October 31 is hauntingly close, and you’re still scrambling to find a costume. If choosing between picked-over outfits at your nearest Spirit Halloween sounds more frightful than fun, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of Halloween hair accessories that can turn any look into a costume. They’re easy, time and cost-effective, and won’t leave you with another getup collecting dust once the holiday ends. Read on to discover 10 of our favorite Halloween hair looks you can create with the help of a few simple add-ons.
10 Halloween Hair Accessories to Wear for an Instant Costume
Photo credit: Brand
Farm Girl Bows
Evoke the nostalgia of the famous sheep-herding nursery rhyme by adding bouncy curls to your mane and then clipping an oversized bow to the side of your head.
We love using a heatless curl technique, like the leggings hack, to reduce hot tool damage. First, sling a pair of leggings over your shoulders so the legs hang loose on both sides. Working with slightly damp hair, wrap a small section of hair around the fabric, adding more pieces as you go. When you reach the ends, secure your strands with an elastic. Let your hair dry, shake it free, and marvel at your curling iron-free waves.
Lele Sadoughi Dusty Rose Jumbo Velvet Bow Barrette, $35 MSRP
Photo credit: Brand
Pirate Bandana
A Halloween hair look so easy, it’s criminal. First, liberally mist a texturizing product like Redken’s Beach Spray throughout your hair and gently scrunch it with your fingertips for a tousled, lost-at-sea texture. Then, weave a few tiny braids throughout your loose, beachy hair and wrap your head in a red bandana to transform into a pirate.
Free People Lotus Paisley Print Bandana Red Combo, $30 MSRP
Photo credit: Spirit Halloween
1920s Flapper Headband
If you have a chic, chin-length bob, you’re an ideal candidate for the flapper look, finger waves and all. Take a cue from the 1920s trailblazers and top your look off with a bold feather headband to add visual interest to your outfit.
Spirit Halloween Roaring ‘20s Flapper Headband, $12.99 MSRP
Photo credit: Brand
Dream Doll Scrunchies
The dream doll aesthetic was everywhere in 2023, and we loved translating it to our hair in one of two ways: with extra-voluminous, flirty hairdos or Malibu pink accessories.
Whether you prefer a pop of hot pink or to experiment with a doll-inspired flippy ponytail (why not both?), these silky magenta scrunchies have you covered. To create the latter Halloween hair look, start your styling routine with a few bursts of Redken’s Root Tease Spray, then backcomb your hair at the root. Gather your hair into a ponytail and secure it at the crown of your head with your scrunchie.
Barbie x Kitsch Satin Scrunchies 2PC, $16 MSRP
Photo credit: Amazon
Princess Bubble Braid Elastics
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these seemingly straightforward Halloween hair accessories. Blue elastics are just what you need to create a bubble braid reminiscent of a magic carpet-riding princess. Best of all, hair enthusiasts of any skill level can master the bubble braid. Tie your hair into a low or medium ponytail, wrap evenly-spaced elastics down the length of your tail, and gently fan out each section of hair to create a bubble.
Even if you’re not sailing through the night on a mystical rug, you’ll still want your bubbles to withstand any unexpected adventure. Look to a firm-control hairspray, such as Matrix’s Vavoom Triple Freeze Extra Dry Hairspray, to keep your ‘do in place.
Pidoudou 100 Pack Seamless Hair Ties for Thick Hair Light Blue, $6.90 MSRP
Photo credit: Brand
Goth Girl Veil
If your wardrobe is already swimming in black clothing, gothic Halloween hair accessories are the easiest way to turn one of your everyday ‘fits into a costume. Complete any black outfit by adding a mesh veil, and everyone will think you’ve been plotting your look for weeks. Bonus points if you have jet-black hair to add to the macabre effect.
Wednesday x Kitsch Goth Veil Headband, $12 MSRP
Photo credit: Brand
Princess Tiara
Princess-length hair isn’t the only way to make you feel like royalty—slipping on this bejeweled tiara elevates you to regal status in seconds. Cascading waves, ornate updos, and side-swept braids are just a few striking ways to complement a dazzling headpiece.
JJ’s House Headpiece/Crowns & Tiaras Elegant Woman, $14 MSRP
Photo credit: Ulta Beauty
Witchy Top Hat Headband
Are you a good witch, or are you a bad witch? All we know for sure is that you’ll be a stylish witch with this adorable top hat headband.
Witches are often associated with either purple or red hair, but you don’t need a permanent dye job to complete your look. Try the hue without the commitment using Biolage Professional’s Color Depositing Conditioner in shades like Lavender or Red Poppy. These temporary conditioning formulas lightly tint your hair and wash out gradually in a few shampoos.
Scünci Witch Hat Headband, $10 MSRP
Photo credit: Brand
Alien Space Bun Clips
Every alien needs their space buns. If you don’t have the time or patience to style the double bun look yourself, you can sport clip-in space buns from One Stop Raves. To make your puffs extra fluffy, the brand recommends blasting cool blow dryer air onto them for a few seconds and then lightly shaking them out before popping them into your hair.
One Stop Rave Space Bunz, $24 MSRP
Photo credit: Brand
’70s Hippie Flower Pins
Flower crowns and braids were an emblem of 1970s music festivals. Rather than rocking a full flower halo, tap into your inner hippie babe with these floral pins. Once you’re done weaving your chunky braid, pancake your plait for a messy finish, and then place a few flower accents throughout your strands.
It’s always a plus when you can reuse your Halloween hair accessories after the fact, and luckily, you can wear these dainty pins year-round.
Beachwaver Floral Flower Pin 3PK, $18 MSRP
Header photo credits: Kitsch and JJ’s House
Find more Halloween hair looks on Hair.com, or use our salon locator to book a styling appointment for spooky season.
