You’re wandering through Hau'oli City, the sun is beating down on your character's digital shoulders, and you realize something—that default hat has got to go. Or maybe it’s the hair. Honestly, the starting options in Alola are a bit "plain vanilla" for a region based on Hawaii. Getting haircuts in Pokemon Sun isn't just a minor cosmetic choice; it’s basically the first thing every player does once they realize they aren't stuck with that initial bowl cut for the next forty hours of gameplay.
It's kind of funny how much weight we put into these digital salons. You walk into a shop, drop 4,000 or 5,000 PokeDollars—which is a lot when you're still struggling to buy Great Balls—and pray the RNG gods of style are on your side.
Where to Find the Best Stylists in Alola
Don't expect to find a salon on every route. Alola is laid back, but the infrastructure for high fashion is pretty specific. Your first stop is almost always going to be the Salon in Hau’oli City’s Shopping District. It’s right there, nestled among the boutiques. It’s the gatekeeper of your early-game aesthetic. If you miss this one, you're stuck looking like a tourist for way longer than necessary.
Later on, once you’ve hopped over to Akala Island, you’ll find another spot in Konikoni City. This one feels a bit more "authentic" to the region’s vibe. Finally, for those who make it to Ula’ula Island, Malie City hosts a salon that leans into that Johto-inspired aesthetic. The interesting thing is that while the locations change, the available styles mostly stay the same, though your options expand significantly after you beat the game and become the first-ever Alolan Champion.
The True Cost of Fashion
Let's talk money.
Fashion in Alola is expensive. A full cut and color will set you back 5,000 PokeDollars. If you just want a trim, it’s 4,000. Just a color change? That’s 2,000. In the early game, this is a genuine financial crossroads. Do you want to look cool, or do you want ten more Super Potions for the Verdant Cavern trial? Most people choose the hair. You can always find more items on the ground, but you can't find a fresh fade in tall grass.
The "Color Only" option is often overlooked, but it’s actually the smartest way to tweak your look without committing to a whole new silhouette. You’ve got your basics: Black, Honey Blond, Dark Brown, Light Brown. Then there’s the more "Alolan" flavors like Platinum Blond and Ash Brown. If you’re playing as a girl character, you eventually unlock more "out there" colors like Wine Red and White after the credits roll. Guys get a bit of a shorter end of the stick here, but that's been a recurring theme in Pokemon customization since X and Y.
Every Haircut Style for Boys
If you’re playing as the male protagonist, your options are... well, they’re fine. They aren't revolutionary, but they get the job done.
First up is the Medium and Layered. It’s the default. It’s the "I just got here from Kanto" look. Then you have the Medium and Ruffled, which gives you that messy, "I just rode a Charizard through a hurricane" vibe. If you want something cleaner, the Short and Layered is a safe bet. My personal favorite is the Braided Cornrows. It feels distinct and fits the tropical setting much better than the shaggy protagonist hair we’ve seen for decades. After the Elite Four, you can also grab the Topknot, which is very "Malie City chic."
The Massive Variety for Girls
Girl characters in Pokemon Sun definitely have the advantage when it comes to haircuts in Pokemon Sun. The sheer volume of permutations is wild. You start with the Chin-length Bob, which is classic, but you can quickly move into Short and Ruffled or the Medium and Straight.
Things get interesting with the Long and Straight or Long and Wavy styles. But wait—there’s more. You can choose whether or not to have bangs. You can go for Sideswept Bangs, Original Bangs (straight across), or No Bangs at all. This might seem like a small detail, but it completely changes how hats sit on your character's head. Speaking of hats, some hairstyles will actually force your hat off, which is a blessing for those of us who spent 10,000 PokeDollars on a designer headband.
The Cornrows and Double Bun (the "Oasis" look) are high-tier choices that unlock more variety. The Double Bun in particular is a fan favorite because it looks great in the Z-Move animations. There’s something satisfying about watching your character do a ridiculous dance with perfectly symmetrical hair buns.
The "Secret" Post-Game Unlocks
Most people think what they see in Hau’oli City is all they get. That’s wrong.
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Once you become the Champion, return to any salon. The stylists will treat you with a bit more reverence, and suddenly, new colors and styles appear. This is where the White and Wine Red hair colors come from. It’s also when girls can access the Great Ball and Ultra Ball style buns if they talk to specific NPCs or hit certain milestones.
It's also worth noting that Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon have slightly different vibes, but the haircut options remain identical between versions. If you were hoping for a "Sun-exclusive" pompadour, you're out of luck. The exclusivity is kept to the Pokemon themselves and the time of day.
Why You Can't See the Hair Before You Buy
This is the biggest gripe anyone has with haircuts in Pokemon Sun. The game makes you pay upfront. You don't get a preview. You don't get a "try before you buy" mirror. You pick a name from a menu, confirm, and watch the screen fade to black.
It’s a gamble.
If you hate it, you’re out 5,000 PokeDollars and you have to pay another 5,000 to change it back. Pro tip: Save your game right outside the salon door. If the "Ruffled" look makes you look like a disgruntled Primeape, just soft-reset the game (L+R+Start or Select). It saves you the heartbreak and the Alolan currency.
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Aesthetics and the Z-Move Factor
You might wonder why anyone cares about a haircut in a game about catching monsters. It comes down to the Z-Move cinematics. Unlike previous generations, Pokemon Sun puts your trainer front and center during the most powerful attacks in the game. When you’re triggering Gigavolt Havoc, you’re going to see a close-up of your character’s face. If your hair looks like a mess, the whole "epic moment" feels a little bit off.
Customization is the soul of the Alola experience. It’s about fitting into a world that feels more lived-in than the grids of Sinnoh or Unova. The way the light hits the "Platinum Blond" dye during a sunset battle on Exeggutor Island is a genuine "wow" moment for a 3DS game.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Salon Visit
- Save First: Always save before talking to the stylist. The lack of a preview menu is a trap for the unwary.
- The Bangs Dilemma: If you’re a girl character, try the "No Bangs" look with a headband. It’s widely considered the cleanest look for the Alolan aesthetic.
- Post-Game Grind: Don't spend all your money on clothes early. Wait until you unlock the Wine Red and White dyes after the Elite Four for the most unique looks.
- Hats Off: Remember that some styles remove your hat. If you’ve spent a fortune on a rare hat in the high-end boutique, make sure your new haircut actually allows you to wear it.
- Match Your Team: It sounds dorky, but matching your hair color to your starter (Red for Litten, Green for Rowlet, Blue for Popplio) is a classic Nuzlocke tradition that makes the journey feel more cohesive.
Getting the right look is a rite of passage in Alola. Whether you're rocking the short-cropped look for a sporty vibe or going full "Island Challenge Champion" with long, flowing locks, the salons of Hau’oli, Konikoni, and Malie are your best friends. Just remember to bring plenty of cash and maybe a sense of adventure—because you never truly know what "Ruffled" means until the stylist is done with you.