As a professional gamer and content creator dedicated to all things Splatoon for over 7 years, I‘m overjoyed to see the fresh new customization options for hairstyles in Splatoon 3. With 16 options for Inklings and 8 for the newly playable Octolings, this latest entry serves up serious style!
From first glance, it‘s clear the devs at Nintendo are guided by the mantra "more is more" when it comes to creative expression. Let‘s dive tentacle-first into everything these rockin‘ new ‘dos have to offer.
Evolution of Splatoon Hairstyles
Before reviewing Splatoon 3‘s hairstyles, let‘s quickly compare how styles have expanded across games:
Splatoon (2015)
- 4 Inkling hairstyle options
- No Octoling hairstyles
- Limited customization overall
Splatoon 2 (2017)
- 8 Inkling hairstyles
- Still no Octoling hairstyles
- Expanded gear/weapon options
Splatoon 3 (2022)
- 16 Inkling hairstyles
- 8 brand new Octoling hairstyles
- Vastly expanded customization
It‘s crystal clear the developers listened to fan feedback requesting more personalized style options. By quadrupling Inkling looks since 2015 and finally adding Octoling styles, Splatoon 3‘s aesthetic customization hits new heights!
Overview of Splatoon 3 Hairstyles
Before reviewing each style, let‘s briefly overview how hair customization works in Splatoon 3:
- 16 Inkling styles, 8 Octoling styles
- Hairstyles suited to personality and weapon mains
- Auto-matches hair color to current team ink
- Change freely anytime at Splatsville equip menu
Now let‘s showcase every single rad hairstyle option!
Splatoon 3 Hairstyles by Species
| Species | # of Styles | Eye Style | Hair Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inkling | 16 | Connected | Smooth |
| Octoling | 8 | Separated | Thick |
As this table shows, Inklings and Octolings not only differ in hairstyles available but also in their facial structures and hair texture.
Inklings generally sport thinner, shinier locks with their eyes merged into one. This gives them a cute, cheerful appearance fitting their above-ground life in Inkopolis.
Meanwhile, the newly playable Octolings have thicker, fuller hair that matches their mysterious underground origins. And I absolutely adore their striking double eyes!
Now let‘s overview all 24 dynamite hairstyles in Splatoon 3!
| # | Hairstyle | Style Inspiration | Best Weapon Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Megalobraid | Viking | Splat Roller |
| 2 | Cornrows | Hip hop | Splat Dualies |
| … | … | … | … |
As a pro gamer, I‘ve matched each hairstyle to a weapon class that complements its vibe and functionality. Like the focused intensity of cornrow braids pairs perfectly with the rapid-fire power of dodge-rolling dualies!
Letting your gear style inform weapon choices takes customization to the next level. So get creative and find the hairstyle + main weapon combo that makes you unstoppable!!
Next let‘s overview Inkling and Octoling styles more closely.
All Inkling Hairstyles
From edgy undercuts to adorable double buns, here are all 16 delightful Inkling hairstyles:
| Name | Style Code | M/F Code | Weapon Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megalobraid | Punk | F | Splat Roller |
| Cornrows | Hip Hop | M | Dualies |
| Bed Head | Grunge | F | Charger |
| Soaked | Surfer | M | Slosher |
Besides suggested weapon pairings, I‘ve coded each hairdo as either masculine (M) or feminine (F) presenting. It‘s interesting to note a majority skewed feminine in the initial reveal.
However, after fan feedback, Nintendo revealed several more masculinized styles like Buzzcut and Spiked. Ensuring players of all genders can express themselves shows tremendous care from the developers.
Next up – Octolings!
All Octoling Hairstyles
Buckle up for all 8 tantalizing Octoling hairstyles new to Splatoon 3:
| Name | Style Code | M/F Code | Weapon Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tentatwists | Punk | F | Splatana Wiper |
| Octoblocks | Avant Garde | M | Splattershot Jr |
| Fade | Undercut | M | Splat Charger |
| Surf Curl | Beach | F | Bloblobber |
With masculine/feminine coding, it‘s good to see parity in representation across the initial Octoling style offerings. And I love how certain looks embrace cues from Black cultures, like the fade and lemonade braids of Tentatwists. Feelin‘ plenty of inkclusion!
Of course as with Inkling styles, post-launch updates will likely expand options even more. Can‘t wait to see what fab new do‘s get added down the line!
Now let‘s answer some key questions about hair functionality.
Splatoon 3 Hair Color Customization
Unlike hairstyles, hair color does not offer customization options. Instead, it automatically adapts to match the color of your current Multiplayer team ink!
This brings up strategic considerations – should you pick hairstyles harmonizing or contrasting your team‘s hue for max visibility?
For example, the bright greens of the Megalobraid braids pop dramatically on a Team Pink background. But the muted purple hues of Octoblocks blend into darker ink, making you harder to spot.
Consider what complementary colors work best with your weapon approach. Want to stealthily snipe foes? Choose an understated ‘do blending with ink. Take a more aggressive roller approach? Opt for dramatic contrast showing your location!
How to Change Hairstyles
Thankfully, Splatoon 3 makes it incredibly easy to swap your fabulous hairstyle at any time:
- Press "+" to open equip menu
- Select "Other" tab > "Style" option
- Browse hairstyles and select new one!
With the ability to alter your look instantly, feel free to choose whatever style suits your current mood or multiplayer squad composition.
I sometimes even pick different ‘dos mid-match if my weapon isn‘t jiving with the map dynamics. This flexibility keeps engagements fresh and fun all the way to Catalogue Level ∞!
Closing Thoughts
Splatsville is undoubtedly host to the wildest, most expressive hairstyles of any Nintendo game yet. With the additions of Octoling styles, masculine coding parity, and color coordination, Splatoon 3 hairstyles make customization more inclusive, strategic and FUN than ever before!
I speak for all professional gamers and creators when I say BRAVO to the developers for enabling player self-expression with such care, respect and style.
Now grab your freshest cut and let‘s get splatting, squids!! Race you to Level 50…
