We’ve all been there: Life gets hectic, and suddenly Halloween is around the corner, leaving you without a costume. But don’t worry, it’s never too late to embrace the spooky season. Even if you’re in a time crunch, you can still get into the Halloween spirit with some quick and creative hairstyles.
These last-minute Halloween hairstyles are perfect for anyone short on time and inspiration. Many of the looks we’ve curated are simple, require minimal effort, and can be achieved with items you already have at home. Whether you’re aiming for something cute, creepy, or downright iconic, these hairstyles can be paired with your favorite Halloween makeup or a basic outfit from your wardrobe to create a complete look.
In fact, some of these hairstyles are so striking, they can serve as standalone costumes. From classic witchy waves to quirky space buns, these hairdos will ensure you’re ready for any Halloween festivity, no matter how last-minute. So, grab your comb, hairspray, and a few accessories, and get ready to transform your look in no time.
Halloween Hairstyles
#1 ’80s Hair
Ready to rock the ultimate ’80s Halloween look? Grab your comb and hairspray, and get ready to tease your way to the sky-high hair of your dreams! Embrace the volume, channel your inner rock star, and make your costume unforgettable with that iconic ’80s flair.
#2 Maleficent Horns
Channel your inner Maleficent this Halloween with a hairdo that showcases her iconic horns. Wrap your hair around the horns to create a dark and dreamy look that’s both striking and spellbinding. The secret to achieving this look is a strong hairspray to keep everything in place. This style is worthy of the big screen and sure to impress.
#3 Curly hair
These slightly-askew curls perfectly complete a clown costume, blending funhouse whimsy with fabulous flair. Shorter, naturally curly hair works best, but if your hair is long and curly, braid it overnight to enhance those spirals by morning. Avoid brushing your curls on the day of your event to prevent frizz and maintain their structure. For naturally straight hair, use a heat styler to create spiral curls from root to tip, giving you that bouncy, playful look essential for your clown costume.
#4 Cotton Candy
Add a touch of summertime sweetness to your fall festivities by dressing up as cotton candy this Halloween. Transform your hair with pastel pink or blue spray paint, then style it into a whimsical swirly updo. This fun and delightful look is sure to make you the sweetest treat at any Halloween party.
#5 Spooky Cascading Curls
It’s all just a bunch of Hocus Pocus, but with a little focus, you can conjure up gorgeous curls for Halloween. You can never go wrong with sleek, shiny curls, perfect for any magical celebration. Add some flair by mixing in different colored extensions for a spooky twist. Finish with a silkening spray to achieve the softest, most radiant curls, ensuring your Halloween look is spellbinding.
#6 Old Lady
There’s nothing cuter than a little kid dressed up as an adorable old lady. Make a charming wig by spray-painting cotton balls gray to give your little one that perfect aged look. This simple and fun DIY costume is sure to bring smiles and laughter!
#7 Fresh to Death Skeleton Braid
This adorable hairstyle features skeletons, and we are absolutely here for it. Start with loose braids and a bubble ponytail, then add Halloween-themed accents to your locks for a festive touch. This look elevates braids, bubble ponytails, and the half-up half-down style to a whole new level. Finish with a light hairspray to keep this bad-to-the-bone hairstyle in place all night long.
#8 Iris Apfel
There’s no denying it, Iris Apfel is a fashion icon. Channel her signature style for the night by spray-painting your hair gray and styling it into a voluminous bouffant. And of course, don’t forget the oversized glasses to complete the look!
#9 Cute Space Buns for Horns
Elevate your Halloween game with an out-of-this-world hairstyle featuring simple space buns. Choose from two playful options: place two small space buns on top of your head with half of your hair left down, or gather all your hair up into two larger space buns. This versatile look can stand alone as a costume or be paired with various makeup styles to create an array of cosmic characters.
#10 Princess Leia
Princess Leia’s double bun look is one of the most iconic movie hairstyles ever! It’s incredibly easy to achieve: just start with a center part and create an oversized bun on each side of your head. For an extra touch of authenticity, pair it with a white dress—but even without it, you’ll definitely be recognized as the princess you are!
#11 Magical and Messy Braided Crown
Achieve a stunning Black Swan look this Halloween with a magical, messy braided crown. Start by either using your own hair or incorporating a crown or another hair accessory placed on top of your head. Next, braid your hair into a chunky, structured braid around the accessory. For an ethereal touch, finish with a messy low ponytail cascading down your back. This enchanting style will make you look like you’ve just stepped out of a fairy tale.
#12 Crimped hair
Crimping isn’t just for 1980s models—it’s perfect for crafting a super-witchy hairstyle with added body, volume, and a touch of the supernatural.
To achieve the crimped effect, braid your hair overnight for natural waves without any heat. Keep your locks loose and bouncy, or backcomb at the roots for extra volume, which will also help maintain your style if you’re donning a witch’s hat. For an extra dash of witchy charm, add a stuffed black cat toy to your ensemble to ensure you’ve got a faithful familiar by your side.
#13 Colorful Haute Halloween Curls
Add a splash of bold color to your hair for a truly unique Halloween look. Braid or twist the top section of your hair and secure it with a playful Halloween hair clip or another festive accessory. Then, use a curling iron or flat iron to craft cascading curls or waves that flow down your back. This vibrant and eye-catching style will make your Halloween ensemble stand out.
#14 Witch hairstyle
Nowadays, creating a ‘witchy’ look is less about concealing your hair under a classic black hat (though we still adore that style) and more about channeling the essence of the moon, sky, and nature for an ‘Earth Goddess’ vibe with a modern twist. Embrace the natural elements to craft a bewitching look that connects with the elements and showcases your unique style.
#15 Wednesday Addams
Channel your inner gothic goddess this Halloween by styling your hair like Wednesday Addams. If you have dark hair, simply braid it into pigtails for an authentic look. Blondes and redheads might want to pick up a can of black spray paint to achieve that unmistakable Wednesday vibe.
#16 Mouse Ear Buns
No mouse ears? No worries! Simply pull your hair back into two big buns, add some painted-on whiskers and a nose, and you’ve got an adorable mouse-inspired look ready to go!
#17 Winifred Sanderson from ‘Hocus Pocus’
We adore this chic twist on Winifred Sanderson’s iconic red curls. Achieve the look by spray painting your hair a vibrant red, then style it with straight roots and curly lengths for a magical, spellbinding effect.
#18 Halloween Huntress Mohawk Maven
For an edgy Halloween hairstyle, opt for a dramatic messy updo with an accent braid. Create a fierce mohawk effect with long hair or add extensions for extra volume. This bold and rebellious look is perfect for making a statement this spooky season.
#19 Bunches hairstyle
Unplaited pigtails work well for this ever-so-slightly-sassy look – it’s ideal if you’re going as a demented doll, mischievous clown, or superhero-gone-wrong. If your hair is dead straight (pardon the pun), then use a curling iron on large sections, spray with Moisture Barrier Intense Hold Hairspray to set, backcomb, and tie with a non-snag elastic.
The great thing about this Halloween hairstyle is that it works on both medium-length and long locks and the pigtails can be as messy or neat as you like.
#20 Cat ears hairstyle
Mee-yow! This feline look is a sure crowd-pleaser for Halloween hair, thanks to its simplicity and ease of recreating at home.
#21 Sia
The singer Sia is famous not only for her hit songs like “Chandelier,” “Elastic Heart,” and “Big Girls Cry” but also for her signature face-concealing wigs. You can effortlessly replicate her iconic look by purchasing a similar wig on Amazon.
#22 Spooktacular Curls
Soft and silky curls are always in vogue. Use a larger barrel curling iron or flat iron to create loose, flowing curls. For a striking Halloween look, incorporate spray or extensions to add contrast and drama. Complete your style with witchy hair accessories like clips or barrettes to give it that perfect Halloween touch.
#23 Devil horns hair
Two top knot buns are the perfect foundation for creating striking devil horns. Start by applying Volume Lift Root Booster to your roots for added texture. Divide your hair into four sections, securing each with non-snag elastic bands.
For the horns, prepare by using two small cardboard tubes (toilet roll tubes work great). Crush one end of each tube to create a pointed shape. Secure the tubes to either side of your head with bobby pins, positioning them where you want the horns to be. Wrap each segment of hair around the tubes, using two sections per horn, and pin the hair at the top where the point is. Finish with hairspray and try to avoid touching your hair throughout the night—horns are best left undisturbed!
#24 Killer Top Knot
This style is ideal for any occasion, especially Halloween. Create a killer top knot by using a donut or a sock to add volume. For a fun twist, enhance your look with a Halloween accent, such as a spider accessory or a touch of glitter spray.
#25 Cute Bambi Antlers
Half space buns have become a trendy favorite, thanks to celebrities like Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, and the Kardashian family. You can adjust the size of your buns to create various vibes, from playful to chic. Plus, this style not only looks effortlessly cool but also keeps your hair neatly out of your face.