20 Spooktacular Halloween Hairstyles for Kids and Adults
From playful buns to intricate braids, these hair designs add a festive twist to any costume.
Halloween is the perfect time to experiment with fun and creative hairstyles that bring your costume to life. Whether you’re transforming into a classic character, channeling a favorite pop culture icon, or taking a simple animal costume to the next level, your hair is a key part of the look. This guide features twenty standout Halloween hair ideas for all ages, ranging from quick and easy styles to elaborate creations worthy of a costume contest. With step-by-step tips, styling advice, and costume pairing suggestions, get ready to become the star of any Halloween event!
1. Halloween Space Buns
Space buns are a versatile style that can double as animal ears for any costume—from cats, dogs, and bears to mystical creatures.
- Create two high buns on either side of your head.
- Secure with bobby pins and add hair spray for hold.
- For added effect, accessorize with faux fur, glitter or colored spray.
Pro Tip: Use colored hair chalk to make each ‘ear’ pop with festive color!
2. Halloween Rocker Hair
Pair punk-inspired hair with any rock-and-roll costume for maximum impact.
- Split hair into high ponytails or use gel for a spiky effect.
- Add temporary dye in shades of pink, purple, or neon for attitude.
- Finish with heavy-duty hair spray to set the style.
Great for adults and teens who love bold, expressive looks.
3. Barbie
Barbie was one of the year’s most popular costume choices, and her signature glossy locks are surprisingly simple to achieve.
- Start with volumizing shampoo and blow-dry.
- Backcomb the hair at the crown for height and volume.
- Apply generous amounts of hair spray to hold.
- Add a pink hair ribbon for an iconic Barbie finish.
4. Vampire
For a vampire look, think sleek, dark, and dramatic.
- Smooth hair down over shoulders for maximum length and shine.
- Use a black eyebrow pencil to draw a sharp widow’s peak at your hairline.
- Optional: Add clip-in extensions for volume or length.
Perfect for channeling classic Dracula vibes!
5. Hippie
The hippie hairstyle is all about effortless waves and bohemian flair.
- Use a curling wand for loose, tousled waves.
- Braid a few tiny sections and add fresh or faux flowers.
- Tie a thin headband just above the forehead for a true ’60s finish.
Easy, quick, and ideal for all hair lengths.
6. Ghost and Spider
Braided buns form the base for these playful creature creations.
- For the ghost: Make a braided bun on one side and pin on felt eyes and a mouth.
- For the spider: Create a bun and attach pipe-cleaner legs radiating outward.
- Mix and match for even more creative fun.
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Tip: Use white spray for the ghost and black yarn for the spider legs.
7. Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn’s signature look features pigtails dip-dyed in blue and pink.
- Part hair down the middle and tie two high pigtails.
- Use temporary spray or chalk to color one side blue and the other pink.
- Tease the ends for a wild, playful touch.
8. Wednesday Addams
Channel the iconic Addams family character with simple, sleek braids.
- Part hair center and braid into two plaits.
- Leave face-framing strands out for modern Jenna Ortega-inspired bangs.
- Use a shine serum to keep hair sleek and polished.
This style fits both adults and children and pairs perfectly with black attire.
9. Viking
Unleash your inner warrior with braided Viking hair.
- Create a fishtail braid over the crown.
- Incorporate Dutch braids at the sides.
- Finish with decorative hooks, feathers, or beads interwoven in the plaits.
This look adds strength and drama to any costume!
10. Bride of Frankenstein
This electrifying hairstyle is instantly recognizable and impressively dramatic.
- Tease hair sky-high for massive volume.
- Use temporary white spray to create striking streaks on the sides.
- Secure with plenty of pins and strong-hold spray.
A showstopper for fans of classic monster movies!
11. Eyeball Tree
A quirky, high-impact style made for those who want their hair to be the costume.
- Create messy buns or ponytails throughout the hair.
- Attach googly eyes or craft store eyeball decorations to each bun.
- Spray with colored hair foam for added eerie effect.
This style is perfect for parties and trick-or-treating.
12. 80s Diva
Embrace a throwback with big, crimped hair and gravity-defying bangs.
- Use a crimper to add lots of texture and volume.
- Style bangs to stand up straight off the forehead with extra-strong gel.
- Finish with metallic hair accessories for an authentic 80s vibe.
Totally tubular!
13. Devil
Create devil-horn hair using twists or gelled points.
- Part hair at the crown and twist two tight sections upward to form “horns.”
- Secure each horn with red spray and lots of pins.
- Pair with red makeup for a fiery finish.
14. Fairy
This romantic hairstyle uses intricate braiding and lush flowers for a truly magical finish.
- Weave a waterfall braid and side French braids together.
- Braid the ends into a three-strand plait.
- Top with a floral crown or sparkling clips.
This style is ideal for lovers of whimsical costumes.
Quick Reference Table: Halloween Hairstyles & Costume Pairings
| Hairstyle | Best for Costume | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Space Buns | Animals, Aliens, Cute Creatures | Easy |
| Rocker Hair | Punk, Pop Stars, Rockers | Easy |
| Barbie | Pop Culture, Retro | Moderate |
| Vampire | Classic Horror, Gothic | Easy |
| Hippie | ’60s, Boho | Easy |
| Ghost & Spider | Halloween Classics, Cute Monsters | Moderate |
| Harley Quinn | Comic Book Characters | Moderate |
| Wednesday Addams | Classic TV/Film Characters | Easy |
| Viking | Warriors, Fantasy | Difficult |
| Bride of Frankenstein | Classic Monsters | Difficult |
| Eyeball Tree | Spooky, Abstract | Easy |
| 80s Diva | Retro, Pop Star | Easy |
| Devil | Fiends, Villains | Moderate |
| Fairy | Fantasy, Romance | Difficult |
Halloween Hairstyling Tips
- Use temporary hair color for vivid effects that wash out easily.
- Hair accessories—such as floral crowns, devil horns, and faux animal ears—add instant flair.
- Secure styles with extra pins and hairspray to keep them intact through parties and trick-or-treating.
- Consider wigs or clip-in extensions for drastic transformations.
- Test products for skin sensitivity, especially with children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Halloween hairstyle is easiest for beginners?
The space buns and Wednesday Addams braids are the simplest; both require only basic styling tools and a few minutes to complete.
How can I make my child’s Halloween hairstyle last all night?
Use a strong-hold hairspray, secure with multiple bobby pins, and avoid overly heavy accessories that could slip or fall.
Are temporary hair dyes safe for kids?
Most modern temporary dyes and chalks are non-toxic and formulated for children, but always do a patch test first, especially for sensitive skin.
What if my hair is short—can I still do these styles?
Absolutely! Use clip-in extensions or opt for styles like rocker hair, devil horns, or crimped 80s hair which work well for shorter lengths.
How do I remove temporary hair color after Halloween?
Most products wash out easily with shampoo, but deep-conditioning treatments can help if any residue remains.
Expert Advice for Halloween Hair Success
- Plan ahead: Practice your chosen style a few days before the event to perfect your technique.
- Coordinate outfits and makeup: Match your hairstyle to costume details and face paint for a seamless look.
- Keep mini styling kits on hand at parties—think mini hairspray, extra pins, emergency color wipes.
- If using elaborate accessories or sprays, protect clothing and surfaces from stains.
Final Thoughts: Unleash Your Creativity
Halloween is all about letting your imagination run wild. With these 20 hairstyle ideas, you can easily elevate any costume or create a full look with just your hair. From simple space buns to dramatic, gravity-defying monster styles, there’s something for every age, hair type, and skill level. So grab your brushes, dyes, and accessories—this Halloween, your hair can be your best costume yet!
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