Pirate Hairstyles for Women: Stunning Halloween Hair Ideas to Steal the Show

Ahoy, mateys! Halloween is approaching, and if you’re setting sail as a fearsome female pirate this year, your hairstyle can make or break your swashbuckling look.

 From historically-inspired styles to fantastical creations worthy of the seven seas, these 21 pirate hairstyles will help you plunder hearts and turn heads at any Halloween gathering.

 Grab your treasure chest of hair tools and prepare to transform into the captain of your own ship!

Classic Bandana Waves

A simple red or striped bandana tied around loose, beachy waves creates an instantly recognizable pirate look.

Tips:

• Spray sea salt generously for an authentic “days at sea” texture
• Fold your bandana into a triangle and tie it at the nape of your neck
• Leave some face-framing tendrils loose for a softer effect

Best for: All face shapes; works with medium to long hair of any texture

The Treasure Hunter’s Side Braid

A thick, messy side braid adorned with gold coins, beads, or small trinkets creates a treasure-laden look.

Tips:

• Create a deep side part before braiding
• Weave small gold rings or beads directly into the braid
• Pull some sections loose for a “weathered by the sea” appearance

Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces; works best with medium to long hair

Captain’s Wrapped Ponytail

A high ponytail wrapped with leather cord or weathered ribbon exudes authority on the high seas.

Tips:

• Secure hair in a high ponytail with an elastic
• Wrap a brown leather cord or distressed ribbon around the base
• Add small wooden beads or metallic cuffs along the length

Best for: Round and square faces; ideal for medium to long hair

Kraken’s Lair Tentacle Curls

Wild, untamed curls reminiscent of the kraken’s tentacles create a fierce, sea-weathered look.

Tips:

• Use a small-barrel curling iron for tight spirals
• Apply texturizing spray and scrunch with your hands
• Don’t brush curls out – separate with fingers for maximum volume

Best for: Diamond and oval faces; works with all hair types, especially naturally curly hair

Buccaneer Bubble Braids

Multiple small braids with bubble sections create a unique, exotic pirate style.

Tips:

• Create several thin braids throughout your hair
• Use small, clear elastics every few inches to form a “bubble.”
• Gently pull each section between elastics for a fuller appearance

Best for: All face shapes; works well with medium to long hair

Shipwrecked Half-Up Style

A deliberately messy half-up style secured with a vintage-looking clip suggests adventure and danger.

Tips:

• Tease the crown for extra volume
• Secure half the hair up with an ornate clip or brooch
• Add random braided sections throughout for dimension

Best for: Square and round faces; suitable for shoulder-length or longer hair

Siren’s Crimped Mermaid Locks

Heavily crimped hair creates the illusion of having just emerged from the depths of the sea.

Tips:

• Use a modern crimping iron on dry hair
• Focus on mid-lengths to ends for a natural gradient effect
• Spray with shine spray for a “wet” mermaid look

Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces; works with medium to long hair

Pirate Queen’s Crown Braid

A regal crown braid adorned with small pearls or gold thread befits a pirate queen.

Tips:

• Create a Dutch braid that wraps around your head
• Weave thin gold thread, ribbon, or small pearls into the braid
• Gently pull sections of the braid for a fuller appearance

Best for: All face shapes; works with medium to long hair

Rum Runner’s Messy Topknot

A disheveled high bun with pieces sticking out suggests a carefree pirate who’s had a bit too much rum.

Tips:

• Gather hair into a high, loose bun
• Let pieces fall naturally for a messy effect
• Secure with crossed bobby pins and add a small feather or charm

Best for: Heart-shaped and oval faces; works with all hair types

Caribbean Twisted Updo

Multiple twisted sections pinned into an updo create a complex style inspired by Caribbean pirates.

Tips:

• Create 5-6 twisted sections starting from the nape
• Pin each section up in a random pattern
• Add colorful beads or shells to the ends of some pieces

Best for: Round and square faces; works best with medium to thick hair

First Mate’s Braided Mohawk

A center section of braids with shaved or slicked sides creates an edgy, fearsome look.

Tips:

• Use gel to slick hair tightly to the sides
• Create multiple braids down the center of the head
• Secure ends with small metal cuffs or colorful beads

Best for: Oval and diamond faces; works with all hair types

Landlubber to Pirate Transformation

Hair that’s proper and refined on one side but wild and braided on the other represents the transition from society to pirate life.

Tips:

• Style one side sleek and straight
• Create multiple small braids and messy texture on the other side
• Add temporary colored streaks to the wild side for extra drama

Best for: All face shapes; works with medium to long hair

Tortuga Tavern Tresses

A low, messy bun with a bandana and random braided sections suggests night of revelry in pirate taverns.

Tips:

• Create a low, loose bun at the nape
• Add 3-4 thin braids throughout the hair before bunning
• Tie a worn-looking bandana around the forehead

Best for: Heart-shaped and oval faces; works with all hair lengths past the chin

Pirate’s Plunder Ponytail

A high ponytail with gold coins and trinkets woven throughout showcases your valuable plunder.

Tips:

• Secure hair in a high ponytail
• Use gold string to attach coins, small jewels, or trinkets
• Wrap a section of hair around the elastic for a polished look

Best for: Round and square faces; ideal for medium to long hair

Sea Witch’s Dreadlock Mix

A combination of dreadlocks and loose hair creates a mystical, powerful look for a sea witch pirate.

Tips:

• Add temporary dreadlock extensions in colors that match your hair
• Leave some sections loose for contrast
• Add shells, bones, or sea glass as accessories

Best for: Oval and long faces; works with all hair types

Blackbeard’s Feminine Twist

A style inspired by the infamous pirate with ribbons woven into braids for a feminine touch.

Tips:

• Create multiple tiny braids throughout your hair
• Weave black ribbons through each braid
• Tie small trinkets or beads to the ends of ribbons

Best for: All face shapes; works with medium to long hair

Compass Rose Braided Bun

A circular, braided bun that resembles a compass rose creates a navigational masterpiece.

Tips:

• Create a Dutch braid that circles the head
• Wrap the end into a bun at the center back
• Add a vintage compass pin or charm to complete the look

Best for: Square and round faces; works with medium to long hair

Stormy Seas Teased Volume

Dramatically teased hair with wild volume creates the impression of weathering a fierce storm.

Tips:

• Tease hair at the roots for maximum height
• Use hairspray to set the volume in place
• Add random braided sections for texture

Best for: Long and oval faces; works best with fine to medium hair

Island Goddess Twisted Rope Braid

A thick rope braid adorned with exotic flowers creates a stunning tropical pirate style.

Tips:

• Create a rope braid by twisting two sections of hair
• Secure with an elastic and add fresh or silk tropical flowers
• Pull some wisps free around the face for a softer effect

Best for: All face shapes; works best with medium to thick hair

Privateer’s Ribbon-Woven Fishtail

A fishtail braid with colorful ribbons woven throughout creates a unique pirate aesthetic.

Tips:

• Begin a fishtail braid with ribbons placed at the start
• Incorporate the ribbons as you braid
• Tie ribbons at the bottom and allow them to hang freely

Best for: Heart-shaped and oval faces; works with medium to long hair

Golden Age Gilded Curls

Loose, romantic curls with gold leaf or spray suggest the Golden Age of Piracy.

Tips:

• Create loose barrel curls with a large curling iron
• Apply gold hairspray or temporary gold leaf to the ends
• Arrange hair over one shoulder for a romantic effect

Best for: All face shapes; works with medium to long hair

Sailing Into the Sunset: Perfecting Your Pirate Persona

The perfect pirate hairstyle should reflect your character’s unique story. Were you a noblewoman turned pirate? A lifelong sailor? A mystical sea witch? Let your pirate tale influence your hairstyle choice.

For authentic-looking pirate hair, embrace imperfection. Pirates spent months at sea without modern hair care, so perfectly polished styles would look out of place. Add texture spray, massage your scalp to create natural oils, and don’t worry about flyaways—they’re part of the charm!

Remember to secure your style well, especially if you plan to wear a pirate hat or engage in swashbuckling activities. Double up on bobby pins and use extra-hold hairspray to ensure your creation stays intact through a night of Halloween adventures.

With these 21 pirate hairstyles in your arsenal, you’re ready to set sail on Halloween night as the most fearsome and fashionable buccaneer on the seven seas. May your hair be as bold as your adventures and as memorable as the legends of piracy itself!