Basic Goth Tips

As a first post, I would like to talk about some of the advice given for new goths, or as they affectionately or not so affectionately call them, babybats. This basic advice would be found on any page relating to goth subculture and fashion; most assume it as law. Its get copied back and forth between blogs,however to some of these tips there are major flaws; others are rarely true if at all. Here I will discuss some of those that get most on my nerves.

1)Natural hair won't do
     
 Even when it is not said, this message is still shown more than clearly on fashion sites, alternative models and many others. However for most types of goth fashion this is actually very false; for example, how would historical clothing look next to a pink mohawk? While a pink mohawk is not always the choice, and the abovementioned combination, if done well, may work, unnatural hair has many disadvantages. For example, it is very hard to keep up, growing out and fading and whatever else. Second, unnatural hair colors greatly limit the choices of makeup and clothes colors that work for you, and third, it is expensive to buy all the extra products.
 I suggest: For most, a stylish haircut is enough; some, like the girl in the picture above, are best off doing nothing at all. Depending on the style you like you can straighten your hair or not; however remember it is harmful for your hair. With dyes, stick to natural dark colors or a classic black. Or, if you really want a certain style, a high-quality, pre-styled wig is always an option.

2)You can't buy from Hot Topic

Calm down, people. Hot Topic is just a store; they sell all kinds of brands. The only problem I see with them is their prices. However, we forget that for some of the brands they sell these prices are actually very good, especially when they have sales. Moreover, Hot Topic is availiable almost anywhere, and is a good place to start for those new to the subculture if they can use their common sense.

3) You can't listen to: Marilyn Manson, HIM, Dimmu Borgir, Evanescence, Nightwish, whatever,whatever, whatever...

There is no law restricting what you can and can't like, including music. It doesn't matter if your music is labelled a "goth"; if you like it you like it. The whole point of goth is to express who you are, and what good is it when you are already told what you can or can't like. There is no such thing as a "proper" goth, and this is what I like most about the subculture. Your taste in music is only up to you; you don't have to agree with everybody.