Let’s be honest—a Halloween costume isn’t truly complete without the perfect hairstyle. Whether you’re dressing up as a mystical witch, a vintage vamp, or even your favorite cartoon villain, your hair plays a major role in bringing the character to life.
But here’s the real challenge: how do you create a hairstyle that’s festive, fabulous, and actually doable? The good news? You don’t need to be a professional stylist to slay your Halloween hair game. You just need the right inspiration—and that’s exactly what we’re diving into.
1. Witchy Waves with a Middle Part
Looking for a classic yet captivating Halloween hairstyle?
Loose, tousled waves paired with a center part create a timeless witchy vibe. Think Morticia Addams meets modern-day glam.
Use a large-barrel curling iron for soft waves, and finish with a shine spray for a sleek finish. Add a witch hat for full effect.
2. Braided Crown for a Fairy or Goddess Look
Want something more ethereal and magical?
A braided crown works beautifully for fairy, angel, or goddess costumes. This look is elegant, romantic, and photo-ready.
Wrap two side braids across the crown of your head and pin them in place. Add floral clips or glitter hairspray for a whimsical touch.
3. High Ponytail with Colored Extensions
Going for bold and playful? Add a pop of color.
A sleek, high ponytail paired with neon or pastel clip-in extensions gives major attitude. This hairstyle works great for pop star, alien, or superhero themes.
Secure it tightly with a strong hair tie, and wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the band.
4. Space Buns with Glitter Roots
Need something trendy and fun?
Space buns are a Halloween go-to for characters like aliens, dolls, or club kids. Add glitter to your part or roots for a festive finish.
Twist two high buns and secure with pins. Apply hair gel to the scalp area and sprinkle on cosmetic glitter.
5. Retro Victory Rolls
Vintage vibes, anyone?
Victory rolls are perfect for a pin-up girl, Rosie the Riveter, or a 1940s-style vampire. They’re eye-catching and full of flair.
Backcomb the front sections, roll toward the scalp, and pin in place. Use hairspray to lock it all in.
6. Long Braided Pigtails
Pigtails can be cute—or totally creepy.
Perfect for a doll costume, schoolgirl look, or a twisted take on innocence. You can wear them neat or messy depending on the vibe.
Use thick braids for drama, and secure with bright ribbons or black elastics.
7. Teased Volume for a Wild Witch or Zombie
Want your hair to look like you just crawled out of the grave? Tease it.
Backcomb your roots for exaggerated volume. This wild, messy style is great for zombie brides, haunted dolls, or evil queens.
Add fake cobwebs or leaves to take it up a notch.
8. Slicked-Back Wet Look
Looking to serve high-fashion villain?
The slicked-back wet look is edgy, intense, and super modern. Use a strong gel and comb your hair straight back.
Perfect for vampy characters or a futuristic twist on any costume.
9. Half-Up Twists with Ribbons
Want something feminine with a twist?
This half-up style with small rope braids or twists and satin ribbons works well for fairy-tale characters or Gothic princesses.
Choose ribbons that match your costume and tie them at the ends or weave them in.
10. Big Curls and Volume for Glam Costumes
Channeling a diva or disco queen?
Go for big, defined curls with lots of volume. Use rollers or a curling wand and set with mousse or curl-defining spray.
Pair with bold makeup and sparkly accessories.
11. Colored Hair Spray Designs
No time for a full hairstyle? Hair spray art saves the day.
Stencil stars, spider webs, or hearts with colored sprays. This works great for short hair or ponytails.
You can buy temporary hair color sprays at most costume shops.
12. Mohawk Braid
Need an edgier look?
The mohawk braid gives you drama without shaving your head. Braid a tight French or Dutch braid down the center of your head and pull out the sides for height.
Use gel on the sides to keep it sleek.
13. Bubble Ponytail
This one is playful and unexpected.
Use multiple elastics down the length of your ponytail and fluff out each section to create “bubbles.”
Great for genie, unicorn, or fantasy looks. You can even wrap small LED lights through it for extra wow.
14. Faux Bob for a Vintage Costume
Want short hair without the chop?
Tuck long hair under to create a faux bob. Curl the ends under and pin them at the nape.
Perfect for flapper or 1920s-style costumes.
15. Mermaid Waves with Hair Charms
Under-the-sea glam never goes out of style.
Use a waver or small iron to create soft, uniform waves. Add small pearls, shells, or hair charms throughout.
Finish with a sea-salt spray for texture.
16. Braided Horns or Space Twists
Want something totally out of the box?
Braid your hair into small horns or twist them into spiked buns. It’s daring, bold, and super original.
Use foam inserts or wire inside the braid to hold the shape.
Final Thoughts: Hair to Scare or Slay
You don’t need a full glam squad to pull off an amazing Halloween hairstyle. With creativity, the right tools, and a little prep, you can transform your entire look with just your hair.
So whether you’re going creepy, cute, glamorous, or gory—let your hairstyle be the final flourish. Choose one of these 16 ideas and make this Halloween your most stylish yet.