Long nails are gorgeous; there’s no denying it. And when it comes to achieving a witchy October nail look, you might even think they’re a necessity. But that’s not the case. Nowadays, with more functional lengths dominating the mainstream, short Halloween nails are having a moment. To prove it, we chatted with five pro nail artists to discuss short spooky manis.
Ahead, explore 17 short Halloween nail ideas ranging from solid swatches of color to elaborate nail art.
Meet the expert
Classic Black
First up, we have a simple classic: jet-black nails. “While some can’t wait for a festive Halloween-inspired design on their nails, others prefer a more minimalist look,” says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann. “I absolutely love just a classic all-black or all-red manicure to capture the spooky, grunge vibes without much effort or expertise.”
Black Glitter Ombré Nails
Feeling a bit more creative? nailsaloon senior artist and educator Marnae Orton suggests adding glitter to the mix. “Glam, but make it witchy,” she explains. “Black and silver glitter ombré is the perfect combo for dancing in the moonlight.”
Halloween Swirl Nails
For an all-out festive short Halloween nail look, NYC-based manicurist Miss Pop recommends a high-contrast water marble or swirl design. “It’s psychedelic and festive and super easy,” she exclaims. “Paint your nails with one coat of Zoya Snow White polish. Then, prepare for the art by unscrewing the caps of Zoya Snow White and black Willa. Going one nail at a time, using the brush in the bottle or a dotting tool, drop white and black little blobs of nail polish across your nail randomly, filling 2/3 of the nail. Try your best to keep the blobs mostly central and away from your skin. Swirl the blobs with a small nail brush or toothpick. Seal with top coat.”
Minimalist Ghost Nails
If you prefer cute, cozy Halloween vibes, nail artist Leslie Ayala, founder of Nail Witch Studios in Miami, suggests a happy ghost mani. “We all know there are all sorts of different types of ghosts, which is what makes this manicure so much fun,” she exclaims. “Giving ghosts some personality is a playful way to create an adorable Halloween look.”
Copper Chrome Stiletto Nails
This photo might not show short nails, but nail trend expert and Le Mini Macaron co-founder Christina Kao says that chrome finishes elevate any nail look, no matter the length. “Chrome and glazed nails continue to be a major trend this fall, adding a futuristic edge to your Halloween outfit,” she says. “Opt for darker shades like brown, gray, or green for a look that’s festive and chic at the same time.”
Subtle Pumpkin Shimmer Nails
You don’t have to go fully opaque with your short Halloween nails. “For those who want to partake in the trending looks with a pop of color but no added designs, keep it simple with sparkly orange cream,” Lippmann suggests.
Chrome Blood Nails
“You don’t normally think of bloody dips as beautiful, but the red chrome version might change your mind,” Orton says. The easiest way to get the look is to use a fine-lining nail art brush. You can keep it simple with red metallic polish or paint the design on in black, then cover it with dark red chrome powder. Seal with top coat.
Blood-Toned Tips
Love the idea of bloody French tips but could do without the drips? Lippmann says to alternate between blood red and jet-black polishes. “A ‘spooky French’ allows you to partake in the Halloween festivities without any intricate designs,” she explains.
Cosmic Glitter
Another simple yet impactful short Halloween nail look? A cosmic creation using a dark glittery polish. “What better way to take part in the latest Halloween trends than with an extraterrestrial manicure, taken right from the galaxy,” Lippmann says. “It could not be easier to achieve this trend 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 might be the most popular colors of Halloween but Orton says any bold colors can work for a short Halloween nail look so long as the finish is right. “There’s a reason why cat eye nails are having a big moment—[they’re] simply mesmerizing to look at,” she exclaims. To channel an All Hallow’s Eve aesthetic on your nails, use a rich blue hue like the one above.
3D Brain Nails
If you’re feeling particularly gory, Ayala says a 3D brain design is bound to stand out on short Halloween nails. “Textured and gory is my type of Halloween vibes,” she says. “Why not have bloody finger-brain nails for spooky season?”
Ghost Tip Nails
Transform your go-to classic French mani into a ghostly delight for Halloween! “I love French because the grow-out is almost invisible and [it’s] even better if you have a little ghost staring at you,” Ayala says.
Gold Chrome French Tips
Looking for something a bit more chic? A gold chrome French manicure works well for Halloween, no matter your nail length. The color will channel the mystery of the moon and the twinkling embers of jack-o-lanterns ablaze. To perfect your arches, use French manicure nail art stickers—just be sure to wait until your polish is dry to peel them off.
Halloween Confetti Nails
Craving something a bit more cutesy? “This Halloween mani is always easy for whatever your Halloween vibes are,” Ayala says. “This funfetti look is great to add a little pop of color on a nude nail.”
Green Insect Nails
Another eye-catching and kind of creepy short Halloween nail idea? Fossilized insect nail art. “Using a neon background makes it fun as if they were under a black light,” Ayala says. “ I recommend adding fun textured chrome or silver edge around to make it look like an insect fossil in your nail beds.”
Hazy Void Nails
This creative short Halloween nail look reminds us of ET and pretty much every werewolf movie. “Sometimes the simplest designs can deliver on that spooky feeling,” Orton says. “Take this look with its black border with a white void in the center—aura nails made spooky.”
Aura nails, in general, are great for Halloween, Kao says. “They’re the ideal choice for a witchy, mysterious vibe,” she explains. “Pair them with deep lilacs or burgundies to add a bold pop of color to your ensemble.”
Matte Red and Black Ombré Nails
For a vampy look, go with a black and red ombré. “You will need a sultry dark red, black polish, and a makeup wedge sponge,” Orton says. “Gently pat the nail with the sponge until you start to see the gradient effect. Repeat as many times as needed for the black to darken. You can clean your edges with a q-tip or an old eyeshadow brush. Then apply your top coat.”
