44 Pirate Hairstyles for Women That Look Cool, Not Costume
Pirate hairstyles are one of those things that can go costume fast, but they do not have to. The best ones feel a little wild, a little romantic, and still wearable. Think messy texture, loose braids, bandanas, scarves, and a few details that look collected over time.
This roundup is for women who want the vibe without looking like a party-store outfit. Some of these styles are soft and pretty, some lean bold, and a few go full dramatic. Pick what fits your comfort level, then adjust the details to match your hair type and how much effort you want to put in.
A quick tip before you start: texture makes everything look more natural. Even if your hair is freshly washed, add a little mousse, sea-salt spray, or dry texture spray so it holds shape. If you are wearing a wig, go for a soft finish and break up the hairline with a few wispy pieces so it looks real.
Alright, let’s get into the styles.
1. Coin-Clipped Half-Up Waves
Loose waves with a small crown braid give that pirate feel without looking like a costume. The coin clip adds a little shine and keeps the front tidy. Pull a few face pieces out and scrunch the ends for texture. Great for medium to thick hair.
2. Tricorn Low Ponytail
Clean and simple, this low pony works perfectly with a tricorn hat. Keep the crown soft, then gather hair at the nape and secure with a strong elastic. A light texture spray helps grip. If your hair is fine, tease the ponytail lightly first.
3. Beaded Locs Under a Tricorn
Long faux locs or soft locs pair so well with pirate styling, especially with a few beads mixed in. The tricorn sits best when the roots are flat, so keep the top neat and let the length do the talking. Low tension keeps it comfortable.
4. Headscarf Sea Waves
A wide headscarf instantly sets the pirate mood, and the beachy waves make it feel relaxed. Tie the scarf over the hairline, then leave the lengths loose and airy. This is a good option when you want volume without heavy styling.
5. Tricorn Undercut Waves
An undercut with tousled lengths brings a bold pirate edge. The hat frames the face while the longer side stays messy on purpose. Add one skinny braid or a few beads for detail. This style is nice if you like less bulk around the ears.
6. Low Messy Bun With a Tricorn
A low messy bun keeps everything tucked away and lets the tricorn hat be the star. Twist hair at the nape, pin loosely, and let a few wisps fall near the temples. If your hair is slippery, start with dry shampoo for hold.
7. Sleek Straight Hair Under a Tricorn
Straight, shoulder-length hair gives a clean pirate look that still feels grown and polished. Tuck the front behind one ear and keep the ends blunt or lightly beveled. This works well with wigs too. A little shine serum keeps it smooth.
8. Classic Side Braid
A single thick side braid is classic pirate energy, but it also works for everyday. Keep the braid slightly loose so it looks full, then wrap the end with a small tie. If you have layers, smooth the front with a tiny bit of gel.
9. Bandana Braid Under a Tricorn
Bandana plus side braid feels authentic, especially under a weathered tricorn hat. The headband keeps flyaways down and helps the hat sit comfortably. Braid to one side and secure low. This is a smart pick for humid days or windy weather.
10. Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail gives the same vibe as rope sections, but it’s quick to do. Tie a ponytail, then add elastics down the length and gently pull each section to puff it out. Great for longer hair and easy to refresh.
11. Headwrap Locs With Beads
A wrapped headscarf over locs gives instant pirate energy, especially with a few beads mixed in. Keep the wrap snug at the hairline, then let the locs fall forward. This is a great choice when you want drama up top and zero fuss.
12. Skull Crown Curly Updo
This look is all about the crown. Curly hair is pinned up and back so the face stays open, while loose curls keep it soft. If you try it for a party, use bobby pins in small sections so it holds without feeling tight.
13. Side-Part Curls With Hidden Braid
A deep side part makes curly hair look fuller right away, and the tiny braid detail adds a pirate touch without going overboard. Keep the braid close to the temple, then let the curls do their thing. A curl cream helps reduce frizz and keeps shape.
14. Tricorn With Soft Fringe
Bangs under a tricorn hat look surprisingly good, especially when the rest of the hair stays loose and a little messy. Keep the fringe light so it does not feel heavy on the forehead. Add one small braid for texture. Easy, flattering, and photo-friendly.
15. Rust Scarf Low Bun
A scarf tied low with a messy bun is one of the easiest pirate hairstyles to pull off. Gather hair at the back, twist it into a soft bun, then wrap and knot the scarf at the side. Let a few wisps fall. Great for second-day hair.
16. Side Profile Tricorn Bun
This is a clean, classic way to wear a tricorn hat without fighting your hair. The low bun sits right at the nape so the hat stays balanced. Keep the bun loose, not tight. If you have thick hair, pin in two layers for security.
17. Red Bandana Pixie
A short cut plus a red bandana feels bold and simple in the best way. Tie it just behind the hairline and let the top stay piecey. This is perfect if you want a pirate vibe that still looks modern. A light wax helps define the ends.
18. Half-Up Dreadlock Top Knot
Pulling locs into a high half-up bun gives height and keeps the length off your face. Leave a few locs down around the cheeks for softness. This style reads pirate right away, especially with layered necklaces. Use a soft elastic so the bun stays comfortable.
19. Coin Clip Half-Back Waves
Half-back waves are an easy win when you want that ship-deck look without a full updo. Twist the sides back and secure with a coin charm or small clip. Keep the ends textured, not perfect. This works well on medium hair and looks good with hoop earrings.
20. Printed Headscarf Tie-Back
A muted print scarf makes the whole look feel intentional. Tie it low and let the tails fall down the back for that pirate finish. Keep hair gathered into a loose bun or puff behind it. This is a smart option for windy weather and quick styling days.
21. Soft Headscarf Curls
This soft headscarf look gives true pirate energy without trying too hard. The fabric sits low on the hairline and the loose curls keep it romantic. Pull a few tendrils out around the cheeks so it does not look costume-y.
It works best on second-day hair. Add a little sea-salt spray or mousse, then twist the back into a low tuck under the scarf. If you have fine hair, pin the scarf at the nape so it stays put.
22. Wispy Black Waves with Charms
These wispy waves with choppy bangs feel like a modern pirate queen. The texture is messy on purpose, with pieces breaking up the outline so it looks lived in. Add a few small charms or beads on one side for attitude.
If your hair frizzes easily, define the ends with a light cream and leave the roots a bit airy. For a wig version, ask for a soft, not shiny finish. Keep the accessories light so they do not tug at strands.
23. Loose Over-the-Shoulder Braid
A long, loose braid is one of the easiest ways to get the pirate vibe fast. The center part keeps it clean, then the braid sits over one shoulder with a slightly imperfect pull. That little bit of looseness makes it believable.
Thread a thin ribbon or twine through the braid as you go, then tie it off near the ends. If you want more volume, gently pancake the braid from the middle down. This style is great for medium to thick hair.
24. Tricorn Hat Windswept Waves
Windswept waves under a tricorn hat look dramatic in the best way. The hair stays loose and touchable, with face framing pieces that move around the cheekbones. It reads pirate, but still pretty, especially with soft volume at the crown.
To keep the hat from sliding, tease a small section at the top and secure with two crossed bobby pins. If you are wearing a wig, use a velvet wig grip under the hairline. Finish with flexible hairspray, not a stiff shell.
25. Loose Side Braid with Feather Detail
This cascading braid has that rugged, storybook feel. The braid starts loose near the ear and thickens through the middle, with wispy pieces left out for softness. A small feather or metal cuff makes it look styled, not accidental.
Ask for a side braid with a little lift at the crown, then pull on the outer loops for width. If your ends are thin, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it. Great for photos and lasts all day.
26. Low Wavy Ponytail with Bow
A low wavy ponytail with a big bow is the sweet side of pirate style. The volume sits low at the nape, and the face framing strands keep it soft. It pairs well with corset looks, but it also works with a simple blouse.
Start with loose waves, then gather hair gently so you do not flatten the top. Tie the ribbon over the elastic and let the tails fall long. If your hair is fine, add a small clip-in pony piece for fullness at the ends.
27. Messy Half-Up with Statement Clip
This messy half-up style is perfect when you want drama without a full updo. The top section is teased and pinned back, leaving the curls free and wild. A statement clip or charm sits near the temple and does all the talking.
If you have thick hair, twist two small sections back and pin them under the crown for hold. For fine hair, use a tiny claw clip plus two pins so it stays secure. Leave the ends untouched so the texture looks natural.
28. Patterned Scarf with Double Braids
A patterned headscarf with two braids gives instant pirate mood, especially with a little grit in the styling. Keep the scarf snug across the forehead, then let the braids fall forward. The braids do not need to be perfect, just consistent.
This is a smart choice for humid weather because the scarf controls the frizz at the hairline. Use a light gel on the front, then braid the rest with minimal tension. Add small coins or beads near the ends for detail.
29. Classic Pirate Hat with Tiny Side Braids
If you like the classic pirate hat, add texture and a couple of thin side braids to keep it from feeling like a costume. The loose waves carry the look, while the tiny braids add detail up close. It looks best slightly undone.
Braid two small sections near the front, tie them with twine, then let the rest hang free. A dry texture spray helps with grip and stops the hair from slipping under the hat. This one works on natural hair, relaxed, or wigs.
30. Beaded Locs Under a Pirate Hat
Long locs or braids with beads look incredible with a pirate hat because the texture already feels bold and lived in. Let the length sit forward over the shoulders so the accessories show. The mix of cuffs and beads adds just enough shine.
If you want this with knotless braids, keep the parts slightly varied so it looks natural. Add a few gold cuffs near the ends, not right at the roots. For comfort, place a satin scarf under the hat so edges stay protected.
31. Gothic Skull Updo
This curly updo is big, textured, and a little dangerous in the best way. The black ribbon weaves through the bun and the skull pins add bite without taking over. Leave a few wisps at the temples so it feels worn in.
If your hair is slippery, start with dry shampoo and a little backcombing at the crown. Twist sections up and pin in layers, not one tight bun. Keep the accessories on the outer surface so they do not snag.
32. Tavern Messy Updo
This tavern-style updo looks like you threw it up fast, but it still has shape. The curls are gathered high with loose pieces around the face, so it reads playful and flirtatious. It works even better with soft, warm makeup.
Curl the ends first, then gather hair into a loose pony and pin the curls upward. Do not smooth the sides too much. A few hair pins with tiny charms are enough. This is a good one for medium density hair.
33. Bandana Curly Ponytail
A bandana and curly ponytail is an easy pirate win. The scarf keeps the hairline neat while the pony stays full and springy. Pull out a couple curls near the ears so it frames the face and does not look like gym hair.
Use a wide elastic and tie the pony a little higher than you think. That lifts the curls and keeps them from dragging down. If your curls are soft, scrunch in mousse first and diffuse. Finish with a light oil on the ends only.
34. Shaggy Stacked Bob
This shaggy stacked bob is all about texture and movement. The length hits around the jaw, with choppy layers and a soft fringe that breaks up the forehead. It gives pirate attitude without needing any accessories or complicated styling.
Ask your stylist for a stacked back with light razoring through the ends. You want it piecey, not blunt. Style with a little paste and rake it through with your fingers. It is great if you like wash-and-go with personality.
35. Messy Pixie with Charm Detail
A short messy pixie can still feel pirate if you lean into rough texture. The top is spiky and broken up, with a little side sweep and a small metal charm detail near the temple. It feels cool, not costume.
Use a matte wax so the pieces stay separated. Press product into the roots first, then pinch the ends. If you have fine hair, blow dry forward for fullness. Keep the sides soft so the cut does not look too harsh.
36. Red Rebel Faux Hawk
This red faux hawk brings pure rebel energy. The sides are clipped close while the top is pushed up and forward with sharp texture. The copper tone pops against darker outfits and makes the whole pirate look feel modern.
If you are growing out a pixie, this shape is a smart in-between. Ask for a tight taper on the sides and extra length on top. Style with strong hold paste and a quick blast of hairspray. It holds best on slightly dirty hair.
37. Sleek Blunt Bob with Bangs
A sleek blunt bob with bangs is a clean, strong way to do pirate style. The line is sharp at the chin and the fringe sits right at the brows. It looks expensive and fearless, especially paired with a structured jacket.
To keep it glassy, flat iron in small sections and finish with a shine spray that is not greasy. If you have thin ends, ask for a blunt perimeter with minimal layering. This cut also works well as a wig because the shape is crisp.
38. Sun-Faded Bandana Waves
That sun-faded red bandana gives instant pirate character. The hair stays loose and beachy, with two thin front pieces wrapped and beaded for detail. It feels relaxed, like you have been out on the water all day.
Tie the bandana low across the forehead and pin the sides so it does not creep back. Add two small braids near the temples, then slide on beads or cuffs. If your hair frizzes, use a light cream and let it air dry.
39. Teased Messy Updo
This teased messy updo is smoky, dramatic, and a little undone. The volume sits high with loose curls falling around the face, so it looks soft instead of stiff. A few stray pieces at the nape make it feel real.
Start by curling everything, then tease the crown in small sections. Pin the back up loosely and let some curls escape on purpose. If you want extra hold, use a texturizing spray before pinning. This is great for thicker hair.
40. Side Braid with Chain Accents
Loose waves with a tiny side braid is a simple way to add pirate detail. The braid sits near the temple and the chains hang down like jewelry, so it looks styled even if the rest of your hair is relaxed and natural.
Braid a small section on one side, secure with a clear elastic, then clip the chain to the braid so it stays put. Keep the waves soft with a curling wand and brush them out. This works on natural hair or extensions.
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41. Voluminous Natural Curls
Big natural curls bring pirate drama without any extra work. The volume sits high and wide, with soft definition and a little frizz that makes it feel real. Keep the front slightly off-center so it looks lived in, not perfect.
If you want more shape, ask for long layers that remove bulk at the ends but keep fullness at the crown. A curl cream plus a light gel combo helps hold definition. Fluff at the roots with a pick once it is fully dry.
42. Weathered Burgundy Headscarf
This weathered burgundy headscarf gives instant pirate mood. It looks rugged but still pretty, especially with loose waves peeking out at the sides. The faded color reads authentic, not costume. Let a few pieces fall around the cheeks for softness.
Tie it low across the forehead and secure with two pins near the temples so it stays put. For extra texture, scrunch in sea-salt spray before it dries. If your hair is fine, keep the scarf snug and the waves light.
43. Wispy Bangs Peeking Out
Wispy bangs peeking out instantly soften a pirate look. The fringe breaks up the forehead and makes the style feel less harsh, even with bold accessories. Keep the bangs airy and slightly uneven. That little imperfection is what sells it.
If your bangs separate, use a tiny amount of styling cream and pinch them into place. A quick round brush pass helps them sit right without getting stiff. Pair this with loose waves or a low braid so the front stays the focus.
44. Wispy Bangs with Short Texture
This wispy bang moment works best with short, tousled texture. The ends look piecey and light, and the fringe sits right at the brows without feeling heavy. It gives pirate edge in a clean, wearable way that still feels modern.
Ask for soft layering through the top so you can style it messy without it puffing up. Use a matte paste and pinch the ends, then lightly tap the bangs into place. This one is great if you hate fussy styling.
Pirate Hairstyles FAQ
How do I make a pirate hairstyle look wearable, not like a costume?
Keep the styling a little messy and stop at one “pirate” detail. Think scarf, ribbon, or one small braid with a cuff. Let the rest be normal hair you would actually wear, like loose waves or a low ponytail.
What’s the easiest pirate hairstyle if I’m short on time?
Do a headscarf or bandana with loose hair. If you have time for one extra step, add a small side braid and tie it off with twine or ribbon. It looks intentional, but it takes five minutes.
How do I keep hats, scarves, and accessories from slipping?
Texture is your best friend. Use dry shampoo or texture spray first so the fabric has grip. Then pin the scarf at the temples and nape, or cross two bobby pins under the hat band. For wigs, a velvet grip band helps a lot.
Wrap-up
If you’re trying to keep it simple, start with a scarf or bandana and build from there. It frames the face, hides a rough hair day, and instantly gives that pirate feel. Add a loose braid or a low ponytail and you’re basically done.
If you want the look to feel more “you,” keep the accessories intentional. One or two details is usually enough. A small cuff, a charm, a ribbon, or a chain on one side can look elevated, but too many at once starts to feel like a costume again.
And remember, the best pirate hairstyles are not perfect. A little frizz, a little unevenness, and a few loose strands actually help. If you want to save your favorites, pin the ones that match your hair length first, then come back for the bolder styles when you feel like switching it up.
