21 Bold Pirate Hairstyles for Men
Pirate hairstyles blend rugged masculinity with untamed adventure, perfect for costume events, themed parties, or simply embracing a bold everyday look.
These styles range from historically accurate to fantasy-inspired, offering options for every hair type and length.
Whether you’re preparing for a costume party or Renaissance festival or just want to inject some swashbuckling spirit into your appearance, these 21 pirate hairstyles will transform you from landlubber to high-seas adventurer.
1: Classic Bandana Wrap
A simple bandana wrapped around your head can transform any hairstyle into instant pirate fashion.
This versatile option works for all hair lengths and types.
Choose a solid color or patterned bandana, folding it into a strip approximately 2-3 inches wide.
Wrap it around your forehead, tying it at the back or side with ends hanging down for authentic pirate flair.
This low-commitment style requires no cutting or permanent changes while immediately creating the pirate aesthetic.
2: Jack Sparrow Dreadlocks
Channel the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow with long, partially dreaded locks adorned with beads and trinkets.
This distinctive style perfectly captures cinematic pirate charisma.
Start with shoulder-length or longer hair, creating thin dreadlocks throughout while leaving some sections loose.
Add random beads, coins, and small trinkets secured to several dreads for authentic character detail.
Complete the look with a bandana base and small braided sections for dimension and movement.
3: Tousled Shoulder-Length Waves
Embrace the wind-swept look of a sailor with textured, shoulder-length waves.
This natural-looking style suggests days spent battling ocean winds.
Grow your hair to shoulder length, incorporating long layers for movement and texture.
Apply sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch while air-drying for authentic beach-tossed waves.
The slightly unkempt finish perfectly captures the rugged spirit of a man who lives by his own rules on the high seas.
4: Slicked-Back Ponytail
Create a practical yet imposing pirate look with hair slicked back into a secure low ponytail.
This historical style balances function with intimidation.
Grow your hair to at least mid-neck length, keeping it all one length for maximum impact.
Apply pomade or styling gel to dampened hair, combing straight back from your forehead.
Secure it with a leather cord or weathered-looking fabric tie rather than a modern elastic for period authenticity.
5: Half-Up Pirate Knot
Combine practicality with style using a half-up knot that keeps hair out of your face while maintaining length.
This versatile pirate style works for medium to long hair.
Pull the top half of your hair back, twisting it into a messy knot secured with pins.
Leave the bottom half hanging loose for a balance of control and wild freedom.
Add small random braids throughout the loose section for additional pirate character and dimension.
6: Shaved Sides with Long Top
Create a modern twist on pirate style with completely shaved sides and longer length on top.
This contemporary interpretation maintains the spirit while fitting today’s trends.
Keep 4-5 inches of length on top while shaving the sides with a #1 or #2 guard.
Style the top section back or to the side, using texture paste for separation and control.
This low-maintenance option gives you pirate edge without the commitment of growing your hair long.
7: Beaded Beard Braids
Focus on facial hair with a full beard featuring tiny braided sections adorned with beads. This distinctive pirate touch works with any hairstyle.
Grow your beard to at least 3-4 inches in length for proper braiding potential.
Create 2-3 small braids within your beard, securing each with small wooden or metal beads.
This facial hair detail instantly transforms even conventional haircuts into convincing pirate styles.
8: Long Curly Mane
Embrace natural texture with a wild, curly mane that captures the untamed pirate spirit.
This voluminous style creates dramatic silhouettes that are perfect for character portrayal.
Grow your hair past your shoulders, incorporating long layers to enhance the natural curl pattern.
Enhance your curls with a defining cream, avoiding products that create stiffness or crunch.
Add a thin leather headband or bandana to keep hair from your eyes while maintaining the wild aesthetic.
9: Braided Mohawk
Combine intimidation with intricate detail using a center strip of braided hair flanked by shaved or shorter sides.
This warrior-inspired style creates a fearsome pirate silhouette.
Keep a 2-3 inch wide strip of longer hair running from forehead to nape, with shorter sides.
Create a single braid or multiple small braids within this center section.
This adaptable style works for different hair lengths—from a subtle version with short hair to dramatic execution with longer locks.
10: Weather-Beaten Bob
Channel historical accuracy with a practical shoulder-length bob that suggests months at sea without access to barbers.
This authentic style balances simplicity with character.
Cut your hair to a simple, one-length bob hitting at jaw or shoulder level.
Avoid precision styling, instead embracing naturally uneven ends and slight messiness.
Add subtle layers throughout for movement that mimics the constant impact of ocean winds.
11: Single Statement Braid
Create visual interest with one thick braid incorporated into otherwise loose hair. This asymmetrical detail adds authentic pirate character with minimal effort.
Choose a section of hair (typically near your temple or behind your ear) for your statement braid.
Create a tight braid from root to end, securing it with twine or a small leather cord.
This subtle approach adds pirate flair to everyday looks without requiring a complete style transformation.
12: Tied Bandana with Exposed Hairline
Combine historical accuracy with a modern edge by wrapping a bandana around your head while leaving your hairline exposed.
This technique creates authentic pirate silhouettes.
Fold your bandana into a triangle, placing the middle of the long edge across your forehead.
Tie the ends at the back of your head, letting the third point hang down or be tucked in.
The exposed hairline and sideburns create a more natural look than completely covered styles.
13: Tricorn-Ready Ponytail
Prepare for iconic pirate headwear with a low, neat ponytail that fits perfectly under a tricorn hat.
This historically accurate style prioritizes function with flair.
Grow your hair to at least neck length, keeping it relatively uniform for neat gathering.
Pull back into a low ponytail positioned at the nape of your neck, securing it with period-appropriate ties.
This practical style allows for comfortable hat-wearing while maintaining the recognizable pirate aesthetic.
14: Messy Top Knot with Shaved Sides
Create a bold silhouette with a disheveled top knot contrasted against cleanly shaved sides.
This dramatic style suggests a pirate who balances wildness with deliberate choices.
Grow the top section to at least 6-8 inches while keeping sides completely shaved.
Gather the top into a messy knot positioned forward on your head rather than at the crown.
The placement and intentional messiness create a unique profile that stands out in any crew.
15: Ribbon-Wrapped Braid
Add historical detail with a single or double braid wrapped with ribbon or leather cord.
This intricate touch elevates simple styles with period-appropriate embellishments.
Create one thick braid or two parallel braids with medium to long hair.
Weave a thin leather cord or ribbon through the braid as you go, or wrap it around the finished braid.
Let the ribbon ends hang loose for maximum visual impact and authentic movement.
16: Tattered Ends Long Style
Embrace the weathered look of a seasoned sailor with intentionally uneven, slightly tattered ends on longer hair.
This authentic detail suggests life at sea without access to proper haircuts.
Grow your hair past your shoulders, asking your stylist for subtle, uneven layers at the ends.
Enhance natural texture with salt spray rather than creating precise styling.
The intentionally rough-edged finish creates a character that suggests years of adventure on the open seas.
17: Undercut with Long Top Braid
Combine contemporary style with pirate tradition using a modern undercut topped with a single braid. This versatile approach works for various settings.
Keep significant length on top while cutting the sides and back with a #1 or #2 guard.
Braid the longer top section, either centered or positioned to one side depending on your preference.
This adaptable style can appear subtle for everyday wear or dramatic for full pirate portrayal.
18: Wild Untamed Mane
Channel pure pirate freedom with completely untamed, textured hair that suggests life governed only by wind and waves.
This low-maintenance approach emphasizes character over precision.
Grow your hair to at least shoulder length, incorporating layers for maximum movement.
Avoid over-styling, instead enhancing natural texture with minimal product application.
The deliberately unkempt appearance creates an authentic character that suggests a life unbounded by society’s rules.
19: Multiple Thin Braids
Create visual interest with numerous thin braids scattered randomly throughout otherwise loose hair.
This detailed style suggests a pirate who collects braids as trophies from conquests.
Incorporate 5-10 very thin braids positioned asymmetrically throughout your hair.
Secure each with small beads, thread, or weathered-looking ties.
This customizable approach allows you to add as much or as little detail as desired while maintaining authentic pirate character.
20: Side-Swept Length with Temple Braid
Balance practicality with style using longer hair swept to one side and secured with a single temple braid.
This functional pirate look keeps vision clear while maintaining character.
Grow your hair to at least shoulder length, styling it predominantly to one side.
Create a tight braid along the temple on the opposite side to secure hair from falling forward.
This asymmetrical approach creates visual interest while suggesting practical adaptation to life at sea.
21: Weathered Dreadlocks with Accessories
Embrace full pirate commitment with complete dreadlocks enhanced by coins, beads, and found objects.
This immersive style creates maximum character impact.
Allow sufficient length before beginning the dreading process, either naturally or with professional assistance.
Incorporate random small objects—coins, shells, small trinkets—secured to various dreads.
This distinctive style creates immediate character recognition while suggesting a life of collecting treasures from around the world.
Conclusion
Pirate hairstyles offer men a unique blend of rugged masculinity and bold self-expression.
Whether you choose subtle nods to pirate tradition or fully commit to a swashbuckling transformation, these styles let you channel your inner adventurer with confidence.
