29 Halloween Hair Color Ideas, from Cute to Creative to Downright Goth
Get ready to win in all the costume party competitions.
Yay, time to play dress-up! Whether you’re a die-hard Halloweener or just your friendly neighborhood trick-or-treater, it’s one of the few days in a year that carries major fun vibes. Maybe it’s the virtual parties, the buzz you get dolling up in a different character each year—in a complete ensemble from head to toe, with cool Halloween hair color ideas to match!—or maybe it’s just the sugar rush you get from all that candy, but nothing beats all that over-the-top fun to be had. No matter if you’re in the mood for a movie night or Zoom party, there’s a Halloween activity out there for everyone to join in.
That said, we’ve got a slew of hair color inspo for you to try this year, from straight-up scary to cute and wholesome. Scroll down and pick your poison with some of our favorite Halloween hair color ideas:
1. Spooky
For the traditionalists who love going with the classics on Halloween, a theatrical hair color such as powdered gray or salt and pepper is key. All you Brides of Frankenstein, Victorian-era ghosts, and zombettes out there can achieve this super-legit look with some temporary spray-on white hair color, and a lot of backcombing. This shade is also fun with pale white makeup, as it adds to the ghastly factor of your get-up. To maintain your bewitching beehive, spray your hair liberally with a firm-hold hairspray such as Bed Head by TIGI Hard Head Hairspray to keep the pouf even past midnight.
2. Anti-Heroine
Superhero fangirls, you’re in luck: This year was the year of pastel hair. If you’re already awesome enough to have a pink and blue ombré look, you’ve little more to do than to wear your hair up in pigtails, slap on some ratty denim cutoffs, and parade around with a baseball bat acting like daddy’s little monster. Pastel hair iterations are also loads of fun for any gothic Lolita costumes and all sorts of anime cosplay, as you’ll have every hair color of the rainbow to play with.
3. Vampy
Any vampire costume isn’t complete without a shock of long, dark hair, whether you’re the Baroque, big-haired bloodsucker or are more of the neo-goth variety. Notoriously seductive and with razor-sharp senses—some mythologies actually mention that they have OCD—vampires are creatures with pale skin (#deathbyUV) and are oftentimes depicted with shiny, luscious, intensely-hued hair. If you’re already rocking a bright copper, dark brown or black mane, up the ante with a shine spray such as Bed Head by TIGI Headrush Shine Hairspray and watch mere mortals cower in envy. (Some fake blood and a death stare help your case too).
4. Pixie
If you’re all for angels and fairies and sugar and spice, then platinum hair color might just be the thing for you to play with this Halloween. A blonde pixie cut (whether real or faux-real) is the ideal foil for those dainty fairy wings and your glittery one-piece that have you flitting around from party to party. If you’re wearing a wig version, it’s also conveniently short and breezy enough to keep on for the entire night.
5. Mythological
Okayfine, you can dress up as a mermaid. (Or a unicorn. Or both.) Just make sure you’ve got the goods—and by that, we mean long, siren-worthy hair to launch a thousand ships and drown sailors by the dozen. Rendered in the prettiest pastel hues, which are commonly pink, purple, or teal, mermaid hair is usually the focal point of the entire costume—save for that painstakingly embroidered fishtail you’re shimmying in, of course.
On that note, cue all of the cuteness: Pink hairstyles have had quite a moment this past summer, haven’t they? We certainly can’t find any reason for ending this trend anytime soon. Halloween is the perfect opportunity to wear those pink hairstyles loud and proud. If you’re working with dyed hair for Halloween, use Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner to preserve your new hue for as long as possible.
Nexxus
Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo
6. Millennial Mermaid
Sea-crazy millennials, listen up: THE MOMENT ?? IS ?? NOW. ?? Even better if you’re already sporting the perfect medium-pink shade to go with that sequined bustier and fishnet makeup. If your tresses are medium to long in length, spiff up your look with a mermaid braid too. Your head-to-toe fishtail is sure to get the adulation a siren as you deserve. Don’t forget to take lots of #shellfies with your besties!
7. Festival Fairy
More of the landlocked sort? Then dress up those tresses with a woodland fairy costume instead. Get crafty with some floral appliqués, or simply recycle your fest-best headgear from this summer to accessorize some romantic waves styled with a center part. Drive the point home with a diaphanous kimono, some ballet slippers, and sparkle as far as the eye can see, because #pixiedust.
8. ’80s Rocker Chick
If you think you can truly—outrageously—work some serious 1980s hair trends, then work the spotlight as the fabulous frontwoman of an all-girl rock band. Go crazy with details like shoulder pads, boots, fishnets, and star-spangled jewelry. There’s nothing that can upstage a big, pink mullet anyway, so might as well go for it.
9. Karaoke Kid
If you’re not really the full-on costume type, but still want to get in on the festivities, a simple pink bobbed wig can get you there. Not having a complete outfit to commit to makes for a worry-free night. Plus, it easily comes off after the festivites.
10. ’80s It Girl: Grown-Out Roots
Overgrown roots for Halloween as seen backstage at London Fashion Week SS17. By now you know that grown-out roots are a big deal in the fashion and beauty industries. If you’re on the fence about sticking with your summery blonde hair, this may be the perfect time to embrace your darker base. We can definitely see this hair color on a rad ’80s babe or pop star.
11. ’90s Club Kid: Lime-Green Hair
What’s better than ombré hair? Why, lime green ombré hair for Halloween, of course! We love this two-toned look totally nails that punky, underground, Euro-goth feel of the late 1990s. Accessorize with a candy necklace and some glow-in-the-dark jewelry.
12. You, with a Twist: Spray-On Teal
There are some of us that prefer to go milder in the costume department and want something less subtle. We like how temporary semi-permanent hair color blends with a fishtail braid for an upgraded and adult-looking way to celebrate. If you want to add a touch of sparkle to your strands, spritz TRESemmé Gold Glitter Spray throughout your hair.
13. Sorceress or Witch: Deep Red
It’s no secret that we love red hair color for fall, so why not try it out for Halloween? For this look, opt for a very deep red to complement your Halloween costume as a sorceress or witch. Don’t forget the deep lip and bold eyeshadow, and maybe even a (fake) poisoned apple or two!
14. Bride of Frankenstein or Zombie Doll: Subtle Streaks
Create a look for Halloween with highlights! We love how some streaks of red or brown look flawless on those with black hair or natural hair. For this look, simply pull all of your locks up with some help of some hair gel, like TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Firm Control Gel.
15. Goth Girl: Go Dark
Dark hair is another rich, transitional shade that you can take you into the fall and winter past Halloween. Try out a one-tone dark shade like brown hair or black hair and go goth for the 31st. Don some dark lipstick and eyeliner to go full method on this look! Bonus: You’ll get a head start on a new color for the rest of the fall/winter season.
Are you looking for a dose of spooky hair inspiration for Halloween? Then set your sights on our edit of the most haunting Halloween hair color ideas to try this year.
We have something for everyone, from bold shades to pretty pastel hues, so no matter who or what you are going as this Halloween, Trick or Treat yourself to one of these eye-catching styles this scare season.
16. Poison Ivy: Russet Red
Whether you are a natural redhead or thinking of channelling the look for Halloween, there is a host of costumes you can wear with this fiery shade.
There’s no denying that we can’t get enough of this striking hair color, no matter what time of the year. Credit: @paigehammy
Editor’s tip: If you plan on adopting any of these Halloween hair color ideas, we suggest using the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Color Shampoo and Conditioner to help maintain your color vibrancy way past Halloween.
17. Candy Corn: Ombre Hair
If you’re stuck for Halloween hair color ideas, where better to draw inspiration from than a favourite Trick or Treat snack? Candy Corn colors make a great choice for hair inspiration, seamlessly transitioning from one bright hue to the next.
Sticking to the classic yellow and orange shades, this look will ensure you turn heads from sunrise to sunset. Credit: @hairchakra
18: Pastel Princess: Neon Rainbow
We all know that neon rainbow hair has been spotted on our fave stars, so what better excuse to try the trend than for Halloween?
Go for classic neon rainbow hues or mix things up with your own concoction of pastels or subtle rainbow shades – go wild and tailor this look to your amazing personality! Credit: @hairbymisskellyo
19. Ghost Girl: Gothic Gray
Long, straight hair is made for this goth queen-perfect gray hair color. Keep it dark at the roots for a grungy feel and get ready to show off this ‘do way past the scare season. Credit: @trendywigs
20. Green Fairy: Magical Mint Halloween Hair
Anyone who adores glamorous waves owes it to themselves to try out this super fresh minty shade once in their mane life. Credit: @pravanaindonesia
21. Unicorn Sparkle: Pastel Lights
Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that pretty much everything has been given a unicorn makeover, and that goes for this pastel hue, too!
Once you have your magical colors done, show them off with this cute braided look. Credit: @paigehammy
Editor’s tip: Want to know how to create the perfect braid? You’ll need the Nexxus New York Salon Care Humectress Encapsulate Serum! Applying to loose hair before braiding, it’ll tame any frizz and flyaways, so what’s not to love?
22. Witchy Vibes: Ghoulish Green
Perhaps one of the most replicated Halloween looks is the archetypal witch – and this deep green hue is the perfect shade to team with your spooky look. For the ultimate good-girl-gone-bad look, opt for an ombre by keeping the roots dark and add splashes of green throughout the lengths. Credit: @shellygregoryhair
23. Fall Vibes: Pink and Pumpkin Ombre
Allow this beauty to show you how to pull off bubblegum pink and pastel pumpkin Halloween hair. The best way to style it? In a messy bun, complete with some pumpkin detailing like this. Credit: @pennyforyourhairthoughts
24. Mama Monster: Purple Hair
If it’s a stunning, shimmering hue that you’re after, then spookify your mane by sporting a deep purple ombre this Halloween!
Start darker at the roots, before gradually transitioning into a lighter purple tone. This look really packs a punch with loads of depth and dimension. Credit: @jeffreyrobert
25. Vampire: Black Hair
Nothing screams vampire vibes like good old fashioned black hair. Simply throw on some statement jewellery, and you’d even give Dracula a run for his money! Credit: @mahafsoun
TRESemmé
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum
Editor’s tip: To really boost your colored locks, we suggest you try using the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum on them. This serum will help nourish your hair and improve its vibrancy.
26. Ice Queen: Frosted Hair
Take your love sci-fi to the next level by getting this fantasy queen silver hair color done! Once you’ve got this pretty shade, you can try all sorts intricate braids and bun hairstyles. Credit: @braidsandbalayage
27. Deadly Siren: Mermaid Red
You can’t go wrong with the classic mermaid hairstyle and we’re going to guess that at some point you wanted to be one (didn’t we all?).
Luckily, Halloween is the night when you can rock whichever look you’ve been desperate to try. So, get thee to the salon and dye your locks this stunning shade of cherry red! Credit: @cinstylez
28. Court Jester: Two-Tone Hair
Decisions, decisions. With this look you don’t have to choose between jet black locks or red tresses – just have both! We love the quirkiness of this two-tone hairstyle coupled with the pigtails, which are both creepy and pretty. Credit: @makeupbysofx
29: Out Of This World: Celestial Hair Color
We adore this pretty shade of violet and blue! While the locks look feminine and girly, the celestial feel of them makes it Halloween-ready. And, if you’re not sure how to style this shade, try out space buns. Credit: @sandrarclemente
