How to do a skull manicure: step-by-step photos

Are you ready for graveyard style Halloween nails? Skull manicure is the best choice. This fun nail art trend is a must-have for spooky season, adding a touch of fear to your fingertips. Best of all, it’s easy to DIY.

As a professional manicurist for over 20 years, I have created hundreds of Halloween manicures for editorial photos and clients. I love creating more detailed designs, from stilettos and coffin shapes to crystal appliqués or gemstones, but a more sophisticated look requires a trip to a craft store. These skull nails are one of the easiest for my clients to replicate at home because you only need a few basic tools, black and white nail polish, and a steady hand.

Since this is a quirky design, there’s no need to go to extremes with the length. So pick any shape you like, grab your favorite nail polish, and get ready to unleash your inner ghoul with this Halloween step-by-step skull nail tutorial. Whether you’re a nail pro or a beginner looking to try something new, this fun and festive design is sure to make your holidays spookier in the best way.

Remember: don’t worry about being too perfect. The beauty of skull nails lies in their imperfection and weird charm.

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How to do skull nails

Step 1: Apply base color

Start by painting the base of your nails black or white (or both). Deborah Lippmann products have the best coverage; I recommend Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish Treatment in Fade to Black ($17).

Step 2: Draw the skeleton

The most important step is to wait for the nail polish base to dry (about 10 minutes) before starting to style. Once the base color is dry, use a fine-tipped brush or nail pen to paint over the skeleton details. Try these Savilan pens ($15). Start in the middle of the spine of the nail, then draw a horizontal line under the spine and a small semicircle at each end.

Step 3: Create the skeletal arm

Using a brush or nail clippers, draw the arms into a capital “L”, making two pieces for each side of the skeleton’s body. Draw a small “v” and draw a line in the middle to create the hands.

Step 4: Repeat the above steps for the skeleton legs

Follow the same steps as above, using the same tools as above for the legs and feet.

Step 5: Draw the face

Use round dotting tools of different shapes (or a box of bobby pins if you don’t want to buy them) to build up the skeleton’s face. Add dots on the eyes and mouth to form an “O” shape.

Step 6: Top it up

Finish with a thin coat of clear polish. (Since the colors don’t overlap, you don’t have to wait more than 10 to 15 minutes to add the top coat.) I love Essie Gel Couture Clear Nail Polish Top Coat ($14). It has an intense, high-gloss shine that will protect your art for days to come. My recommendation is to add an extra coat after three to four days to prolong shine and wear.

Gina Edwards discovered her passion for nail art while studying psychology; it was a way to help pay for college. Gina adds the finishing touches to celebrity nails and has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Japan, Allure, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle magazines. She has served as a global brand ambassador for Kiss products and hosted fashion shows. Gina continues to work with brands in the industry and predict nail art trends. Gina is a PS committee member.