Whether you're going all out for the costume party with carefully-planned outfits to rival Heidi Klum or dressing up your living space with some tasteful new decor, Halloween is a great time to flex your creative muscle. Embracing a fresh, spooky-themed manicure will no doubt put you in the mood for trick or treating (even if your idea of a treat is watching A Haunting In Venice while digging into the candy stash...).
'There's such a variety of inspiration to pull from when it comes to Halloween nails,' says manicurist Millie Horton. 'You can go cute and spooky, add an understated scary twist - think sparkly blood drips or cobweb feature nails - or just commit to full-on gore. I also see people designing their October nails around their costume, which is so much fun and you don't get to do that at other times of the year.'
If you're easing into the theme, experiment with a blood-red or jet black tone or try a tiny little spider on a feature nail. In the mood for something extra? Try a maximalist design that incorporates all manner of Halloween paraphernalia from black cats and festive pumpkins to floating ghosts. A shorter nail length and a cohesive colour palette will ensure the design stays chic and grown-up.
1.Vampy Vibes
Plummy tones lend a mysterious feel to the otherwise dreamy aura nail trend.
2. Blood Moon
Your signature red tips, only spookier.
3. Pretty Ghostly
Impossibly cute, coquette nails but make it Halloween-ready.
4. Boo!
Give your French tips a rest in favour of these cute little ghosts.
5. Caught In A Web
You can always count of shimmering spiderwebs for party-ready nails.
6. Groovy Ghouls
Sixties blooms and hints of chocolate lend a joyful mood to this ghostly mani.
7. Mix N' Match
Why pick one design when you can have five? The monochrome colour palette ensures the maximalist vibe feels cohesive and cool.
8. Halloween Barbie
No need to sacrifice your love of pink for All Hallows Eve. Just throw on some witchy cats and you're all set.
9. Pumpkin Spice
Lean into the autumnal vibe with sunset ombre nails embellished with spiderwebs and crescent moons.
10. Terrifyingly Cute
Little ghosts and little flowers: perfect for the one who can't get enough of 'cottagecore'.
11. Graphic And Ghostly
Precise lines makes this design a true masterpiece. Add in a friendly little spirit and you're ready for your next trick or treat.
12. Deceivingly Spooky
Florals for Halloween? Now that's groundbreaking.
13. Darkest Hour
A highly wearable Halloween mani thanks to the soft ballet pink base.
14. Keep It Ghoul
Here's how to embrace all things Halloween in an understated way: keep the designs delicate and the base tone neutral.
15. In Stitches
Classic black and white with a haunting twist, thanks to a stitch and dripping blood design.
16. Mystic Moments
Time to bring a bit of (dark magic) with a splash of gold and midnight blue.
17. A Puuurfect Mani
We don't know about you, but we're getting only good vibes from this black cat.
18. Creepy Crawlies
Spiders and matte finishes = spooky nail art done right.
19. Going Batty
Hot pink for Halloween? Now that's groundbreaking.
20. Devil's In The Details
A low-key way to get into the seasonal trend.
21. Eerily Good
Not one for the faint-hearted, Millie Horton's 3-D manicure is a guaranteed conversation starter at Halloween parties.