Ever get that itch to just reinvent yourself halfway through a journey? In Alola, it’s basically a rite of passage. You’ve just defeated a Totem Pokémon, your bag is overflowing with Z-Crystals, and honestly, that default hat-and-hair combo is starting to feel a bit stale. Pokemon Ultra Moon hairstyles aren't just cosmetic fluff; they’re how you actually claim your identity in a game that’s all about the tropical vibe.
Most players stumble into the first salon in Hau’oli City, drop a few thousand PokéDollars, and call it a day. But if you're looking for the high-end stuff—the post-game unlocks or the specific cuts that didn't exist in the original Sun and Moon—you need to know where to look. Alola doesn't just hand out the best looks for free.
The Alolan Salon Scene: Where to Go
You can't just cut your hair in the middle of Route 1. You need a professional. There are three main salons scattered across the islands, and while they mostly offer the same base services, your journey will dictate when you can actually reach them.
- Hau’oli City: This is your first stop. It’s right in the Shopping District. You’ll find it tucked next to the apparel shop. It’s the perfect place to ditch the "just arrived from Kanto" look.
- Konikoni City: Located on Akala Island. It’s near the south entrance. This place has a bit more of a traditional Alolan feel.
- Malie City: Over on Ula’ula Island. Look for it off the west street.
The pricing is pretty consistent across the board. A fresh Cut will set you back 4,000 PokéDollars, while a Cut and Color combo is 5,000. If you’re playing as a female character and just want to tweak your bangs (the "Front Style"), that’s a cheaper 500 PokéDollars. It’s a small price to pay to stop looking like every other NPC on the island.
Pokemon Ultra Moon Hairstyles: Breaking Down the Options
Ultra Moon actually expanded the roster from the original games. If you’re coming back to Alola for the "Ultra" experience, you’ll notice a few new ways to style your trainer.
Masculine Styles
For the boys, the selection is... well, it’s better than it used to be in the older generations, but still a bit more limited than the girls' options. You start with the basics: Medium and Layered, Medium and Smooth, and Short and Layered.
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Then you get into the more specific looks. The Caesar Cut is a classic, but Ultra Moon added the Short and Tousled look and the Braided Cornrows. If you want something with a bit of height, the Modern Quiff is usually the go-to for players trying to look a bit more "pro trainer."
Feminine Styles
This is where the customization really shines. The variety of lengths and textures is pretty impressive for a 3DS title.
- Chin-length Bob: Simple, clean, doesn't get in the way of a Z-Move.
- Short and Bobbed: A bit more volume than the chin-length.
- Long and Straight: The classic "protagonist" look.
- Medium and Wavy: Great for that beachy, island aesthetic.
- Romantic Tuck: One of the most popular styles, giving a slightly more mature vibe.
- Braided Tails: Exclusive to the Ultra versions. If you’re looking for this in the original Moon, you won’t find it.
- Cornrow Braided Bun: A fantastic high-detail style that stands out in cutscenes.
And don’t forget the bangs. You can choose None, Sideswept, or Straight. Mixing a "Long and Straight" cut with "Sideswept" bangs completely changes the face shape of your character.
The Secret Unlocks: Post-Game Exclusives
Here’s what most people get wrong: they think they’ve seen every hairstyle by the time they reach the Aether Foundation. Wrong.
The most iconic look for female trainers—the High Pigtails—is locked behind the Hall of Fame. You literally have to become the Champion of Alola before the stylists deem you worthy of that level of "anime protagonist" energy. It’s a bit of a grind, but it’s the ultimate flex when you’re running around the Battle Tree.
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Color-wise, you also get two special unlocks after beating the game: White and Wine Red. These aren't available at the start. If you want that silver-haired legendary trainer look, you’ve got to put in the work first.
The Color Palette
Beyond the unlocks, you have a solid range of "regular" colors to choose from:
- Black
- Dark Brown
- Honey Blond
- Caramel Blond
- Platinum Blond
- Ash Brown
- Pink Brown
Honestly, the Ash Brown tends to look the most "natural" in the Alolan lighting, but Platinum Blond is a fan favorite for a reason—it just pops against the vibrant greens of the jungle.
Why Customization Actually Matters in Ultra Moon
You might think, "It’s a Pokémon game, who cares about the hair?" But think about the Rotom Dex. Think about the Alola Photo Club.
Ultra Moon leaned heavily into the "social" aspect of being a trainer. When you’re taking photos with your partner Pokémon to build bond and earn stickers, you’re going to be staring at your character's head a lot. Plus, when you battle friends locally or online, your avatar is what they see. A unique hairstyle paired with the right clothing (like those expensive Team Skull tops you can buy in Po Town) sets you apart from the sea of default trainers.
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How to Choose Your Final Look
If you're stuck, here's a quick way to decide.
First, check your hat. Not every hairstyle plays nice with headwear. Some of the more elaborate "up-dos" like the Cornrow Braided Bun or the High Pigtails will actually prevent you from wearing certain hats, or they’ll significantly alter how the hat sits on your head. If you’ve spent 20,000 PokéDollars on a designer hat at the Gracidea boutique in Hau'oli Mall, make sure your hair doesn't clip through it in a way that looks weird.
Second, consider your skin tone. Some of the lighter hair colors like Caramel Blond can look a bit washed out on the palest character model but look incredible on the darker Alolan skin tones.
Pro Tip: Save your game before you talk to the stylist. The game doesn't give you a "preview" before you pay. If you spend 5,000 PokéDollars and realize the Romantic Tuck makes your character look like they're wearing a helmet, you’ll want to be able to reset without losing your hard-earned cash.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Head to Hau'oli City immediately after getting your first Z-Crystal to ditch the starter look.
- Save your game outside the salon to avoid wasting money on a style you hate.
- Experiment with the "Front Style" (Bangs) if you’re playing a female character; it’s a cheap way to refresh your look without a full cut.
- Finish the main story to unlock the White and Wine Red dyes, along with the Pigtails, for the ultimate end-game aesthetic.