Halloween hair should be part of the costume, not an afterthought! Black women have given us some unforgettable spooky-season references over the years, from Aaliyah’s Akasha in Queen of the Damned to Lupita Nyong’o’s unsettling Red in Us and Angela Bassett’s formidable Marie Laveau in American Horror Story. And when considering textured hairstyles, the possibilities get even better.
This is the ideal time to experiment with braids, locs, curls, wigs or an updo – and you don’t have to be a special effects artist to make a splash! These Halloween looks show that your hair can do most of the haunting for you.
Elphaba Thropp (from Wicked)
A pointed hat might be doing some of the heavy lifting here, but the long braids underneath keep the look dramatic rather than costume-shop basic. Pair them with green make-up and a dark lip for a witchy look that could terrify the redd slippers off Dorothy.
Get the look with Empire Bulk – Deep Body Bulk.
Bride of Frankenstein
Big, sculpted waves, blunt baby bangs and dramatic clips give this monster-movie-inspired look plenty of old-Hollywood glamour. The bigger the hair, the better!
Get the look with Feme 2-in-1 Human Hair – Chantel.
Cinderella
Textured hair makes Cinderella’s signature updo even more regal. A high, rounded bun with a blue headband creates the familiar silhouette while letting natural volume do its thing. Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!
Get the look with The Feme Collection – Afro Puff Large, £23.99.
Akasha (from Queen of the Damned)
If you’re going as the vampire queen, the crown needs to be doing just as much as the costume. Sleek hair provides the perfect base for an oversized gold headpiece. Dramatic lengths or extensions can swing you into immortal-queen territory.
Get the look with Cloud 9 Swiss Lace Wig – Rachel.
Coraline
Blue braids are practically made for a Coraline costume. Add beads for extra texture, keep the styling playful and pair with an iconic yellow raincoat. Other Mother who?
Get the look with X-Pression – Pre-Stretched 2x 46″ in Blue.
Dr Facilier (from The Princess & The Frog)
Locs work brilliantly for a Dr Facilier-inspired look, particularly when left long and loose beneath a towering top hat. Add beads, charms or skeletal accessories and you’ve got a hairstyle with plenty of voodoo.
Get the look with Outre X-Pression Twisted Up – Borabora Locs.
Sailor Moon
The odango buns are non-negotiable, but textured hair gives Sailor Moon’s famous style real volume. Long blonde lengths flowing from two high buns make this not just a look, but super achievable with extra long extensions.
Get the look with Clip-in Glam – Wavy 8pc.
The Muses (from Hercules)
For a group costume that looks incredible in photos, coordinate sculptural braided updos inspired by the Muses. Vary loops, knots, oversized buns and hair jewellery, and tie it all together with matching outfits (it’s your sign to get the group chat involved).
Achieve a wide range of looks with X-Pression – Ultra Braid.
Twitches
A softer option for anyone who doesn’t want to go full horror, Twitches offers lots of Y2K witchy nostalgia. Curls, headscarves, sleek lengths or soft waves all work, meaning you can concentrate on finding your twin and practising your spellcasting.
Get the look with Feme Wig – Wild Spirals, and Outre Melted Hairline – KINKY SOFT.
Tia Dalma (from Pirates of the Caribbean)
Long locs piled into a gravity-defying updo, teamed with black lips and shredded layers, are enough to make you feel ready to take on the Kraken.
Get the look with Urban – Distressed Locs.
Creepy clown
Volume is your friend with a clown look, especially when the hair is styled into two exaggerated puffs. Add a mini hat, bows or other oversized accessories and keep the make-up theatrical. Cute or terrifying? We’ll let you decide.
Get the look with Big Beautiful Hair Clip-in – 4C Corkscrew Afro.
