It is possible to have long punk hair that is uniquely eye-catching. Hair doesn't have to be cut short to sport a punk hairdo. Punk hair is about breaking the rules, either with style, color combinations, asymmetrical cuts or a deliberately messy look. Rebellion is the theme of punk music, and punk hair styles are no different. Punk hair is anything but boring, and it says to the world that the wearer is a bold individual. Here are some of the ways to get that punk look without chopping your hair to bits.
Layers Are Your Friend
Layers can make long hair into a punk do. What you need is strong contrast. This means very short layers on top or one side, with the long tresses hanging down in the back. Using a razor to make one side severely short while maintaining a few long strands and long on the other side will achieve an eye-catching effect. Try making the top short and messy while the back and sides have long pieces flowing. Spike the top with styling gel and your punk look will work perfectly.
Bangs can be smooth and cut at an angle to achieve a punk look. Or cut the bangs super-straight across and short, while the longer hair is in sharp contrast. In punk hairstyles, the contrasts define the style.
Remember that the end result shouldn't be a mullet, which is anything but punk. Dig up some vintage pictures of Cyndi Lauper or David Bowie's Goblin King in Labyrinth to see how this look can work.
Use Color for Effect
Colored streaks or blocks, with bright, bold color choices are a signature feature of punk hairdos as well. Try coloring one section pink, blue, purple or green, and your look will be just as bold as the style demands.
To achieve extreme spikes, use a strong gel. Some people use egg whites or gelatin as styling products. These can smell or attract bugs, so be aware of these potential issues if you opt for them. Others use white glue, but this can be hard to wash out afterward. When you use lots of styling products, flat irons or color, hair can become brittle. Be sure to wash hair well with a gentle shampoo afterward, and condition it to prevent damage from the styling products you use.