18 Ghostly Nail Ideas for a Very Spooky Manicure

Tortoise shell manicure with white ghost accents. — @disseynails/Instagram

As spooky season draws near, we can't help but wear our Halloween spirit on our sleeves—or, more accurately, on our nails. And that means all things ghoulish and ghastly, especially ghosts. If you're looking to embrace the supernatural, we're here to help. Whether you're going all out with an elaborate costume and makeup look or rocking an easy last-minute Halloween hairstyle, a ghostly manicure is the perfect accessory. Ahead, 18 ghost nail ideas for your spookiest mani yet.

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Frightening French

French manicure with alternating black and white tips with two ghosts on an accent ring finger. — @disseynails/Instagram

Switch up a traditional French mani with a spooky accent nail and black tips. We love the black and white styled ghosts on the ring finger—it's giving off some seriously bad juju, in the best way possible.

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Mismatched Accents

Black and white manicure with different Halloween motifs on each nail, including a spider web, spider, black cat, ghost, and mummy. — @brushedbyb_/Instagram

Between the black cat, ghost, spider, and mummy, this manicure leaves no ghoul behind. Stick to a black-and-white color palette to make those black cat eyes really stand out.

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Ghostly Negative Space

Negative space manicure with small white ghosts. — @samrosenails/Instagram

The best thing about this manicure is how low effort it is. Simply apply one coat of a nude base color and use a detail brush to paint on your ghosts. For extra precision, use a toothpick dipped in black polish to dot on those eyes. Voila! A high-impact, low-effort Halloween mani.

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Ghost Tips

Nude manicure with ghosts covering the tips. — @samrosenails/Instagram

The key here is the subtle pleating at the bottom of the ghosts. This subtle feature makes it look like a sheet is draped over each nail like a costume instead of looking like a couple of blob-shaped ghosts.

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Disney Style

Disney-themed Halloween manicure with ghosts and spiders wearing Mickey ears. — @brushedbyb_/Instagram

We love this take on a spooky Disney manicure. Ghost Mickey Mouse steals the show but the tiny little spiders with Mickey hears might be the cutest thing we've ever seen. This manicure is all treat—no tricks to be seen.

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Pops of Pink

Sometimes, less is more. Keep things simple with a small, pint-sized design on each finger. We especially love the pink accent here as it brightens up the entire look. If you are not confident in your ability to draw such tiny shapes, Halloween-themed nail stickers would create a similar effect.

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Tortoise Shell

Have you ever seen a chicer ghost nail moment? We can't stop thinking about this tortoise shell print and the way the ghosts create a French tip-like effect. The crisp white against the brown base creates the perfect amount of contrast.

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Sparkly Orange

It feels only natural to reach for a sparkly orange hue around Halloween. But if the dazzling shade is not enough for you, why not add in a few hidden ghosts? We love the way the use of a reverse French tip gives the illusion of the ghost floating between nails.

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Barely There Boos

Gray/silver velvet manicure with tiny ghost faces. — @heygreatnails/Instagram

For a subtly spooky manicure, try a deep-toned magnetic base. Then, paint on tiny little ghost eyes and mouths in the lighter area of each nail. Suddenly, you've got yourself a seasonal manicure that still feels office-appropriate.

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Halloween Core

Black manicure with halloween motifs in orange and an accent nail with spider webs. — @bhambnails/Instagram

Is there such a thing as Halloween wrapping paper? If so, it'd look exactly like this manicure. The juxtaposition between the thicker orange motifs and the ultra-thin cobweb on the accent nail creates a fun spooky vibe.

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Groovy Ghost

70s-themed ghost manicure. — @disseynails/Instagram

Something tells us this ghost was a '70s baby. We love the use of autumnal browns and those itty bitty flowers that make this the least Halloween-coded manicure of them all.

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Black and White Ghosts

Don't overcomplicate things: Draw a simple ghost design and replicate it on every nail for an easy, cohesive look. If you want to spice things up, alternate between two colors, like this black and white design above.

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Peak-a-Boo

Pale pink nail with two white ghost accents — @brushedbyb_/Instagram

Sometimes, all you need are two little ghosts to get the spooky message across. Although not visible, each nail in this mismatched manicure took on a different Halloween theme. But it should come as no surprise that these two micro-accents are our favorite

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Tattoo Ghosts

Tattoo-esque nail art with a ghost, a cat with four eyes, and a cobs web. — @bhambnails/Instagram

Beware: This manicure is not for the DIY novice. We can't stop staring at the intricate lines and details on this tattoo-inspired manicure. It's downright mesmerizing, and, to be honest, a bit scary—making it perfect for the season.

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Fearful Florals

Manicure with black, orange, and purple flowers and a ghost on the middle finger. — @samrosenails/Instagram

Here is further proof that your ghostly manicure doesn't need to be spooky or even particularly dark to make an impact. These flowers feel fun and fresh but still seasonally appropriate with shades of purple, black, and orange. And of course, you've got that sweet little ghost to boot.

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Halloween French

Halloween inspired French manicure with ghosts and pumpkins and stars. — @bhambnails/Instagram

If you really want to turn a traditional French on its head this spooky season, we suggest going for a black tip and a few favorite Halloween motifs. We're partial to these little ghosts and pumpkins.

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Purple Is the New Orange

Purple halloween nails. — @pop_polished/Instagram

Orange-and-black Halloween manicures are a dime a dozen. Switch things up with an equally spooky purple moment. Whether you opt for a bright amethyst like this or a deep mauve, it feels on theme without being, well, orange.

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Happy Ghost

Black French manicure with an accent nail with black flowers and another accent nail with a smiling ghost. — @disseynails/Instagram

Something about the little smile on this ghost has captured our hearts. Between the black French tips, deep and dark flowers, and giddy ghost, this manicure is the sweetest take on a deep and dark ghost moment.