When it comes to self-expression, women are just as captivated by hairstyle trends as they are by clothing fads. Haircuts and colors serve as a significant extension of one’s personality. The Gothic subculture is particularly noteworthy in this regard, with its emphasis on embracing the darker aspects of one’s being. A quintessential Goth look often features dramatic makeup, striking hair hues, and dark-toned attire.
While time has brought about greater diversity in expression, the core elements remain intact – a testament to the enduring allure of the Gothic aesthetic. As such, crafting the perfect Goth look relies heavily on the outfit itself.
Stylish Gothic Hairstyles
↓ 20. Amy Winehouse Inspired Backcombed Style
Amy Winehouse’s iconic beehive style gained popularity with its dramatic flair and cat-eye liner. This look is ideal for girls with long locks, but it does require some effort – think blow-dries and backcombing galore! To make this hairstyle shine, keep your outfit understated and let the hairdo take center stage.
Backcombing is a crucial element in gothic hairstyles, but there are some key steps to keep in mind: start by straightening your hair to avoid damage, then let it cool before you begin. Next, comb out any tangles with a brush, decide which area you want to backcomb, and use a thin comb for the best results. Finally, set the style in place with hairspray – if you have silky locks, consider adding some hair gel beforehand for extra hold.
↓ 19. Red
In this particular culture, red is the universally adored color, with no distinction made between boys and girls. To achieve this distinctive hairstyle, one needs to employ the use of curlers and a bit of backcombing. Meanwhile, dark eye makeup serves as the crowning touch, bringing the overall look together.
↓ 18. Curly Hair
For those who prefer a more understated approach to Gothic-inspired hairstyles, this style offers an alternative that still captures the essence of the aesthetic without being too bold. By combining shades of green, blue, and purple with a hint of red and incorporating backcombing techniques, you can create a hairstyle that exudes mystery and allure. The addition of fringes adds a touch of sophistication, while a subtle use of purple eyeliner brings out the eyes and completes the look.
↓ 17. Japanese Inspired
For those who prefer understated elegance, a straightforward hairstyle featuring straightened locks swept up into a sleek side bun can be an effortless way to add some flair. The beauty of this look lies in its simplicity, allowing the focus to shift to statement pieces like bold flowers and striking eye makeup. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, take a peek at our curated list of 20 Cute Outfits with Top Bun Hairstyle for a comprehensive guide on how to elevate your overall style.
↓ 16. Blue Bell Locks
The subtle nuances of electric blue, when incorporated into one’s style, can be a powerful indicator of membership in the Gothic subculture. This bold yet understated color choice serves as a visual declaration of allegiance to the darker side, allowing those who share this affinity to instantly recognize and connect with like-minded individuals.
↓ 15. Corsets and Hair Buns
↓ 14. For Short Hair
Step-by-Step Gothic Hairstyle Tutorial
↓ 13. Katy Perry in Purple
↓ 12. Braids and Buns for Long Hair
While black and white is often associated with timeless elegance, incorporating a braided bun adds a fresh and sophisticated touch to this classic color combination.
↓ 11. Exotic Eye Make up with Purple Hair
When it comes to making a statement, pairing purple hair with bold and dramatic gothic eye makeup is a winning combination that can’t be beat. The contrast between the rich, vibrant hues of your locks and the dark, mysterious shades of your eyeshadow creates a look that’s truly show-stopping. By emphasizing the drama of your eyes, you can create a striking visual balance with your purple hair, making it seem even more radiant and eye-catching.
↓ 10. Use Nets and Flowers for Styling
↓ 09. With Accessories
Gothic fashion enthusiasts rejoice! Affordable options for gothic-inspired hair accessories abound, making it easy to express your unique style. What’s more, these versatile pieces can be tailored to reflect your individual personality through thoughtful design choices.
↓ 08. Mid-Parting Short Style
Gothic fashion enthusiasts will love the versatility of gothic hair nets, which can seamlessly integrate into various hairstyles. These nets come in a wide range of designs and patterns, including playful polka dots and intricate beading. To elevate your look even further, consider pairing these accessories with a bold, dark lip color like black, maroon, or deep red.
↓ 07. Messy Hairstyle for School
↓ 06. Eye Mask with Feathers
↓ 05. Edgy Style with Undercut
For those who love the sleek, edgy vibe of an undercut or half-shaved style, we’ve got just the thing for you. This trendy ‘do combines the best of both worlds, offering a bold and modern aesthetic that’s sure to turn heads.
↓ 04. Maiden Look
↓ 03. Beads and Hats
↓ 02. Going Green with Red Hair
For those seeking an unconventional Halloween look, consider incorporating greenery into your hairstyle. The contrast between rich red locks and muted green tones creates a striking visual effect that’s sure to turn heads. This unique combination is perfect for red-haired individuals who want to add an extra layer of sophistication to their goth aesthetic.
↓ 01. Celebrity Inspired Look – Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne’s striking appearance as a gothic angel is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her bold, two-toned hairstyle and dark, kohl-lined eyes combine to create an unforgettable visual impression that can captivate even the most discerning audience.
Short Gothic Hairstyles
↓ 20 – Classic Black
The iconic grunge hairstyle features short, dark locks that are both effortless and chic. This cut is particularly well-suited for individuals with stick-straight hair, as it creates a clean and polished silhouette. To add some visual interest, you can opt to keep the sides symmetrical or simply go for a choppy, undone look. One of the best things about this style is its low-maintenance nature – it doesn’t require an arsenal of styling products to stay in place.
In fact, you can easily get away with just a bit of natural texture and a dash of effortless cool. If you’re looking for more fashion inspiration, be sure to check out our recent roundup on gothic workout outfits.
↓ 19 – Gothic Hair Style For A Date Night
Elevate your date night game by incorporating effortless beach waves into your dark locks using a hair curler. This timeless look exudes a sultry, romantic aura that’s sure to make the evening unforgettable. To keep your waves in place for an extended period, apply a lightweight hair gel to set the style. Paired with dark eyes and a provocative outfit, you’ll be well on your way to creating a night to remember!
↓ 18 – Grunge Hair Style With Bangs
When it comes to the short gothic hairstyle, bangs are an essential element that adds an edgy touch. They complement raven-black locks and other dark hair dye colors perfectly. To achieve this look, simply chop your bangs into blunt fringe and sweep them to one side of your forehead. Alternatively, you can get creative and shape your bangs in a spear or asymmetrical style for a more daring look. Just keep in mind that daily maintenance is required to maintain the shape of your bangs.
Once you’ve styled your hair, you can either tie it back in a low bun or leave it loose. For a similar aesthetic, consider pairing your look with a black choker available for just $10.99.
↓ 17 – Slicked Back Grunge Look
For fashion-forward goths looking to make a quick transformation for a night out, this effortless hairstyle for short hair is a must-try. Start by applying a styling gel to your locks, then comb them backwards for an instant edgy look. Take it up a notch with a statement black choker around your neck and dramatic, deep-set eyes. To complete the look, add a pop of color with this affordable yet chic lip shade available for just $7.09.
↓ 16 – Dark Angel Wings
Elevate your dark short bob with a touch of whimsy by incorporating feathery wings into the style. Create two ponytails on top and secure them to create a striking, gothic angel-inspired look. For an added layer of sophistication, consider evening out the volume for a sleeker appearance. To fully embody the essence of a goth girl, don’t forget to enhance your features with black eyeliner and eyeshadow.
↓ 15 – Curly Style
For those with curly or textured hair, rocking an afro goth aesthetic is a breeze. To redefine curls, a curling iron can be a great tool to utilize. On the other hand, for a more relaxed and undone look, simply running your fingers through your locks can create a rebellious vibe. The result? A look that’s equal parts edgy and effortlessly cool. If you’re looking to capture this style, consider pairing it with a similar tank top, available for $17.99.
↓ 14 – Metallic Grey Goth Look
For those who prefer a more subtle approach, a lighter shade of grey can be a stunning alternative to the classic grunge look. Channel your inner goth goddess with a sleek, sophisticated hairstyle that exudes elegance and refinement. This chic color option is perfect for making a statement without going overboard.
↓ 13 – Messy Top Bun
When it comes to quickly taming unruly locks, a top knot can be a stylish solution for short hair. This versatile hairstyle is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re heading to the gym in your favorite workout gear or running errands around town. To give your look a gothic edge, simply messy up the top of your bun and set it in place with a light hold hairspray. The result is a chic, easy-going style that’s sure to turn heads.
↓ 12 – Two Tone
For those who want to add some excitement to their gothic aesthetic, a half-and-half hair color option is a great way to do so. You can choose two bold colors that complement each other, such as black and fluorescent purple, green and pink, or yellow and orange. This unique look can be paired with dark makeup, long lashes, and nude lips for a dramatic effect. To take it up a notch, you can add some subtle sparkle to your hair with glitter, giving the overall look an extra touch of glamour.
↓ 11 – Styling Products
When it comes to styling your hair, there’s no shortage of products to help you achieve the look you desire. From nourishing serums that protect and promote healthy locks, to heat-resistant sprays and styling gels designed to keep your style in place, there are numerous options available to suit your needs. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a temporary color change or want to add some extra flair to your hairstyle, colored hair sprays can be a fun and creative way to do so.
↓ 10 – Box Braids
For a short hair goth girl looking to experiment with a new style, box braids are definitely worth considering. This versatile hairstyle can be worn swept back for a sleeker appearance or left loose for a more relaxed vibe. To add an extra layer of gothic flair, consider pairing your box braids with some dramatic dark eye shadow, a statement black choker, and a pair of bold black frames to complete the look.
↓ 9 – Colorful
The gothic aesthetic has evolved beyond its traditional association with black, embracing boldness and individuality instead. Feel free to experiment with a range of grunge-inspired hair colors that reflect your unique personality. However, before making any drastic changes, consult a professional stylist to ensure the health and integrity of your locks. To maintain your new look, invest in color-restoring and damage-protecting shampoos to keep your hair vibrant and resilient.
↓ 8 – Messy Color Mix
Embrace your inner artistic expression by incorporating multiple colors into your style. After all, there’s no such thing as too much color! To create a truly show-stopping look, combine bold hues with statement jewelry pieces and dramatic makeup for an unforgettable ensemble that turns heads.
↓ 7 – Orange Swirls
To achieve this striking look, start by taking a small section of your hair and twisting it into a rope-like shape. The resulting orange swirls can add a bold and beautiful touch to your overall aesthetic when paired with the right makeup and wardrobe choices. For those with shorter hair, consider trying a similar hairstyle in a different shade to suit your personal style. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to dress goth.
↓ 6 – Flower Crown For Short Grunge Hair
Flower crowns are not just limited to bohemian festivals or hippie gatherings. They can easily add a touch of sophistication to a wedding, especially when paired with an updo hairstyle. For a truly wild and mesmerizing look, combine the crown with dark eye makeup and bold lip colors. This unique combination will set you apart from the crowd and make for some unforgettable memories.
If you’re interested in creating this stunning look, you can find similar flower crowns online for $60.
↓ 5 – Goth Halloween Look With Cat Ears
As the spookiest night of the year approaches, a quick and easy costume solution is just purr-fectly simple to achieve. By donning feline-inspired headgear atop your stylish locks – whether they’re short and curly or sleek and straight – you’ll be well on your way to a purrfect Halloween look. To really make it pop, consider adding some dramatic dark eye shadow and a bold burgundy lip color for a truly wicked ensemble.
If you want to get in on the cat-titude, grab this adorable cat hairband for just $5.99, and pair it with a similar white shirt for a crisp $23.81.
↓ 4 – Undercut
Elevate your gothic aesthetic by incorporating contrasting hair colors and pairing it with an undercut. This bold combination can give you a grunge-inspired haircut reminiscent of iconic girl bands. To further enhance the look, consider adding handmade eye tattoos or embracing a makeup-free approach. For added rebellion flair, adorn yourself with a nose ring and a metal neck piece, embodying the free-spirited essence of gothic culture.
↓ 3 – Colored Feathers
Transform your hair into a vibrant masterpiece by dyeing it in bold, contrasting hues of your choice. Create a visually striking effect by alternating between these colors, punctuating the look with a dramatic splash of jet-black dye. To amplify this eye-catching style, pair your dyed locks with a sleek black ensemble and complement the look with a bold, raven-black lip color and piercing accessories.
↓ 2 – High Up Grunge Hairstyles
For a goth girl looking to make a bold statement, a messy, undone look can be a fantastic choice. This style may not be suitable for everyday wear due to its high-maintenance nature and occasion-specific appeal, but it’s sure to give you an edge over more traditional goth hairstyles.
↓ 1 – Grunge
To achieve a gothic-inspired look without sacrificing your short hair, focus on dressing the part instead. It’s not just about your hairstyle, but also the clothes, accessories, and makeup that complete the ensemble. A dark eye palette, layered dark locks, bold lip color, and striking piercings or tattoos can all contribute to a grunge aesthetic.
Pair these elements with dark clothing and thoughtfully curated accessories, and you’ll be well on your way to embodying the grunge look without having to change your hairstyle. For a nod to this style, consider adding a black choker to your outfit – you can find one for just $7.98.
