One of the best things about fall? Halloween! With the eerie season approaching, it’s about time to cosplay. Deciding on what to wear, from your costume to makeup and even your manicure, is usually the highlight of the season. If you want to get into that spooky spirit without going too deep, Halloween nails are a minimal way to celebrate the holiday.

Nail artists sure aren’t backing down. From long, stiletto talons dipped in bold-colored lacquer to minimalist black accents and glittery sparkles, they keep doling out impactful Halloween-themed nail art designs for you to choose from. Whether you want a DIY look or you’ve booked an appointment with your nail tech, we’ve handpicked a collection of intricate and beautiful designs that blend style and spookiness. Keep reading as we dive in.
ALSO READ: Back-to-School Nails: 14 Ideas for the New Academic Year
12 Spooky Halloween Nails Taking Fall by Storm

Whether you’re a Halloween obsessive or need a slight nod to the season, here are nail designs to give you the right amount of spookiness:
Spider Halloween Nails

Are you a fan of Spider-Man or maybe the creepy creature? Go for this cute design. It’s great for those who want to take a step, rather than a dive, into the Halloween season. You can start with a nude base with black spider nail stickers, and you’re good to go.
Ghost Nails

Phantoms may be scary, but not when they’re right on your nails. If this is your choice, you don’t have to go all in. Start by replacing the tips with ghosts. Then add some sparkles or maybe a chrome finish, and they’ll become iridescent.
Skull Halloween Nails

What better time to pay homage to the Pirates of the Caribbean than now? Adorn your fingernails with artsy skulls that exude an unfuckwithable vibe. Creepy, but isn’t that what the Halloween season is for?
Glow-in-the-Dark Mani

Imagine this: You step into a Halloween party and the lights are out. But something is flickering in the dark—your nails!
Pumpkin Mani

Festive manicure doesn’t have to be cheesy, and this pretty pumpkin nail art lends credence to that statement. Get creative with yours. It’ll surely complement any outfit you wear—spooky or not.
Celestial Designs

Draw inspiration from the heavenly bodies by painting the sun, moon, and stars on your fingernails. For the creepy Halloween vibe, try yours in black. But for a luxurious feel, make it gold.
Fiery Red

Which other color exudes so much power and mystique as the color red? No matter the season, this nail color never disappoints. Keep things loud and bold with the fiery shade so your fingers do the talking before you speak.
ALSO READ: Fall Nails: 15 Gorgeous Manicure Ideas for Autumn
Stitch Nails
Make things creepier with this hyperrealistic mani. Though minimal, they’re super perfect for Halloween.
Bloody Drip

Speaking of the color red, if you don’t wanna dip all your fingers into a red lacquer, how about you splash it? The bloody nail art helps you achieve this look. Play around with your red polish to create faux drops of blood on a nude, black, white, or any colored base. You’ll get an interesting contrast that really stands out.
Flamey Nails

How do you say there’s fire on the mountain without outrightly doing so? Use your nails. With a decal or some painting, fix up flames on your fingers. What’s a spooky szn without some heat?
Sparkling Halloween Nails

Need a mani that works all year round? The glittery designs are your best bet. They take you through summer, autumn, and winter without looking like you’re tied to trends. Just add glitter, rhinestones, or a chrome effect to your nails and you’ll get an evergreen look.
Fall Leaves Halloween Nails

This mani draws inspiration from how leaves change their colors during fall. You can give yours an ombre effect, transitioning from light to dark shades of ombre or vice versa. For more accents, add some leavy touches to your fingertips and you’ll have a look that’s not Halloweenish but still solid for the season.
Make a Spooky Statement with Halloween Nails

Halloween is that time of the year when you dare your inner child to face its fears. So, think back. What was that thing that gave you the creeps when you were little? Mummies? Apparitions? Skeletons? Whatever they may be, confront that fear by wearing it on your fingernails.
It doesn’t have to be maximalist. It can be as little as a spider or as bold as an all-black design. What matters is your chosen Halloween mani stays true to your aesthetic and taste.
ALSO READ: Summer Nails 2025: 12 Chic Ideas to Recreate this Season