Customizing your trainer appearance is half the fun of exploring the Alola region. When you kick off your journey in Pokémon Sun and Moon, your choices are locked to a basic preset. To unlock advanced styling options like the cornrow braided bun, textured cuts, and fresh color palettes, you need to find specific salons and spend your hard-earned Poké Dollars.
Finding every salon and knowing which cuts are available saves you time running across the islands. Hair salons are located right next to clothing boutiques in major urban hubs like Hau'oli City and Malie City. A standard haircut costs 500 Poké Dollars, while changing your hair color runs another 500. If you want to switch up both your cut and your hue in one visit, prepare to spend 1,000 Poké Dollars total.
Finding Salons Across the Alola Region
You won't find a stylist in the sleepy opening hamlet of Iki Town. Your first opportunity to change your look opens up once you reach Hau'oli City on Melemele Island.
- Hau'oli City Salon: Located on the main shopping strip right next to the clothing boutique. This is your earliest option for basic trims and color changes.
- Hau'oli City Mall: A second styling station sits inside the regional shopping center on Melemele Island.
- Malie City Salon: Located on Ula'ula Island. This spot opens up later in your adventure and gives you access to the full spread of regional styles.
Styling options expand slightly depending on whether you play as a male or female protagonist, though both get a robust selection of cuts and dyes. Additional reporting by Bloomberg delves into related perspectives on the subject.
Female Character Hairstyles and Bang Variations
Female trainers enjoy a deep catalog of looks, ranging from sleek bobs to intricate braided arrangements. Every base hairstyle except the braided bun also lets you select a bang style: straight, sideswept, or none.
- Chin-Length Bob: A clean, classic cut that sits right at the jawline.
- Short and Bobbed: A slightly shorter variant with a tight, rounded shape.
- Medium and Wavy: Adds soft texture and movement that falls past the shoulders.
- Long and Straight: Falls down your back with a sleek finish.
- Long and Wavy: Combines length with voluminous curls.
- Romantic Tuck: Pins back sections of hair for an elegant look. Note that hats cannot be worn with this style.
- Cornrow Braided Bun: A tightly woven intricate braid that sweeps back into a neat bun. Bangs are unavailable for this style, and hats cannot be equipped while wearing it.
Male Character Hairstyles
Male trainers have shorter hair options to work with, focusing on layering, fades, and textured volume. While you can't choose separate bang styles in the same way female trainers do, the cut selections alter your silhouette significantly.
- Very Short: A clean crop for a low-maintenance look.
- Short and Layered: Adds texture on top with cropped sides.
- Medium and Layered: Provides more length to work with across the top and crown.
- Medium and Smooth: A combed-down, neat presentation.
Complete Hair Color Palette
Salons don't just change your shape; they offer a massive spectrum of dyes. Your initial character creation choice doesn't restrict what you can pick later. You can swap between natural tones and vibrant anime-inspired shades at any salon counter.
- Natural Tones: Black, Dark Brown, Ash Brown, Honey Blond, Caramel Blond, and Platinum Blond.
- Vibrant Tones: Pink Brown, Wine Red, White, and High Pigtails (color variant).
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Players often run into minor roadblocks when trying to style their character. Keep these pitfalls in mind to save your cash and avoid frustration.
- Wasting Money on Premature Visits: Don't bother looking for a salon on Route 1 or in early tutorial areas. You'll waste valuable time searching before you reach Hau'oli City.
- Ignoring Hat Conflicts: Certain elaborate hairstyles, such as the romantic tuck and cornrow braided bun, disable your ability to wear hats. Make sure you like how your character's face looks without headwear before committing to these cuts.
- Forgetting Color Costs: Cutting your hair costs 500 Poké Dollars, and dyeing it costs another 500. Budget 1,000 Poké Dollars if you plan to do a complete overhaul in one trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my hairstyle back for free?
No. Every trip to the salon chair costs Poké Dollars. Changing your cut costs 500, and changing your color costs another 500.
Why won't the stylist let me wear my hat?
Styles like the cornrow braided bun and romantic tuck physically conflict with headwear. The game automatically removes your hat when you select these options.
Are there exclusive hairstyles in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?
Yes. The upgraded versions of the game introduce a few extra styling options and color choices that aren't present in the original Sun and Moon releases.
Do hair changes affect gameplay or story events?
Styling choices are purely cosmetic. NPCs won't react differently to your hair color or cut, and it doesn't impact your Pokémon's affection or stats.
