
Bloody nails are a classic Halloween manicure, and there are many ways to achieve this look. From thin red blood drips and ombré tips to bold, blood-red nails, you can create a spooky and chic manicure. You can also add a glossy or matte top coat to make your nails look extra glossy or give them a sophisticated twist. If you're feeling creative, try a blood splatter effect or a 3D bloody eyeball design.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail shape | Coffin-shaped or short almond |
| Nail polish | Red, black, purple, or glittery |
| Tools | Dotting tool, thin liner brush, or a bobby pin |
| Top coat | Matte or glossy |
| Tutorials | Available on TikTok, Lulus.com, Madam Glam, and Byrdie |
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What You'll Learn

Nail shape: coffin or short almond?
When it comes to creating a spooky Halloween nail look, the shape of your nails can definitely add to the overall effect. So, coffin-shaped nails or short almond nails—which one should you choose?
Coffin-shaped nails, also known as ballerina nails, are characterised by their long, straight shape that tapers to a point at the tip, resembling a coffin or a ballet slipper. This dramatic shape can definitely add to the eerie vibe of your Halloween manicure. The longer length provides more space for intricate designs and details, such as blood drips or splatters. Coffin nails are also a popular choice for those who want their nails to appear longer and more slender.
On the other hand, short almond nails offer a more understated and elegant look. Almond-shaped nails are shorter and more tapered at the tip, creating a soft and feminine appearance. This shape can be particularly flattering if you have shorter fingers or prefer a more natural-looking manicure. While shorter nails may provide less space for intricate details, they can still be very effective for Halloween nail art. A shorter nail can also be more practical for everyday activities and is less likely to break or snag.
Ultimately, the decision between coffin and short almond nails depends on your personal preference and the specific look you are going for. If you want a more dramatic and edgy appearance, coffin nails might be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more subtle and classic style, short almond nails could be the perfect choice for your Halloween manicure.
Remember, regardless of the shape you choose, always file your nails in one direction to prevent peeling and breakage. And don't forget to prepare your nails properly before starting your Halloween nail art, including cuticle care and ensuring your nail plate is clean and free of any residue.
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Nail colour: red, black or purple?
When it comes to Halloween nail art, blood-themed manicures are a popular choice. There are several ways to create a spooky, bloody look for your nails, and choosing the right colour is essential. So, which is the best option for a chilling Halloween nail look: red, black, or purple?
Red is the most traditional and popular choice for a blood-themed manicure. A deep, bold red polish can create a striking and authentic-looking blood-drip effect. A jelly polish with decent opacity is best as it gets thinner like blood would when running. You can also add a hint of glitter to your red polish for added dimension. For a more understated look, opt for a micro blood drip effect on a single nail. If you want to get creative, try a cherry red French manicure with a smattering of abstract red polish to mimic splattered blood.
For a more sophisticated take on the blood-drip trend, you can experiment with different shades of red. A unique combination could be a classic cherry red and a deep Bordeaux. Another option is to paint your nails a neutral, creamy beige colour and then use a dotting tool to create the blood drip effect with red polish. If you want to avoid red altogether, there are other colours to consider for a chilling effect.
Black polish can be a great alternative, adding a goth or spooky vibe to your manicure. Purple polish, such as a deep plum shade, can also create a mystical and eerie Halloween nail look. Whichever colour you choose, don't forget to add a top coat to ensure your manicure stays chip-free and glossy.
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Dotting tools: bobby pins or hairpins
If you don't have a dotting tool, don't fret! You can easily use the end of a bobby pin or a hairpin as a substitute. Bobby pins are a great option as they are usually thin enough to create small dots, which is ideal for a more delicate bloody nail look.
To create the blood drip effect, start by painting your nails with a base colour of your choice. A white or neutral shade can work well as a base for a blood-soaked manicure. Allow the base colour to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Once your base is dry, it's time to create the blood drips. Using a deep red or blood-red nail polish, carefully dip the end of a bobby pin or hairpin into the polish. You want to pick up a small amount of polish on the tip of the bobby pin to create your dots.
Gently touch the bobby pin to your nail in three places, creating three dots of varying heights. You can play around with the size and placement of the dots to achieve the desired effect. For instance, you can make the dots closer together or further apart, or vary the amount of polish used for each dot to create larger or smaller drops of "blood".
After placing the dots, use a thin liner brush and the same red polish to connect the dots to the top of your nail, creating the dripping effect. You can flare out the polish slightly when you reach the dots to give the illusion of dripping blood.
Remember, you don't need to be too precise or symmetrical with your dots and lines, as natural movement and variation will only add to the realistic, spooky effect of your Halloween manicure!
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Blood drip effect: thin brush or toothbrush
Creating a blood drip effect on your nails this Halloween is a fun and easy way to get creative with your manicure. To achieve this look, you can use a thin brush or even an old toothbrush to create the desired effect.
First, prepare your nails by filing them into your desired shape. You can go for coffin-shaped nails for a spookier look or opt for short almond-shaped nails. Gently push back your cuticles and ensure your nail plate is free of any residue and oils.
Now, it's time to apply the polish. Choose a deep red gel polish and apply 2-3 coats to your thumb, pointer, and pinky fingers. You want these nails to be bold and blood-red. For your ring and middle fingers, apply 2 coats of a sheer neutral base shade and cure your entire hand under a UV lamp.
Once your base shades are cured, it's time to add the blood drips. Using a dotting tool or the thin brush/toothbrush, create three dots of varying heights just below the tip of your middle finger with the red polish. With the thin brush or toothbrush, connect those dots to the tip, letting the lines flare out slightly when you reach them. This will give you a perfect blood-drip effect.
Finally, to complete the look and ensure your manicure lasts, add a top coat to each nail. You can use a glossy gel top coat or a matte gel top coat, depending on your preference. Wait for about 5-10 minutes before applying the topcoat to avoid smudging your nail art.
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Finishing touches: cuticle oil or top coat
Now that you've created your Halloween nail art, it's time to finish it off with a top coat or cuticle oil to ensure your manicure stays flawless and glossy.
If you want a glossy finish, simply apply one coat of a top coat, such as the ORLY Polishield Topcoat, to every nail. Be sure to wait 5-10 minutes before applying to avoid smudging your nail art. Alternatively, you can use a No Wipe Top Coat, as recommended by Madam Glam.
If you'd prefer a matte finish, apply a matte gel top coat to every nail and cure it. You can then add some special effects to your thumbnail by using a glossy gel top coat. With a dotting tool, place three dots of varying heights and connect them to the top of the nail using a thin liner brush and more of the glossy gel top coat. Cure it for a full 60 seconds.
Don't forget to apply some cuticle oil to keep your cuticles healthy and your deadly chic Halloween mani looking its best.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any white and red polish, but your red polish should not be glittery and should run easily. A jelly polish with decent opacity is best as it gets thinner like blood would when running.
First, prep your nails by cleaning up any dry skin around your nail beds, gently pushing back the cuticles, and making sure your nail plate is free of any residue and oils. Then, apply two to three coats of red polish to your thumb, pointer, and pinky fingers. For the ring and middle fingers, apply two coats of a sheer neutral base shade and cure your entire hand under a UV lamp. Finally, create three dots of varying heights just below the French tip on your middle finger using the red shade. With a thin liner brush, connect those dots to the French tip with the same red shade, letting it flare out slightly when you reach the dots.
To complete your Halloween nail art, add one coat of a top coat to every nail. Wait 5-10 minutes before applying to avoid smudging your nail art.











































