Famous Spooky Hair in Pop Culture (Because Halloween Isn’t Complete Without a Freaky ‘Do)

Hey follicles & fiends! October’s creeping in, and you know what that means—time to talk the BEST, the WILD, the eerily unforgettable hair in pop culture. Whether you wanna steal these styles for Halloween or just admire the chaos, here are some iconic spooky hair moments that prove hair isn’t just decoration—it’s character.

1. Beetlejuice (1988 & Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)

The wildest hair + green‑tinged chaos = instant cult icon. Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice is basically a “who slept in a weed patch and forgot to brush” look, with wild, greasy white and green hair that punks dreams are made of. In the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the hair & makeup team doubled down—Catherine O’Hara’s Delia Deetz gets six custom‑cut titian red wigs to slide deeper into madness, and Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) maintains her signature black goth fringe and off‑kilter style. (Allure)

Why it slays for Halloween: It’s theatrical, it’s messy, it’s bold. Wear a wig, tease it, spike it, and let the world ask “What the hell happened to your hair? Are you possessed?” Yes. That’s the vibe.

2. Lydia Deetz’s Fringe & The “Birdnest” Updo

Specifically in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Lydia’s micro‑fringe (baby bangs) and tousled backcombed updo are everywhere right now. Spoiler: it’s not just for goth girls anymore. Billie Eilish, Alexa Demie and others have leaned into that jagged, spiky fringe + messy top‑knot style, riding the Lydia wave. (Dazed Digital)

Halloween hack: Don’t want to chop? Faux fringe + some texturizing spray + maybe a wig. Go full Lydia energy—pairs well with black lipstick and severe makeup.

3. Christina Aguilera’s “Lady Marmalade” Curls (on Halloween nights)

When Xtina showed up for Halloween with those classic Moulin Rouge‑era voluminous blonde curls? Legendary. These big, bouncy curls are glamorous, spooky, diva‑powered, and totally over the top. (InStyle)

Pro move: If you’ve got natural curls, amplify them. If not, go for clip‑ins or a wig. Big hair = big impact. Maybe add some spider clips or cobwebs to not just be glam but ghost‑glam.

4. Soo Catwoman (Early Punk Legend)

Her haircut literally looked like someone took scissors to a baby liberty spikes chart and said yes. Short sides, horizon‑pointed spiky silhouette, fringe with attitude. Her style was inspired in part by Bride of Frankenstein vibes. (Dazed Digital)

Spooky bonus: Punk hair was always a little scary. It rebels. It messes with expectations. For Halloween, channel that defiant energy. Use strong gel, hairspray, maybe even hair color to hit that jagged edge.

5. Devilock & Liberty Spikes

ou thought punks couldn’t be festive? Hell no. The devilock haircut (long in front, short in back/sides, slicked forward or hanging down in a tongue) and liberty spikes (tall, upright, dramatic) have both perfectly creepy, theatrical energy. Think horror concert meets Halloween party.

( Mens haircuts )

DIY guide: Use strong hold products. Spikes need support: hairspray, possibly hair glue, teasing. If your scalp screams in protest, go softer but still structured.

6. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935): The Undisputed Queen of Spooky Hair 

Let’s get one thing perfectly clear — the Bride of Frankenstein didn’t just invent spooky chic… she is spooky chic. Elsa Lanchester’s towering shockwave of black hair with white lightning streaks is literally the blueprint for every dramatic Halloween hairstyle that’s ever mattered.

This isn't just a horror look — it's couture horror. It screams mad science meets runway, and it’s still making cameos in Halloween fashion, drag culture, and editorial shoots in 2025. Name a more iconic bolt of brilliance. I’ll wait.

Fun fact: That beehive was created by building a wire cage into Elsa's hair and padding it out with sheep’s wool. THAT is the level of commitment we need in 2025. (source: TCM.com)

Bonus: Why Spooky Hair Works So Well

• Hair can be messy, wild, unnatural in texture or color. Those things trigger supernatural vibes.

• Fringe & bangs hide/mask expression—perfect for ghostly or mysterious energy.

• Big volume = drama. Drama = Halloween love.

• Contrast: dark hair, pale skin, weird shapes. It’s visually haunted.

Wanna Try One Tonight? Here’s Your Spooky Hair Cheat Sheet

Style	You’ll Need	What Makes It Spooky
Beetlejuice Wig or Green‑Weed bed Look	Green/white wig or tease out your hair + green spray	Looks like you just crawled out of a Netherworld‐weed patch
Lydia Fringe + Tousled Bun	Razor or faux fringe + teasing comb + strong hairspray	Sharp lines and chaos in the updo = gothic spy energy
Big Blonde Curls (Xtina Vibe)	Curling iron / rollers / clip‑ins + volumizer	Glam + contrast creates attention. Adds power to dramatic makeup
Punk Spikes / Devilock	Gel, spray, maybe dry shampoo for texture	Structural weirdness that defies gravity—very “monster‑punk”
Bride Of Frankenstein	Tall beehive wig or build your own with teasing + hairspray + white streaks	Instantly recognizable, classic horror elegance with high drama

So there you have it—your pop culture guide to hair that gives ghosts goosebumps. Try one, or mix & match for maximum haunted house knock‑out. Your hair deserves to be the spookiest thing in the room (besides whoever’s behind you in the mirror after 2 am).