30 Halloween Nail Designs That’ll Haunt You (In a Good Way)

When October rolls around, it’s not just the costumes that deserve all the fun it’s your nails, too. Whether you’re aiming for spooky, cute, or totally glamorous, Halloween is the perfect excuse to go all out.

From gothic glam to ghostly minimalism, we’ve rounded up 30 Halloween Nail Designs that will inspire your most creative, creepy, and captivating look this spooky season.

Let’s dive into this haunted nail haven…

1. Classic Black and Orange Mani

You can never go wrong with the timeless Halloween combo: black and orange. Think matte black nails with bright orange tips or alternating colors for a bold, festive vibe.

2. Spooky Spider Webs

Add a delicate web across glossy black or dark purple polish. A fine detail brush and white gel polish can create a spider web effect that’s both eerie and elegant.

3. Gothic Glamour

Combine burgundy, black, and gold glitter for a vampy aesthetic. Long coffin-shaped nails work best to maximize the drama.

4. Pumpkin Patch Cuties

Tiny pumpkins painted on a nude or clear base are playful and perfect for those who prefer cute over creepy. Use orange, green, and black polish for the full effect.

5. Bloody Drips

Start with a nude or pale base and add red dripping tips to mimic blood. This chilling design is both simple and spine-tingling.

Also Check Out: Short Halloween Nails

6. Black Cats and Full Moons

Celebrate classic Halloween symbols with black cat silhouettes and crescent moons. A dark navy or galaxy background brings this design to life.

7. Mummy Wraps

Wrap your nails in a white base with criss-crossed beige or grey lines and googly eyes for a fun mummy effect. It’s cute, quirky, and crowd-pleasing.

8. Glow-in-the-Dark Ghosts

Take your nail game into the night with glow-in-the-dark polish. Paint cute little ghosts on your nails and watch them come alive in the dark.

9. Witchy French Tips

Give the French manicure a Halloween twist with black tips, silver stars, or tiny witch hats. It’s subtle yet festive.

10. Skeleton Hands

White skeleton fingers on a matte black background? Count us in. This high-contrast design is edgy and screams Halloween.

Also Check Out: Halloween Costumes

11. Slime Drip Nails

Use bright green over a black or nude base to create a gooey slime effect. It’s perfect for a zombie or mutant-inspired costume.

12. Horror Movie Icons

Pay homage to your favorite horror films with tiny illustrations—think Jason’s mask, Freddy’s stripes, or a simple knife with blood. A must for movie buffs!

13. Candy Corn Nails

Use white, orange, and yellow polish in color-blocked stripes to recreate the iconic Halloween treat. Sweet and stylish!

14. Minimalist Bats

For a chic look, go with a nude base and tiny black bat silhouettes. It’s minimal yet thematic.

15. Eyeball Art

Paint cartoonish eyes in different sizes for a creepy-cute effect. Add red veins or glitter for an extra pop.

16. Zombie Scratch Marks

Create faux claw marks with red and black polish over a nude base. Add depth by blending in gray or brown tones.

17. Spider Accent Nails

Use one nail as a statement piece with a 3D spider design using black gems or nail art decals. Keep the others matte black or nude.

18. Witchy Symbols and Runes

Incorporate mystical elements like moons, crystals, or astrological signs. A dark green or purple base brings the design together.

19. Haunted House Scenes

Mini haunted houses painted across several nails create a full spooky story. Use fine brushes and lots of patience.

20. Frankenstein Stitch Art

Channel Frankenstein with green nails and black stitches or bolts painted on top. It’s retro and recognizable.

21. Broken Glass Halloween Nails

Use holographic foil or iridescent cellophane to mimic broken glass over a black base. It gives a sharp, mysterious look.

22. Jack-O’-Lantern Faces

Paint a glowing jack-o’-lantern face on an orange base. Vary expressions across different nails for added character.

23. Black Lace Halloween Nails

Add black lace decals or hand-painted mesh patterns on a nude or pale pink base for a gothic yet elegant vibe.

24. Witch’s Brew Swirls

Swirl green, black, and purple polish together like a bubbling potion. Top with a matte coat for an eerie touch.

25. Creepy Crawlies

Add tiny beetles, spiders, and centipedes for a skin-crawling effect. You can use nail stickers or stamp plates for ease.

26. Moon Phases Mani

Celebrate the lunar cycle with white moon phases painted over black or navy polish. Add stars for celestial beauty.

27. Tombstone Tips

Create gravestones and RIP signs on coffin-shaped nails. Add dirt texture or fog effects with sponge dabbing.

28. Vampire Fang Design

Draw two sharp vampire fangs at the base of your nail with dripping blood at the tips. Best on almond or stiletto nails.

29. Hocus Pocus Tribute

Pay homage to the Sanderson Sisters with their color schemes or faces. Perfect for fans of the cult classic.

30. Dark Floral with Thorns

Mix Halloween with high fashion—deep burgundy roses with black vines or thorns on a matte nude base.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Halloween Nail Designs at Home

Even if you’re not a pro, achieving these 30 Halloween Nail Designs is totally doable with the right tools and patience.

Nail Art Tools You’ll Need:

• Detail brushes and dotting tools
• Striping tape or nail vinyls
• Stickers and decals
• Matte and glossy top coats
• Gel polish for longevity
• UV/LED lamp (for gel nails)

Application Tips:

• Always start with a clean, filed base.
• Use base coat to prevent staining from dark polishes.
• Allow each layer to dry completely before adding details.
• Use a top coat to seal the design and add shine or a matte finish.

How to Choose the Right Halloween Nail Design for You

Think about your costume, personal style, and the events you’re attending. If you’re dressing as a vampire, blood-drip nails might suit you. If you want something low-key for work or school, minimalist designs like bats or moons are ideal.

• Classic Look? Go for black and orange combos.
• Whimsical? Try pumpkin art or glow-in-the-dark ghosts.
• Scary? Bloody claws and eyeball nails hit the mark.
• Fashion-Forward? Gothic florals or witchy runes are the way to go.

Halloween Nails That Last: Prep & Aftercare

To keep your Halloween nails looking fresh all month long:

1. Use a primer under gel polish to help it adhere.
2. Avoid hot water exposure in the first 24 hours.
3. Apply cuticle oil daily to maintain healthy nails and skin.
4. Wear gloves when doing household chores.
5. Avoid picking at polish—book a removal session if needed.

Final Thoughts on 30 Halloween Nail Designs

Whether you’re attending a costume party, trick-or-treating with kids, or just want to embrace spooky season in style, these 30 Halloween Nail Designs give you endless options to express yourself. From eerie to enchanting, there’s a perfect look for everyone on this list.

So grab your brushes, polishes, and glitter—and get ready to cast a spell with your nails.