The genre of music called “Metal” comes in many forms, and so do its fans. Some people differentiate between being a “fan” and being a “metalhead”. Fans may love the music, but metalheads live by the music. Metal fans might dip into the metal community, but metalheads are firmly entrenched there. If you’re metal, you find meaning in your music and community, and you care little what others think of you. Unfortunately, reading this article isn’t very metal, but we’ll offer you some tips anyway!

You can always wear anything you want for the band you like, even if you don't go to any concerts.

Goth came out of the British post-punk scene in the late 70s/early 80s, in the infamous London nightclub called The Batcave. Goth music characteristics include prominent bass and drum machines. Metal developed in the late 60s/early 70s and is categorized by its distortion, guitar solos, and overall loudness. Some goth bands are Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Sisters of Mercy, and some metal bands include Metallica, Pantera, Iron Maiden, and Motorhead. They're two completely different subcultures with distinct music, style, and fashion.

It depends on your current length and how fast your hair grows. One's hair typically grows on average about a half an inch per month. It may take some individuals up to two years to achieve their desired length. Note that foods with incomplete proteins, such as those containing gelatin, can increase the growth of hair and nails.

When I asked my thrasher friend about the whole shirt thing, she told me that it's because you're supposed to showcase other bands that you like, so that other people can strike up a conversation about it. This is the same reason you patch your kutte/pants/leather/whatever! It's all about socialization!

No. Many metal fans can't go to concerts for a large variety of reasons, but that doesn't make them lesser fans than people who are able to see many shows.

Not at all. A good number of heavy metal legends actually have or had short hair. Metal is as much an attitude as it is a look.

Yes. Punk rock is usually 3 or 4 power chords played over and over, and usually very simple to play on an instrument. Metal music involves power chords played with single notes, which makes it more challenging and complex than punk rock. The fashion styles are also different. For example, punk rockers usually keep their hair short (although there are exceptions, such as Iggy Pop and Keith Morris), but metalheads will most likely have long hair.

Grow your hair long. Metal fans have all sorts of hairstyles. The main reason for growing your hair long is that it can make it more fun to head-bang, particularly since it makes the head-banging look more dramatic.

Wear boots. Boots are another popular item worn by metalheads. If you go to a lot of shows (and if you’re a true metalhead, you probably do), you might want to invest in a pair of steel-toed boots to protect your feet in the mosh pit!

Sew those patches on. Denim vests and leather jackets covered in patches are popular in the metal community. If this is part of your style, be sure to buy and sew on the patches yourself. Pre-patched clothes are looked down upon.

If you want to look like a stereotypical metalhead, you’ll need to rock metal shirts. If you wear a tour shirt, make sure that it’s from a show you’ve actually been to. Many fans look down on wearing shirts from tours you haven’t actually attended.

For the most part this is common sense, but it becomes particularly important if you’re planning to be in the mosh pit — which is likely if you’re a metalhead. If you’re going to be in the mosh pit, here are some considerations:

There are an overwhelming number of metal subgenres, and these will differ depending on who you talk to. Knowing the types of metal will help you explore your tastes and broaden your horizons.

Metalheads are no different from other types of fans in that they value trivia. If you haven’t already done so, read up on the history of metal. This will also help you discover new bands and figure out which subgenres of metal are your favorite.

A lot of people have a fixed idea of metal but don't actually know what it’s about. Try not to get offended when they immediately assume you’re a Satanist or deranged in some way.

Invest in high-quality sound equipment. Metal is complex music that is best heard on a sound system that can handle it. Try out your favorite songs on various stereo systems before deciding on what you like best.

A lot of metalheads claim to be nerdy. Some regularly play role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. Some claim to be obsessed with video games and fantasy fiction. Others claim to be passionate about composing and producing music.

Many people claim that most metal is fantasy regardless the subgenre. This is because it explores reality through a lens that reaches beyond the things we see every day.

Let metal inspire you to discover who you are as a person. Use the songs to explore your feelings and ideas. Let the music inform your decisions, but don’t let it make them for you.

Live by the music. True metalheads live their lives according to a philosophy taught by the music they love. This could vary depending on their favorite bands, but if you’re a metalhead, the music will be part of your moral fabric.

Don’t spend time worrying about what makes you metal and others not metal. Why waste time judging others when you can be enjoying the company of friends or discovering new bands?

You might find it hard to get into venues at a younger age, but there are still all-age shows, and in this age of global communication you can do nearly all the research you need over the Internet.There are sites on concert etiquette and metal history, and great metal forums on just about any topic you could imagine.

A recent study showed that listening to angry music can help inspire and calm you. The study found that listening to angry music that matched one’s angry emotions could help them work through those emotions, experience them fully, and emerge feeling active and inspired.

Talk to people. You'd be surprised at how many people listen to metal. Not all metal fans have to look a certain way, and many look the exact opposite of what you would expect. You may like different types of metal, but there’s probably some band you both like, and maybe you’ll help each other discover new bands.

Don’t feel like you have to mosh at concerts. Appreciate the music in a way that makes you feel good. Don’t ruin everyone’s fun by being somewhere you don’t want to be!

Metal should lift you up, not drag you down. If you’re suffering from anger issues or depression, try speaking to a close friend, family member, or medical professional so that you can get the help you need. Metal lyrics can be dark, but for the most part they’re meant to help you explore yourself and your world, not encourage you towards suicide.

Don't be self-confident in an aggressive way when you meet older metalheads. Venerate them and you may learn a lot from them. Chances are that they were probably seeing Iron Maiden, Metallica, Carcass, or Slayer when you were still wetting the bed.

Support wikiHow's Educational Mission

Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today.