18 DIY Halloween Nail Art Ideas for a Spooky Chic Look
It’s Halloween! (Okay, almost.) But around here, the spooky vibes are officially ON.
If your candles are lit, your cauldron's bubbling (or at least your coffee is), and you're already planning costumes, snacks, and what eerie perfume to wear—then it's time to talk nails. Because what’s Halloween without a little glamour and a whole lot of ghoulish glitter?
This year, I’m all about leaning into the camp, color, and creativity of Halloween nail art. From bold jack-o-lanterns to Rocky Horror-inspired red lips, there's no shortage of fun ways to bring the spirit of the season to your fingertips.
Whether you're DIY-ing your nails with clean polishes at home (💅 yes, please) or bringing inspo to your favorite non-toxic nail salon, here are 18 boo-tiful nail ideas to get those spooky juices flowing.
1. Chunky Glitter Pumpkin Nails
Start with an orange base and add chunky holographic glitter at the tips. Seal with a high-shine top coat for a mani that catches candlelight and compliments.
2. Black & White Chevron
Chevron stripes in black and white? Classic, graphic, and Halloween-y without screaming it. Add an accent nail with a tiny bat decal for extra flair.
3. Glossy Jack-O'-Lanterns
A glossy black background with bright orange pumpkins makes for a high-contrast mani that's chic and spooky. Bonus: draw on tiny jack-o-lantern faces with a detail brush for the full effect.
4. Blood Drip Tips
Use a clean red polish and a dotting tool to create “drips” from the tip of your nails. It’s creepy, but make it fashion.
5. Candy Corn Gradient
Love it or hate it, candy corn is iconic. Try an ombre effect using yellow, orange, and white—blend well, then add a matte top coat for a soft finish.
6. Spider Web Accents
Start with a neutral or sheer base, then draw on spider webs using white polish and a fine nail art brush. Keep it subtle, or layer over a black base for drama.
7. Glow-in-the-Dark Ghosts
Use a glow polish as your base (yes, they exist!) and add floating ghost faces with black polish. Bonus points for spooky glow selfies.
8. Moon Phases
Channel your inner witch with a moody navy base and paint tiny moon phases across each nail using a dotting tool and silver polish.
9. Vampire Kiss (Rocky Horror Inspired)
Let’s do the time warp again! Celebrate 40+ years of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a bold red lip accent nail. Pair it with black and red French tips for full drama.
10. Minimalist Skull Art
Try a negative space mani with teeny skull faces on each nail. Use a dotting tool and white polish on a clear or nude base for that barely boo look.
11. Holographic Graveyard
Start with a black base and layer on holographic nail decals or hand-painted tombstones. Trust me: it’s glam-goth at its finest.
12. Witch’s Brew Green
A shimmering emerald or poison green polish feels witchy and festive without going full costume. Add a glitter accent nail if you dare.
13. Matte Black Magic
Sometimes less is more. A fully matte black mani with a single shiny top-coated pinky? Chic. Add a tiny crescent moon or star with metallic foil if you're feeling it.
14. Cat Eyes + Claws
Swipe on a magnetic “cat eye” polish in deep purple or green, and pair it with almond or stiletto-shaped tips. Meow.
15. Spooky French Tips
Black-tipped French manicure with tiny ghost faces or spider legs peeking out = understated Halloween elegance.
16. Orange You Glad It’s Fall
Not all Halloween nails have to be scary. Bright orange nails with white polka dots or stripes scream pumpkin patch, not haunted house.
17. Witch Hat Decals
Use nail stickers or freehand tiny witch hats over a lavender or nude base. Cute and totally spellbinding.
18. Skeleton Chic
Paint tiny bones or ribcages across your nails—or do one full skeleton hand and keep the rest solid black. Add rhinestones for extra flair.
Clean Beauty Nail Art Tips:
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Use 5-free or 10-free polish to avoid harsh chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene.
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A good base coat = longevity. You want your spooky art to survive at least a week of pumpkin lattes and package packing.
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Try a non-toxic acetone-free remover when it’s time to switch it up—your cuticles will thank you.
Whether you’re going full glam or just dipping a toe (well, a nail) into the Halloween fun, there’s a spooky style here for you.
So light your favorite fall candle, queue up Hocus Pocus, and get painting. Tag @Orglamix when you share your spooky nail art-- we’d love to see what you brew up! 🕷️💅🎃
