Halloween is around the corner, and while costumes steal most of the attention, your Halloween hairstyle can take your entire look to the next level. The best part? You don’t need to be a hairstyling pro to pull these off. Whether you’re getting ready for a spooky party, trick-or-treating with friends, or a last-minute office event, these 16 easy Halloween hairstyles are perfect for beginners and those short on time.
With a few basic tools and minimal effort, you can transform your everyday hair into a head-turning statement. Let’s dive in.
1. Messy Witch Waves
Channel your inner witch with loose, messy waves. Use a curling iron (or braids overnight for heatless waves), then run your fingers through your hair for a wild, untamed look. Pair it with a pointy hat and dark lipstick for maximum drama.
check out this Best Witch Hairstyles for a Perfect Halloween Look.
2. High Space Buns
Perfect for alien, fairy, or playful costumes, space buns are one of the easiest Halloween hairstyles to master. Divide your hair into two sections, twist them into buns on top of your head, and secure with bobby pins or elastics. Add glitter spray for an extra pop.
3. Vampire Sleek Back
For a gothic vibe, slick your hair back using strong-hold gel or mousse. This Halloween hairstyle looks striking with pale makeup, deep red lipstick, and faux vampire fangs. It’s dramatic, mysterious, and takes less than 10 minutes
4. Bubble Ponytail
Turn a regular ponytail into a Halloween-ready masterpiece. Tie your hair into a mid-level ponytail, then add small elastics every few inches to create “bubbles.” Perfect for princesses, superheroes, or whimsical characters.
5. Unicorn Glitter Braid
For a magical twist, create a simple side braid and weave in glitter hair spray or colorful clip-in extensions. This look works beautifully with unicorn horns, pastel makeup, or any fantasy-inspired costume.
6. Gothic Crown Braid
For a hauntingly elegant look, try a loose braided crown around your head. Don’t worry about perfection — the messier, the better. Accessorize with black roses or skull pins for an eerie vibe.
7. Devil Horn Twists
Want an effortless villain look? Part your hair in the middle and twist two small sections on top into horn-like shapes. Secure them with pins or elastics, and add a touch of red spray paint to amp up the effect.
8. Half-Up Spiderweb Bun
Pull half your hair into a top knot and add a spiderweb accessory or faux spiders around the bun. This is a quick Halloween hairstyle that makes a big impact without complex styling.
9. Skeleton Ponytail
For an edgy skeleton-inspired vibe, pull your hair into a high ponytail and attach a white or silver hair extension through the middle to create a “bone effect.” Pair it with skeletal face paint for a striking look.
10. Enchanted Fairy Twists
Twist two small sections from the front and pin them at the back of your head. Add flower pins or glitter clips for a soft, ethereal touch. Perfect for fairy, elf, or woodland costumes.
11. Classic Cat Ears
Sometimes simple is best. Create two tiny buns on top of your head to mimic cat ears. Add black eyeliner whiskers and a tail, and you have an effortless last-minute Halloween look.
12. Ghostly Veil Waves
For a spectral, haunting vibe, curl your hair loosely and drape a thin, gauzy white veil over it. This instantly transforms your hairstyle into something spooky without much effort.
13. Zombie Tease & Tangle
If your costume leans creepy, backcomb your hair to create messy volume. Spray liberally with dry shampoo or texturizer for an unkempt, undead effect. Add fake blood for full zombie energy.
14. Pumpkin Spice Pigtails
Dye (or temporarily spray) your pigtails orange and tie them with black ribbons. This playful Halloween hairstyle works perfectly for pumpkin-themed costumes or just a cozy, autumnal vibe.
15. Haunted Doll Curls
Use a small-barrel curling wand to create tight, springy curls. Part your hair down the middle and add oversized bows or ribbons. Complete the look with porcelain-inspired doll makeup.
16. Mermaid Waves
Channel oceanic magic with soft, flowing mermaid waves. Braid your damp hair overnight, then release in the morning for a natural, wavy texture. Enhance it with seashell clips or pastel-colored extensions for a mystical finish.
Beginner’s Styling Tips for Halloween Hairstyles
If you’re new to hairstyling or want to save time, here are quick tricks to make your look effortless:
Keep It Simple
Focus on one standout detail — glitter roots, a striking part, or bold accessories. You don’t need an elaborate style to make an impact.
Use Temporary Hair Sprays
Colored sprays are your best friend for Halloween. They’re easy to apply, come in bold shades, and wash out quickly.
Accessorize Smartly
Hats, veils, horns, bows, and spider clips instantly elevate basic hairstyles. The right accessory can make even a simple ponytail costume-ready.
Plan for Comfort
Halloween nights can be long, so choose hairstyles that stay put without too much maintenance. Secure buns and braids with extra pins and hairspray.
Final Thoughts
Your Halloween hairstyle is the finishing touch that pulls your entire costume together. From messy witch waves to sparkling unicorn braids, these 16 easy looks prove that you don’t need advanced hairstyling skills to make a statement. With minimal effort, affordable accessories, and a dash of creativity, you can transform your everyday hair into something fun, spooky, or magical.
This Halloween, let your hair become part of your costume — because when your style matches your vibe, you’re guaranteed to stand out.