Spooky and Stylish: Halloween Hair Ideas for Women to Try in 2024
Halloween is right around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a standout hairstyle? Whether you’re aiming for spooky, cute, or downright eerie, there’s a Halloween hair idea for every look and costume. In this guide, we’ll explore 26 unique hairstyles that range from easy to elaborate, ensuring you’ll find the perfect look to complement your costume.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore some of the best hairstyles for this Halloween season.
Witchy Waves
Witchy Waves are perfect for those who want to embody a classic witch look with a modern twist. This hairstyle features voluminous, tousled waves that add a mystical vibe to any Halloween outfit. It’s ideal for women with medium to long hair and works especially well for those who have naturally wavy or curly hair. This style isn’t the best choice for those with very short hair or those looking for a polished, sleek look.
To achieve these waves, start with a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse to add body and texture. Use a curling wand to create loose waves and finish with Ouai Wave Spray for added definition and a light hold. For lasting power, spritz with Tresemmé Extra Hold Hair Spray.
Vampire Volumes
The Vampire Volumes style is all about big, glamorous hair with a dark, gothic edge. This hairstyle works best for women with thick, long hair, but can be adapted for those with short hair using extensions. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add some drama to their Halloween costume, especially those dressing as vampires, witches, or dark sorceresses. This style may not be ideal for those with very fine hair, as it relies on volume for its full effect.
To create this look, start with a thickening spray like Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray to add volume. Blow-dry your hair upside down for maximum lift, then use a large barrel curling iron to create loose, cascading curls. Finish with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray for a soft yet durable hold.
Spiderweb Braids
Spiderweb Braids offer a unique and intricate Halloween hair idea that’s sure to impress. This style features multiple braids woven into a spiderweb pattern across the scalp, making it an eye-catching addition to any costume. Best suited for women with long, manageable hair, this look requires time and patience to achieve but pays off with stunning results. It’s not recommended for those with short hair or those who are new to braiding.
To maintain the braids throughout the night, apply Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Finishing Paste to each section before braiding for grip and control. Finish with Pantene Pro-V Airspray Flexible Hold Hairspray to keep flyaways at bay without stiffening the braids.
Zombie Tousled Tresses
Zombie Tousled Tresses create the perfect undead look with messy, disheveled hair that looks like it’s been through the apocalypse. This hairstyle is ideal for those wanting a simple and effortless look that still makes a statement. Great for medium to long hair, it adds a rugged, grunge effect that’s easy to maintain throughout a long night of trick-or-treating or partying. Not ideal for a polished look, this style embraces a more carefree, wild appearance.
To get the tousled effect, apply Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to damp hair, scrunch, and let air dry. For a greasy, undead look, finish with a bit of TIGI Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream for added texture and shine.
Enchanted Elf Updo
The Enchanted Elf Updo is a cute and magical hairstyle perfect for those dressing up as woodland creatures or fairies. This updo features a mix of braids and twists, creating a whimsical, enchanted look. Best for women with medium to long hair, it’s an easy style to adapt with some practice. Not suitable for short hair, this updo requires enough length to create the detailed braids and twists.
To create this updo, use Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Crème to tame frizz and make braiding easier. Secure each braid with small clear elastics and finish with Kenra Volume Spray 25 for a strong hold that lasts all night.
Ghostly Grunge
Ghostly Grunge is a blend of edgy and eerie, perfect for those who want a laid-back yet spooky hairstyle. This style features textured layers with a choppy finish, ideal for women who enjoy an undone, rock-chic look. It’s particularly great for those with short hair or those who want a low-maintenance style for the night. Not ideal for formal costumes, this look thrives on its messy, casual vibe.
To achieve the grunge effect, use Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray on dry hair for a lived-in texture. Finish with R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo to add volume and a matte finish that enhances the grunge aesthetic.
Medusa-Inspired Snakes
The Medusa-Inspired Snakes hairstyle is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement. This look features multiple twisted sections of hair designed to resemble snakes, ideal for those with long hair. It’s best for women who are confident in their styling skills or have a stylist on hand, as this is one of the more complex Halloween hair ideas. Not recommended for short hair, this style requires length for the full effect.
To create the snake-like twists, use Kenra Professional Platinum Hot Spray 20 Heat Protectant to prep the hair. Twist small sections and secure with clear elastics, finishing with Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hairspray for a glossy, snake-like sheen.
Devilish Spiked Mohawk
The Devilish Spiked Mohawk is a bold, edgy choice that adds a devilish twist to your Halloween ensemble. This hairstyle features sharp, pointed spikes that stand tall and scream attitude. It’s ideal for women with short hair who want to make a statement and add some punk flair to their costume. This look may not suit those who prefer more subdued or cute styles, as it is designed to be striking and dramatic.
To create the perfect spiked look, use Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray to hold the spikes in place, and Bed Head by TIGI Hard Head Hair Spray for extra hold. For added shine and definition, apply a small amount of Redken Rough Paste 12 to the tips of the spikes.
Skeleton Slick Back
The Skeleton Slick Back is a sleek and sinister hairstyle that complements any skeletal costume. This style features hair slicked back with a glossy finish, perfect for those who want a polished yet spooky look. Best suited for women with medium to long hair, this style is ideal for a simple yet dramatic Halloween appearance. It’s not recommended for those with short hair, as the slicked-back effect requires length to achieve the desired look.
To get the perfect slick back, use American Crew Pomade for a high-shine finish and Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 to hold everything in place. A bit of Bumble and bumble Sumotech can also add texture to the roots for a more edgy effect.
Pumpkin Spice Ponytail
The Pumpkin Spice Ponytail is a fun, festive look that brings the warmth of fall to your Halloween ensemble. This hairstyle features a high ponytail with a hint of orange or pumpkin spice color, perfect for adding a pop of seasonal flair. It’s ideal for women with long hair who want a cute and easy style that doesn’t require too much effort. Those with short hair might find this look difficult to achieve without extensions.
To achieve the pumpkin spice effect, use L’Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color in orange to add some color to the ponytail. Secure the ponytail with an Invisibobble Traceless Hair Ring for a no-dent hold, and finish with John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray to keep everything in place.
Fiery Flame Ombre
The Fiery Flame Ombre is a striking hairstyle that features a gradient of reds, oranges, and yellows, resembling flickering flames. This look is perfect for those who want to turn up the heat with their Halloween costume and suits women with long hair who can showcase the full spectrum of colors. This style may not be the best choice for those with short hair, as the ombre effect needs length to transition between colors smoothly.
To maintain the vibrancy of the colors, use Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid Shampoo and Conditioner. To enhance the shine and protect the hair from heat styling, apply Chi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray before styling.
Mermaid Mystique
Mermaid Mystique is a beautiful, flowing hairstyle that captures the essence of the sea with soft, cascading waves and a touch of shimmering color. This look is ideal for women with medium to long hair and works especially well with added hair extensions for length and volume. Not recommended for those with short hair, this style relies on long, flowing locks to create its mermaid-like effect.
To achieve these waves, use Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray on damp hair and let it air dry for a natural, wavy finish. Add some sparkle with IGK Foamo Holographic Hair Foam for a touch of iridescence, and finish with TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Level 2 Hold Hair Spray.
Batwing Buns
Batwing Buns are a playful and cute hairstyle that’s perfect for Halloween. This style features two buns shaped like bat wings on either side of the head, ideal for women with medium to long hair who want a quirky yet stylish look. It’s a bit challenging for those with short hair, but can be achieved with the use of extensions or bun makers.
To create the perfect batwing shape, use Scunci No Damage Hair Elastics to secure the buns and Bobby Pins to shape and hold them in place. Add some texture with Ouai Matte Pomade and finish with Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray for a firm hold.
Fairy Dust Fishtail
Fairy Dust Fishtail is a whimsical hairstyle featuring a fishtail braid sprinkled with glitter and adorned with small flower clips, perfect for adding a magical touch to any Halloween costume. This look is best suited for women with medium to long hair and works well for those wanting a cute and feminine style. Not recommended for those with short hair, as the fishtail braid requires length to achieve the intricate pattern.
To create the braid, start with Redken Braid Aid 03 to add grip and texture to the hair. After braiding, apply IGK Preparty Hair Strobing Glitter Spray for a sparkly finish and secure with Goody Ouchless Clear Elastics.
Scarecrow Straw Hair
Scarecrow Straw Hair is an imaginative and rustic hairstyle that gives you the appearance of having stepped straight out of a cornfield. This look involves tousled, messy hair with straw-like extensions or accessories woven in to create a scarecrow effect. It’s perfect for women with medium to long hair who want an easy yet effective Halloween style. This look is less suited for those with short hair, as the effect relies on length to add volume and a tousled texture.
To achieve this look, use Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to create a messy, tousled base. Add some straw-like extensions or strips of raffia into the hair, securing them with bobby pins or small hair elastics. Finish with a light mist of Pantene Pro-V Flexible Hold Hairspray to keep everything in place without making the hair stiff.
Mummy Wrapped Locks
The Mummy Wrapped Locks style is a unique and spooky hairstyle that gives the illusion of mummy bandages wrapped around the hair. This look involves wrapping sections of the hair with strips of gauze or white fabric, creating a mummified appearance. It’s ideal for women with medium to long hair who want to add an eerie twist to their Halloween costume. This style isn’t well-suited for those with short hair, as it requires length to wrap the hair effectively.
For this look, start by applying L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty to add texture and grip. Wrap sections of the hair with strips of gauze or white fabric, securing the ends with clear elastics or hairpins. Finish with Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray to ensure the gauze stays in place throughout the night.
Werewolf Wild Waves
Werewolf Wild Waves is a fierce and untamed hairstyle that channels the wild spirit of a werewolf. This look features voluminous, wavy hair that appears messy and windswept, perfect for creating a feral, animalistic appearance. It’s great for women with naturally wavy or curly hair or those willing to use a curling iron to achieve the effect. This style works well for both medium and long hair but might not be ideal for those with very short hair, as it relies on length and volume for the full impact.
To get the wild waves, use John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air-Dry Waves Styling Foam on damp hair and scrunch to enhance natural waves. For added texture, use TIGI Bed Head Small Talk Volumizing Hair Cream, and finish with Redken Quick Dry 18 Instant Finishing Spray for a strong hold.
Poison Ivy Green
Poison Ivy Green is a striking and bold hairstyle that features vibrant green hair reminiscent of the iconic comic book character. This look involves dyeing the hair a deep emerald or bright green, making it ideal for those who want to make a statement. It suits women with medium to long hair, especially those who are not afraid of trying out a bold color. This style isn’t recommended for those who prefer a more simple or natural look, as it involves a significant color change.
To maintain the vivid color, use Joico Color Balance Green Shampoo and Conditioner to keep the green looking fresh and bright. Apply Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray for added shine and to protect the hair from heat styling.
Unicorn Rainbow Mane
Unicorn Rainbow Mane is a colorful and enchanting hairstyle that features a spectrum of pastel rainbow colors. This look is perfect for those who want to add a magical touch to their Halloween costume and is best suited for women with long hair. This style requires a lot of commitment and isn’t ideal for those who prefer simple styles or are not ready for a dramatic color change.
To keep the rainbow colors vibrant, use Pulp Riot Semi-Permanent Hair Color in various pastel shades and maintain with Color Wow Color Security Shampoo and Conditioner. For added shine and to protect against heat styling, apply IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm.
Pirate Plait
The Pirate Plait is a rugged and adventurous hairstyle perfect for those dressing up as a pirate this Halloween. This style features a single, thick braid with loose strands and beads or coins woven throughout, giving it a weathered, sea-worn look. It’s ideal for women with medium to long hair who want an easy and authentic pirate look. This style might not work for those with short hair, as the braid requires some length.
To create the perfect pirate plait, use Bumble and bumble Bb Texture Hair (Un) Dressing Crème to add grit and texture to the hair. Braid the hair loosely, leaving some strands out for a messy look, and weave in beads or coins with small hair elastics. Finish with Sebastian Shaper Hairspray for a light hold that keeps the braid in place.
Beetlejuice Black and White Stripes
Beetlejuice Black and White Stripes is a bold and eye-catching hairstyle that mimics the iconic black and white stripes of Beetlejuice’s suit. This look involves alternating sections of the hair dyed black and white, creating a striking contrast. It’s perfect for women with medium to long hair who want a bold, head-turning Halloween style. This look is not recommended for those with short hair, as the stripes need length to be fully visible.
To achieve the striped effect, use Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color in shades of black and white. Apply the color in alternating sections, and maintain with Pravana The Perfect Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo and Conditioner to keep the white sections bright. Use Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector to keep the hair healthy and prevent damage.