Minimalist Halloween nails are trending, and, well, no major surprises there. Now that the countdown to Halloween is officially on, it makes sense that you (and me, and my colleagues) are scouring social media for the best fall nail inspo out there. And, as is increasingly the case, subtle takes on otherwise maximalist and kitschy designs are coming out on top, from ghost French tips and spiderweb accents to blood-red glossy ovals and tiny floating pumpkins.
Whether “minimalist Halloween nails” means barely there, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it odes to the spooky holiday or clean, simple designs with one standout detail, I’ve compiled a wide range of inspiration ahead to help you plan your manicure, including options for short and long nails, almond and stiletto shapes, press-ons and your natural nails.
1 / 7
Vampire’s Glass of Merlot
If you’re more “I’ll skip the costume, thanks!” than someone who’s quick to sport full-on fangs (I get it), this is your Halloween manicure. It’s a glossy, deep oxblood courtesy of the ever-chic designs of @lolonailedit. It feels moody and expensive and won’t go out of style after October 31.
Recreate it:
essie
Salon-Quality Vegan Nail Polish in Wicked
BUY NOW – $10
Instagram / @lolo.nailedit
2 / 7
One Haunted Finger
Maybe you’ll feel a little FOMO if you don’t celebrate Halloween on your nails at all? Here’s a fusion of the deep red seen in the last slide with one ring finger in a sheer nude with a couple of tiny ghosts and a star floating across it, brought to life by @thedailynailofficial.
Recreate it:
OPI
Black Cherry Chutney
BUY NOW – $12
Instagram / @thedailynailofficial
3 / 7
Boo-ly (Barely) There
Calling all fans of the nearly natural nail trend, whether you know it as soap nails, clean-girl nails or “your nails but better.” Seen here courtesy of @thedailynailofficial, a sheer pink base keeps things as minimalist as it gets, and then one tiny ghost peeks out adorably from the side of each nail.
Recreate it:
Manucurist
Active Smooth 00 Nail Concealer Polish & Care in Rosé
BUY NOW – $19
Instagram / @thedailynailofficial
4 / 7
Itsy Bitsy Chrome
I didn’t think spiders could look chic, but then again, here we are. Tiny 3D chrome spiders sit on soft, milky-pink almond nails in this design by @nailsbyalenaj.
Instagram / @nailsbyalenaj
5 / 7
Ghost Doodles
This set by @diananailedit looks like someone doodled in the margins of a notebook, in the best way. Thin black squiggles wobble into ghost shapes over a sheer, milky base on long almonds, and none of them match. It’s a little abstract, whimsical and a great source of inspo if regular ghost nails feel too literal.
Instagram / @nailsbyalenaj
6 / 7
Cat’s Out of the Bag
The French manicure meets spooky season in this minimalist Halloween manicure by @sansungnails featuring glossy black tips with two little points for cat ears. The sparkly eyes are easy to miss at first, then suddenly impossible to ignore.
Instagram / @sansungnails
7 / 7
Mix-and-Match Mischief
Consider this the most maximalist of the minimalist options. This set by @kayliegnails uses a different design on almost every nail: sheer black polka dots, skinny black pinstripes over a pale pink base, a glossy solid black accent and a couple of tiny ghosts outlined in gold. It sounds like a lot, but the muted palette keeps the whole look feeling minimalist (at least, that’s how I see it).
Instagram / @kayliegnails
