Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

You are not yet old enough to decide on your own how you look, but have you decided that you want to be a goth? You still have a few years to stop looking like the Spider Queen, but you may well be like Wednesday Addams. Provided, of course, that you continue to read this article.

Steps

1. 1 Think about it. Are you TRYING to become a goth, or do you feel like it comes from within? Gothic is something that comes from within. You are either goth or not. You cannot be someone that you are not. If you feel that you will become yourself, then read on.
2. 2 Slowly comprehend the culture by studying history, music and fashion. This kind of research will help you, as you will know what you are talking about if someone asks you who the goths are. Then you won't just stand there and be bashfully silent. Do your homework first.
3. 3 Go shopping. Goths do not seek or buy the most expensive clothing. Look at sales or second-hand stores for tons of cool stuff. Remember to never look too tight, buy a simple blazer on sale.
4. 4 Keep doing your school homework. Even though you are now exploring a new culture and fashion, school grades should not be forgotten either. Many people think that Goths are losers in school, drug addicts or alcoholics. Prove to them that it is not.
5. 5 Listen to gothic music. There are many genres: gothic rock, dead rock, EBM, darkwave, new wave. Listen to what you like. Don't stop listening to a band you like, even if it's not a gothic genre. But do not start listening to something just because it belongs to this genre. If you don’t like something, don’t force yourself to do it.
6. 6 Do the hairstyle you like, as there are many options. You don't have to dye your hair black or bright (hairpins will do just fine). If you want, ask your parents first.
7. 7 If you are not allowed to paint, this is not the end of the world. Wait until you can, or until you get permission from your parents.
8. 8 If you can wear makeup, start with eyeshadow and eyeliner. You don't have to stick to black, you can choose from a variety of colors. Experiment and watch tutorial videos. But remember that you don't have to wear makeup.
9. 9 Live your life. Keep doing what you love. Being goth doesn't mean being depressed. It means seeing the dark side of life, embracing it and seeing beauty in ugly, strange, abnormal things that seem disgusting to "normal" people.

Tips

• Be honest with yourself. If you're not comfortable with being a goth, don't be. Maybe this is just a trend for you, and it will pass over time.
• Sew your own clothes. Make your look unique.
• Have fun. Don't get discouraged just because it will make you more "gothic". It won't.
• You can lose a few friends, but you can also make new ones.
• You can start listening to gothic music on YouTube, Grooveshark, and Spotify, not necessarily on discs. Try listening to the classic gothic bands Sisters of Mercy and The Cure and see what you think. Then move in the desired direction.
• Many goths love EBM and electronic dance music, but there are many more genres of gothic music.
• The first and most famous gothic group is Bauhaus.

Warnings

• Sometimes, some people may not accept you and be very violent (see Sophie Lancaster's story). It is best to ignore such people.If you are being abused, talk to your parent, teacher, or other trusted adult right away.
• Most people don't know who goths are and can express their hatred to you. Ignore them.
• People may ask you similar questions: "Are you cutting your hands?", "Are you planning suicide?" or "Are you depressed?" Politely explain to them that being goth doesn't mean being depressed, and if they don't listen, just ignore them.
• Remember, the most condemned teens are goths, emo, and alternatives. You will likely be teased and repelled. Don't let this worry you. There are many people in the world who find you an interesting person and love you for who you are. Make sure you have a few good, non-judgmental people around you that you can connect with so you don't feel sad when you're alone.
• Some of your friends may not accept your new look. They may stop communicating with you or become rude to you. These are not your real friends. Some may even think that something is wrong with you and are sincerely trying to help you get out of "this state." Understand, these people may be called friends, but they just have a different view of things. This is fine.
• If people think you are showing off, or call you a poser, just ignore them.

You don't have to change your hair color or your entire wardrobe to become a goth.