Final Fantasy XIV’s Dawntrail expansion brought us plenty of exciting content, but honestly? Nothing has stirred up quite as much debate as the Fulsome Forelocks hairstyle.
You’ve probably seen it around by now – that distinctive look with bangs that completely cover the eyes. Some players absolutely love it, while others… well, let’s just say they have strong opinions about it. But here’s the thing: whether you’re team “love it” or team “hate it,” this hairstyle has definitely made waves in the FFXIV community.
So what’s all the fuss about? And more importantly, how do you actually get your hands on this controversial new look? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about FFXIV’s Fulsome Forelocks.
What Are Fulsome Forelocks in Final Fantasy XIV?
Picture this: thick, heavy bangs that fall right over your character’s eyes, creating this mysterious, almost rebellious vibe. That’s the Fulsome Forelocks in a nutshell.
The design is pretty bold when you think about it. Most hairstyles in FFXIV play it safe, but this one? It goes all-in on the dramatic factor. The back is kept relatively short, which means all the attention goes to those eye-covering bangs.
What’s cool is that it works across all races and genders. Sure, it might look slightly different on a Lalafell versus an Elezen, but the core aesthetic remains the same. It’s one of those hairstyles that really makes a statement – you’re either going to stand out in a crowd or blend into the background, depending on how you style it.
The Story Behind Fulsome Forelocks Design
Here’s where things get interesting. The Fulsome Forelocks wasn’t dreamed up by Square Enix’s design team. Nope – this came straight from the player community.
Back in 2023, FFXIV held a Hairstyle Design Contest, and this particular style was one of the winners. Think about that for a second. A regular player submitted this design, and now it’s part of the actual game. That’s pretty amazing when you consider how rare it is for MMOs to incorporate player-created content so directly.
This whole contest thing really shows how much the developers value their community’s input. It’s not just lip service either – they’re actually putting player ideas into the game. The Fulsome Forelocks represents this collaborative spirit perfectly, and it’s opened the door for more player-designed content down the line.
How to Obtain Fulsome Forelocks in FFXIV
Alright, let’s get to the practical stuff. There are basically two ways to get your hands on this hairstyle, and one is definitely more reliable than the other.
The Sanguinite Route (Recommended)
Your best bet is heading to The Occult Crescent: South Horn and finding the Expedition Antiquarian. They’ll sell you the Modern Aesthetics – Fulsome Forelocks item for 30 Chunks of Sanguinite.
Now, if you’re new to Dawntrail content, Sanguinite is this currency you earn by doing various activities in the new zones. It’s not too hard to farm up, but it does take some time. The good news? This method is guaranteed – no RNG involved.
The Treasure Coffer Gamble
Feeling lucky? You can also try your chances with treasure coffers in South Horn. Both bronze and silver coffers have a chance to drop the Modern Aesthetics item.
Fair warning though – the drop rates aren’t exactly generous. Some players get it on their first try, others open dozens of coffers with no luck. It’s really a matter of whether you want to grind Sanguinite or test your fortune with RNG.
Unlocking the Modern Aesthetics Item
Once you’ve got the Modern Aesthetics – Fulsome Forelocks item, the rest is pretty straightforward. Just right-click it in your inventory, and boom – it gets added to your hairstyle collection.
From there, you’ll need to visit an Aesthetician. You can find them in all the major cities, plus they’re available in personal housing and Free Company estates. The styling fee is just 2,000 gil, which is basically pocket change at this point.
The whole process takes maybe two minutes, and you can always change back if you decide the look isn’t for you.
Community Reception and Player Opinions
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. The FFXIV community has… opinions about this hairstyle.
On one side, you’ve got players who think it’s fresh and edgy. They love how it breaks away from the typical fantasy hair options and gives their characters a more modern, alternative look.
On the other side? Well, some folks have dubbed it the “hentai protagonist hair,” and they’re not exactly being complimentary about it. The resemblance to certain anime tropes has definitely rubbed some players the wrong way.
But here’s what’s interesting – despite the controversy (or maybe because of it), the hairstyle has become pretty popular. It’s especially common among Au Ra players, where it seems to work particularly well with their horn designs.
Styling Tips and Character Combinations
If you’re thinking about trying out the Fulsome Forelocks, here are some things to keep in mind.
Race Considerations
While it works on everyone, certain races really make it shine. Au Ra characters look fantastic with it – something about how it interacts with their horns just works. Miqo’te and Viera players have also had great success with the style.
Outfit Pairings
The key is matching the hairstyle’s edgy vibe. Modern glamour pieces work great – think leather jackets, punk-inspired accessories, or anything with a contemporary feel. That said, don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes the contrast between an edgy hairstyle and traditional fantasy gear creates a really unique look.
Color Choices
Dark colors tend to emphasize the dramatic effect, but don’t sleep on lighter shades. Platinum blonde or silver can create this almost ethereal quality that’s pretty striking.
Comparing Fulsome Forelocks to Other FFXIV Hairstyles
In a game with hundreds of hairstyle options, standing out is no easy feat. But the Fulsome Forelocks manages to carve out its own niche.
Most other bang-heavy styles in FFXIV still show at least part of the eyes. This one commits fully to the covered-eye aesthetic, which makes it pretty unique in the game’s catalog.
When you compare it to other player-designed hairstyles that have made it into the game, it’s probably the most unconventional. While other contest winners played it relatively safe, this one really pushed boundaries.
Whether that’s good or bad depends on your perspective, but you can’t argue with its impact on the community.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Fulsome Forelocks hairstyle is way more than just another cosmetic option. It represents something bigger – the idea that player creativity can directly influence the game we all love.
Sure, it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Some players will always prefer more traditional fantasy aesthetics. But for those looking to make a statement or try something completely different, it’s hard to beat.
Whether you end up loving it or hating it, the Fulsome Forelocks has definitely earned its place in FFXIV history. It’s a conversation starter, a symbol of community involvement, and proof that sometimes the most controversial additions end up being the most memorable.
So what do you think? Ready to take the plunge and try out this divisive new look? Or are you firmly in the “not for me” camp? Either way, you’ve got to admit – it’s got people talking, and in the world of MMO fashion, that’s half the battle.
