20 Halloween Costume Hairstyles That Complete the Look

1. The Classic Witch: Long, Wavy, and Wild

Forget the pointy hat alone. A true witch’s power is in her untamed mane. To achieve this, create loose, messy waves with a curling wand or braids. Backcomb the roots for volume and gently pull at the waves to loosen them. Finish with a texturizing spray for that “just flew in on a broomstick” effect. A deep side part adds an extra touch of mystery.

2. Elegant Princess: The Sleek Low Bun

Channel your inner Elsa, Belle, or any royal figure with a sophisticated low bun. The key is sleekness. Apply a smoothing product to damp hair, blow-dry straight, and gather hair at the nape of the neck. Twist into a tight bun and secure with pins. For authenticity, wrap a strand of hair around the base to hide the elastic. This style pairs perfectly with tiaras and statement earrings.

3. Fierce Viking: Braided Crown and Warrior Braids

This hairstyle is all about strength and detail. Create two Dutch braids (braids where sections are added underneath) starting at the temples, going back over the crown. Join them at the back to form a braided crown. Leave the remaining hair down in loose waves, or add a few smaller braids throughout. It’s the perfect complement to fur, leather, and battle-ready makeup.

4. 1920s Flapper: The Iconic Finger Wave Bob

No flapper costume is complete without this signature look. For short hair, use a strong-hold gel and a fine-tooth comb to sculpt S-shaped waves close to the head. If you have longer hair, pin it up into a faux bob before waving. Accessorize with a dazzling feathered headband or a string of pearls tucked into the waves. It’s the epitome of Gatsby-era glamour.

5. Zombie Apocalypse Survivor: The Intentionally Destroyed Look

This is your chance to make a mess look masterful. Tease hair aggressively at the roots and ends for extreme volume and tangles. Use a mixture of texturizing paste, hairspray, and even a little bit of water-based gel to create stiff, erratic sections. Add streaks of grey or green temporary color spray and fake blood or dirt for that “been crawling through rubble” authenticity.

6. Greek Goddess: Ethereal Curls and a Golden Headband

Think soft, romantic, and timeless. Create a head full of defined, bouncy curls with a curling iron. Gently separate them with your fingers for a softer look. Pull the front sections back loosely, allowing tendrils to frame the face, and secure with a thin, gold metallic headband or a braided gold cord. This style works for goddesses, nymphs, and statues come to life.

7. Rockstar: Teased-Out, Electric Hair

Whether you’re going for 80s glam rock or modern punk, volume is king. Backcomb the crown section heavily for maximum height. Use a strong-hold hairspray to lock it in. For color, temporary sprays in neon pink, blue, or classic jet black with bold streaks are perfect. The messier and more defiant, the better.

8. Harley Quinn: Playful Pigails with Color

Divide hair into two high, tight ponytails. For the classic look, dye one section blonde and one section blue with temporary spray (or use wigs!). Braid each ponytail tightly, or leave them as bouncy ponytails. Wrap the elastics with matching colored ribbons or duct tape for that anarchic feel.

9. Medieval Maiden: Long, Simple Braids

Authenticity lies in simplicity. A single, thick braid over the shoulder or two simple side braids are historically accurate and elegant. For a more rustic look, gently pull apart the braid sections to make them wider and softer. A plain circlet or a simple linen veil pinned over the hair completes the transformation.

10. Alien Being: Sleek, Metallic Space Buns

Part hair down the middle and create two high, sleek ponytails. Twist each into a tight bun. The key is a glossy, almost wet look. Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to slick down any flyaways. For an extraterrestrial twist, cover the buns and your hair with a silver or iridescent temporary hair spray. Add bold, graphic makeup for the full effect.

11. Pirate Wench: Rag Curls and a Bandana

This look is charmingly disheveled. Create rag curls overnight for perfect, bouncy ringlets. In the morning, gently separate them for volume. Pull the front hair back loosely and tie a patterned bandana over the head, knotting it at the nape of the neck or to the side. Let some curls escape for a windswept, sea-faring vibe.

12. Superhero: High, Powerful Ponytail

This style exudes strength and readiness for action. Brush all hair up to the crown of the head for a sky-high ponytail. Wrap a small section of hair around the base to conceal the elastic. For a dynamic look, curl the tail or keep it pin-straight. This works for countless characters, from Wonder Woman to Black Widow.

13. Fairy: Floral Crown with Loose, Textured Waves

Create a base of soft, tousled waves. The hair should look effortlessly magical, not perfectly curled. Weave a crown of real or artificial flowers, ivy, and twigs through the hair. Let some pieces dangle near the ears and face. A touch of glitter spray on the ends of the hair catches the light like fairy dust.

14. Vampire: Severe Slicked-Back Bun

Sophistication meets menace. Apply a heavy-hold gel or pomade to damp hair and comb it straight back from the face, ensuring not a single strand is out of place. Gather into a low, tight chignon at the nape. The severe look highlights pale makeup and sharp contour, perfect for a modern or classic vampire.

15. 1950s Sock Hop: High Ponytail with a Scrunchie

Brush hair up to the highest point on your head. Secure with a thick, period-appropriate scrunchie—think polka dots, chiffon, or solid pastel colors. Tease the crown slightly for volume and wrap a section of hair around the scrunchie if desired. Finish with a flick of liquid eyeliner for that retro touch.

16. Mermaid: Sea-Swept Waves with Shells & Pearls

Create beautiful, beachy waves. While the hair is still slightly damp, braid a few small sections around the face and let them dry to create crimped texture. Weave in strings of pearls, small starfish, and seashells using bobby pins. Use a sea salt spray for that perfect, just-out-of-the-ocean texture.

17. Circus Clown: Bright, Asymmetrical Puffs

Divide hair into several uneven, random sections. Tease each section at the roots and ends, then shape into round, puffy shapes, securing them with pins. Use brightly colored temporary sprays on each puff—think red, yellow, blue, and green. The more chaotic and colorful, the better.

18. Jedi/Sith: The Functional Three-Section Braid

For Padawans and Sith apprentices alike, a simple, functional braid is key. Create a small, tight three-strand braid behind your ear on one side. For a more authentic look, incorporate a leather cord or a single bead into the braid. The rest of the hair can be worn down, in a bun, or in a practical ponytail.

19. Cat Burglar: The Sleek, Low Ponytail

This is the epitome of stealth and style. Apply a smoothing serum and pull hair into an impossibly sleek, low ponytail at the nape. Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic. The look should be glossy and tight, perfect for peeking out from under a black beanie or mask.

20. Mad Scientist: Electrified, Einstein-Inspired Frizz

This hilarious and iconic look is all about controlled chaos. Tease your hair in every direction, focusing on the sides and crown. Use a texturizing spray and backcomb until you achieve maximum frizz and volume. For the final touch, spray sections with white or grey temporary color to look like you’ve just had a shocking breakthrough.

Final Tricks for a Flawless Halloween Hairstyle

No matter which style you choose, a few pro tips will ensure it lasts all night. Always start with dry hair unless the style specifies damp. Use a good primer or texturizing spray for grip. Bobby pins are your best friend—cross them for extra hold. For updos, hairspray each layer as you build. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to get creative and make the look your own. With these 20 Halloween costume hairstyles in your arsenal, your look will be cohesive, convincing, and utterly complete. Now go out and haunt in style!