25 Swashbuckling Pirate Hairstyles for Men to Channel Your Inner Buccaneer

Ready to set sail on the high seas of style? Pirate-inspired hairstyles have surged in popularity thanks to iconic characters from “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Black Sails.”

Whether you’re preparing for a costume party or simply want to inject some adventurous spirit into your everyday look, these 25 pirate hairstyles will transform you from landlubber to legendary buccaneer.

Grab your treasure map and compass—it’s time to navigate the wild waters of pirate hair fashion!

1: The Classic Jack Sparrow Dreadlocks

Channel your inner Captain Jack with this iconic look featuring long, messy dreadlocks adorned with beads and trinkets.

This style works best with shoulder-length or longer hair. Apply dreadlock wax to create and maintain the locks.

Don’t forget to add random decorative elements throughout—coins, beads, and small charms will complete the authentic pirate captain vibe.

2: The Barbossa Waves

Embrace this distinguished pirate look with shoulder-length wavy hair and a slightly unkempt appearance.

Let your natural waves shine or create them with a sea salt spray and scrunching technique. The key is controlled messiness—not too tidy, not too chaotic.

Pair with a well-groomed beard for the full commanding officer effect that would make even the Flying Dutchman take notice.

3: Long Hair with Bandana

Combine shoulder-length or longer hair with a strategically placed bandana for instant pirate appeal.

Fold your bandana into a strip and tie it around your forehead, allowing your locks to flow freely beneath.

This practical style keeps hair from your eyes during sword fights.

Works with straight, wavy, or curly hair types and requires minimal maintenance—perfect for life at sea.

4: The Pirate Ponytail

Gather your longer locks into a low, slightly messy ponytail for a practical yet distinctly pirate style.

Secure with a leather cord rather than a modern elastic for authenticity. Allow a few strands to escape around your face for that “just survived a storm” effect.

This versatile style works for formal pirate captains and rugged deck hands alike.

5: Shaved Sides with Long Top

Create a modern take on pirate style with this undercut variation featuring shaved sides and a longer top section.

Keep the top 4-6 inches long and either slick it back or let it fall naturally. This creates a look reminiscent of a pirate who’s adapted to modern times.

The contrast between short and long sections gives you a fierce, battle-ready appearance.

6: The Braided Beard Pirate

Focus on facial hair with this distinctive style featuring intricate braids woven into your beard.

Grow your beard to at least three inches, then separate into sections for braiding. Add small metal beads or rings to the ends of each braid.

Combine with any hairstyle for an unmistakable seafarer look that will have everyone believing you’ve plundered your fair share of treasure.

7: The Weathered Sea Captain

Embrace gray or salt-and-pepper hair with this distinguished, slightly wild style befitting a veteran of the seven seas.

Keep your hair shoulder-length with natural texture enhanced by sea salt spray. Brush back from your forehead for a windswept effect.

Pair with a well-trimmed beard for the perfect balance of rugged experience and commanding presence.

8: The Single Statement Braid

Create visual interest with one prominent braid amid otherwise loose hair.

Choose a section near your temple or behind your ear for a thin, tight braid. Add a small metal bead, coin, or leather wrap to the end.

This subtle yet distinctive touch signals your pirate affiliations without going overboard on the theatrical elements.

9: The Tricorn-Ready Crop

Opt for this practical, shorter style that accommodates the iconic pirate tricorn hat perfectly.

Keep hair cropped to 2-3 inches with textured layers for movement. Slightly longer on top allows for a bit of hat-friendly volume.

This low-maintenance option suits pirates who value function and spend more time navigating than primping.

10: The Multiple Braids Warrior

Channel your inner fierce pirate warrior with multiple braids throughout your hair.

Section longer hair into 5-7 medium-sized braids. Vary the thickness and positioning for an organic, battle-ready appearance.

Add wooden beads, small bones (fake ones!), or metal elements to the ends for authentic tribal pirate flair.

11: The Half-Up Buccaneer

Keep your vision clear while maintaining impressive length with this practical half-up style.

Gather the top and sides of your hair into a half ponytail or small bun at the back of your crown. Let the remaining hair flow freely.

Perfect for displaying elaborate earrings or neck tattoos while keeping hair out of your face during sword fights.

12: The Blackbeard Special

Embrace the infamous pirate’s signature style with wild, untamed hair paired with an elaborately decorated beard.

Allow your hair to grow out naturally with minimal grooming for a truly intimidating appearance. The key is volume and controlled chaos.

Weave tiny ribbons or smoking fuses (for costume purposes only!) into your beard for the full terrifying effect that made Blackbeard legendary.

13: The Naval Deserter

Sport this style suggesting a formal naval background before turning to piracy.

Keep hair neat and tied back in a low ponytail with a precise part. The contrast between the tidiness of the style and your pirate attire tells a compelling backstory.

This refined yet practical approach works well for pirates who once served in official maritime positions.

14: The Tousled Curls Lookout

Embrace natural curls for this wild, windswept style perfect for the pirate who’s always in the crow’s nest.

Enhance your natural texture with sea salt spray and scrunch dry for maximum volume. Leave it untamed and free-flowing.

The resulting volume and movement evoke the constant exposure to sea winds that a ship’s lookout would experience.

15: The Side-Swept Rogue

Create intrigue with this asymmetrical style featuring hair longer on one side than the other.

Sweep your longer length dramatically across your forehead, covering one eye slightly for a mysterious effect.

Keep the other side shorter or tucked behind your ear.

This distinctive look suggests you have something to hide—perhaps a scar, an eye patch, or simply your intentions to commandeer the nearest vessel.

16: The Tight Cornrows Sailor

Adopt this practical style featuring tight cornrows that keep hair secure during the wildest sea adventures.

Have your hair braided in straight rows from front to back, ending either at the nape or continuing into longer braids. Add metal beads to the ends for extra flair.

This functional style has historical accuracy and offers excellent longevity for long voyages without access to grooming tools.

17: The Man Bun Marauder

Update your pirate look with this contemporary twist on traditional long hair styling.

Grow your hair to at least 6 inches all around, then gather it into a messy bun at the crown or back of your head. Secure with a leather cord and let some pieces fall free.

Pair with shaved or short sides for a modern interpretation that bridges pirate history with current fashion trends.

18: The Windblown Mutineer

Create this deliberately chaotic style suggesting you’ve just emerged from a squall at sea.

Start with shoulder-length hair and use texturizing products to create piece-y, windswept effects.

The key is strategic messiness—like you’ve been through a storm but can still command a crew.

This adaptable style works with most hair types and requires minimal maintenance—just regular disruption.

19: The Tropical Island Pirate

Embrace lighter, sun-bleached tones and beachy texture with this Caribbean-inspired look.

Lighten your hair naturally or artificially for that sun-kissed effect.

Create loose waves with salt spray or braiding damp hair overnight.

Add small shells or wooden beads as accessories to suggest you’ve picked up treasures from tropical ports of call.

20: The Shaved Head Helmsman

Opt for this practical, intimidating style featuring a completely shaved head.

Keep your scalp clean-shaven or with very short stubble. The focus shifts to facial features and any scars you might have (real or costume).

Pair with elaborate earrings, neck tattoos, or facial hair to maintain that distinctive pirate character despite the minimalist approach to head hair.

21: The First Mate’s Precision Cut

Sport this slightly more refined style befitting a pirate captain’s trusted second-in-command.

Keep hair short on the sides with slightly more length on top, neatly combed but not overly stylized.

The look suggests competence and attention to detail.

This versatile style works well with period costumes while still appearing somewhat timeless.

22: The Ragged Castaway

Embrace this unkempt style suggesting extended isolation on a deserted island.

Allow your hair to grow without trimming, creating uneven lengths and wild texture.

Enhance the disheveled look with strategic ratting and sea salt spray.

The resulting appearance tells the story of survival against all odds—perhaps after being marooned by a mutinous crew.

23: The Gold-Wrapped Locks

Incorporate actual treasure into your hairstyle with this elaborate decorated look.

Wrap thin gold wire or gold-colored thread around several small sections of hair.

Combined with an otherwise normal pirate style, these accents create visual interest.

This style suggests you’re so wealthy from successful piracy that you actually wear your gold rather than simply storing it in chests.

24: The Tavern Brawler

Create this disheveled yet intentional style suggesting you’ve just emerged victorious from a port-side fight.

Start with a basic pirate cut, then deliberately muss it up in an artful way. Add some temporary color spray at the ends for a unique touch.

The slightly chaotic appearance contributes to an aura of unpredictability and danger—essential qualities for any respectable pirate.

25: The Gentleman Privateer

Adopt this sophisticated style suggesting you raid ships with letters of marque and royal permission.

Keep your hair shoulder-length and neatly groomed, pulled back with a ribbon at the nape. The style is tidy but not overly fussy.

This refined approach works perfectly with more elaborate pirate costumes featuring quality fabrics and detailed waistcoats.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer wild dreadlocks or sophisticated tied-back styles, there’s a pirate hairstyle perfect for your adventures on the seven seas.

Now grab your cutlass and set sail with your new buccaneer look!