Halloween is the one time of year when your hair can truly become a canvas for the macabre, the whimsical, and the outright terrifying. But as anyone who has ever tried to wear a plastic spider or a heavy set of devil horns knows, the struggle to keep these accessories in place is real. There is nothing less spooky than a ghost clip sliding down your forehead mid-party.
Whether you are going for a full-blown costume or just adding a touch of “spooky season” to your everyday look, these 16 accessories will elevate your style—and we’ve included the ultimate guide to ensuring they stay exactly where you put them.
1. Skeleton Hands
Skeleton hand clips are a cult classic for a reason. Usually made of plastic or lightweight metal, these clips look like bony fingers crawling through your locks. They work best when used to pin back a side-swept fringe or to accent a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Because they are often “alligator” style clips, they have decent grip, but their weight can cause them to sag in fine hair.
2. Bat Wings
For a look that is both cute and gothic, bat wing clips are the way to go. These often come in felt, leather, or glittery plastic. They are perfect for “Space Bun” styles, where a bat can sit atop each bun. To make these pop, choose a color that contrasts with your hair—silver or purple bats for dark hair, and black or blood-red for blondes.
3. Jeweled Spiders
If you want to lean into “glam-horror,” jeweled spiders are your best friend. These look incredibly sophisticated when tucked into a low chignon or an intricate braid. The sparkle catches the light, making it look like a high-fashion arachnid has decided to make a home in your hair. Since these can be heavy, they require a solid foundation of hairspray and pins.
4. Pumpkin Scrunchies
Not every accessory needs to be sharp or metallic. A plush velvet scrunchie in pumpkin orange or a print featuring classic Jack-o’-lanterns is the perfect “low-effort, high-impact” choice. These are ideal for those who want to celebrate the season comfortably while running errands or attending a casual pumpkin carving party.
5. Ghost Bobbies
Minimalist yet effective, ghost-shaped bobby pins are the “quiet luxury” of Halloween hair. They are subtle enough to wear to the office but spooky enough to show you have spirit. These are best used in groups of three or four to create a “parade of ghosts” across the side of your head.
6. Devil Horns
Devil horns have evolved past the cheap plastic headbands of the past. Modern versions come as individual clip-ins or “floating” headbands that disappear into the hair. Whether you choose glittery, matte, or realistic textured horns, the key is placement. They should sit slightly forward on the crown to frame the face correctly.
7. Witch Hats
The “mini witch hat” fascinator is a staple for a reason. It adds height and a vintage “haute couture” vibe to any outfit. These often come with a comb or a clip. If you are wearing your hair down, the hat can feel unstable, so it’s often best to anchor it to a small hidden braid.
8. Crow Fascinators
Nothing says “Edgar Allan Poe” like a raven or crow perched in your hair. These accessories are dramatic and bold. They work beautifully with Victorian-inspired costumes or “Gothic Widow” looks. Because of their size, they require a very secure attachment point, usually at the base of a sturdy bun.
9. Blood Drip Headbands
This is a high-concept accessory that looks incredibly striking in photos. The “blood” is usually made of a translucent red plastic that catches the light. It’s a great way to add a “slasher” element to your look without the mess of actual fake blood, which can stain your hair and clothes.
10. Serpent Pins
Channel your inner Medusa with serpent hair pins. These are often long and flexible, allowing you to wrap them around a ponytail or weave them into a braid. Gold or silver snakes look stunning against almost any hair color and provide a “dark goddess” aesthetic that is timeless.
11. Realistic Eyeballs
If “creepy” is your goal, look no further than eyeball hair ties. These are surreal and unsettling in the best possible way. They are particularly effective when worn in pigtails, as the eyes seem to watch people standing behind you.
12. Death’s-Head Moths
Inspired by The Silence of the Lambs, the Death’s-head moth is a beautiful and macabre symbol. As a hair accessory, it offers a more “dark cottagecore” or “naturalist horror” vibe. These are usually wide barrettes that hold a significant amount of hair, making them both functional and decorative.
13. Spiderweb Veils
The spiderweb veil is the ultimate “Gothic Bride” accessory. It’s softer than a plastic clip and adds an air of mystery. The lace can be draped over the face or pinned back to flow with the rest of your hair. This is one of the most stable accessories on the list, as the headband or crown provides a solid base.
14. Celestial Moons
While not strictly “scary,” celestial accessories fit perfectly into the “Witchy” aesthetic. A combination of silver moons and stars can create a “celestial goddess” look. They are best worn in “scatter” patterns, appearing as if they are floating in the hair rather than being neatly lined up.
15. Coffin Barrettes
Coffin barrettes are simple, bold, and undeniably Halloween. They are often made of wood, acrylic, or resin. Because they are flat, they stay against the head better than rounded accessories, making them a great choice for those with slippery, straight hair.
16. Vertebrae Combs
For the true horror fan, “bone” accessories are the peak of the season. A comb shaped like a spine or individual vertebrae adds a “taxidermy” or “ossuary” feel to your look. These are often weighted toward the top, so they need to be pushed into a very tight section of hair to stay upright.
How to Keep Your Spooky Accessories From Slipping
There is nothing more frustrating than a heavy skeleton hand or a top-heavy witch hat sliding out of your hair every five minutes. Use these professional styling tricks to keep your look locked in place all night long.
The “X” Marks the Spot Technique
If you are using bobby pins or slides, don’t just slide them in. Take two pins and slide them across each other in an “X” shape. This creates a mechanical lock that prevents the hair from sliding through the pin.
Texturize Before You Accessorize
Clean hair is the enemy of hair accessories. If your hair is too silky, the clips have nothing to “bite” into.
- Dry Shampoo: Spray the section of hair where the clip will go with dry shampoo to add “grit.”
- Hairspray the Clip: Don’t just spray your hair; spray the actual clip or barrette before putting it in. The drying hairspray creates a tacky surface that grips the hair strands.
The Hidden Braid Anchor
If you have very fine hair and want to wear a heavy fascinator or a large clip, create a tiny “anchor” braid.
- Take a small section of hair exactly where you want to place the accessory.
- Braid it tightly and secure it with a small elastic.
- Clip your accessory directly onto the braid. The braid is much denser and more stable than loose hair, providing a permanent foundation.
Backcombing the Root
For clips like skeleton hands or spiders, use a fine-tooth comb to “tease” or backcomb the small section of hair where the clip will sit. This creates a “nest” of hair that the clip can grab onto. Once the clip is in, smooth the top layer of hair over the teased section for a seamless look.
Use the Right Clip for Your Hair Type
- Fine Hair: Look for clips with “teeth” or “alligator” styles. Avoid heavy metal slides that rely on tension alone.
- Thick Hair: Look for “French barrettes” (the kind that click shut) or large-span claws. Avoid small bobby pins, which will simply spring open under the pressure of thick hair.
The “Bottom-Up” Strategy
When using hair combs (like the bone vertebrae comb), always push the comb in the opposite direction of the hair growth first, then flip it and push it down. This “interlocks” the teeth of the comb with your hair, making it nearly impossible for it to fall out on its own.
