20 Ghosty Nail Designs to Celebrate the Spooky Season

Last Updated Sep 20, 2024

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As the air turns crisp and the nights grow longer, there’s something undeniably magical about the spooky season. It’s a time when the eerie meets the elegant, and there’s no better way to channel that energy than through ghost-themed nail designs.

Whether you’re looking for subtle, ethereal nails that whisper of the supernatural or playful, Halloween-ready ghosts that bring a smile to your face, these ghost-inspired designs will add a spirited touch to your manicure. Here are 10 unique ghost-themed nail designs that will have your nails floating through the season in style!

20 Ghostly Nails to Wear This Season

1. Ghostly French Tips

Ghostly French Tips

A playful twist on the classic French manicure, this design features adorable white ghost shapes at the tip of each nail. The ghosts are kept simple with just two tiny black eyes, adding charm without being overly detailed.

The rest of the nail is left natural or painted with a soft, sheer nude, keeping the design clean and sophisticated. Almond-shaped nails work beautifully for this look, as the tapered tips echo the floating, airy nature of the ghosts. It’s a fun, elegant design that can carry you through the season without screaming Halloween.

2. Glowing Ghosts

Glowing Ghosts

Add a bit of glow-in-the-dark magic to your nails with these tiny, glowing ghost silhouettes. By day, these white ghosts stand out on a neutral or pastel background, creating a soft, charming design. But when the lights go out, the ghosts come to life, glowing softly and adding a spooky, supernatural touch.

This design is perfect for square-shaped nails, as the straight edges complement the clean, minimal look. It’s a whimsical way to embrace the spirit of the season, perfect for anyone who loves a little glow-in-the-dark fun.

Related: Cat-Themed Nail Designs That Are Purr-fectly Stylish

3. Shimmering Spirits

Shimmering Spirits

For those who prefer a more ethereal, subtle look, the shimmering spirits design is a perfect choice. Using a pearlescent base polish, these nails glisten and shine, with delicate, wispy ghost shapes in white or pale silver floating across the surface.

The design feels almost dreamlike, with the ghosts appearing as faint, fleeting figures that catch the light. Oval-shaped nails enhance the soft, flowing lines of the ghosts, creating a look that’s more elegant than spooky. It’s a design that’s perfect for those who want to capture the mystery of ghosts without going full Halloween.

4. Peek-a-Boo Ghosts

Peek-a-Boo Ghosts

Let your nails play a little game of peek-a-boo with tiny ghosts peeking out from the corners of each nail. These playful little figures, with just eyes and flowing shapes, are set against a matte black or deep blue background, creating a fun contrast that’s both minimal and striking.

Squoval-shaped nails are ideal for this design, as their soft edges balance the sharp, playful contrast of the ghosts. It’s a cute and subtle way to wear ghosts on your nails without being too over-the-top, perfect for a more refined seasonal look.

5. Ghostly Negative Space

Ghostly Negative Space

For a modern, understated take on ghost nails, try using negative space to create ghost shapes. By leaving part of the nail unpainted in the shape of a ghost, surrounded by a soft nude or pale gray polish, the design feels both sleek and minimal.

Round-shaped nails enhance the softness of the look, making the ghostly outlines feel more natural and fluid. It’s a design that feels like a whisper of the supernatural, perfect for those who want to wear the theme of ghosts in a more subtle, everyday way.

6. Floating Ghosts

Floating Ghosts

Imagine ghosts gently floating across a clear night sky, and you’ve got the inspiration for this dreamy design. Using a sheer or transparent base, simple white ghosts with wavy, flowing edges are scattered across the nails. The translucent base adds to the feeling of weightlessness, making the ghosts appear to drift across your fingers.

Almond-shaped nails work beautifully for this look, as their elongated shape complements the soft, flowing lines of the ghosts. It’s an elegant, ethereal way to embrace ghost-themed nails without any harsh lines or bold colors.

7. Ghost Glitter Gradient

Ghost Glitter Gradient

For a playful twist, combine ghost motifs with a soft glitter gradient. Start with a tiny ghost near the base of the nail, transitioning into a shimmering gradient toward the tip. The design can be done in pale shades like lavender or soft blue, making it feel more whimsical and fun than traditionally spooky.

Squoval-shaped nails are perfect for this look, as their shape keeps the design light and playful. The glitter adds a touch of sparkle, while the tiny ghosts keep the design grounded in the supernatural.

8. Ghost with a Bow

Ghost with a Bow

Add a playful, personalized touch to your ghost nails by giving one of the ghosts a tiny bow on an accent nail. The rest of the design can remain simple—white ghosts on a neutral background—but the bow adds a fun, feminine twist.

Square-shaped nails are ideal for this look, as their straight edges enhance the crispness of the design while allowing for playful details. It’s a cute, quirky way to bring a bit of personality to your ghost nails.

Related: Nail Designs That Embrace the Beauty of Autumn

9. Ghosts in the Fog

Ghosts in the Fog

For a more atmospheric, mysterious design, create a soft, foggy gradient using shades of gray or lavender, then overlay with small, misty white ghost shapes. The foggy background adds depth and moodiness to the design, while the ghost shapes remain simple and understated.

Oval-shaped nails are perfect for this look, as their rounded shape mirrors the soft, hazy quality of the design. It’s a dreamy, otherworldly look that feels more like a glimpse into the supernatural than a traditional Halloween design.

10. Elegant Halloween Ghosts

Elegant Halloween Ghosts

If you’re looking for something a bit more Halloween-specific, opt for a sleek, black matte base with shiny white ghost outlines. The matte and gloss contrast gives the design a modern, stylish feel, while the white ghost outlines keep it playful and festive.

Round-shaped nails are perfect for this design, as their smooth curves complement the sleek, elegant look of the matte finish. It’s the perfect balance of spooky and chic, making it ideal for a Halloween celebration.

11. Polka Dot Ghosts

Polka Dot Ghosts

This design brings a playful twist to a classic pattern by transforming polka dots into adorable ghosts. Start with a colorful base, like soft pink, mint green, or lavender, to give the nails a light and cheerful vibe. Add simple white polka dots across the nails, then turn a few dots into tiny ghosts by adding small black eyes.

The mix of regular dots and ghostly figures adds just the right amount of whimsy. Round-shaped nails are perfect for this design, keeping the look soft and charming, perfect for year-round fun.

12. Striped Ghosts

Striped Ghosts

For a bold, graphic look, create horizontal stripes across the nails in alternating black and white or a fun color combination like orange and purple. In between the lines, tiny ghost figures peek out, adding a playful, unexpected twist.

The contrast between the stripes and the white ghosts makes the design stand out without being overwhelming. Square-shaped nails enhance the sharpness of the stripes, giving the design a modern, clean feel. It’s the perfect blend of bold lines and spooky fun.

Related: Timeless Black and White Nail Design Ideas

13. Candy Ghosts

Candy Ghosts

Inspired by the sweetness of candy, this design uses pastel colors like soft yellow, pink, and baby blue as the base. Simple white ghosts with tiny candy accents, like wrapped candies or lollipops, appear on one or two accent nails. The overall effect is playful and fun, reminiscent of a candy store, with the ghosts adding a quirky, spooky twist.

Almond-shaped nails complement the whimsical shapes, making this a lighthearted design that’s perfect for those who love both candy and ghosts.

14. Graveyard Ghosts

Graveyard Ghosts

For a more eerie, spooky look, this design features a graveyard scene with floating ghosts. Start with a gray base, evoking the misty atmosphere of a graveyard, and add silhouettes of ghosts hovering over tiny headstones. The headstones can include simple details like crosses or RIP markings.

Oval-shaped nails are ideal for this look, as the elongated shape mimics the towering gravestones and gives the design an elegant, spooky vibe. It’s a perfect choice for those who want a ghostly, more Halloween-centric design.

15. Neon Ghosts

Neon Ghosts

Bring your ghost nails to life with bright, neon-colored ghosts on a black or deep blue base. The contrast between the dark background and neon pink, orange, green, or blue ghosts creates a bold, vibrant look that’s perfect for making a statement. The neon ghosts are playful and modern, adding a fun pop of color to your nails.

Squoval-shaped nails keep the design balanced, allowing the bright colors to shine without overwhelming the look. It’s a striking design for those who love vibrant, eye-catching nails.

16. Pastel Ghosts and Clouds

Pastel Ghosts and Clouds

Create a dreamy, whimsical scene with pastel-colored ghosts floating among fluffy white clouds. The background is a light blue or lavender, evoking a soft, serene sky, while the ghosts in shades of pale pink, soft yellow, and mint green drift gently across the nails. The combination of ghosts and clouds adds a magical, ethereal quality to the design.

Oval-shaped nails enhance the gentle curves of the clouds and ghosts, making this design feel light and airy. It’s perfect for those who want a soft, whimsical take on ghost nails.

Related: Snowflake Nail Art Ideas to Create a Winter Wonderland

17. Ghosts and Stripes

Ghosts and Stripes

Combine bold stripes with tiny ghosts for a modern, playful look. Horizontal stripes in bold colors like orange, purple, or teal run across the nails, with small white ghosts peeking through the lines. The contrast between the bold stripes and the delicate ghost figures creates a fun and dynamic design.

Square-shaped nails are ideal for this look, as their sharp edges complement the crispness of the stripes. This design is perfect for those who love bold, graphic nails with a spooky twist.

18. Candy Corn Ghosts

Candy Corn Ghosts

Celebrate the sweetness of Halloween with candy corn-inspired colors and ghostly accents. The nails are painted in the iconic candy corn shades—yellow at the base, orange in the middle, and white at the tip. On one or two accent nails, add a cute white ghost for a playful Halloween touch.

Round-shaped nails are perfect for this look, as their soft curves mimic the rounded shape of candy corn. It’s a sweet, fun design that’s ideal for the Halloween season.

19. Rainbow Ghosts

Rainbow Ghosts

Turn up the fun with rainbow-colored ghosts, each nail featuring a different shade of the rainbow. Use a white background to make the colorful ghosts pop, adding small eyes for extra detail. The rainbow palette adds a playful, cheerful vibe, making this design perfect for those who want something colorful and eye-catching.

Almond-shaped nails enhance the flowing shapes of the ghosts, giving the design a soft, friendly feel. It’s a perfect way to combine fun colors with a ghostly twist.

20. Ghosts in the Stars

Ghosts in the Stars

Set a magical, celestial scene with tiny ghosts floating among gold or silver stars on a midnight blue or black background. The white ghosts drift across the night sky, creating a mystical, enchanting look. The combination of the dark base and sparkling stars adds depth and wonder to the design, while the ghosts bring a playful element.

Squoval-shaped nails are perfect for this look, as their soft curves complement the starry, dreamlike atmosphere. It’s a perfect design for those who love the night sky and the supernatural.

Nail Tools to Help You Achieve the Look

nail polish graphic

49 Pcs Gel Nail Polish Kit - set the palette for your nail designs with a gorgeous gel base color by Lavender Violets.

Fine Striping Tools - achieve intricate and gorgeous designs, including delicate stripes, precise geometric patterns, detailed floral motifs, elegant lace details, and more, elevating the beauty of your nails with precision and creativity.

Dotting Pens - create stunning nail art designs ranging from simple polka dots and dainty flowers to intricate mandalas and playful patterns, allowing for both precision and creativity in your nail art endeavors.

Nail Art Stamps - effortlessly achieve a wide range of gorgeous and intricate designs, including detailed patterns, textures, and images, with precision and uniformity across your nails.

French Manicure Tip Tool - enables precise polish application along the nail tips for a clean, professional-looking finish.

Have Fun With Your Ghostly Nails

From whimsical and playful to sleek and mysterious, ghost-themed nails offer endless possibilities to express your style and embrace the magic of the season. Whether you’re channeling the elegance of floating spirits or the fun of peek-a-boo ghosts, these designs let you experiment with different looks that are easy to recreate and endlessly customizable. So, go ahead—let your nails capture the spirit of the spooky season and have fun with the ghosts that dance at your fingertips!

Related: Exquisite Nail Designs to Beat the Winter Blues

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