36 Unique October Nails for Autumn with a Spice of Spookiness
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As the crisp air of October settles in, it’s time to embrace the beauty of the season right down to your fingertips.
Whether you’re looking to get into the spooky spirit of Halloween or capture the warm, earthy tones of autumn, October nails offer endless possibilities for creativity and style.
This is the perfect time to experiment with nail designs that reflect the magic of October, from hauntingly beautiful Halloween motifs to cozy, autumn-inspired hues.
Imagine showcasing a set of nails that perfectly complements your cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and Halloween costumes. With the right inspiration, your nails can become a canvas for celebrating the most enchanting time of the year.
From eerie black cats and haunted houses to elegant leaves and rich, rustic colors, there are so many ways to make your October nails stand out.
We’ll explore a variety of nail art ideas that capture the essence of October. Whether you’re in the mood for October nails for Halloween with intricate designs and bold colors or prefer the subtle elegance of October autumn nails, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to dive into a world of nail art that will make your fingertips the talk of the season!
Unique October Nails
1. Bloody Nails
This is drama in manicure shape. How something can be so gothic and so chic at once, I don’t know. But this look as done the impossible.
I am in love with the neat blood splatter that feeds right into my obsession with the clean girl aesthetic.
The full-colored red nails are also so stunning and elegant, I really can’t get enough of this one.
2. Ghost Frenchies
I’m sorry but I need these nails now. I’ve always been a sucker for French tips, but this is just another level.
The little adorable ghosts look like they’re peeping out from behind the flowers and the high brown tip is so dainty in all the right ways.
Be sure to have your cuticles perfectly manicured to add to the soft essence of this gorgeous look.
3. Spooky October Mix and Match Nails
I’m so here for incorporating black and white checks into Halloween manicures. Yes, they’ve been trending all year long, but this is really their time to shine.
They look so gorgeously gothic next to the cutesy but spooky nail art. I think this is a look for a bad girl who can play nice.
You mean business, but it’s beautiful business.
4. Whispering Halloween Nails
Some nails just stun me when I see them, and when I saw how amber was used so generously in this manicure, I was blown away.
I mean, it really looks like there are little amber gems growing on your finger nails in pumpkin shape.
The silvery outline really adds to the ethereal look. And the cat nail art is as gorgeous as ever.
5. Black Cat Halloween Nails for October
These are one of the cutest October Bat nails. How do I know? Matte and glossy black, sky-high length, and a square finish.
Oh, and I can’t forget the adorable cat that’s definitely inspired by Sailor Moon. I mean, can you make an any more viral manicure?
It just has IT girl written all over it and is somehow so elegant and sophisticated yet fun at the same time. It really is everything.
6. Easy October Nails
If I were starting again with Halloween nails, I think I’d start here. It’s a simple and cute look with everything you need to be unmistakably Halloween.
You could attempt it on your own with a little patience and a lot of nail polish remover, but I recommend you get this one down to your nail tech.
They’ll be delighted to bring such a cute look to life for you.
7. Pink Nails with Baby Spiders
I need to award whoever thought up these pink October nails with the most creative nail designer award. Because really, it’s such a simple idea but it works.
It literally looks like there are little spiders crawling across your manicure.
It may be a little too on the spooky side for some but I just know some of you daredevils out there are daring enough to try.
8. Boo October Nail Designs
First thing’s first, I adore any manicure with writing on it. It pops, it’s cute, and that’s all we need to know.
Next thing, the checked swirl is right on trend and I’m definitely also getting Formula 1 fashion vibes from it, which means this look could be huge this year.
The straight across French tip is an interesting addition, but you could go classic tip if you’d prefer.
9. Ghost Nails
I just adore ghost nails for October. They always show such dedication to not only the craft, but also the season.
And really, if I see anyone walking around with these nails, I just know they have a huge personality and aren’t afraid of being a little extra. If you want a huge challenge, take these on yourself.
However, I feel like your nail tech would love to get their hands on these little beauties.
10. Celestial Claws Nails
These ethereal nails are literally otherworldly. They’re so mesmerizing that I could just fall into them.
They literally look like little bath bombs. I’ve been obsessed with how glitter is spread over nails for years and I can tell you that this is perfection. I mean, how else could you create the galaxy effect?
You’ll really have to get the glitter dispersion right here so definitely consider heading to the salon.
11. Gory Blood Bath Nails
Crocodile and tortoise print are quite big at the moment, in fact, there’s really no getting away from them.
So, I’m going to accept this an abstract form of that trend, and a striking one at that.
It’s quite breathtakingly beautiful in its own understated way that brings glamorous vampires and gorgeously witches to mind. Deep dark darling vibes. I’m here for it.
12. Bones October Nails
I am in awe of these skeleton nails for October. They’re so simple yet so creative. All you have to do is slick on your favorite black polish, or your blackest polish, really, and then carefully draw the bone on over.
I recommend you use a small brush or a toothpick to apply the white polish. The more length, the better here, so don’t hesitate to go all out.
13. Tuxedo October Nails
Are you on the hunt for a wholesome Halloween look that also oozes spookiness and is perfectly Halloween-themed?
Not to mention quite Vogue and with a very witchy-chic edge. Yes? In this case, these are your very specific nails.
I love the slight intensity that the sharper oval shape brings this look. It brings an influencer essence to the overall look.
14. Black French Tip Nails with Spider Web
I absolute adore this classic. It’s a winner every single year. It’s one of those looks that you can wear out to absolutely every party and your friends are sure to compliment. And pretty much everyone else too.
Each line is so sharp and perfect and don’t even get me started on that glossy finish. So, you might want to let your nail tech take this one on for you.
15. Spiders Dose Nails
This Halloween manicure idea just proves that you don’t need to go all-out to get the most of Halloween nails.
All you have to do is slick on your favorite opaque or milky white base and then get to drawing spiders on the top.
Or maybe even stick some sneaky spider nail art stickers on. Either way, these are Insta-ready nails for sure.
16. Biting Lips Nails
Burgundy or wine red is the official Halloween manicure color in my mind, and you can see here why.
It’s just got that deep, rich and badass look that the season’s all about. Add in the negative space strips and the black lines and we’re onto a winner here.
It’s just so edgy and gothic yet elegant in all the right way.
17. Spooky Pumpkins
This spooky pumpkin October nail idea wins the award for the least spooky Halloween nails. But what they lack in spooky, they make up for in adorableness.
I absolutely adore comic book nails like this where the nail art is relatively realistic and drawn on perfectly.
Or, maybe, you could even use nail stickers. Whatever you choose, these nails are just good enough to eat.
18. Bloody Mani for October
Gore can be good when done right. It can even be gorgeous when perfected like here. And really all have here is a classic and elegant pink French tip that’s splattered in red polish.
Yes, the hands will be a little extra work but they’re definitely double.
You might want to consider drawing out the and on a sheet of paper and then pressing it onto your nails for accuracy.
19. Black Snakes
I am speechless. My breath has been taken away. I absolutely adore true-to-life nails, they’re always so spectacular and astonishing, and I think you can agree with me after seeing this.
The scale effect is so striking, especially with the shade effect that makes the snake look like it’s slithering across your nails.
Please take these stunners to your nail tech, this will be a once in a lifetime chance for them and I can guarantee they’ll be delighted to try it out.
20. Halloween French Tip Nails
We don’t see pink in Halloween nails often, but this is our sign to up our game. It adds such vibrancy and life to these classic looks and gives them a brand new edge.
I do have one suggestion though, it might be worthwhile moving the blood nail onto the white tip and vice versa with the spider web.
There’s just less color clashing and that’s what we’re all about here.
21. Spooky Fall Season Nails
I already loved this look for the layered heart alone, but then I saw the checked nail and I was absolutely sold.
They’re such a power couple on a manicure, especially side by side.
The pumpkins and ghosts are also so adorable with the spider web adding a bit more of a serious edge. It’s all around a fun and loveable look.
22. Warning containing Spiders
This look isn’t for the fainthearted. It’s for those baddies out there that are also badass. So, if that sounds like you and you’re absolutely obsessed with Halloween, then what are you waiting for?
The look above mainly uses natural nail but you might want to add an opaque or white layer underneath to really make the artwork above pop.
23. Spider Web Nails
I’m head over heels for spider web effect nails anyway, but when I saw the little droplets on this manicure, I just knew I was in love.
The little amber droplets are such an interesting and captivating addition that has me in total awe.
The spiders are also perfectly painted on which adds to the sharp look here. Definitely get this one to your nail tech.
24. Grey Spooky October Nails for Halloween
You can just have fun with these cute October nail designs. They’re a zero stress and zero pressure look and all good vibes.
Feel free to move the adorable nail art around or change up the size and shape of the nail.
What you’re really aiming for here is a light-hearted, easy-going look that’s enjoyable to look at and will match all of your Halloween fits.
