12 Gorgeous Short Halloween Nail Designs to Rock This Spooky Season!

Long nails are real; I won’t deny it. Then you may feel like they’re a requirement to achieving that witchy October nail look. But that’s not the case. These days, with so many more functional lengths occupying the mainstream pantheon, short Halloween nails are also having their moment. To prove it, we talked short, spooky manis with five pro nail artists.

Keep reading for 12 quick, noncommittal Halloween nail ideas, from solid swatches of color to elaborate nail art.

01. Classic Black

First up, we have a simple classic: jet-black nails. ‘While some people can’t wait for a Halloween-themed manicure, others are more about the less is more, minimalist look, explains celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann. ’ “With such a classic look, I’m a big fan of an all black or all red manicure to really nail the spooky grunge look, with minimal effort and expertise involved.”

02. Black Glitter Ombré Nails

Nailsaloon senior artist and educator Marnae Orton felt a bit more creative, suggesting adding glitter to the mix. ‘Glam witchy, but glam.’ “Black and silver glitter ombré is a black and silver glitter ombré for dancing in the moonlight.”

03. Halloween Swirl Nails

NYC-based manicurist Miss Pop advises doing an all-out festive short Halloween nail design like a high-contrast water marble or swirl. “It’s psychedelic, it’s very festive and it’s super easy,” she exclaims. “Zoya Snow White is the nail polish you will paint your nails with on one coat.” Unscrew the caps of Zoya Snow White and Black Willa, then prepare for the art. Using the brush in the bottle or a dotting tool, drop white and black little blobs of nail polish, going 1 at a time, randomly across your nail, filling 2/3 of the nail. Do your best to keep the blobs as central and as far as you can skin. Use a small nail brush or toothpick and swirl the blobs around. Seal with top coat.”

04. Minimalist Ghost Nails

If you love cute, cozy Halloween vibes, nail artist Leslie Ayala, founder of Nail Witch Studio in Miami, recommends a happy ghost mani. She continues, declaring all she can hear are all kinds of different kinds of ghosts, which is why this manicure is so much fun. “I like giving ghosts some personality, so they become an adorable Halloween look.”

05. Copper Chrome Stiletto Nails

While not showing short nails, nail trend expert and Le Mini Macaron co-founder Christina Kao says any nail look gets an upgrade with chrome finishes. “Chrome and glazed nails are still a big trend this fall, adding a futuristic element to your Halloween outfit,” she says. “For a festive and chic look, opt for darker shades like brown, gray or green.”

06. Subtle Pumpkin Shimmer Nails

You don’t have to turn your short Halloween nails fully opaque. If you are looking for sparkle on your lips but you want to skip on the added design trends, Lippmann recommends ‘Keep it simple with sparkly orange cream’.

07. Chrome Blood Nails

“The red chrome version might change your mind; you don’t normally think of bloody dips as beautiful,” says Orton. You can get the look the easy way by using a fine-lining nail art brush. For red metallic paint, go simple and red, or paint the design in black, then cover with dark red chrome powder. Seal with top coat.

08. Blood-Toned Tips

I love the idea of bloody French tips, but just without the drips? Alternate between blood red and jet black polishes, says Lippmann. According to her, a ‘spooky French’ means that you can join in the Halloween spirit with no need of intricate designs.

09. Cosmic Glitter

Another simple yet impactful Halloween nail look? Dark glittery polish cosmic creation. Lippmann says what better way to get in on the latest Halloween trends than with an extraterrestrial manicure that one can take right from the galaxy. In my Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish, I Put A Spell On You or Dream Weaver, it could not be easier to do this trend.”

10. Blue Cat Eye Nails

Of course, Halloween is known for red, black, purple, and green (okay, maybe those last two aren’t the most popular… Orton notes that if you don’t want to use a bold color, perhaps try a bold color. “They’re simply mesmerizing to look at, which is [why] cat eye nails are having a big moment,” she exclaims. If you want to get in on an All Hallow’s Eve vibe on the nails, you’ll need a rich blue like this one.

11. 3D Brain Nails

Ayala suggests a 3D brain design might be the most gory nail of all if you’re in the mood. “It’s textured and gory; that is my Halloween vibe,” she says. So why not have bloody finger brain nails for the spooky season?

12. Ghost Tip Nails

Get ghoulish for Halloween by transforming your go-to classic French mani! Ayala loves French because the grow-out is almost nonexistent and even better when you have a little ghost staring at you.

Conclusion

These 12 stunning short Halloween nail designs are a perfect way to spruce up your spooky season look with a bit of holiday flair. Whatever your taste—florals, playful or elegant, bright, neutral, bold colors—are all here. Celebrate this Halloween with nails as fun and whimsical as the season itself; let your creativity and make a statement. Let your nails be a part of your Halloween celebration with these fun and easy Halloween nail art ideas, and don’t forget to share your favorite designs! Happy haunting!