Turn Emo Without Anyone Noticing

So, you have finally discovered your inner emo...but you don't want to be labeled as a poser for changing your look too quickly? Or maybe there are people who you interact with that wouldn't approve of your emo self? Want to know how to change without people noticing? Read on!

Steps

  1. Start with your Get-Emo-Hair.
    • Part it to the side. No one will think you are emo if you do that, as many different styles have this.
    • Get it layered. Emos tend to have lots of layers, but layering your hair isn't going to make people think that you're emo.
    • Dye it. Try dying it a shade darker (or lighter) than your natural hair color and then keep doing that until you achieve your desired hair color.
  2. Listen to emo music. If anyone asks why you're listening to them, shrug it off and say that you find it interesting. A lot of people might not question it anyway, considering these bands are not popular and most won't have heard of them. They might ask you, but you don't have to give them any major details. Some first wave/second wave emo bands are: Rites of Spring, Embrace (U.S), Moss Icon, Indian Summer (U.S), Braid, Loud?, Twelve Hour Turn, Cap'n Jazz, American Football, Drive Like Jehu, Fits for Refugee, Sunny Day Real Estate and Texas Is The Reason. Listen to screamo too. Screamo is just as important as emo. Some screamo bands are City of a Caterpillar, Pg.99, Orchid, Heroin, Circle Takes The Square, Piano Became the Teeth, I Would Set Myself On Fire For You, Jerome's Dream, Envy, Saetia, Funeral Diner, 1905 and Hot Cross.
  3. Don't get confused. Bands are a very important part of emocore, even more important than the image (it's all about the music). Learn the difference between actual emotive hardcore / screamo bands and metalcore and deathcore. Metalcore and deathcore are not emo. Metalcore is a blend of hardcore punk and metal whereas deathcore is a blend of death metal, metalcore and sometimes hardcore punk. Common and often mislabelled metalcore and deathcore bands include Bring Me The Horizon, Asking Alexandria, Suicide Silence. Softer bands that have a blend of pop punk and post-hardcore are Sleeping With Sirens and Pierce the Veil.
  4. Do more research in to the music. Emo really is about listening to emotive hardcore, it separates you from the people who like to wear black and have their hair over their eyes. Mainstream emo would be bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Paramore and Panic! At the Disco. These types of bands may have had hardcore punk / emo influences in their debut albums but they've long moved from that genre and are just not to be considered emo anymore. You can listen to these bands if you like them, just try not to make a point that they're emo because they're not.
  5. Learn an instrument. Emos express themselves best through music and poetry, so this should be more important then how you look. Good instruments for emos are:
    • Flute (especially something that sounds mournful, like the Play-the-Ocarina).
    • Guitar (especially the electric guitar).
    • Bass (it is a deep emotional sounding instrument)
  6. Incorporate emo clothing into your wardrobe.
    • Layer what you currently have. Layering will not make people think that you are emo.
    • Do not wear skinny jeans all of the time. This is an emo "trademark", and will tip you off instantly. Try out some other styles of jeans and work them into your wardrobe. Bootcut, flared, and denim leggings work well.
    • Get some shirts with your favourite bands on them. If you buy band shirts associated with Rites of Spring, Sunny Day Real Estate, Gray Matter or another hardcore punk/emo/screamo band then you're setting off a great example to the sub-genre.
    • Accessorize. Do this slowly and do not wear anything that screams "emo" or people will notice, but start wearing sweat bands, rubber bands, studded belts and so on. Try and stay away from anything that includes studs, spikes and chains as they could make you look more dark.
  7. Don't become part of the stereotypes. Learn about the sub-genre and most of all learn that you might not be like this forever - today it is seen as a teenage grow out phase.

Tips

  • Do these steps gradually in order for the change to be less noticeable.
  • You do not have to complete all these steps, they're just here to guide you. Learn about the sub genre and then follow it.
  • You can listen to other music too! It's the same with any subculture, your music taste should be primarily your subculture's music (f you are to consider yourself that) but that doesn't stop you from listening to any jazz, metal or folk.
  • Don't feel like this is a chore. If you feel limited while being this then stop and ask yourself, is this really you?
  • Emo isn't dark, that is what the Gothic subculture is about. If you want to dress darkly then go for it, but try not to make it you're sending off a negative message with it (like most emos are often accused of).
  • Make sure to learn about the sub-genre most importantly. You can't really label yourself something you haven't properly researched/have no understanding of.

Warnings

  • These steps are not infallible. It is possible that someone will notice at some point.
  • If you have not seen a person for a long time, and then see them after you have made your gradual transition to emo, they will probably notice.
  • Do not cut yourself. Contrary to popular belief, this does not make you "more emo" and will probably get you labelled as a poseur. It is also dangerous to your health.
  • Beware of the stereotypes in general. All emo is is listening to emotive hardcore, understanding the sub-genre and being more in touch with your feelings. It is not about self harming, being depressed, being suicidal/having suicidal thoughts, wearing all black, being sensitive/emotional and so on.
  • Do not tell people that you are emo. People who follow emotive hardcore do not need to label themselves as the actual music genre.
  • If someone does find out that you are emo, ignore them. They may end up telling everyone else, but they are just attention-seekers.

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