FFXIV: Unlockable Hairstyles Guide (Patch 7.35 Update)

Unlockable Hairstyles in FFXIV

In the diverse world of Final Fantasy XIV, character customization is a beloved feature, with numerous hairstyles that players can unlock and display across various races. This section explores the evolution of unlockable hairstyles, tracing their origins back to the game's early patches.

Early Cosmetic Updates

1. Facial Options (Patch 2.38)

   The journey of unlocks began with a facial customization option, featuring either a spider's web pattern or a pair of bats. Released during the 2014 All Saints Wake event, players could purchase this design from the FFXIV online store.

2. Eternal Bonding Hairstyle (Patch 2.4)

   The first unlockable hairstyle, available through the Ceremony of Eternal Bonding. This hairstyle varies by gender:

   • Male: Side parting with a flicked fringe
   • Female: Short, adorned with flowers

   Recently updated to support all races and genders, this style marks a milestone in FFXIV's cosmetic history.

Path to Diversity

• Ponytails Hairstyle (Patch 2.51)

Available for 8,000 MGP at the Gold Saucer, this style features a singular ponytail with split parting bangs and is usable by all player races and genders.

• Adventure Hairstyle (Patch 3.1)

Costing only 14 MGP, this style is distinct for male and female characters, marking yet another step in versatile styling options.

• Curls Hairstyle (Patch 3.1)

An afro-style design available for 9,600 MGP, suitable for almost all races and genders except female Rothgar.

Special Issue Hairstyles

1. Scion Special Issue No. 1

   Tied to Minfilia's attire purchase, this style is exclusive to female characters of specific races.

2. Pulse Hairstyle (Patch 3.2)

   Celebrates the FFXIII collaboration event:

   • Female: Lightning-inspired
   • Male: Snow-inspired

   Available in the cash shop, these styles bring beloved character designs into FFXIV.

Evolving Hairstyles for All

• Samsonian Locks (Patch 3.4)

Obtainable from Palace of the Dead, these long locks paved the way for more adventurous styles, despite concerns about in-game clipping.

• Rainmaker Hairstyle (Patch 3.55)

Released for 5,000 MGP, this Type Zero-inspired style features a bobbed, spiked ponytail and rich color highlights. This popular style is available to all races and genders.

Summary Table: Selected Hairstyles and Availability

As Final Fantasy XIV continues to evolve, players can look forward to more hairstyles, ensuring their characters remain as unique and diverse as the world they inhabit.

Master and Commander Hairstyle

The Master and Commander hairstyle is a unique addition introduced in patch 3.55. It accompanies Amarik's attire, available from the online store, and is specifically designed to be worn by male characters. Interestingly, although the outfit itself is male-only, the hairstyle can be equipped by both male and female characters—except for the Rothgar and Vieira races, who currently cannot use it. The ensemble costs approximately £863 or $15, which some might find steep, especially since the outfit's chest piece might not be usable for everyone. It's a bit peculiar how hairstyles used to be tied to outfit purchases, unlike the evolving trend of separate hairstyle acquisitions.

Fashionably Feathered Hairstyle

With patch 4.3 came the Fashionably Feathered hairstyle, purchasable for 18,000 Wolf marks at the Wolves' Den Pier PvP vendors. This short style is available to all race and gender combinations, providing players with a feathered, layered rear and a side-parted front. For those involved in PvP, this is a worthwhile addition to their character's look, given the reasonable cost.

Notable Hairstyles from Patch 4.35 to 5.4

1. Giraion Plat (Patch 4.35):
   • Available from silver sacks in the Heaven-on-High dungeon.
   • Popular for its sidelong plait and cute ponytail.
   • Usable by all except female Rothgar.
2. Style for Hire (Patch 4.4):
   • Obtainable with 18,000 Wolf marks at the Wolves' Den Pier.
   • Short with a beady side, not wearable by female Rothgar.
3. Strife Hairstyle (Patch 4.4):
   • Part of community events and contests.
   • Iconic look resembling Cloud Strife.
   • Not available for Vieira and Rothgar.
4. Lexon Tales (Patch 4.45):
   • Costs 50,000 MGP at the Gold Saucer.
   • Inspired by Alma Lexale's look, minus female Rothgar applicability.
5. Form and Function (Patch 4.45):
   • Found in Happy Bunny Lockboxes and bronze coffers.
   • Features a middle plait and short feathered style.
6. Lucian Locks (Patch 4.5):
   • Prominent in the Final Fantasy XV collaboration.
   • Notable for its Noctis-inspired style, barring Vieira and Rothgar use.
7. Great Lengths (Patch 5.0):
   • Available for 30,000 MGP.
   • Offers long fringeless bangs and lengthy back hair.
   • All but female Rothgar characters can use it.

Hairstyles from the Firmament

Several additional styles became available with the rebuilding of the Firmament in Ishgard. These styles are purchasable with Skybuilders' scripts or obtained through fate presents:

• Modern Legend (Patch 5.11): Comparable to Strife but less spiky.
• Controlled Chaos (Patch 5.21): A flatter, shorter haircut suitable for most.
• Saintly Style (Patch 5.31): Offers a spiky look with vibrant highlights.
• Wind Caller (Patch 5.35): Long mullet with headband and beaded elements, modeled after character Leon Helsus.

Cash Shop and Specialty Styles

1. Charlie and Studies (Patch 5.4):
   • Available for purchase with a specific attire set.
   • Costs approximately £863 or $15.
   • Compatible with most character combinations, excluding female Rothgar.

   These diverse hairstyles enable players to customize their avatars to closely reflect their style preferences, contributing to the vibrancy and individuality of the Final Fantasy XIV community.

New Hairstyles and Customization Options

The journey through Final Fantasy XIV's evolving hairstyles continues with a wide array of unique styles that add depth and personalization to the gaming experience. With each patch, players receive exciting new looks to explore and personalize their avatars.

1. The Iconic Ponytail (Patch 5.45): Known as Alpha's hair, this look is available through Delibram Regina or by purchasing it from the resistance supplier NPC in Zadnor for Bosian gold and platinum coins. The hairstyle features a short cut with a braided highlight, although it doesn't cater to female Rothgar.
2. Battle-Ready Bobs (Patch 5.5): Inspired by 2B from the Nier: Automata series, this hairstyle can be found in the Tower at Paradigms Breach's last boss coffer. The standout feature is a short bob with a headband, suitable for all characters. This style offers extensive highlight options that significantly affect the hair's look.
3. Scanning for Style (Patch 5.5): Also from the Paradigms Breach coffer, this style brings 9S's iconic short hair to your character. Although it lacks a specific eye bandana, it seamlessly fits into any character's ensemble, regardless of gender or race.
4. Both Ways (Patch 5.55): Available from Zadnor lockboxes and other sources, this hairstyle features a unique single ponytail with diagonal plait details. It became particularly popular among Vieira characters, complementing various facial features with stylish bangs.
5. Tall Tails (Patch 6.2): Purchased from the Island Sanctuary, this hairstyle offers a ponytail with curled bangs. Although similar to other options, its charm lies in the combination of textures and the extensive fringe.

   The table below provides an overview of where to obtain these hairstyles:

More Unique Hairstyles

The diversity continues with styles like Liberating Locks (Patch 6.1) that align with Elise's character attire, but cater only to female characters. Then there’s the Practical Ponytails (Patch 6.2) for those seeking something beyond the generic styles.

The evolving creativity of Final Fantasy XIV’s hairstyle options not only enhances the characters’ visual appeal but also enriches players' experiences by allowing them to express individuality and style. As new patches continue to release, players eagerly anticipate the latest additions to their hairstyle collections.

Continuing Hairstyle Innovations

In patch 7.1, players were introduced to several new hairstyles available via the cash shop, offering more personalization options for their characters. One notable addition is the Scion Special Issue Number Four, inspired by Grahatier's hairstyle. This particular style is accessible to all players without restrictions and features unique stitching patterns and a subtle ponytail design.

Also included in the 7.1 release are the Void Swept Strands and the Head Hound Hairstyle, both available for a modest fee on the cash shop. The Void Swept Strands, modeled after Zero's hairstyle from the storyline, offers fans of the character an opportunity to recreate their aesthetic. Meanwhile, the Head Hound Hairstyle, featuring diagonal braids and long ponytails, mimics Hilda Wear's look. This detailed style might cause slight visual inconsistencies under certain conditions, but the overall impact is polished and appealing.

The introduction of the Chaotic Cloud of Darkness hairstyle in patch 7.15 brings a touch of elegance. This intricate design can be acquired through gameplay, specifically as a drop from the Cloud of Darkness Chaotic challenge or by trading materials. Its defining features include ribbons and flowers, although these cannot currently be modified. Despite this limitation, it remains a popular and cherished option among players.

Patch 7.2 introduces the Warden Hairstyle, signaling a fresh series themed around the Myths of the Realm's twelve deities. While its complexity might not appeal to everyone, the creativity behind each strand reflects the passion for designing distinctive looks that capture the game's spirit.

In patch 7.25, the Fourlocks hairstyle provides an edgy, almost rebellious appearance. With a long fringe that obscures the eyes, this style is available to all characters via in-game challenges or purchasable through the market, making it both accessible and popular.

Finally, patch 7.35 brings the Simple and Clean hairstyle, earned through the Pilgrim's Traverse deep dungeon. This style is celebrated for its elegant, two-toned undercolor effect that introduces unprecedented versatility for players aiming to match complex glamour pieces. Its unique design was well-received as a contest-winning entry, epitomizing the blend of creativity and gameplay.

Key Hairstyle Additions from Patches 7.1 to 7.35

1. Scion Special Issue Number Four - Grahatier-inspired, stitching patterns.
2. Void Swept Strands - Modeled after Zero.
3. Head Hound - Features diagonal braids like Hilda Wear.
4. Chaotic Cloud of Darkness - Ribbons and flowers accentuate the look.
5. Warden Hairstyle - Part of the Myths of the Realm series.
6. Fourlocks - Edgy look with a long fringe.
7. Simple and Clean - Two-toned undercolor for increased versatility.

   While the current landscape sees a growing number of hairstyles obtained via cash purchases, there is an ongoing desire within the community for more earnable content. Furthermore, players continue to hope for even greater customization, including longer hairstyles and more facial options directly obtainable through gameplay. As the game evolves, these hairstyles not only highlight personal expression but also reflect the community's continuous engagement with these artistic elements.