Witch Hairstyles: 7 Enchanting Looks for a Spellbinding Halloween

A witch costume lives or dies by the hair. The black dress is easy to find, but the right witch hairstyles sell the whole story.

The good news is that witch hairstyles are some of the most forgiving looks you can wear. Messy is welcome, wild is encouraged, and most of these take less time than your makeup.

Whether you are wearing the classic pointed hat or going hat-free, there is a style here for your hair length, your skill level, and your schedule. For even more inspiration, browse our easy Halloween hairstyles.

Long Dark Witchy Waves

This is the witch hairstyle everyone pictures first, and it works with almost any costume, which is why it leads our list of witch hairstyles.

Curl large sections away from your face with a big barrel iron. Once the curls cool, rake through them with your fingers until they loosen into waves. You want them a little wild, not polished.

Tease the crown lightly for lift, then mist with texturizing spray. The texture is what makes it read witchy instead of just wavy — the secret behind the best witch hairstyles.

This one looks great with a pointed hat and without one. It also suits darker hair best, but any shade works once the texture is right. If you love curls, check out our curly hair costume ideas for more Halloween inspiration.

Loose Witchy Braids

Two long braids are the easiest of these witch hairstyles, and they echo the classic Lizzie Borden hairstyle. Split your hair down the middle and braid each side loosely.

Now gently tug each loop outward to puff the braids up. A little messiness is the whole point, so do not worry about perfect tension.

Weave a colored clip-in extension through one braid for extra character. Purple, green, or silver all read instantly witchy.

This style survives a whole night of dancing. It also works beautifully under a witch hat since everything stays contained.

The Witch Hat Updo

If you are wearing the classic pointed hat, your hair needs to sit flat enough for the hat to stay put.

Twist your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Keep it smooth at the crown so the hat sits straight, then pin it firmly. Leave a few thin tendrils loose around your face for softness.

This updo also stands alone if you decide to ditch the hat later. The twisted shape looks intentional and elegant, not like one of those witch hairstyles you gave up on. For more inspiration, browse Allure’s Halloween hairstyle gallery.

Secure the hat with a couple of bobby pins crossed through the brim. Nothing ruins the illusion faster than a hat that keeps sliding.

Temporary Color Streaks

Of all the witch hairstyles here, nothing says witch like a streak of unnatural color, and you do not need bleach to get it. Byrdie’s guide to coloring hair at home has helpful technique tips if you are new to temporary color.

Temporary color sprays are the fastest option. Hold the can about six inches from dry hair and mist two or three front sections. Purple, green, and deep red are the classic choices — or go bolder with a pink hair Halloween costume.

Colored clip-in extensions are even easier and give a brighter result. Slide them in at the roots and blend them with your fingers.

Both options wash out in one shampoo. That makes them perfect for anyone who wants witch hairstyles for one night and their normal hair back on Monday.

Wild Crimped Witch Hair

This is the look for the witch who has been up all night casting spells — the wildest of these witch hairstyles. Big, messy, and gloriously untamed.

Run a crimper through your hair in small sections from roots to ends. Then tease the roots generously and shake everything out with your fingers.

The more volume, the better. This is not the night for sleek or controlled hair.

Pair it with dark makeup and the drama takes care of itself. If you own a crimper and have twenty minutes, this might be the easiest transformation here.

Half-Up Twisted Crown

This one strikes the balance between pretty and spooky. It reads romantic from the front and witchy from every angle.

Take two sections from your temples and twist them back along your head. Cross them over each other and pin them in place. Leave the rest of your hair down in soft waves.

Now add the magic: tiny spider clips, silver moon pins, or a few strands of hair tinsel woven through the twists. Accessories do half the work here.

This style suits medium and long hair best. It also transitions well from daytime to a party, since it looks like a deliberate hairstyle rather than one of those obvious costume witch hairstyles.

Overnight Heatless Witchy Waves

Ran out of time? When you need witch hairstyles in a hurry, this is your rescue plan, and it takes about five minutes the night before.

Dampen your hair slightly, split it into two sections, and twist each into a loose rope braid. Coil each rope into a bun on top of your head and sleep on it.

In the morning, take the buns down and shake your hair out. You will get soft, natural waves with exactly the undone texture a witch hairstyle needs.

Add a center part for a darker feel or a deep side part for glamour. Either way, it looks like you planned it.

Witch Hairstyles: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a witch hairstyle with short hair?

Yes. The wild crimped look works beautifully on bobs and lobs, and a temporary color streak or two reads witchy on any length. Focus on texture and accessories rather than length — that is what makes witch hairstyles work on short hair.

How do I keep my hair from falling apart under a witch hat?

Keep the crown smooth and pin the hat to your hair, not just sitting on it. A low bun or braids tucked behind the brim stay put far better than loose hair. Cross two bobby pins through the hat’s brim for extra security.

What is the best temporary color for witch hair?

Purple and green are the classic choices, with deep red and silver close behind. Color sprays work for one night and wash out easily. Clip-in extensions give brighter color and are kinder to your hair.

How do I get witchy texture without any heat?

Sleep in two rope braid buns on slightly damp hair, or braid your hair in several loose braids before bed. In the morning, take them down and shake everything out. A little texturizing spray or dry shampoo adds the final grit.