10 Spooky Halloween Braids to Try This Year

3. Sleek Snake Braid

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The sleek snake braid is the quiet, witchy option, and it is the most weatherproof style on this list. Gather the hair into a low ponytail at the nape, then braid it as a slim three-strand braid, pulling each section flat instead of round. The flatness is the mechanism: a flat braid lies against the back and does not catch the wind, so it survives everything from a gusty street to a crowded party. Weave a black velvet ribbon through the braid for the Halloween part.

You will need: one hair tie, one small elastic, one black velvet ribbon. Works on medium to long hair. Total time: 10 minutes.

Styling tip: braid with the hair slightly damp and smoothed with a little gel — the dampness keeps flyaways down and the braid looking sleek. Tie the ribbon over the end elastic, not under it, so the ribbon shows.

4. Witchy Fishtail Braid With Ribbon

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The witchy fishtail braid is the most elegant braid here, because the fishtail weave looks far more complicated than it is. Split the hair into two sections, then cross small strands from the outside of each section to the inside of the other, alternating sides, until you reach the end. The two-strand structure is the mechanism: it creates a tight, rope-like weave that holds its pattern for hours without loosening. Weave a dark purple or black ribbon through the finished braid for the witchy finish.

You will need: one hair tie, one small elastic, one dark ribbon. Works on medium to long hair. Total time: 15 to 20 minutes.

Styling tip: keep the crossed strands thin and even — fat strands make a chunky braid that loosens fast, while thin strands lock together. Weave the ribbon through after braiding, not during, so it sits on top where it shows.

5. Double Dutch Pumpkin Braids

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Double Dutch pumpkin braids are the best Halloween braids for kids and for anyone who wants a cute rather than creepy look. Part the hair down the middle, then Dutch braid each side, crossing the strands underneath instead of over the top so the braid sits raised on the head. The underhand crossing is the mechanism: it pops the braid outward, so the style looks thick and stays visible under a hat or headband. Tie each end with an orange elastic and add a green ribbon bow at the top for the pumpkin stem.

You will need: 2 small elastics, 2 green ribbons. Works on medium to long hair. Total time: 15 minutes. For more kid-friendly ideas, see our Halloween hairstyles for kids roundup.

Styling tip: braid each side snugly against the scalp for the first three crossings, then loosen slightly — the snug start keeps the braids from sliding, and the looser length looks softer. Part with a tail comb so the center line is straight.

6. Mermaid Braid With Temporary Color

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The mermaid braid with temporary color is the fantasy option, and the color is what makes it Halloween. Braid the hair loosely in a single side braid, tug the edges outward to pancake it wide, then mist temporary color — purple, green, or teal — over the braid. The pancaking is the mechanism: a flattened braid has far more visible surface than a round one, so the color shows up in patches across the whole braid instead of hiding inside it. Temporary chalks and sprays wash out in one or two washes.

You will need: one small elastic, temporary hair color spray or chalks. Works on medium to long hair. Total time: 15 minutes.

Styling tip: apply the color after braiding, not before, so the color lands on the outer surface where it shows. Spray in light layers and let each one dry, or the color transfers to your costume.

7. Skeleton Braid

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The skeleton braid is the boldest braid on this list, because the contrast does all the work. On dark hair, braid a single white or silver extension, ribbon, or yarn strand into a slim side braid so the pale line runs down the dark hair like a bone. On light hair, braid a black strand instead. The contrast is the mechanism: one pale line against dark hair reads as a skeleton ribcage from across the room, with no face paint needed. Pair it with a black outfit and the costume is complete.

You will need: one white, silver, or black extension, ribbon, or yarn strand; one small elastic. Works on any hair long enough for a side braid. Total time: 10 to 15 minutes.

Styling tip: keep the accent strand thin — a thick strand looks like a stripe, while a thin one reads as a bone. Anchor the strand at the top with a small knot under the first crossing so it does not slide out.

8. Spider Bun With Web Braid

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The spider bun with web braid is the best updo on this list, because it combines two Halloween ideas in one style. Gather the hair into a high bun, then take a small section from the front, braid it loosely, wrap it around the bun base, and pin it to form a web ring. The wrap is the mechanism: the braid hides the bun's elastic and pins at the same time, so the updo looks finished from every angle. Top the bun with a soft spider body and pipe-cleaner legs for the full effect.

You will need: one hair tie, 4 to 6 bobby pins, one spider accessory. Works on medium to long hair. Total time: 15 minutes.

Styling tip: build the bun on hair with texture spray — slick hair slides out of pins. Wrap the braid around the bun base twice if the hair is long enough, so the web ring looks deliberate instead of accidental.

9. Ghostly Silver Braid

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The ghostly silver braid is the ghost costume in hairstyle form, and it needs no wig. Mist temporary silver or white color over the hair, then braid it loosely down one side and tug the edges outward for a soft, wispy finish. The looseness is the mechanism: a loose braid looks soft and spectral, while a tight braid looks severe, and the pale color makes the braid read ghostly in photos. Pair it with a white or pale grey outfit and the costume is done.

You will need: one small elastic, temporary silver or white hair color spray. Works on medium to long hair. Total time: 15 minutes.

Styling tip: spray the color before braiding on light hair, after braiding on dark hair — on dark hair the braid surface takes the color better once it is already shaped. Mist from at least six inches away so the color lands evenly instead of in spots.

10. Bat-Wing Side Braid

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The bat-wing side braid is the vampire and bat costume braid, because the side sweep does the drama. Sweep all the hair over one shoulder, braid it loosely with a deep side part, and pin a bat-shaped clip at the top of the braid where the wing would attach. The side placement is the mechanism: it keeps the braid visible in photos and off your back under a coat or cape, and the deep part gives the style its swept, wing-like line. A dark red or black ribbon tied at the end finishes the look.

You will need: one small elastic, one bat clip, one dark ribbon. Works on medium to long hair. Total time: 10 minutes.

Styling tip: braid loosely and tug the edges outward — the pancaking makes the braid look thick and wing-like. Place the bat clip where the braid starts, not halfway down, so it reads as the wing joint. See our Halloween hairstyles for short hair roundup if your hair is too short for a full side braid.

Narrowing Down Your Perfect Spooky Halloween Braids

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Start from the costume, not the photo. Witch or enchantress: the spiderweb crown braid or the witchy fishtail, because both read magical up close. Pumpkin, cute costume, or kids: the double Dutch pumpkin braids, because they are the most comfortable to wear for hours. Ghost or vampire: the ghostly silver braid or the bat-wing side braid, because the color and the sweep carry the costume. Skeleton: the skeleton braid, because the contrast does the whole job. No costume at all, just a party: the bubble braid with spiders or the sleek snake braid, because both take ten minutes and hold all night.

Whatever you pick, do the trial run the day before, pack two bobby pins and a spare elastic for repairs, and remember the rule that makes every one of these work: braid on textured hair, anchor every stress point, and let one accessory carry the theme.

More seasonal looks in Occasion Hair.