Simple Halloween Hairstyles That Can Double as Last-Minute Costumes

Looking for effortless yet eye-catching ways to complete your Halloween look? Discover our guide on easy Halloween hairstyles that can double as last-minute costumes, perfect for those who need a quick and creative solution. Our curated selection highlights versatile and simple hairstyles that transform you into festive characters without the need for an elaborate costume. Whether you’re aiming to be a spooky witch, a whimsical fairy, or a classic vampire, these hairstyles are designed to be both stylish and easy to achieve. Save time and stress this Halloween with our step-by-step instructions and pro tips, making your holiday preparation a breeze. Get ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum impact!

Vintage-Inspired Glamour Girl

This retro hairstyle from the 1940s and 1950s, inspired by Lucille Ball, exudes classic pin-up girl charm. Begin by curling your hair with large hot rollers. Next, smooth back the sides into an updo that finishes just above your ears. Pin the front section of your hair to emulate the iconic voluminous curls. Finish the look with a swipe of cherry red lipstick for that perfect vintage glam.

Arachnid Empress

Even though we’re usually not fond of creepy crawlies, we can’t resist this eerily fantastic (and simple) braided ponytail. To achieve this spider queen look, all you need are some plastic spiders and a zipper, creating the illusion that bugs are crawling out of your hair.

Wednesday Addams-inspired

A Wednesday Addams costume can be completed in no time—or should we say, with a snap snap? To achieve this gothic look, simply part your hair down the middle and create tight braids on each side. Consider using a styling cream while parting and braiding your hair to perfectly capture Wednesday’s iconic style.

Iconic WW2 Poster Girl

Rosie the Riveter, one of the most iconic figures in American history, makes for an easy Halloween hairstyle. All you need is a red bandana or scarf to tie around your head, securing it in a classic knot at the center. Many opt for pulling their hair up into a messy bun, leaving a few loose strands at the front. To complete the look, don’t forget to strike Rosie’s signature bicep curl pose for your photos.

Hollywood Legend Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was celebrated for her iconic short, blonde curls and signature red lipstick. Even if you have longer hair, you can achieve this glamorous look by securing your hair in a bun at the back and curling the front sections to mimic her style. Remember to smile radiantly throughout the night, and don’t forget to pencil in her distinctive beauty mark to complete the transformation.

Princess Mia Thermopolis

This look is effortlessly simple—gather your hair into a topknot, then accessorize with headphones, sunglasses, and a tiara, and you’ll look as if you’ve just arrived from Genovia.

Pop Star Ariana Grande

Opt for a super high, slicked-back ponytail this Halloween, and you’ll tick your costume off the list. Kourtney Kardashian flawlessly captured Ariana Grande’s signature look by pairing the hairstyle with a pink mini dress. If you prefer a cozier costume suitable for the chilly October weather, match the ponytail with an oversized hoodie and tall boots, just like Ariana herself.

DC’s Mischievous Harley Quinn

Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn look has been a Halloween favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why: It’s incredibly simple to recreate. Start by parting your hair in the center and forming two high pigtails, leaving some strands loose at the front to frame your face. To achieve Harley Quinn’s iconic two-tone pigtails, you can use temporary hair dye on each side, or opt for a more convenient approach with colored clip-in extensions. The clip-in option is perfect for those who have work the next day and prefer not to show up looking like a character.

Iconic Sailor Moon

Paris Hilton brings Sailor Moon’s iconic high ponytails with sleek, long side bangs to life. To perfect the look, craft the heroine’s tiara yourself and conceal the hair ties by wrapping a thick section of hair around the base of each ponytail.

Star Wars’ Princess Leia

Princess Leia’s signature side buns are adored by Star Wars fans throughout the galaxy. Whether you opt for an all-white outfit to complement your Leia buns or not, this costume will be instantly recognizable to your friends. Depending on your hair length, you can try Leia’s iconic cinnamon bun-style swirls or go with simpler side buns. Just ensure the buns are positioned right at your ears.

Pop Sensation Billie Eilish

If you have dark hair like Nina Dobrev, transforming into Billie Eilish for the evening is as simple as grabbing a can of green hairspray. The musician’s iconic lime green center part takes just seconds to achieve and will earn you compliments all night long. If temporary hair color isn’t an option, there are plenty of Billie Eilish-inspired wigs available to help you nail the look.

The Sinister Maleficent

Even without a pair of devil horns, you can still channel Maleficent’s iconic look using just your hair. There are two methods to create hair horns: First, you can use flexible rod rollers as the base and wrap your hair around them. Alternatively, you can form two small buns from the crown of your hair, ensuring they are pinned securely to maintain the horn’s peak.

Iconic Cartoon Flapper Betty Boop

Betty Boop’s signature tightly curled raven hair is perfect for those with short hair. Start with a center part and create curls using either a curling iron or foam rollers. Enhance the look with red lipstick and a red dress, and consider drawing on Betty’s exaggerated eyebrows for that extra touch.

Contemporary Mermaid

Although this look is perfect for Ariel, it’s versatile enough to complement numerous other costumes. “You could rock this braid with tons of costumes!” says celebrity hairstylist Hayley Heckmann, noting that this glamorous mermaid braid would also suit a princess or Catwoman theme. Along with adding length with hair extensions, Heckmann recommends enhancing the look with hair accessories that match the vibe of your costume.

Pop Icon Britney Spears

Britney’s iconic schoolgirl look from the “…Baby One More Time” music video is a timeless choice for Halloween. To recreate this hairstyle, part your hair down the middle and style it into pigtails, braiding each side. Add pink ribbons or clips at the tops and ends of the braids for an extra touch. This hairstyle elevates the classic schoolgirl outfit with a white button-down shirt and skirt, making it a truly memorable throwback.

Roaring 1920s Flapper

Get ready to party like it’s the prohibition era with this effortless Halloween hairstyle. The key to a flapper look is the headband. After loosely curling your hair or pulling it back into a low, messy bun, adorn your forehead with a jeweled headband. If you don’t have the perfect hair accessory, you can even use a necklace to achieve the same stylish effect.

Royal Aesthetic

We absolutely adore bubble braids, and there are countless ways to style them. Whether you’re aiming for a Princesscore vibe or channeling Megan Thee Stallion, bubble braids can elevate any costume. For Halloween, be sure to go all out by adding volume and accessories to make a striking statement.

Madonna’s “Material Girl” Era

The essence of Madonna’s “Material Girl” era look is all about volume. If your hair isn’t naturally curly, consider curling or teasing it before pinning it to one side. To keep the style in place, a silk scarf tied as a headband can be quite effective. Finish off the ’80s vibe with some extra-large earrings.

Western Cowgirl

Kendall Jenner nearly broke the internet with her take on Jessie from Toy Story. However, if you’re not in the Pixar spirit, this braided low pigtail style combined with a cowboy hat delivers all the wild West vibes a cowgirl like you needs for Halloween.

Gorgon Medusa

Achieve this look by crafting a crown braid or braiding multiple sections of your hair and pinning them up. The braids’ strands will create the perfect anchor for incorporating rubber snakes, keeping them securely in place. For added stability, use bobby pins to fasten the serpents.

Snow Queen Elsa

If you don’t naturally have icy, white-blonde hair, a quick wig purchase can effortlessly turn you into the Queen of Arendelle. Simply create a side-swept braid and gently pull at the strands for added volume. If possible, leave a few loose pieces to frame your face.

1980s Rockstar

High-volume curls never go out of style, and they’re especially perfect for Halloween since they complement a variety of costume ideas. Model Imaan Hammam’s hair stole the spotlight in her Slash costume, but these larger-than-life ‘dos are also ideal for emulating just about any ’80s rockstar.