As Halloween approaches, what better way to embrace the festive spirit than with a spooky manicure? Whether you’re going all out with a full costume and matching nails or prefer a more subtle celebration, a festive manicure is the perfect touch. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ghost-themed nail designs to get you in the Halloween mood.
As for what’s trending for ghost nails this year? According to Celebrity Nail Artist, Sigourney Nuñez minimal ghost-inspired art is one of her favorite Halloween designs. “The look is now a Halloween go-to manicure, it’s gone viral multiple seasons and gets recreated often. It’s super trendy and popular because, “it’s easy to execute, it features negative space which can be super flattering on any length and it’s festive without being too much.”
Also, Chrome is here to stay! It’s being incorporated into all sorts of manicures, and its sheer, reflective quality makes it a perfect match for the ghost theme. Nuñez says that adding chrome “can add a really great contrast to make the ghost nail art really pop while giving it dimension and making it seem like the ghosts are floating on your fingertips.”
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Sparkly Ghost
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAlhCsvsYJh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D This manicure is playful and perfect for anyone who loves Halloween without the spooky, dark vibe. It features friendly ghosts at the tips of the nails, accented with a touch of gold sparkle for a charming, festive look.
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Floral Ghosts
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx_nGJXPJcP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D Similar to the previous design, this manicure features adorable ghosts, but with the added touch of fall florals. The combination of ghosts and florals makes it a perfect blend of spooky and seasonal, ideal for celebrating all of October. I love how the burnt orange florals mirror the colors of fall, adding a warm, cozy vibe to the look.
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Chrome Ghosts
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZNgruSd4V/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link This manicure is effortlessly cool with the added touch of chrome. Start by painting your nails with a neutral or soft pink base, then apply a chrome finish on top for a sleek, metallic look. Finish by painting white ghosts at the tips of your nails and sealing it all with a top coat for a chic, spooky style.
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Phantom Ghosts
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx3qWz0SIb6/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e233a326-f68d-4609-a1c2-ec218d8538bd For a spookier look, paint the ghosts in black with white eyes to create an eerie, abstract design. This bold twist adds a darker, more haunting vibe to the manicure, perfect for those looking for a creepier Halloween aesthetic.
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Peak a Boo
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUp5Ymup6Hr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== I love how this manicure combines black matte and glossy finishes for a unique, textured look. One nail features adorable white ghosts, while another showcases a subtle monochrome spider web that’s nearly invisible from afar, adding an eerie, mysterious touch that’s only revealed up close.
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Shadowed Tips
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAT2O3rsh_y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== This manicure is definitely more intricate and would likely require decals or a professional at a salon. What makes it creepier is the black outlines around the ghosts, paired with shading that adds a realistic, three-dimensional effect. It’s a cool twist on the classic French manicure, with the ghosts delicately placed at the tips for a spooky yet elegant finish.
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Mini Decals
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAqpcRPskQK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== It’s also a lot of fun to incorporate other Halloween symbols, like a black cat, skeleton, crescent moon, and stars, adding even more spookiness and charm to the design. These extra details bring a playful, festive vibe that’s perfect for the entire month of October.
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Red French and Ghost Accents
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAQAUH0KnWQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== If you want to add a pop of color to your manicure, try a bold red French tip (or other Halloween-inspired colors like purple, green, or orange). Then, fill in the rest of the nail with small black doodles, including speckles, sparkles, bats, and, of course, ghosts.
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Checkerboard
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAhnPQXNneR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link I’m obsessed with this look and will definitely be trying it myself! I love the mix of solid painted nails and the checkboard pattern, with the small ghost art adding a subtle Halloween touch. It’s minimal but still festive. I especially love how she pairs brown and black, but you can easily switch it up with other color combinations to make it your own.
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Mini Ghouls and Phrases
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVTDFKoPgoB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link I love how this mani features tiny, adorable ghosts paired with playful phrases like “I’m dead” and “Boo!” It’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit with a mix of spooky and fun. You can even personalize it by adding your own favorite spooky phrases or puns for a unique touch.
