33 Halloween Nail Art Ideas That Scream Style

Our favorite Halloween nail ideas range from blood-curdling 3D designs to spooky, yet sleek French tips.

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• Halloween nail designs can be horror-movie-terrifying or spooky yet subdued.
• An extra-pointy almond or stiletto shape can make even the simplest manicure more on-theme.

Whether you typically stick to minimalist, solid-colored manicures or you’re known for experimenting with a new, trending design each time you hit the salon, Halloween is the perfect time to go above and beyond with self-expression. In fact, nails are a key component of any Halloween costume. A fresh set of blood-red or inky black stiletto nails will add a sinister touch to a witchy ensemble, while a ghoulish cat’s-eye design or mummy-wrapped gel nails will amplify the fear factor of any monstrous get-up. Dressing up as a pop star rather than something ghostly? A set of gleaming French tips with a cobweb motif will look both glamorous and on-theme.

As you choose a look, start by narrowing down your color palette. “For Halloween, I love a blood red or black with a white accent depending on the theme of your costume,” says Paintbox creative director Mabelyn Alva. Nail artist Rachel Joseph adds that black is a Halloween staple. “My favorite Halloween colors are black, burnt orange, a true blood red, and a deep purple!” From there, choose from a variety of designs and shapes. We’re partial to a razor-sharp stiletto tip, to stay on-theme.

Our top 33 Halloween nail ideas are lurking just below. Scroll to see them for yourself—if you dare.

Meet the expert

• Mabelyn Alva is the creative director at Paintbox.
• Rachel Joseph is nail artist working in New York City and Los Angeles.

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Glow-in-the-Dark

What happens in the dark stays there…unless, of course, you opt for this glowing, ghoulish manicure. Glow-in-the-dark ghosts swirl and swoon over a black nail polish base that’s electrified with flecks of silver glitter,

Blood Red

When you want to keep it simple but spooky, look no further than a blood-red shade. It’s bold, timeless, and a little bit haunting.

Ghoulish Glam

When you think of Halloween, “luxury” probably isn’t the first word to come to mind. These 24-karat chrome French tips, accented by a dainty cobweb, challenge that. Wear them throughout the month, in a tapered almond shape. These are shockingly elegant and can be worn well past October 31st.

Pumpkin Spice

The shimmer effect on these brown nails screams “autumnal” and will be relevant far into November once Halloween is over.

Orange you glad it’s Halloween?

A design that’s perfect for nails short and long, the black stars are the perfect subtle Halloween look

Monster Mashup

Struggling to pick just one spooky design? This mix-and-match set incorporates a different cute yet frightful design on every finger, from mummies to a gold-framed ghost.

The Hands Have Eyes

If Halloween brings out your superstitious side, try these evil eye designs on your half-moons.

Slime Time

If you see green, oozing slime, it might mean a monster is somewhere to be seen…or it means you have gorgeous nails. Actually, it’s Halloween—so it can be both.

Blood and Spiders

These nails tell a story, and that story is terrifying. Dripping blood, captive spiders. What more could you want for your Halloween look?

Spider Tips

What’s more appropriate than this cobweb design? The crisp line between the design and clear polish elevates this spooky look.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Our favorite Michael Keaton character is also the manicure inspiration we didn’t know we needed. Honor his iconic freaky ways with this purple-and-green nail design.

What’s Your Favorite Scary Movie?

If you want to stick to the Halloween classic films, check out this homage to the favorites-as long as you don’t mind looking at a ghostface mask all day.

Pumpkin Pie Delight

A gentle, but very seasonally appropriate nail design. Think Jack-o-lantern, without the commitment of the design.

October Nights

An ombré nail look is always appropriate—and when it’s with seasonal colors? Even better.

Witchy Weekend

Orange is a clear power player when it  comes to the color of the season. Add in some moons and stars? You’re ready to go out, or curl up on the couch and watch Hocus Pocus for the hundredth time.

October Leaves

If you want the Halloween color palette, without the holiday-theme commitment, try this floral French tip design.

Poison Ivy

The Green flames will complement any orange, purple, or black outfit this holiday season. Plus, they are the perfect accessory to your poison Ivy or Charli XCX costume.

Nighttime Sparkle

A regular black manicure is always appropriate, but especially for Halloween. Add some sparkle to the look with this gold design.

The Halloween Special

When you love everything about the season, but just can’t decide. This design has the whole color palette, plus cute cobwebs and bats for some added flair.

Snakes and Stars

We’re obsessed with this sparkly orange tip/snake combo. 

Snakes, But Demure

If you just want to keep the snakes, but lose the sparkles, have no fear. And French tip combination works well here.

You Glow Girl

Most Halloween festivities are at night. Be the talk of the party when your nails are literally glowing. 

We’ll Skip to Christmas

We get it, Halloween isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Go against the norm with a look that says: “I start playing my Christmas music in July.”

Drip Drip Drip

French is always appropriate. Take it up a notch with these blood drips from your tips.

Cat-Eye

These cat-eye (aka velvet) nails are mesmerizing to watch as they shift from a glowing gold to shades of pink and blue.

Fun Clowns, Great Nails

Clown nails are a great character for your October nail look because of how they are customizable-are you feeling like a fun clown or scary clown? The choice is yours this Halloween.

Stars Stars Stars!

Keep it simple this October with a gorgeous black, sparkly polish. It’s subtle, but on theme. 

Claws

While these nails are gorgeous year round, they certainly give something extra on October 31st.

Trick or Treat!

If your favorite part of Halloween is the candy, you’re not alone. Choose treat over trick this year with this colorful design.

Toxic and Iconic

We’re loving this smoky, green design. The bright green gives toxic fumes in a way that will complement any seasonal outfit you choose.

A Very Disney Hallloween

A Mickey ghost, vampire and jack-o-lantern? Yes please. This design is incredible in 3D, and would stand out in 2D as well.

Skull Nail Candy

A skull design is the cherry on top of this gorgeous red nail set.

The Tail End of Our List

The black cat on the accent nail? The paw on the pinky? The cute design is truly good for year-round wear. More cats, less problems.