As Halloween approaches, the creative spirit takes center stage. Hair and makeup play a huge role in transforming ordinary looks into spooky, whimsical, or downright spectacular masterpieces. Whether you’re looking to evoke eerie elegance, playful charm, or something in between, the 2024 Halloween season promises to be one of the most exciting yet for hair and makeup aficionados. Here’s a look at the top hair and makeup trends for Halloween set to dominate this spooky season.
Classic horror revival
While modern innovations continue to influence Halloween looks, classic horror is experiencing a major resurgence. Timeless characters such as Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, and the Mummy are back, but with a modern twist. Hair and makeup artists are reimagining these iconic looks with updated techniques.
- Frankenstein’s Monster: For hair, think structured, slicked-back styles with hints of metallic green. The makeup emphasizes a pale, corpse-like complexion with pronounced scars, brought to life through prosthetics and detailed contouring.
- Dracula: Dark, slicked-back hair and deep burgundy lips are key, along with an ultra-pale foundation to create the illusion of a centuries-old vampire.
- The Mummy: Wrapping gauze or fabric into intricate headpieces while incorporating pale, cracked skin makeup can modernize the age-old Mummy look. Face paints that give the illusion of peeling, decayed skin will give it a truly chilling finish.
Glamorous gore
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in “glam horror” makeup—a fascinating blend of beauty and terror. For those who want to incorporate a mix of creepy yet beautiful elements, glamorous gore is perfect.
- Zombie beauty queens: Imagine a perfectly curled, voluminous hairdo with a tiara, juxtaposed with blood splatter and decaying skin makeup. Adding gemstones and glitter to otherwise gory features creates a unique clash of elegance and horror.
- Slashed beauty: A sleek, polished makeup look (such as red lips and cat eyeliner) paired with expertly crafted fake wounds, like slashes or cuts, is a trend that combines gore with glamour. Latex prosthetics, fake blood, and scar wax play vital roles in these transformations.
- Mermaid gone wrong: A popular twist on the classic mermaid makeup involves vibrant blue or green hair, complemented with scales painted on the face. Adding torn fishnet stockings to simulate “netted” skin or decayed barnacles can elevate the look to a spooky new level.
Euphoria-inspired looks
The HBO series Euphoria continues to inspire Halloween trends, particularly with its iconic makeup looks. In 2024, vibrant eye shadows, heavy glitter, and bold color schemes are at the forefront of Halloween makeup trends.
- Bold eyes: Neon colors, especially bright pinks, purples, and blues, are making a statement. Glitter or rhinestones around the eyes add an ethereal, otherworldly vibe, reminiscent of Euphoria’s beloved characters. Pairing these eye looks with sleek, futuristic hairstyles—like wet looks or sharp, angular cuts—will help complete the transformation.
- Glitter lips: An ultra-glossy or glitter-drenched lip look is perfect for anyone wanting to dazzle. Hair pulled back into a high ponytail or slicked into a geometric bob complements the shiny, bold makeup.
- Pastel aesthetic: Combining soft, pastel shades with intricate face designs can result in a dreamy, surreal Halloween look. Hues of lilac, mint, and soft blues, paired with holographic accents, will give you an angelic yet edgy feel.
Related: Make-Up Classics
Nostalgia and pop culture
Pop culture references are always a major trend for Halloween. Whether you’re drawing inspiration from iconic characters or revisiting nostalgic moments from your favorite childhood shows and movies, hair and makeup can bring these references to life.
- ’90s grunge: With the ’90s revival still in full swing, many are opting for grunge-inspired looks. Messy, tousled hair paired with dark, smudged eyeliner, heavy brows, and matte lipstick will channel this laid-back but edgy style.
- Y2K aesthetic: The Y2K trend is showing no signs of slowing down. Hairstyles such as space buns, spiky updos, and pastel hair streaks are making a comeback. Paired with frosted lips, thin brows, and shimmering eye shadow, this is a nostalgic Halloween trend that packs a punch.
- Famous characters: Popular movies and shows like Barbie, Wednesday, and The Mandalorian have sparked Halloween inspiration. Hairstyles for these characters are key to capturing the look—whether it’s Wednesday’s iconic braids, Barbie’s voluminous curls, or the sleek, helmet-like hair of Mandalorian figures.
Fantasy meets futurism
Fantasy and futuristic elements collide in 2024 Halloween trends. If you’re a fan of ethereal creatures or space-age warriors, this trend will give you the chance to explore.
- Alien glam: Futuristic looks featuring metallic tones and iridescent colors are trending. Chrome makeup is a big hit, with shimmery silvers and blues adding an extraterrestrial vibe. Pairing these with sharp, geometrically styled wigs or metallic-toned hair can make the look otherworldly.
- Elven royalty: Inspired by fantasy films like The Lord of the Rings, Elven beauty is gaining traction. Delicate, flowing hairstyles paired with glittering, gold-toned makeup and intricate ear prosthetics can transform you into a regal, magical being.
- Cyberpunk aesthetics: For those seeking something darker, cyberpunk styles blend futuristic vibes with a rebellious edge. Shaved or undercut hairstyles, neon-colored streaks, and electric makeup palettes (such as bright, angular eye makeup) create a tough, tech-inspired look. Metallic tattoos and bold highlighter on the cheekbones can further add to this vibe.
Gothic romance
Gothic-inspired fashion is making waves this Halloween, but with a romantic twist. These looks feature dark colors, but they incorporate softer, more ethereal elements, making them hauntingly beautiful.
- Victorian ghost: Think flowing, voluminous hair, sometimes powdered white, and pale makeup with hints of black or purple to create a ghostly effect. Deep, dark lips and lace accessories can add a romantic yet eerie touch.
- Vampire princess: A blend of gothic and regal elements, the vampire princess look is all about sleek, dark hair (either left loose or styled into a high, dramatic bun) and elegant makeup that emphasizes red and black hues. A bold red lip, dark smoky eye, and contoured cheekbones make for a strikingly sophisticated Halloween look.
- Steampunk vampires: Steampunk continues to influence Halloween fashion, with Victorian-era hairstyles and gear-like accessories incorporated into the mix. Smoky metallic eye makeup, deep burgundy lipstick, and elaborate hairpieces or goggles are common choices for this look.
Bold hair colors and styles
Halloween is the perfect time to experiment with wild hair colors that you wouldn’t typically wear. In 2024, bold shades are trending, with a particular focus on high-impact, unconventional hues.
- Neon hair: Electric shades of pink, green, blue, and yellow are taking center stage. Whether you choose temporary hair dye, wigs, or extensions, these vivid colors will give your costume a bold edge.
- Metallic wigs: Metallic-colored wigs, in shades of silver, gold, and rose gold, are perfect for sci-fi or fantasy-inspired costumes. The reflective shine gives the hair a sleek, futuristic feel.
- Rainbow hair: For those wanting to fully embrace color, rainbow hair is an exciting option. This trend is all about blending multiple bright colors into one cohesive hairstyle, often incorporating ombré techniques. Paired with whimsical or surreal makeup, rainbow hair is sure to make you stand out at any Halloween event.
Related: Hair Color Bonanza
Minimalist Halloween looks
Not everyone wants to go all-out with elaborate makeup or hair for Halloween. For those who prefer something simpler, minimalist Halloween looks are trending in 2024.
- Sleek cat eye: A classic cat-eye paired with a sharp, high ponytail or a slicked-back bun can create a subtle yet fierce look. Add a hint of metallic shimmer on the eyelids or lips for a modern twist.
- Monochrome makeup: Monochromatic looks using a single-color palette—whether it’s bold reds, purples, or even whites—create a striking, minimalist effect. Complement this with a simple, clean hairstyle, like straight, center-parted hair.
- Ghostly glow: A soft, pale foundation, subtle white eyeliner, and an all-white ensemble can turn you into a delicate ghost without needing heavy makeup or complex hairstyles. This minimalist approach exudes an eerie elegance with very little effort.
This Halloween let your creativity soar, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to embrace the bold, the beautiful, and the bizarre this Halloween.
