One of Pokemon Sword and Shield’s biggest additions to the series is the Wild Area, where players can run into other players and participate in cooperative Max Raid Battles. While versus multiplayer battles have been a part of Pokemon games since Red and Blue, Pokemon Sword and Shield character customization is more important than it’s ever been, since even players who aren’t hardcore battlers will need to differentiate themselves from others. In this guide, we’ll go over how to change your hair in Pokemon Sword and Shield — including both hairstyle and hair color — how to change your eyebrow color and eye color, and how to change your gender and skin color.
How to change your skin color and gender in Pokemon Sword and Shield
The first thing you’ll do when you start up a new game of Pokemon Sword and Shield is choose a player character from a lineup of eight portraits: four male characters and four female. Each has a different skin tone, hair color, and eye color. While you will be able to change your character’s hair, eyes, and eyebrows, there does not appear to be any way to change their skin color or gender after you’ve created your character, so make sure you’re set on your choices before you begin.
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How to change your hair in Pokemon Sword and Shield
Once you’ve selected one of the default characters, you’ll be stuck with them for a couple hours. You can change their clothing at a shop in the very first town you come to, but you’ll have to wait until you reach Motostoke — the first city after the Wild Area — to change your features. Once you get there, head to the salon on the right side of the main walkway, marked with the scissors on its sign (shown above).
When you speak to the person at the counter, they’ll offer you either hair styling for 3,000 Pokedollars or makeup for 1,000 Pokedollars. Once you select either option, you’ll shell out the cash immediately (even if you end up not changing anything afterwards), so choose wisely.
Selecting hair will allow you to change your character’s hairstyle and hair color. You’ll be able to select from a variety of styles and colors, allowing you to customize your character appropriately. Be aware, though, that certain hairstyles (such as the “Medium and wavy” style) prevent you from wearing hats of any kind.
Selecting makeup allows you to change your eyebrow shape and color and your eye color. You can even select from crazy options like flame-filled eyes, sparkly eyes, and heart-filled eyes.
