The other day I was at a local show (with horrible sticky floors and no AC) when I saw an amazing and perfectly messy shag haircut. It looked like she had been headbanging for hours, which is honestly the dream, but still looked so good. I realized metal hair is not just about being edgy and rebellious; it’s about movement and your hair doing something. This could mean a braid that whips around, long hair that catches the wind, or even a bold color that pops under the lights. The point is for your hair to move.
I’ve had this on my mind a lot since I get so many questions about what to do with your hair for a show. The answer is never to make your hair look neat. My hair show tip is to do something that looks good with movement, and then just let it hang. After two hours of sweat and chaos, the hair that looks best is the stuff that was done the most sloppily. There is a reason for the items on this list. This is 25 different hairstyles built to move, built to survive a full metal show, and hopefully make you feel like you when the music is at its loudest.


#1: Layered Shag with Those Bangs That Just Work
I love this shag and the bangs are just as great. The bangs look thick, which I think is super hard to do. The ends are layered really well, and that lived-in look is just not something you can create with a straightener. The dark roots with the light ends is super nice, and I appreciate that type of color choice because it grows out well. I know people can be obsessed with touch-up schedules. If you have natural movement to your hair, a shag is the best type of cut to have. This shag looks great and will work with all the movement your hair has.


#2 Wavy Bob That Looks Like You Didn’t Try
With this cut, you can say “nothing” when people ask what you did to your hair. The ombre is super subtle, just like the dimension, which gives a more natural look to your hair. Plus, the hair waves have that ‘undone’ look which is just as good. Super fine hair can feel tricky when going for a shorter cut, but this length is the sweet spot. Just above your shoulders, good weight will keep the hair in place without the flyaway look. You’ll have enough shorteness to feel a difference, and some salt spray while it’s damp will be all you need to set the look before you’re out the door!


#3 Curtain Bangs on Long Sleek Hair, the Whole Vibe
Curtain bangs are an all-time favorite! When styled correctly, they can transform any look. I love the look of long, straight hair and minimal layering. It offers a very polished aesthetic. Of course, bangs will require some upkeep. If you have a lot of extensions and want this look, you might need to get bangs trimmed around every four to five weeks. If you’re willing to maintain that, the majority of this style will be pretty easy to style.


#4 Big Auburn Curls with That Fringe
I spotted this one first because of that warm auburn hair that glows beautifully in the light. The curls are bouncy and springy in an effortless way, and especially with the length cut at the right spots around the face, they exude a nice vibe. The bangs complete the look and put a stop to it looking too cutesy. But, I will say, if you have curls like this, please don’t skip the deep conditioning because that is literally the only difference between curls that look alive and curls that look like they’re really really tired. With stage lights shining on this whole look at a show would be truly stunning.


#5 Ash Blonde Lob, Tousled and Easy
I adore an excellent lob, and this one has that tousled casual thing going on. But actually it requires very specific layering to get this effect. And the styling is on point. The ash blonde looks really nice. But I will be honest, ash tones require a lot of upkeep. Get some purple shampoo because you will start seeing some warmth in a few weeks without it. That being said, it looks great now. The highlights and darker base creates a natural dimension which is super nice. The shoulder grazing length looks great on everyone which is a bonus.


#6 Long Balayage Waves with All That Volume
I understand the eye rolls with balayage as they are overdone, but when the tones blend like this? And the hair has this much movement? It still works. It just does. The way warm tones and cool tones offset each other give it a richness that single process colors will never achieve. This much length and this much volume is a commitment and I say that lovingly. You are conditioning, you probably do a mask once a week and have been gentle with your detangling. The payoff when all that hair is moving in a crowd is worth every minute of the routine.


#7 Choppy Bob with Wispy Bangs That Have Personality
Having this hairstyle means you probably have a good taste in music. Just look at the hair cut, it has a certain quality to it. You can tell there’s texture without all the bulk. You want bangs that are light enough to move around and these are exactly what you want. This cut also works really well for growing out hair, and haircuts that look good when they grow out are underrated. You can also add some color if you want to spice it up a bit. A few subtle highlights around the face will be even more fun for this hair.


#8 Long and Sleek with a Whisper of Plum
The tones of these plums are so subtle they are almost an illusion. The dark base allows them to have much better depth, especially in person. The style is simple enough to allow the color to take front and center, and I think that’s the right call. You don’t always need layers and texture and movement, just healthy hair with a secret. The little waves at the ends help it look less stiff too.


#9 Deep Burgundy Bob with a Fun Fringe
A fresh style paired with a statement color, like this stunning burgundy, gets me super excited. It features a black-burgundy color shift, which is the drama I live for. The added fringe is a fun touch, which also helps keep the look from being too serious, while a medium length ensures it won’t take too long to style each morning. A little warning about dark colors in fashion – your pillowcases are going to be the first to find out for the first week or two. Aside from that, I’m obsessed with this cut, and I can guarantee people are going to be asking you where you get your hair done!


#10 Wavy Layers with Face-Framing Bangs That Move
These bangs are a standout element of this style. The way they are cut means they won’t drag down the face and the texture allows them to not just drape down like a curtain. The way the bangs are cut also allows for a lot of movement creating a natural body as opposed to stiff or overly polished. If your hair is prone to falling flat throughout the day, this cut was designed with plenty of layers to prevent that. A little bit of texturizing spray at the roots will give you long lasting volume even through an entire show.


#11 Braided Pigtails, Sleek and Glossy
Braided pigtails may be considered childish by some, but look at this style! Don’t you think it looks so good? What I like about this style is that the pigtails are sleek, have clean parting, their braids are tight (but not too tight), and they have a glossy finish which is modern. This hairstyle is practical for the concert too because all of the hair is secured behind the face, so you won’t have to push hair out of the way while you are dancing. If you want to get better at braiding, I suggest you practice on weekends when you are free. You will find that once you get use to applying the right amount of tension, it’ll be muscle memory.


#12 Long Textured Layers with the Softest Bangs
The blend of warm chocolate brown, long layers, and soft bangs is giving me classic rock vibes, and I can picture it in any decade. The bangs aren’t blunt, and the layers start just below the chin to create that movement while keeping thickness through the mid-lengths. I believe warm chocolate brown is one of the most underrated color options because it looks good on basically every skin and it’s so much easier to maintain than people think.


#13 Textured Waves with a Peek of Teal
I got excited for this because of how the teal was placed. It’s not too obnoxious and feels like it is peeking through the waves. It is probably intentional, but I don’t know for sure. The medium length cut with all of the texture is great because as the hair falls, the color provides different moments. I can imagine those teal pieces shifting under the stage lights and it would be a whole experience for sure. The waves will need some help so keep a curl definer handy but the payoff will be worth it!


#14 Sleek Long Layers and Blunt Bangs, Very Main Character
I mean that in the best way possible, this haircut communicates an understanding of identity, self-assurance, and confidence. The blunt bangs are sharp and look very committed, while the layers are long, silky, and effortless. The health of this haircut shines through and it’s communicative. I’ve noticed that this haircut is a simple concept that is executed so well, which is the hardest thing to do in hair. Blunt bangs are a game changer at the right length, while also being a total disaster at the wrong length. Being in the two week window is pretty crucial to keep them looking fresh. You are also able to gloss your bangs again with a shine serum on dry hair.


#15 Wavy Auburn Mid-Length That Feels Warm
This lovely hairstyle has gorgeous auburn colors and soft flowing waves with a cut that is perfect for mid-length styles. The rich auburn color looks like a light brown or a light red depending on the lighting and the subtle variations in color make the hair look stunning. The loose, natural waves allow the color to shine and don’t compete with the rich tones. If you love the color, beware, auburn does fade and to keep it looking rich in between visits, a color depositing conditioner should do the trick.


#16 Long Flowing Waves with Magenta Running Through
The long hair is glowing, and that’s exactly what’s happening here. The magenta highlights look blonde which gives a nice touch to the look. The dark base root keep the look from being unbearably costume-like. The waves in the hair give the color movement so it reveals itself differently depending on how the hair falls, which is one of my favorite things about the look. I do need to be honest though, the maintenance of magenta hair is a struggle. Cold water rinses, sulfate-free everything and a shower that looks like a crime scene for a while.


#17 Shoulder-Length Waves with Plum Undertones
I like this style a lot. The plum undertones in the dark hair are subtle. They give just a hint of color for someone who wants something interesting but doesn’t want it to be the first thing anyone comments on. The waves are lovely and the bod and texture are done in a natural way, which is nice. This length is nice for a concert, because it is long enough to give you some hair to play around with, but not so long that it is going to be stuck on your neck and back when the venue is hot. I appreciate the combination of practical and beautiful.


#18 Blunt Cut with Bold Bangs, Clean and Sharp
Every now and then, I see a blunt cut with bangs, and I think about how classic this look is. This cut really shows confidence. It has very strong lines and looks very intentional. It looks like they made a choice and are very committed to it. The weight of the cut that is to the shoulder length is perfect for most, and it is not so long that it will lose its shape during the day. For this style. I recommend that the ends be smoothed with a flat iron because it really does keep the look quite clean, howeve, having some natural texture is also looks really good as well, and even better on day 2. It will just look a little messy and more relaxed.


#19 Silver Ombre Braids with Purple, Very Cool
First, let’s get started with the color work on the braids. Melting silver and deep purple go together nicely and seem like an intentional choice. The color on the braids gives a clean graphic effect, with one solid color graphic effect. The braids also complete the concert look because they are fully secured and look good from any angle. They are an edgier and low effort complement to the outfit. When more fun colors are incorporated into the style with the braids, the major upkeep concern of color transfer will be significantly less. This look will photograph very well with good angles from the braids.


#20 Medium Waves with Soft Bangs, Easy and Pretty
I appreciate this look because it is honest, and that’s a lovely mid-length style with bangs. Bangs suit almost everyone, and the soft layering adds liveliness to the hair whilst ensuring you don’t have to put in too much effort to style. The bangs look good and don’t require much maintenance which is ideal if you want to look nice at a concert and don’t want to spend time doing your hair before leaving the house. To be honest, it’s as simple as putting some mousse in the ends while it’s damp, and letting it air dry.


#21 High Ponytail with Face-Framing Pieces, Pulled Together
A high and sleek ponytail exudes elegance, and if styled properly, can also be tailored to your individual face shape. Leaving out some face framing pieces can soften the appearance and draw attention to your cheekbones and add balance to the overall look. This hairstyle tends to actually become more attractive as the night continues. Some looseness along the top of the ponytail can create a bit of needed volume, so don’t be afraid to loosen it up a little bit. The key to achieving this look is to keep everything nice and sleek. To ensure you maintain a sleek look, use some edge control gel along your hairline before tying up your ponytail.


#22 Short Textured Waves with Soft Framing Layers
I love the unique vibe that short hair conveys at metal shows. I think this haircut looks cool, laid back, and almost as though the wearer just rolled out of bed. I can understand why people would think that, but in reality, this style takes a lot of practice and effort to execute well, and those skillfully done layers show it. The pieces around the face are soft and help keep it from being too structured. The waves help with the texture, and they speak personality more than product. For those of you who are contemplating going short but haven’t made the leap, this style can be a great new look. The longer pieces in the back of the cut keep the style familiar while providing the freedom of a shorter style. Plus, this style dries very quickly after washing, a perk that most people never talk about!


#23 Long Purple and Blue Ombre with Layers
Getting a purple to blue ombre is a lot of work, and I respect anyone who does it. It means many bleaching and toning sessions, and being willing to deal with some awkward phases in between. But once it is all done, it is absolutely worth it. In this case, the long layers are great because they show off the color gradient to its full potential. The subtle bangs help to frame the face and let the color do the talking everywhere else. This look will draw a lot of positive attention and people will definitely ask about your hair at concerts. It will be awesome to be able to talk to so many people because of it. Just keep in mind that you’ll need some sulfate-free shampoo because it’s not cool for fashion colors. You will definitely want to stock up.


#24 Choppy Lob with Bangs That Have a Mind of Their Own
Choppy lob cuts look slightly rebels and lets the hair do what they want do and the cut encourages it. Bangs are layered and textured which provides for movement and gives the look that animated movement which I love. Length is versatile, works, whether you style it, or you let it go. Choppiness adds interest and volume at the same time, which is something a lot of them try to do, but this one actually achieves it. If you’re at a show and moving around this cut is going to move with you in an intentional way, even when it’s completely chaotic.


#25 Long Burgundy Waves with Serious Volume
I saved this one for last as I think it is the most scroll stopping. The rich burgundy colour is gorgeous! I can picture it transforming from almost black to wine red in the light at concerts with colour changing lights. It’s going to look amazing. From the pictures we can see the layers are done right to create movement as well as weight (so good job to the stylist). If your hair is on the thinner side this styling can be done, but you’ll need to go in knowing the volume expectation will be different! For people who can have this much hair length and body the waves will be enhanced by a lightweight texturising spray going through the hair.
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