Halloween is one of those rare times of the year when you get to truly express yourself. Whether you’re going for a terrifying look or something whimsical, your hair plays a big part in bringing your costume to life. The right hairstyle can make or break your spooky ensemble, elevating your look from ordinary to extraordinary.
What’s the secret to nailing the perfect Halloween hairdo? It’s all about balancing creativity with ease. You want something that grabs attention but also doesn’t take hours to execute. If you’re looking for some hair-raising inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated 19 fun and frightening Halloween hairstyles that will have you turning heads all night long.
1. Spooky Spiderweb Hair
Want to give off creepy-crawly vibes without actually having spiders in your hair? Spiderweb hair is a showstopper. You can create this look using hair string, which is shaped into a web, or you can go for a more subtle version by teasing your hair and adding spider-shaped clips throughout. Black or silver hair glitter can also make the web stand out even more.
This hairstyle works especially well if you’re planning on dressing as a witch, vampire, or even a spooky gothic bride. It’s all about the details—add in some faux spiders for extra scare points, and you’ll be the queen of Halloween chills.
2. Medusa-Inspired Braids
Unleash your inner goddess of doom with Medusa-inspired braids. All you need are some thin, snake-like hair extensions or faux snakes, which you can intertwine into your natural braids. The beauty of this look is that it’s both elegant and menacing at the same time.
To add even more fright, spray paint the faux snakes in metallic colors like silver or gold, and mix them throughout your hair. Pair this style with snake-like makeup to complete the transformation. The best part? You don’t need to keep turning people to stone to turn heads.
3. Wicked Witch Braid
Classic but always effective, the wicked witch braid is the epitome of dark, spooky elegance. A fishtail or Dutch braid works best for this look, especially if you add a black or dark green hair dye spray to match your witchy ensemble.
Don’t forget to accessorize with small charms or creepy accessories woven into the braid—think mini skulls, bats, or cobweb clips. The wicked witch braid is a timeless Halloween hairstyle, and the added details make it uniquely yours.
4. Electric Shock Hair
Channel your inner mad scientist or recently-zapped villain with electric shock hair. To achieve this look, tease your hair out as much as possible. You can use volumizing powder and strong-hold hairspray to keep it standing up in all directions, giving you that freshly electrocuted appearance.
Adding streaks of white or silver hair chalk to simulate lightning bolts through your hair can enhance the shock effect. Whether you’re going as Frankenstein’s bride or a DIY monster, this electrifying hairstyle will surely make an impact.
5. Zombie-Inspired Hair
Zombie hair is perfect for those who want a “freshly crawled out of the grave” look. Messy, tousled hair with fake blood streaks and dirt-inspired shading will have you looking like you just survived the apocalypse.
You can take this look a step further by adding hair accessories that resemble bones or decaying flowers. The key is to make your hair look as undone as possible while still maintaining that creepy allure.
6. Maleficent-Inspired Horns
Maleficent’s iconic horns are the ultimate statement for anyone looking to channel their inner villain. You can achieve this look by either buying a horn headpiece or creating your own using wire, tape, and hair extensions wrapped around to form the shape of horns.
To secure the horns, use a strong-hold hairspray or even bobby pins for extra support. Finish the look by slicking your hair back into a tight bun or low ponytail, allowing the horns to be the star of the show.
7. Black Widow Bun
If you’re aiming for something sleek and sinister, the black widow bun is the hairstyle for you. This classic updo can be given a creepy twist by adding small spider accessories or web-shaped hairpins to the bun.
You can also wrap your bun in black lace to mimic a spiderweb or use dark-colored hair spray to add a shadowy effect. The Black Widow hairstyle is not only easy to achieve but also works well with a variety of Halloween costumes, from witches to vampires.
8. Skeleton Pigtails
Bring some spooky charm to your look with skeleton pigtails. Start by parting your hair into two sections and braiding them. Then, weave small plastic skeleton hands or bone-like hair clips into the braids for that skeletal vibe.
The contrast of the cute pigtails with creepy skeleton hands gives a fun, yet eerie, twist to a classic hairstyle. This works particularly well with a Day of the Dead or haunted doll costume.
9. Bloody Hair Streaks
For a hairstyle that’s simple but makes a statement, try bloody hair streaks. Using red temporary hair dye or hair chalk, you can create streaks of “blood” running through your hair.
This look works well with almost any Halloween costume, whether you’re going as a vampire, zombie, or victim of a horror movie massacre. It’s an easy but effective way to add a little scare to your hair.
10. Witchy Waves
For those who prefer a more subtle look, witchy waves are the way to go. These effortless, loose waves give off a mystical, enchanting vibe, perfect for any spell-casting sorceress. Use a large barrel curling iron to create soft waves, then tousle them with your fingers for a more natural look.
Enhance the witchy theme with dark-colored hair spray or temporary dyes in black, purple, or green. Add a wide-brimmed hat to top off the look, and you’re ready to cast some spells!
11. Corpse Bride Hair
Take inspiration from Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” with a long, flowing hairstyle that gives off a ghostly vibe. Use blue or white temporary hair dye to create a haunted look, and add a flower crown made of decaying roses or twigs for extra flair.
This look is all about contrasts—soft, wavy hair paired with dark, eerie makeup. It’s perfect for those who want a hauntingly beautiful Halloween hairstyle that still has a touch of elegance.
12. Vampire Vixen Curls
Nothing says Halloween like a classic vampire look. For a sultry, bloodthirsty appearance, go for large, glamorous curls. Start by using a curling wand to create voluminous waves, then spray them with a glossy hairspray for that irresistible vampire sheen.
Adding a widow’s peak using black eyeliner can enhance the overall effect, making you look like you just stepped out of a gothic horror novel. Pair the curls with dark lipstick and pale makeup for the ultimate vampiric allure.
13. Ghostly Glitter Hair
If you’re looking to add a bit of sparkle to your spooky ensemble, ghostly glitter hair is the way to go. Use white or silver glitter spray to coat the top of your head, creating a ghostly glow that shimmers in the light.
For added effect, tease the bottom half of your hair to give it a slightly wild, unkempt look. This style works beautifully with any ghost or angel costume, adding a touch of ethereal magic to your Halloween look.
14. Creepy Crown Braid
A crown braid is a hairstyle fit for a queen—or in this case, a creepy one. To give this otherwise elegant look a Halloween twist, weave in dark ribbons or lace throughout the braid. Add some spooky accessories like bat-shaped clips or miniature skull charms.
For an extra layer of fright, spray your hair with black or deep purple temporary dye to match your Halloween costume. This hairstyle works well for gothic queens, dark fairies, or even a twisted version of a medieval princess.
15. Beetlejuice-Inspired Green Hair
Why not channel everyone’s favorite bio-exorcist with a Beetlejuice-inspired hairstyle? All you need is some green temporary hair dye to give your locks that toxic, neon glow. Tease your hair out to create a wild, unkempt look that resembles Beetlejuice’s signature style.
This look is perfect for anyone who wants to go all out on the wacky side of Halloween. Pair it with a black and white striped outfit, and you’ll be ready to cause some mischief.
16. Cat Ears Hairstyle
For a cute yet eerie hairstyle, the cat ears look is always a hit. All you need to do is section off two small parts of your hair and twist them into little buns at the top of your head to resemble cat ears.
You can make this look as spooky or as sweet as you’d like by adding dark makeup or whisker face paint. It’s a simple, playful hairstyle that works perfectly with a last-minute cat costume.
17. Witch Hat Hair
Why limit yourself to a basic witch hat when you can incorporate the hat into your hairstyle? Start by braiding your hair around the brim of a wide witch hat, securing it with bobby pins to keep the hair in place.
For an extra eerie touch, add some spooky accessories like small bats, cobwebs, or even tiny LED lights for a glow-in-the-dark effect. This hairstyle is both practical and perfect for any witchy costume.
18. Glamorous Skeleton Hair
If you’re dressing up as a skeleton this Halloween, don’t forget about your hair! Opt for sleek, slicked-back hair with a glossy finish to mimic the smooth look of a skeleton. Add in some silver or white hair chalk to create bone-like highlights.
Pair this hairstyle with intricate face makeup to complete the look. It’s a simple yet stunning way to take a classic skeleton costume to the next level.
19. Pumpkin Spice Curls
For those who want a more festive, fall-inspired hairstyle, pumpkin spice curls are a fun option. Use temporary orange or copper hair dye to give your curls that signature pumpkin spice look. Create voluminous, bouncy curls with a curling iron, then run your fingers through them for a soft, tousled look.
This hairstyle is perfect for a more lighthearted Halloween costume, especially if you’re dressing as a fall fairy, pumpkin queen, or anything autumn-themed.
Conclusion
From creepy and crawly to cute and whimsical, these 19 Halloween hairstyles are sure to inspire your next spooky look. The key to a successful Halloween hairstyle is in the details—whether it’s adding glitter, fake blood, or hair accessories, these small touches can take your hair from everyday chic to fright-night fabulous. So, go ahead and experiment with these fun and frightening styles to make your Halloween one to remember!