Halloween costumes come with various levels of commitment: We’ve got the planners who know a whole 11 months prior what their theme is, the creative crafters who get to work two months ahead of time, and the 10-minutes-before-leaving-the-house crew. But, did you know there’s a whole other group filled with Halloween spirit? They are your nail-obsessed friends. Now, you might think that a costume takes more planning than Halloween nails, but once you see this collection of intricate and beautiful designs, you’ll realize that they’re a total work of art in their own right.
Countless nail artists on Instagram are just as enthused as you are about the eerie magic of October 31, with some already serving spider-webbed French tips, sleek orange-and-black designs, and candy-corn stripes on their grids. These fun manicure ideas can stand on their own if you’re not dressing up or serve as an awesome enhancement to your Halloween costume and/or makeup look. Here are the coolest ways to wear your excitement for the holiday on your fingertips in 2023.
Iridescent Ghosts
Who knew ghosts could be so adorable? Bust out the chrome powder for this set by Gabi De la Cruz, which features a pink-glazed base and creepy-but-cute ghosts wearing witch hats.
Bat French Manicure
If you’re pretty dedicated to the French manicure year-round, here’s a way to Halloween-ify it. This manicure by Katie Alice has tiny black bats painted on its dark gray tips. It’s a fun nod to one of our all-time favorite throwback memes (remember the “It’s frickin bats” video?) which just so happens to also make an epic costume.
Pearlescent Sketch
Want a Halloween nail look that is neither spooky nor gory? Try this one by Texas-based nail artist Nat McMains, who hand-painted enchanted items — a mirror, crescent moon, and crystal ball — onto a pearlescent purple base.
Soul Mates
For lovers of both Halloween and Valentine’s Day, we have this hauntingly romantic manicure by Charlotte Bradwell of Cavan Studio in Sheffield, UK. Bradwell swept on a sheer pink base before meticulously painting tiny, lovestruck creatures above it.
Anything But Boring Black and White
For Halloween nails that are slightly more subtle with the theme, try out a design similar to Avril Fernandez’s. It’s an entirely black and white manicure that uses checkerboard, flame, yin and yang, and floral patterns across every nail. The Halloween magic is on both thumbs with two skulls hanging like cherries.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Can’t let go of summer? Try this “summerween” manicure, which combines a neon polish and an ombré paint job (two very summery nail trends) with Halloween-themed art. It’ll make you want to throw on a Fred Waring vinyl (and even maybe play it backwards in search of hidden messages).
Oranges and Cream
Sure, this manicure uses cream-colored polish, but it doesn’t make the look any less eerie. Its snakes, evil eyes, and crescent moons create for a sinister set that skips the dark hues.
Clowning Around
This is not one for the coulrophobes out there. This look by Angel City Nails gives Halloween nails a carnival flair. It’s fun and games with its bright colors and smiley face — but add some red splatter for more of a House of Horrors vibe.
Coffee Colors
When Halloween and minimalism intersect, the result is this look by Bailee Tabag. Its matte top coat and autumnal colors give the Jack-o’-lanterns, spiderwebs, and ghosts style and finesse.
Velvet Slime
If hand painted icons or nail decals aren’t your thing, but you still want a special manicure for the holiday, this velvet green set is for you. Ask your nail artist for cat eye polish, which uses a magnet to move iron particles in the nail polish creating an illusion of texture that shifts in different lights.