasis on heavy black eyeliner, dark lips, and pallid complexions. Hairstyles complemented this abrasive look with their bold, confrontational shapes.
Modern Gothic Hairstyles
Today, gothic hairstyles for women draw from decades of influences while continuing to evolve. Here are some of the most popular modern goth hairstyles:
Undercuts
Partly or fully shaved undercut hairstyles remain a go-to. Undercuts allow for short sides and back with longer hair on top for dramatic styles. The longer top hair can be worn spiked, smoothed back, or falling across the shaved sections.
Unnatural Colors
Vivid, unnatural hair colors are a timeless goth trend. Blood red, neon green, electric blue, violet, and magenta are popular options. Black hair with a colored undershave is also an edgy choice.
Bold Bangs
Heavy, blunt bangs extending straight across the forehead make a strong goth statement. They create a mysterious shadow over the eyes. Longer sideswept bangs are also an option for framing the face.
Shaved Designs
Shaving creative patterns into an undercut adds original style. Goth girls get lightning bolts, spiderwebs, or symbols shaved on one side of their heads. The designs peek out when the rest of the hair is pulled up.
Braided Styles
Small braided sections lend an urban edge to long goth hair. Tiny cornbrow braids along the part or sweeping back from the temples put a fierce, futuristic spin on the Victorian goth aesthetic.
Geometric Bobs
For short hair, asymmetric bobs with sharp angles make an avant-garde statement. Geometric bobs ending below the ears or chin have an edgy futuristic vibe. Piece-y ends further accentuate the geometry.
Dark Roots
Embracing dark roots with colorful hair has become trendy. Goth girls might dye the bottom half of their hair an unnatural shade while letting the roots grow out black. This "shadow root" look provides depth and edge.
How to Style Gothic Hairstyles
Achieving the perfect gothic hairstyle relies on proper techniques and styling methods. Here are some tips for goth hair success:
Volume is Key
Pumping up the volume creates height and drama suited to goth aesthetics. Tease hair at the crown and roots with a comb or brush. Style short hair upward with pomades, waxes, or mousse. Add extensions for more length and body in long styles.
Product Is Your Friend
Hair products mold styles and provide staying power. Use a heat protectant before blow drying or heat styling. Apply gels, pomades, or hairsprays to smooth, spike, or set the hair. Try sea salt sprays for texture and beachy waves.
Use Hot Tools
Take advantage of hot tools like blow dryers, curling and flat irons, and hair crimpers. Concentrate heat on the roots and upper shafts when drying for lift. Curling wands or rods create romantic curls or tight spirals. Try crimping for 80s-style goth waves.
Don't Fear Hair Spray
Hair spray seals the deal, locking your finished style in place. Use firm or maximum hold formulas to maintain volume and shape. Carry a travel size for touch-ups when needed.
Accessorize
The right hair accessories provide the perfect gothic finishing touch. Black or silver barrettes, headbands, flowers, and hair combs infuse darkness. Bold head chains, cuffs, and hair sticks add punk attitude.
Caring for Gothic Hairstyles
Keeping gothic hairstyles looking their best involves taking care. Here are some hair care tips for maintaining your dark tresses:
Deep Condition Regularly
Frequent deep conditioning treatments replenish moisture and repair damage from hot tool styling, dyeing, and bleach.Target dry ends with weekly conditioning masks.
Use a Heat Protectant
Apply a heat protectant spray, serum, or cream before hot tool use. Heat protectants shield strands from damage and breakage. They also help lock in color.
Trim Split Ends
Get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to snip away split ends before they travel up the hair shaft. Regular trims keep hair healthy and growingstrong.
Shampoo Less Frequently
Washing dark-dyed hair less often preserves the vivid color. Shampoo just once or twice a week, using dry shampoo torefresh between washes.
Use Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are gentler for colored and bleached hair. They help retain moisture and prevent brassiness in blondes.
Sleep on a Satin Pillowcase
Satin pillowcases minimize friction to keep goth hair smooth and tangle-free overnight. The slick surface also prevents pillowcase imprints on the hair.
Dyeing Your Hair for a Gothic Look
Dyeing is the fastest way to transform your hair into a gothic masterpiece. Here's how to get the most dramatic color results:
Go Dark
Jet black hair color provides a classic goth base. For hair that won't go fully black, opt for an intense espresso brown. Use semipermanent or demipermanent dyes for deep saturation.
Try Unnatural Colors
Vamp up black hair with strips of neon green, hot pink, blue, or violet. Bleach hair platinum to make colors pop even more. Use temporary hair chalks for a quick color fix.
Create Ombre Effects
Ombre color with dark roots melting to lighter ends is edgy and modern. Try black to red, purple, green, or gray versions. Reverse ombre with light roots and darker mid-shaft to ends also works.
Embrace Your Roots
Dark regrowth at the roots looks grungy-chic with colored hair. Root smudging (hand painting dye at the roots for a blended effect) produces a bolder take on this.
Add Color to Bangs
Dye just the front sections or bangs an electrifying color while leaving the rest of the hair black or brown. Contrasting bangs grab attention.
Gothic Hairstyles for Every Occasion
The right gothic hairstyle can work for events from a casual coffee date to a rock concert. Consider theseoptions for any occasion:
For Daytime
- Sleek shoulder-length bob
- Smooth pixie cut
- Side-swept bangs with low ponytail
- Low messy bun
For Night Out
- Voluminous curled updo
- Half-up hair with braided crown
- High messy topknot
- Crimped or teased waves
For Formal Event
- Braided faux hawk
- Gothic updo with flowers
- Elegant low chignon
- Sleek mid-length hair
With so many edgy yet beautiful options, it's easy to create stunning gothic hairstyles for any woman and any occasion. Whether you're after a tough punk look or romantic Victorian vibe, goth hair offers unlimited ways to unleash your dark side.
FAQs
What are the most popular gothic hairstyles?
Some of the top gothic hairstyles include shaved or partly shaved undercuts, bold and blunt bangs, short spiky pixies, asymmetric bobs, and long hair with small braids. Vivid unnatural hair colors like blood red, neon hues, and platinum blonde are also goth staples.
What kind of makeup goes with gothic hair?
Gothic makeup tends to be dark and intense. Heavy black eyeliner with cat eyes or smoky eyes is common. Pale foundation paired with dark or bright lipstick creates contrast. Black or dark nail polish completes the look.
How can I get volume for a gothic hairstyle?
Volume creates height and drama. Tease and backcomb the roots and crown area. Use volumizing mousse and blow dry upside down. Add hair extensions for extra fullness. Curling wands or hot rollers also pump up the volume.
What hair products work best for styling gothic hair?
Strong hold hair spray, wax, gel, and pomade sculpt gothic styles. Try sea salt spray for tousled texture. Always use a heat protectant before hot tools. Finish with hair spray for hold. And don't forget the hairspray!
How can I maintain my colored gothic hairstyle?
Use sulfate-free shampoo and deep condition regularly to keep gothic color vibrant. Shampoo less often to prevent fading. Avoid chlorine and salt water that strips color. Touch up roots every 4-6 weeks. Trim split ends to prevent damage.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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