Halloween costumes can be difficult to figure out, but you know what's even harder to pin down? Halloween nails. They have to strike that perfect balance between being on theme while still being evergreen. Long nails covered in orange pumpkins might be great for the holiday, but once the calendar shifts to November, your nail art immediately feels a bit gaudy and cheesy. To help remedy this problem, we scrolled through Instagram for 12 Halloween nail art designs that you'll be able to wear all fall and winter long.
These Serpent-Inspired Nails
A black and white color theme paired with a negative space design gives this snake-themed nail idea a modern feel.
Recreate it with:
Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish in Black Pool
Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in Under the Covers
These Black and Gold Nails
Consider this gold-studded manicure for your Halloween nails. The subtle accents give this French manicure a witchy update.
Recreate it with:
Gold Metal Nail Studs
Gel Couture Top Coat
These Orange-Striped Nails
If you're against the idea of pumpkin or candy corn nail art, this sleek and multi-hued design is a great way to remain on theme without being kitsch.
Recreate it with:
Miracle Gel in Sundown Socialite
Nail Art Brush Set
These Animal-Themed Nails
Regardless of what feline you decide to dress up as on Halloween, these mismatched animal print nails will be on theme.
Recreate it with:
Nail Polish in Wicked
Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in Marcia Cobalt
These Red Nails
Blood drops get a little gory, but this subtle design keeps your nail art on theme for the holiday without being too extra.
Recreate it with:
Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat
Nail Enamel in Revlon Red
These Colorful Tips
Repurpose your colorful French manicure for Halloween by adding several subtle stitch designs to up the spooky factor.
Recreate it with:
Nail Lacquer in Purple with a Purpose
No. 62 Fern Green Nail Polish
These Celestial-Themed Nails
This shimmery yet understated nail look gives off a whimsical vibe fit for any sparkly Halloween costume.
Recreate it with:
Nail Sticker Set
Cosmic Nail Polish
These Retro-Inspired Nails
Pair your ’70s-themed costume with Halloween nail art that's just as retro as your outfit. These multi-colored wavy tips are so on trend, you'll be able to wear them long after October 31st.
Recreate it with:
Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Daisy Dukes
Nail Lacquer in Suzi Needs a Loch-smith
These Galaxy-Themed Nails
Dress up an otherwise simple negative space design with a vampy, purple shade and intergalactic accents.
Recreate it with:
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Prune Dramatique
Nail Polish in No. 01
These Pink Nails
Rather than opting for traditional Halloween shades (think: orange), why not choose a more unexpected shade like pink? It's a creative aesthetic shift from your classic Halloween hues.
Recreate it with:
Diorlisse Abricot Smoothing Perfecting Nail Care in Pink Petal
Professional Nail Polish in Pink Smart
These Ghost-Themed Nails
Want a design that leans more minimalist? This low-key ghost nail art idea is right up your alley. It's not too overt, but it's still right on theme.
Recreate it with:
SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care
Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Get Mod
These Orange and Black Nails
This design is a perfect example of how to incorporate orange and black into a manicure without it screaming 'Halloween'.
Recreate it with:
Naked in Neon Nail Polish in Walker's Court
Star Nail Art Stickers
Top photo (left to right): Courtesy of Instagram/@nailartbysig, @enterthenailrealm
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