Top 10 Halloween Nail Art Inspirations

When it comes to Halloween, we like to go obsessively overboard. That means as soon as October 1st arrives, everything that was once normal gets a spooky spruce – even our nails.

Whether you’re adding the final frightening touches to your costume or in need of some last-minute ghoulishness, a spine-chilling manicure is what will really get you noticed.

So, to help you get into the scary spirit, we’ve done the rounds and compiled a gallery of incredible Halloween nail art.

1. Pumpkin polish

It’s not really Halloween until you get your hands on a pumpkin – or in this case, vice versa. This pumpkin-inspired nail look is perfect if you’re dressing tame this year and want to add a pop of cute and festive colour to your costume. If you'd like to nail the pumpkin look from head to toe, check out our Top 10 Halloween Makeup Looks.

Get the look:

essie Core Nail Polish Keep You Posted Collection

£8.81Sold out

2. Haunted hands

Give your hands a taste of a haunted cemetery with this eerie creation – it’s surprisingly easier to achieve than you think. Simply coat your nails in a deep purple polish, grab some scary stencils and match with a zombie outfit for a seriously mysterious manicure.

Get the look:

Mavala Nail Colour

£4.41 £6.40 (32% off)Add to Bag

essie Expressie Quick Dry Formula Chip Resistant Nail Polish

£8.81Add to Bag

3. Vampy varnish

If you’re new to the nail art game, then this DIY manicure could be your Halloween go-to. Subtle, easy and, of course, viciously vampy, this is a creative design that will give ultimate Dracula vibes.

Get the look:

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish

£11.95Add to Bag

ORLY Breathable Nail Polish

£11.95Add to Bag

4. Cobwebbed coffins

Coffins covered in cobwebs, we really couldn’t get any more Halloween-y if we tried. Creepy crawlies are enough to give anyone the jitters, which is exactly why we love this dark manicure for a spider-phisticated look.

Get the look:

SOSU by SJ Naked Truth Faux Nails

£8.81Sold out

Jessica Effects The Touch

£7.77Add to Bag

5. French mani-gore

Not for the faint-hearted, this classic French manicure takes a gory twist – and it's probably the only time you’ll ever get away with cracked and broken nails. Perfect for a dose of dramatic horror, this spook-tacular design will 100% give the scare-factor. Pair this with a scary clown look to complete your Halloween outfit.

Get the look:

Mavala Natural French Manicure White Set

£13.61 £17.20 (21% off)Add to Bag

essie Original Nail Polish

£9.69Add to Bag

essie Original Nail Polish

£5.34 £9.69 (45% off)Sold out

6. Ghosts 'n' ghouls

This is one to pair with the super last-minute costumes – and yes, we’re talking about that makeshift white bedsheet with crooked eyeholes. Simply transform sparkly ombre nails into a boo-tiful ghoulish design.

Get the look:

Jessica Custom Nail Colour

£7.01Add to Bag

Mavala Nail Colour

£6.40Add to Bag

7. Catty claws

Forget the pretty paw prints, it’s time to get your claws out – literally. This catty creation pairs well with a stiletto shape and is an obvious nail look for the die-hard cat costume fans.

Get the look:

Jessica Phenom Vivid Nail Colour

£5.80 £14.50 (60% off)Sold out

Jessica Custom Nail Colour

£7.01Add to Bag

8. Spine-chilling skulls

If Halloween isn’t really your thing but you don’t want to feel totally left out then try giving yourself a skull-inspired mani. It’s a classic bone-chiller that’s not too dramatic, but still provides a rock-chic feel. Pair these nails with the perfect Halloween vampy lip and you'll be looking spookilicious in no time.

Get the look:

Jessica Custom Nail Colour

£7.01Add to Bag

9. Na na na na na na na na Bat-hands

Combine sweet polka dots with menacing bats and what do you get? A mysterious manicure that is girly but gothic. We love this look as you can easily switch up the colours and make it your own.

Get the look:

essie Original Nail Polish

£8.81 £8.99 (3% off)Sold out

10. Hair-raising horror-inspired

These horror movie-inspired hands are the ultimate match for the girls and boys that spend time on the all-important details. Perfect for the Halloween-obsessed, you can bring your favourite horror films to life – although Chucky is pretty good at giving us the creeps.

Get the look:

essie Gel Couture

£13.23Add to Bag

So, there we have it: 10 fantastically frightful nail art designs. Halloween comes with no rules, so this is the perfect time to get your creative cauldron out – the more gruesome, the better.