68 Halloween Nail Art Designs That Go Beyond Your Basic Black Mani (2024)

beauty

1. Python Print

A little texture can go a long way. All you need to start are a few simple tools: some mesh, a toothbrush and a polish. (Here’s a tutorialto guide you.)

2. Cat Eyes

Have all eyes on you...literally. After swiping on black polish as a base color, try your hand at painting on yellow cat eyes using a small brush.Here’s a tutorialfor some inspo.

3. Bloody French Tips

Take a break from your classic white for a freaky surprise instead. You can use a dotting tool or a striping brush to create uneven lines and achieve the dripping effect.

4. Spider Accents

While the thought of a spider crawling on your skin might be your worst nightmare, sporting the creature as Halloween nail art is just spooky enough. Use the dotting tool to create the body of the spider and a thin brush to create eight legs.

5. Silver Spider Webs

Speaking of spiders, you can also weave a web on your nails with this negative space design. Use a brush to create five diagonal lines before connecting them with small, curved dashes. (Tip: If you want to make your lines more uniform, you can always use somenail tape.

6. Color Block Splats

Here's a fang-tastic design to go with your vampire costume. Apply a red base coat before going over half of your nail with black polish. Don’t worry about the lines being straight—that's part of the fun.

7. Abstract Strokes

Not all Halloween nail art has to be spiders, black cats and pumpkins. Take an abstract approach to the spooky holiday. There’s no right way to do this look just let the brush do the work by creating small strokes with each color.

8. Halloween Jewels

Want a bold look but drawing is out of the question? Bedazzle your nails with a few jewels. Apply a base coat of your choice before dotting nail glue where you want to place your gem. (Tip: Make the dots of glue smaller than the size of each gem to avoid messing up your design.) Then, use tweezers to place the jewels onto your nails and press down gently before moving on to the next finger.

9. Candy Corn French Tips

Here's a sweet take on a classic French mani. To create the look, apply a clear base over your nails and let it dry before using white, orange and yellow polish on the tips.

10. Disney Magic

If Disney Halloween movies (or the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party) gets you in the holiday spirit, this design is for you. While it certainly requires a bit more skill than other designs, I have no doubt you can master it with a steady hand.

11. Spooky Stickers

While these miniature designs are handpainted, I think stickers work just as well. Just peel the stickers off the sheet and place them wherever you want before setting them into place with a top coat.

12. Witch Prints

No magic is needed to design these prints. From the moon to the crystal ball, use a striping brush to draw a witch’s necessities to the best of your abilities.

13. Nightmare Before Christmas

It’s not Halloween without the “Pumpkin King,” so let each nail highlight a character from the Disney movie. Whether it’s Jack Skellington, Sally or Zero, this design can be recreated using a thin brush to get all the details.

14. Pumpkin Patch

Introducing the true symbol of the holiday: pumpkins. Start with a base coat before painting on a half heart shape to create the pumpkin. Then, using a darker shade of polish and a thin brush, draw on the lines. (BTW, you can also try this technique as a French tip.Here’s a tutorial.)

15. Ghouly Ghost

Here's a boo-tiful design that’s not at all scary to do.Use a thin brush to create white curvy shapes before adding two black dots for the eyes.

16. Black Cat

No bad luck here. Draw out the furry feline, but keep the focus on the base of your nails for a twist on the half-moon look. Option to add some cat eyes to bring the design to life.

17. Fiery Flames

Whether you attempt a freehand drawing (here’s an easy tutorial) or rely on stickers, this look is sure to make your nails a hot talking point.

18. Bloody Eyeballs

Keep a closeeyeon this Halloween nail art. Apply a light base color before using a stripping brush to draw the eyes and drops of blood. Don't forget to leave a few nails painted in a bold red shade to create contrast (and really make the eyes pop).

19. Animal Prints

For the true party animals out there, show off your stripes at your next Halloween event. First, use a base color and once it dries, use another shade to etch on tapered lines across each nail (making sure to leave space for an animalistic print effect).

20. Statement Finger

OK, so you don’t want to break away from your go-to black mani. I get it. But how about throwing just one statement nail into the mix?

21. Geometric Shapes

Play with lines and shapes for a simple yet chic design. Nail tape offers clean, straight guidelines for each nail.

22. Spell It Out

Let your nails do all the talking. If hand lettering isn’t your thing, try some stickers or stencils instead.

23. Matte Finish

Gloss shouldn’t have all the fun. Grab a matte top coat and apply it over a color of your choice to leave a satin finish that’s not pure shine.

24. Beetlejuice

Say his name three times, and you might find “Beetlejuice” written across your nails. Use his signature colors—white, black and green—to create the swirls, splats and spider designs inspired by the hit '80s movie and the anticipated sequel.

25. Ombré Effect

Create a gradient effect using white and black polish for a haunting look. Apply white polish as a base, before reaching for a sponge to dab the black polish on in layers. Make sure to let the first layer dry completely before repeating the step until you reach the tips.Here’s a tutorialto perfect the design.

26. Skeleton Hands

A bone-fied look indeed. After applying a black base coat, use a thin brush to create small, curved rectangles, with enough space between them to really bring the skeletal feel to life.

27. Mummified

Good ‘ol nail tape (or some steady handiwork) can easily achieve this mummy look.

28. Snakes

Trick the eye into seeing a never-ending snake slither its way across your hands. A striping brush can make the dips and curves look like they’re all connected.

29. Jack-o-Lantern

Swap the carving tools for a brush and some polish instead. Apply an orange base coat before drawing two, evenly spaced vertical lines on each nail. The fun part? Sketching the pumpkin’s face to match your mood.

30. Addams Family

Channel your inner Wednesday Addams with this design that's inspired by her iconic outfit. Add a few spider webs to bring the look together.

31. Modern French

Forget the classic French and opt for black tips instead. Go even further and add a touch of black at the base. (Tip: Use nail templates to create the half-crescent shape.)

32. Black Hearts

Because who says hearts should only be red? Outline the shape of each heart using a brush or some tape before filling them in with black polish.

33. Coffin Nails

I've talked a lot about what to put on your nails, but what about their shape? Coffin nails can be worn all year long, but the spookiest night of the year is a great time to dress them in all-black. First, cut the sides of your tips before filing them at an angle, while keeping the top straight (or slightly pointed depending on your preference).Here’s a quick tutorialto master the nail shape.

34. Halloween Mix

There’s nothing in the rulebook that says you can’t display all of your favorite things about Halloween on your nails at once. Use any of the ideas above to create a festive mix that showcases why it'sthebest holiday of the year.

35. Starry Night

The holiday really peaks at nighttime (you know when the ghosts, ghouls and witches come out to play). First, coat your nails with a striking black polish before showing off your art skills with some clouds, stars and, of course, the moon.

36. Frankenstein's Monster

Hey, you can make a creature of your own...right on your nails. It only takes two steps to bring your monster to life. Apply a green base before grabbing a striping brush to create stitches (aka short horizontal lines with vertical lines striking through them).

37. Tortoise Twist

Tortoise nails will always be a popular trend, so how about rocking them with a Halloween twist? First, apply a base coat before grabbing all of your go-to autumn colors (like orange, brown and yellow). Next, grab a nail brush and your first color and begin dabbing spots all over your nail. Continue that same technique using a second color (and a third and so on). Go crazy with the different hues for the spooky season (and of course,here's a tutorialto guide you).

38. Negative Space

Leaving room for negative space completely elevates a regular black mani. Honestly, there's no right or wrong way to do it either, just let your hand guide you to all the spots you want. Soon, you'll be left with a chic, minimal style that's perfectly suited for any spooky shindig.

39. Scarecrow Tips

There'll be no scaring the birds with this scarecrow-inspired nail art. Grab an orange polish and paint it only on your tips. Next, grab a black polish and outline your nails, before completing the look with some vertical dashes for that "patchy" effect.

40. Yin and Yang

Get the best of both worlds with this statement style. All you'll need is a black polish, a white polish and a nail art tool to create the curves. You can also upgrade the Yin and Yang look with a few sparkles.

41. Ghostly Frenchies

There's the classic French and there's this adorable ghostly edition. Feel free to swirl the brush outside the lines to create the small creature. And it wouldn't be complete without two eyes (using your handy dotting tool) and a mouth (so they can whisper 'boo' to anyone walking by you).

42. Cruella Vibes

Dressing up as one of our favorite Disney villains never get old. And if you don't have a full costume ready, this black-and-white mani gives off major Cruella vibes. Just get some nail tape, so the two striking shades shine through—much like her iconic 'do.

43. Starbucks Treat

October truly caters to our sweet tooth. While candy is top tier, I also love a warm beverage for the spooky season, and this Starbucks-inspired look can be enjoyed long after the holiday ends. Recreate this marbled style with a nail art brush and multiple hues of brown polish. If you need a visual or more fun marbled looks to try, here'sa helpful tutorial.

44. Crocodile Coolness

Whether you call it the crocodile or alligator style, this design is timeless and it continues to be a popular pick for Halloween. The animal print packs a statement and works with any color you choose (though black is my favorite shade to show off the textured effect).

45. Tiger Stripes

A cat costume is a foolproof choice, so why not try adding a feline-inspired nail design to complete your look? Apply an orange base coat to your nails and use a thin brush to create wavy black lines.

46. Pretty in Pearls

It looks like your basic black manicure is getting an upgrade with some pearly white accents to start spooky season on a more glamourous note.

47. Coraline

Sure, it’s one of the creepiest animated flicks ever, but you have to admit this design is pretty cool. Enter an alternate world and decorate each nail inspired by Coraline (using a thin brush for the finer details).

48. Harry Potter

Whether you’re a Gryffindor or a Slytherin, fans will enjoy this HP-themed manicure for the season. While you can try your hand at painting on the designs yourself, I also found a cute nail stamp to deck your nails with a magical touch.

49. Black and White Floral Tips

Black and white polish keep this floral design in season. Grab your dotting tool to anchor the center of each flower before using a thin brush to create petals along your tips.

50. Melted Candy Corn

Into the ombré effect (see: number 25) and classic Halloween colors? Blend the two together and you’ll get this delightfully thematic design.

51. Scream

To recreate this iconic design, apply a matte black base before adding red drops to the tips. Oh, and don’t forget to add the signature white mask on your ring fingers using a striping brush.

52. Neon Fun

It’ll be unexpected (and super cool) to add a pop of color to your black manicure. Consider electric neon colors to bring your Halloween drawings to life—just in time for the party.

53. Bloody Wounds

If you're rocking a scary costume this year, consider adding this gory manicure to your ensemble. Once you apply a base coat, use a striping brush to etch on a few bloody cuts that will surely give people a fright (and also lowkey impress them with your design skills).

54. Micro French Mani

The micro French manicure is in and October is the perfect time to dive into the trend. Grab some nail tape and lay it right at the tips of your nails before painting in the area with your black polish.

55. Black Rims

Also known as the reverse French manicure, this style puts a modern twist to the classic design. You're more than welcome to freehand the tips or you can always pick up some nail tape to guide you.

56. Minimalistic Eyes

Although I recommended some bloody eyeballs (see: number 18), I also adore this simpler eyes design for when you're looking to tone things down. The negative space, French tips and drawn out eyes give major artsy vibes.

57. Bloody Blob Nails

This 3D manicure can take your dark red polish to the next level. To get the look, apply a coat of nail polish and let it dry before laying some polygel over your nails for the dimensional effect. Have fun creating different swirls and shapes that will really bring your design to life. If you need a bit more guidance, we have you covered with this helpful guide.

58. Magnetic Magic

While black polish is always the star of the showthis season, a purple huecan bejust asbewitching. If you're sporting a classic witch costume on October 31st, add this shimmery polish to a few of your nailsfor a nice contrast.

59. Aura Nails

Aura nails are making a comeback this season and I'm not mad about it. According to this tutorial, you shouldapply a base coat before using a sponge to lightly dab asecondshadeon. When your nails are somewhat dry,goin with anothercolorand focusiton thecenter of your nailsto get the glowy effect.

60. Bats

This French manicure celebrates one of the scariest creatures during spooky season: bats. Try freehand drawing or grab a few mini stickers to decorate the tip of your nails.

61. Killer Acrylics

This Halloween nail artis bothsupercute and very spooky for the season. Once you apply a bubblegum pink polish as your base, try your hand at drawingtheadorable (butalsoterrifying) designs on each finger, from a crying heart eye to a bloody kitchen knife.

62. Bejeweled Bones

Sure, you coulddrawregular bones on your nails—or you cango fora bedazzled version instead. Thankfully,Pamper Nailshas made it easier todo thiswithout having topainstakingly placeindividualgems with a tweezer. Just pop on these press-ons and prepare to dazzle all night.

63. Black Butterfly

Newsflash: Butterfliesaren't justforspring.Thismajestic insect canabsolutelyturn into asimple Halloween designthat's fitting forspookyseason.Just usea striping brush and draw black wings on your pointer and ring finger.

64. Circus Clown

IMO nothing is more terrifying than circus clowns—which is why I chose this design to represent Halloween nail art.Grab some purple and white nail polishto paint on your base color. Then, using a nail artbrush,draw swirls, starsandclown faces on your middle finger.

65. Halloween Cookies

I can't be the only onewhogets excited for the seasonal Pillsbury cookies, right? Well, this delicious manicure pays homage to thenostalgictreat. Grab your striping brush and go to town drawingthe iconic ghost, black cat and pumpkin cookies.

66. Sugary Pumpkins

Agreat way to make your Halloween nail art stand out?Make it 3D.This design works best withgelpolish,so you cancreatethe pumpkins beforepouringa light coat ofclear acrylic powder overthem.Curethe designs under a UV lamp before gently brushingaway any excess powder.

67. Bows

Coquette nailsare trending this season,so there's no better time toadd somebows to your regular French manicure.Just make them black to match the Halloween aesthetic.

68. Caterpillar Craze

This creepy crawler is a simple Halloween designyou canrecreate at home. First, apply black nail polishas a base color,before adding a drop of neon greenin the middle. (See #59 for more guidance on aura nails.)Next,usinga nail art brush, createa curvedlinedownthecenter.To finish, drawthree thin strokes on both sidesof the linetocompletethe caterpillar's body.