Krillin is also one of the best-known characters in the Dragon Ball franchise, best known for his humorous attitude, witty personality, and, of course, bald head. A very close friend of Goku, Krillin became a fan favorite upon his arrival in Dragon Ball. However, fans were surprised when Krillin was shown as bald in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super. The fact that he had hair caught many fans off guard and prompted a lot of debate among fans.
This guide discusses why Krillin is bald in the majority of Dragon Ball, why he appeared to have hair once, and how this impacted his character within the Dragon Ball series.
Why Is Krillin Bald in Most of Dragon Ball?
Krillin is introduced as a bald martial artist in the original Dragon Ball series when he first appears at Master Roshi’s Kame House. His shaved head was not due to natural baldness but rather a part of his martial arts training as a monk of the Orin Temple, where shaving one’s head was a traditional practice.
As a dedicated martial artist, Krillin maintained the tradition during training. The rest of the monks, including Tien Shinhan, had bald heads as well, symbolizing discipline and devotion to their craft.
Baldness was among his most distinguishing physical features, and most of the fans envision him as clean-shaven in the head region.
When Does Krillin Grow Hair?
Krillin surprises fans when he gets hair after the Cell Saga in Dragon Ball Z. He is first introduced with a head full of hair, and it is black, during the Majin Buu Saga after quitting fighting and marrying Android 18.
By this point in the series, Krillin is no longer a professional martial artist and starts living a more normal life, marrying Android 18 and fathering a daughter, Marron. Since he no longer practices strict monk traditions, he grows out his hair, signaling a new chapter in his life.
This also marks his transition from being a fighter to a family man, prioritizing his wife and daughter over constant fights.
Krillin’s Haired Look in Dragon Ball Super
Krillin appears with hair throughout most of Dragon Ball Super, though he eventually shaved it off again when he returned to training. His haired look remains a symbol of his peaceful life, but when he decides to get back into fighting, he resumes his bald appearance.
Krillin’s haircut in Dragon Ball Super is a simple short black style, which reflects his down-to-earth and relaxed nature. Unlike Vegeta and Goku, who continue the warrior lifestyle, Krillin leads a more balanced life, balancing police work, husband, and dad status with being ready to fight when the need arises.
How Fans Reacted to Krillin with Hair
Krillin’s new hairstyle received mixed reactions from the fans. The majority were shocked to see him with hair after all those years of having become used to the sight of him being bald-headed. Some fans even mistaken him for another character at first.
While others appreciated the change, seeing it as the natural progression of his character, others were of the opinion that Krillin was prettier bald and that his hairy look took away from what made him unique.
Despite the criticism, Krillin’s character development was important, and his new look helped cement the developing role of the character in the series.
Krillin’s Hair vs. Bald Look: A Comparison
| Krillin Bald | Krillin with Hair |
| Associated with his martial arts background | Represents his peaceful, family life |
| Represents discipline, training, and fighting spirit | Represents moving away from strict martial arts traditions |
| Classic Dragon Ball look, familiar to fans worldwide | A less formal, everyday look |
| Worn in Dragon Ball, most of Dragon Ball Z, and some Dragon Ball Super | Worn in Dragon Ball Z (Majin Buu Saga) and a significant amount of Dragon Ball Super |
Why Did Krillin Shave His Head Again?
Krillin becomes bald again in Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power arc. Getting ready to fight with Goku, Vegeta, and other strong fighters, he returns to his classic bald appearance as a symbol of commitment to training.
This decision is an homage to his beginnings as a fighter and reflects that while he likes his peaceful life, he is still willing to defend Earth when the time comes.
FAQs
Why did Krillin have hair in Dragon Ball Z?
Krillin restored his hair after retiring from martial arts and having a family with Android 18.
Did Krillin naturally go bald?
No, Krillin shaved his head according to his martial arts culture but was naturally able to grow hair.
Is Krillin hairy in Dragon Ball Super?
Yes, Krillin is indeed hairy in Dragon Ball Super but then shaves his head when he begins training anew.
What is the meaning of Krillin’s hair?
Krillin’s hair represents that he is a warrior and a family man now, while his baldness represents him being serious to train.
Do the fans prefer Krillin more, haired or bald?
There are some fans who prefer bald Krillin because it’s his original appearance, but other fans prefer him when he is haired because he’s revealing himself as a mature individual.