Halloween nails are getting a major upgrade this season. This year, the trend leans more editorial, less costume. Think eerie textures, moody colors, and playful nods to the season’s spookier side, all without veering into kitsch.
Whether you're dressing up, keeping it chill, or just want a festive detail that still feels like you, these seven nail ideas hit the perfect balance of cute, spooky, and chic.
1. Black Glaze Nails
Dark polish will always be a Halloween go-to, but this season, the black mani gets a glossy, glazed finish that adds dimension and mood. Opt for a stiletto shape if you’re going full-on vamp. The long, pointed silhouette gives it serious drama. Prefer something more low-key? Keep the nails short and softly squared to let the high-gloss shine do the talking.
2. Dripping Blood Accents
For a more literal nod to Halloween (but still chic), a blood-wine drip detail adds instant wow to an otherwise refined mani. Go for a deep red base or keep most nails minimal and let one or two accent fingers feature the glossy “dripping” effect at the cuticle or tips. It’s luxe, a little vampiric, and undeniably spooky.
3. The French Tip, Haunted
A classic French tip is always in style, but with a few subtle tweaks, it becomes the perfect canvas for Halloween. Think sheer or nude bases with white tips that get a spooky upgrade.
Option 1: Ghost Tips
Add soft ghost shapes peeking up from the tips. Keep them simple: just two tiny eyes and a wavy outline is enough to make it playful without feeling cartoonish. It’s cheeky, minimal, and perfect if you want a festive touch that still looks polished.
Option 2: Spiderweb Tips
For a more intricate vibe, opt for delicate spiderweb detailing in place of the white tip. Done in white or silver linework, the webbing can give off a beautiful lace-effect that’s both elegant and subtly spooky—perfect for adding a touch of Halloween without feeling over the top.
4. Smoky Marble Nails
Still one of the most stylish ways to channel Halloween without a single spooky symbol in sight. Layers of charcoal, ash, and milky white swirl together to create a fog-like marble finish. The effect is soft and surreal, like watching clouds move across a full moon.
5. Celestial Gold Nails
Whimsical, dreamy, and just the right amount of witchy. Think tiny moons, stars, and constellations painted in gold foil or metallic polish. The result is subtle yet striking, and totally in line with the mystical energy of the season.
6. Velvet Nails
Velvet nails (achieved with magnetic polish) give off a glowing, velvety finish that shifts with the light. Perfect for fall, this finish comes in deep jewel tones like emerald, garnet, and sapphire, and has a soft, haunted glamour to it. You don’t need any art—the texture is the whole look.
7. Slime Jelly Nails
For those who want to lean into the fun side of Halloween, bright slime-green jelly nails are unexpected in the best way. The translucent, squishy look gives them a candy-like quality, while the bold green is all things alien, gooey, and a little nostalgic. Go for a long almond shape to really amp up the weird-cute vibe.
