Top 10 Halloween Nail Art Inspirations

By Carly Cochrane -
black manicure and pumpkin puppets

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 color 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:

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint


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:

Lancôme Le Vernis Renovation Nail Polish

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:

NCLA Beauty Nail Lacquer - Ask The Magic 8 Ball

NCLA Beauty Nail Lacquer

$11.30 $20.70 (46% off)

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture


4. Cobwebbed coffins

Coffins covered in cobwebs, we really couldn’t get 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:

Revolution Candy Nail Polish

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:

Dashing Diva Magicpress Design


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:

Revolution Duo Chrome Nail Polish

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint - GNP35-Cotton

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint

$5.60


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:

Note Cosmetics Gel Look Nail Enamel

Revolution High Gloss Nail Polish

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:

Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish


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 colors and make it your own.

Get the look:

Nails Inc Are You Hot Or Not? Nail Polish Duo

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 favorite horror films to life – although Chucky is pretty good at giving us the creeps.

Get the look:

Nails Inc 73% Plant Power 21 Free Vegan Nail Polish

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.

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Carly Cochrane

Written by Carly Cochrane

As the Senior Content Editor for Cosmetify, Carly is the go-to for all the latest (and greatest) beauty tips, tricks and trends. With over six years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins-and-outs when it comes to health, beauty and wellbeing. 

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