Iconic Halloween Costumes That Are All About The Hair

Halloween inspiration often comes in waves based on current pop culture moments. Back in 2017, it was all about Left Shark, and then last year you were probably bobbing for apples with four Kim Kardashian look-alikes at the company Halloween party.

Of course, this year things will look a lot different, but you can still expect plenty of Zoom-friendly costumes as we celebrate Halloween safely during a pandemic. With careful attention paid to everything happening above the neck, you've got to get the hair right to portray any pop-culture icon and make it convincing through a laptop screen.

So, to make your life a little easier, we recommend planning your costume around the hair. Whether you're planning to buy a wig or just styling your own strands with accessories, we have all your Halloween hair inspiration ahead. These looks range from Cher's waist-length black hair to a platinum Xtina with colored streaks, but each one is a recognizable Halloween classic.

Cher

Cher's look is all about jet-black, pin-straight hair parted right down the middle. Hairstylist Harry Josh let us in on the secret to Cher's iconic hairstyle: an ironing board. "She used to actually iron her hair on an ironing board to get it that straight and smooth," Josh told us. Now, we have flat irons, but you get the gist.Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.

Madonna

 

It's impossible not to have a bomb Halloween when you're channeling the best of '80s punk via Madonna. You'll need a big tulle hair bow, wax texture spray, sparkly eyeshadow, an oversized denim jacket (worn backwards, of course), and every piece of chunky jewelry you own.Photo: Michael Putland/Getty Images.

Donna Summer

Soft fluffy curls, indigo eyeshadow, some high drama blush draping, and a glossy berry stained lip — and you've got a costume that disco dreams are made of.Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.

Marilyn Monroe

To really pay homage to Monroe's signature blonde hairstyle, you'll probably need a wig. Or, if you already have the color, you can take a cue from Lady Gaga and grab the Velcro rollers to recreate her iconic curly coiffure. Either way, red lipstick is a must.Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images.

Janet Jackson

Name a more iconic box braid hairstyle than Janet Jackson's high pony in Poetic Justice… we'll wait. Don't forget to stock up on headbands and hats to accessorize the look.Photo: KMazur/WireImage.

Jackie O.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis invested time into her hair. To get that signature bouffant, you could run to your local Drybar with this White House photo for inspiration. Or, opt for an at-home blowout. After you add volume with a round brush, make sure you have have some hot rollers on hand to help with perfecting those curled-under ends.Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images.

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