Is Halloween a thing this year? Are we doing it? Maybe you’re not comfortable hitting up a big party (responsible!) or maybe the general state of the world still feels too dark to layer on any additional spookiness (understandable!). Or maybe we’re actually very much in need of a bit of that magical, mysterious vibe that always accompanies the end of October.
To help you get in the spirit — whether your Halloween plans involve finally debuting that group costume with your friends or eating candy corn at home to reruns of Bewitched — we’ve rounded up some of the best Halloween nail art ideas that are easy enough to DIY at home. Happy Haunting.
Glitter Devil Tips
For a devilish take on a French manicure, use sparkly red polish to give your tips a little fear factor.
Credit: @paintbyjaz
Swirly Ghosts
Unlike some nail art inspo that requires scarily good precision, these cute ghosts are all about asymmetry. Paint some swirly white blobs, add two black eyes and voila.
Credit: @nailartbysig
Sparkly Spiderwebs
Spiderweb nails for Halloween are about as expected as spiked cider but this version with sparkly silver polish feels especially elevated. Plus if you mess up, it will be less noticeable than black webs.
Credit: @betina_goldstein
Classic Halloween Candy
It doesn’t get more classic than candy corn. The best part? You really only need to pull off one nail to make this mani festive.
Credit: @kristinsnails
Wonder Woman Shimmer
Even if you can’t bring out your Wonder Woman costume this year, gold sparkly stars can still make you feel heroic this Halloween.
Credit: @stephstonenails
All Hallows’ Eve Moon
There’s always something a bit spooky about a full moon. Pick up some moon phases nail decals for your own bewitchingly good take.
Credit: @sohotrightnail
Blood Drip Tips
There is nothing spookier than subtlety. Teeny strokes of red polish on nude nails make a huge impact. The simplicity! The horror!
Credit: @betina_goldstein
Bitty Bats
For another witchy take on a French mani, high-gloss black polish is perfect for painting delicate bats.
Credit: @beautybygraceeva
Pumpkin Spice
It doesn’t get any easier (or on-trend for Instagram) than a monochrome pumpkin spice gradient. Paint each nail a different shade of orange for a simple and festive fall look.
Credit: @wild_oleander
Creepy Cat Eyes
Here’s looking at you. The asymmetry of these glowing cat eyes feels extra chic and easy to pull off.
Credit: @betina_goldstein
Cat’s Meow
If you want to get really fancy, paint on a full-on black cat, throw on a witch’s hat and poof! You’ve got a spellbindingly good costume.
Credit: @thehangedit
Tentacle Tips
Something about the simple use of undulating black lines of nail polish feels particularly serpentine — like Ursula the sea witch in a mani.
Credit: @ladyfancynails
Black on Black
For an update on the classic goth nail, use a matte black polish as the base and then add dots of a high gloss topcoat to add a little dimension.
Credit: @hannahroxit
Slime Time
Update the classic black mani with some neon green drips of slime for a monstrously easy Halloween look.
Credit: @nailtalk_sammy
Vampy Talons
The classic red manicure gets a vampy update with these razor-sharp edges.
Credit: @nailartbyqueenie
Pink and Witchy
Maybe you’re just not a black and orange person—pink can be perfectly spooky too. This witchy nail art is delightfully bubbly (without all the toil and trouble).
Credit: @chezpaintsnails
Scarecrow Nails
American tips (the new take on the classic French mani) in autumnal shades paired with scarecrow-esque stich details won’t look silly come November.
Credit: @nailartbysig
Evil Eye Embellishments
These sparkly evil eyes are spooky chic perfection.
Credit: @betina_goldstein
Nightmare Before Christmas Nails
This neon nod to the Nightmare Before Christmas is just the right amount of extra.
Credit: @sara_orlyboutique
Fall Patchwork Nails
This simple color-blocked manicure reminds us of a cartoon witch — definitely a Halloween vibe, but one you could confidently rock all fall.
Credit: @nailartbysig
Holographic Head Trip
This hot-pink holographic brain mani will blow your mind (sorry, had to). This one definitely takes patience, but the final effect is chillingly good.
Credit: @kimborruso_beauty
Itsy Bitsy Spider
In need of a last minute Halloween nail idea? Add this tiny sparkly spider to any manicure for instant spookiness.
Credit: @coquelicnails
Bat Tips
For another take on a bat-inspired Halloween mani, try pairing the creepy creatures with blood-red tips.
Credit: @nailartbysig
Candy Corn Ghosts
We wouldn’t have thought you could make “candy corn ghost nails” subtle, but this look somehow nails it. The minimal candy corn tips and easy-to-freehand ghosts are tied together by the nude base color.
Credit: @nailzbymayaa
Keep It Classic
Okay, maybe bats and spiders and blood aren’t for you. (Or you simply know there’s no way you’re going to pull off any of those with your non-dominant hand — no shame.) Keep it classic with a minimal orange and black American mani — no one can say that isn’t festive.
Credit: @nailartbysig
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