How to Look Like a Hot Metal Chick

During a research and fact finding expedition around the Internet this morning for ideas for this blog, I came across a video called ‘How to Look Like a Hot Metal Chick’.

On further investigation it looks as though this video has been around since 2009 and both MetalSucks and Metal Injection have already mentioned the content on their sites.  Feeling equally as baffled, I felt I had to throw in my two cents on the subject, for what they are worth.

The ‘How to Look Like a Hot Metal Chick’ video suggests that to look like a hot metal chick:

• Hair should be brunette or blonde only or colour can be ‘fun too’
• Hair should be messy and dirty looking
• Particular attention should be paid to eye make up so that it looks dark and dramatic
• Have a dramatic and defined eyebrow because that will make you look little bit more aggressive and intense
• Wear band t shirts (of bands you know and like only)
• Wear a nice pair of black boots
• Nails short and painted a dark colour

These are all valid observations and as a general rule, dressing in the way she suggests would indeed help you look like a stereotypical metal chick for sure.  All the well known mainstream women’s magazines offer similar advice on what is currently fashionable, how to make your make up look better and what hair styles might suit you and so the idea behind this video really isn’t anything new or groundbreaking.  The resulting look feels very fake though.  Calling a metal gig a ‘metal concert thing’ and admitting that you prefer silver metal on your boots because it looks more ‘metal’ than any other colour of metal really doesn’t sell the content as valid or authoritative advice.

The insinuation that taking these measures will make you ‘hot’ also suggests that this look is about attracting a ‘metal head’ boyfriend rather than actually embracing the metal culture and community.

The real issue for me though is that the way we dress is an extension of our personality.  It communicates to those around us a great deal about who we are, what we stand for and what we like.  There is absolutely nothing wrong in taking advice about or pride in your appearance as long as the results are a true representation of you as an individual.  Making an effort with your clothing, hair and makeup should be because you want to feel confident in and good about yourself and not just so you fit into a specific niche or clique.

Being ‘metal’ isn’t about getting dressed in a fancy dress costume; it is a way of life, an attitude, an emotion that just can’t be authentic when forced or manipulated in the way this video suggests.  If you are ‘fancy dressing’ rather than ‘dressing’ then there is a real issue to consider with your own self image and self worth.

So here are Femetalism’s 'How to Look Like a Hot Metal Chick' tips:

• Listen to, enjoy and fully appreciate metal music of whatever sub-genre you fancy
• Go to see bands you like and not just ones you think you should like
• Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in – you will only wear t shirts for bands you like automatically there is no forethought required
• Have your hair in whatever style or colour you feel like
• And remember - don’t give a toss about what people think you should look and act like … metal is about freedom of expression not conforming to socially acceptable norms.

If you are someone who still feels like you are struggling.  If you just don’t know how you are going to score that totally hot metal dude you really fancy.  Perhaps it is time to reconsider what you are looking for in a man?  Perhaps it is time to stop worrying about attracting a man so much? Perhaps it is time to just accept who you really are instead of trying to be something you clearly aren't - Now that is metal.  You never know … you might turn out to be his type after all?