Halloween Hair: Gothic Glam Without the Wig

Halloween does not have to mean a costume wig or a head of colour you will regret by Monday. This year’s best Halloween hair is polished, dark and dramatic, and most of it looks just as good on a normal night out. Here are the salon-grade looks we love, and which ones are temporary.

Glossy Gothic Black

The simplest Halloween look is also the most elegant: dark, glossy, perfectly finished hair. A sleek black bob or long, glassy waves read as gothic glamour without any props. If you are already dark, a gloss and a smooth blow-dry can take your natural colour to a much richer, shinier place for the night. Our gothic waves post shows the moodier, softer-edged way to style it.

If you want a deeper black that lasts, a professional colour is the way to go, and our guide to matte black hair explains what to expect. Going back from black later takes planning, so read how to remove black hair dye before you commit.

A Crimson or Cherry Glaze

For a little more drama, a deep red tone over dark hair is the classic vampire shortcut. A cherry or crimson glaze sits on top of black or dark brown and glints under light, so it looks subtle by day and dramatic after dark. A gloss is a semi-permanent option, so it fades gradually over a few weeks rather than staying put.

If you prefer warm to cool, burnt copper and amber shades are the pumpkin-spice answer: autumnal, flattering and far easier to wear than they sound. Your colourist can tell you which direction suits your base.

Sculpted Updos and Dark Details

If you do not want to change your colour at all, change the shape. A sculptural braided crown or a sleek, high bun gives instant gothic-romance energy, and small details like deep red beads or dark pins finish it off. They wash out and come out in seconds, which makes them the lowest-risk option on this list.

Our ballerina bun guide is a good place to start for a polished look that holds all night.

Tinsel, Sparkle and Temporary Colour

For something playful, hair tinsel catches the light in the same way a fantasy colour would, but it is added strand by strand and can be taken out again. We have everything you need to know in our hair tinsel post. Coloured sprays and waxes are another temporary route, and they wash out with shampoo, though they can be drying and stain light hair, so avoid them on blonde or bleached hair.

Whatever you choose, remember that any new colour needs a patch test at least 48 hours beforehand if you have not coloured with us before, so do not leave it to the afternoon of the party.

Planning Halloween hair? Colour appointments get busy in the run up to the 31st, so book early. Book at Oxford Street | Book at Covent Garden.