FFXIV Hairstyles Guide: Unlock All Styles

Customization is a key part of the Final Fantasy XIV experience, and hairstyles offer endless ways to express your character’s personality. With over 30 unlockable options beyond defaults, players can access unique looks through various in-game activities. This guide details acquisition methods, compatibility notes, and strategies to help you build a complete collection via the Aesthetician NPC.

Understanding the Aesthetician System

To change hairstyles, first complete the level 15 quest “Beauty Is Only Scalp Deep” to unlock the Aesthetician in major cities like Gridania, Limsa Lominsa, and Ul’dah. This NPC allows appearance edits for a small gil fee. Note that some styles have race and gender restrictions, such as Hrothgar or Viera incompatibilities, and certain ones are purchasable on the Market Board instead of earned through content.

Quest and Main Story Hairstyles

Many hairstyles tie directly to progression, making them accessible early on. These reward story completion and encourage exploration of Eorzea’s narrative.

• Adventure: A windswept, exploratory look released in patch 3.1. Unlock via main scenario quests; usable by all races.
• Ponytails: Practical twin tails from patch 2.51. Obtained with 8,000 MGP at the Gold Saucer; available across all races and genders.
• Curls: Elegant ringlets from patch 3.1. Earned through specific main story progress; high ownership rate at 63%.
• Great Lengths: Flowing long hair ideal for fantasy aesthetics. Tied to early expansions; check Aesthetician after relevant quests.

These are straightforward for new players, often unlocking automatically as you advance the MSQ.

Achievement and Leveling Rewards

High-level accomplishments yield exclusive styles, rewarding dedication to crafting, combat, or exploration.

Achievement hairstyles like Pulse (patch 3.2) demand grinding but boast popularity (23% ownership). Focus on deep content like Palace of the Dead for drops from Accursed Hoards.

Optional Content and Dungeon Drops

Endgame challenges like Eureka and Bozja offer rare drops, appealing to completionists.

• Happy Bunny: From Eureka Pyros lockboxes; tedious but functional style.
• Gyr Abanian Plait: Bozjan Southern Front-related; intricate braids.
• Lexen-tails: Eureka rewards; ponytail variant.
• Battle-ready Bobs: Combat-focused short cut from deep dungeons.

These require separate leveling in instanced zones, so prioritize if hairstyle hunting is your goal.

Event-Limited and Seasonal Styles

Seasonal events provide time-sensitive cosmetics, often with unique themes.

• Eternal Bonding: Wedding event (patch 2.4); 39% ownership.
• A Wicked Wake: Rare event style (patch 2.38); low 7% ownership.
• Scion Special Issues: Multiple variants (I-IV) from collaborations; e.g., Graha’tia-inspired in recent patches.

Participate during active periods, as many don’t return. Check patch notes for revivals.

Market Board and Mog Station Purchases

Not all styles require grinding—some are vendor-bought or real-money options.

• Scanning for Style: Market Board purchase; versatile bob.
• Sharlayan Rebellion: Alisaie-based, female-only (no Hrothgar); Mog Station attire bundle.
• Liberating Locks: Lyse-inspired, female-only (no Hrothgar); Mog Station.

Market Board prices fluctuate; stock up during low demand. Mog Station items are permanent but cost real currency.

Recent Patch Additions (7.0+)

Endwalker and Dawntrail expansions introduced fresh looks with modern restrictions.

Styles like Tall Tails, Practical Ponytails, and A Close Shave continue the trend of accessibility via MGP or drops. Track ffxivcollect.com for ownership stats and patches.

Tips for Hairstyle Collectors

Building a full set takes time—prioritize MSQ for basics, then tackle optionals. Use trackers like ffxivcollect.com to monitor progress. Race swaps via Fantasia may help test compatibilities, but Hrothgar/Viera often miss out. Join communities for group farming in Eureka or Bozja.

• Budget MGP for Gold Saucer buys.
• Save gil for Aesthetician visits.
• Watch for event timers.
• Market Board scout for rare drops.

Race and Gender Compatibility Overview

Not all styles fit every character:

• All Races: Adventure, Ponytails, Curls.
• No Hrothgar: Samsonian Locks, Sharlayan Rebellion.
• Female-Only: Liberating Locks, some Scion variants.
• Viera Limited: Many recent ones unavailable.

Check in-game previews before committing.

FAQs

How do I unlock the Aesthetician?

Complete “Beauty Is Only Scalp Deep” at level 15.

Are there free trial hairstyles?

Free trial players can access many via quests, but some endgame ones require full subscription.

Can I get hairstyles on Market Board?

Yes, items like Scanning for Style drop and sell there.

What are the newest hairstyles?

Patch 7.25’s Fulsome Forelocks and others; check patch notes.

Do event hairstyles return?

Some do via revivals; others are permanent unlocks during events.