Long nails are beautiful, no doubt. For a witchy October look, you might think they’re a must. But that’s not true! Short nails are just as stylish, and they’re gaining popularity. We spoke to five nail artists who agree that short Halloween nails can be just as spooky and fun.
Here are 17 short Halloween nail ideas, from simple colors to creative designs.
Classic Black
First, we have a timeless choice: jet-black nails. Some people want bold Halloween nail designs, but others like to keep it simple. Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann says she loves a classic all-black or red manicure. It’s an easy way to get that spooky, grunge vibe without needing much skill.
Black Glitter Ombré Nails
Feeling creative? Marnae Orton, a senior artist and educator at nailsaloon, suggests adding glitter. “Glam, but make it witchy,” she says. Black and silver glitter ombré is perfect for dancing in the moonlight.
Halloween Swirl Nails
For a fun and festive Halloween nail look, try a high-contrast swirl design. NYC manicurist Miss Pop says it’s easy and psychedelic. First, paint your nails with one coat of Zoya Snow White polish. Then, open the white and black polish bottles (Zoya Snow White and Willa). On each nail, drop small blobs of black and white polish, covering about two-thirds of the nail. Keep the blobs in the center, avoiding the skin. Use a small brush or toothpick to swirl the colors. Finish with a top coat.
Minimalist Ghost Nails
If you like cute and cozy Halloween vibes, nail artist Leslie Ayala has a fun idea: a happy ghost manicure. She says there are lots of different types of ghosts, which makes this design exciting. Adding personality to the ghosts is a playful way to create a cute Halloween look.
Copper Chrome Stiletto Nails
This photo may not show short nails, but nail expert Christina Kao says chrome finishes make any nails look stylish, no matter their length. Chrome and glazed nails are a big trend this fall, adding a cool, futuristic vibe to your Halloween look. For a chic and festive style, try darker shades like brown, gray, or green.
Subtle Pumpkin Shimmer Nails
You don’t need to go completely solid with your Halloween nails. If you want some color without extra designs, try a simple sparkly orange cream, suggests Lippmann.
Chrome Blood Nails
“Bloody dips don’t usually seem beautiful, but the red chrome version might make you think otherwise,” says Orton. The easiest way to achieve this look is with a fine nail art brush. You can either use red metallic polish or paint the design in black, then apply dark red chrome powder. Finish with a top coat.
Blood-Toned Tips
If you like the look of bloody French tips but don’t want the dripping effect, here’s a simpler option. Lippmann suggests using alternating red and black nail polish. A “spooky French” gives you a Halloween vibe without needing detailed designs.
Cosmic Glitter
Want a fun Halloween nail look? Try a cosmic design with dark glittery polish. According to Lippmann, “An extraterrestrial manicure is a great way to celebrate Halloween trends.” It’s easy to create this look using my Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in “I Put A Spell On You” or “Dream Weaver.”
Blue Cat Eye Nails
Red, black, purple, and green are popular Halloween colors. But Orton says you can use any bold color for Halloween nails, as long as the finish looks good. Cat eye nails are trending because they’re so eye-catching. For a Halloween vibe, try using a deep blue shade on your nails.
3D Brain Nails
If you’re in a spooky mood, a 3D brain design can make your short Halloween nails really pop. Ayala suggests going for a textured, gory look. “I love those Halloween vibes!” she says. “Why not try bloody finger-brain nails this season?”
Ghost Tip Nails
Make your favorite French manicure spooky for Halloween! It’s a great way to keep it stylish while adding a fun twist. “I love French because it looks good even as it grows out. Plus, a little ghost on your nails is even cuter!” says Ayala.
Gold Chrome French Tips
Want a more stylish look? Try a gold chrome French manicure for Halloween. It suits any nail length. The colors remind you of the moon’s mystery and glowing jack-o-lanterns. To get the perfect arches, use French manicure nail art stickers. Just make sure your polish is dry before peeling them off!
Halloween Confetti Nails
Want something cute for Halloween? This Halloween manicure is easy and perfect for any vibe. According to Ayala, the funfetti design adds a colorful touch to nude nails!
Green Insect Nails
Want a cool and slightly spooky Halloween nail idea? Try fossilized insect nail art! Use a bright neon background for a fun look, almost like it’s glowing. Add a textured chrome or silver edge to make it look like an insect fossil embedded in your nails.
Hazy Void Nails
This Halloween nail design is inspired by E.T. and werewolf movies. “Sometimes, simple designs can create a spooky vibe,” Orton says. “This look features a black border and a white center, making aura nails extra spooky.”
Aura nails are perfect for Halloween, according to Kao. “They give off a witchy, mysterious feel,” she explains. “You can pair them with deep lilac or burgundy shades for a bold splash of color.”
Matte Red and Black Ombré Nails
For a vampy look, try a black and red ombré. Here’s how:
- Get a dark red polish, black polish, and a makeup sponge.
- Use the sponge to gently dab the nail. This will create a gradient effect.
- Repeat until the black gets as dark as you like.
- Clean up the edges with a Q-tip or an old eyeshadow brush.
- Finish with a top coat.
