Fun and Simple Nail Ideas inspired by Thrillers, Horror, and the Supernatural!

I love a good mani/pedi. Last week I saw a lovely vampiric nail set worn by @NylaRoseBeast on Twitter that made me think of how creative nail art is.

Many folks love doing their nails and they are often used as another expression of beauty and personal style. They can also be a staple of costuming, like many alternative, goth, and punk characters sporting black nail polish or a femme fatale’s immaculate cherry red nails. They can be indicative of a character’s timeline, like Michelle’s progressively chipped burgundy nails in 10 Cloverfield Lane or Ginger’s nails lengthening into claws as she transforms in Ginger Snaps. It can also be soothing and feel indulgent to soak your tired hands and feet and slowly paint them while listening to a podcast or while a movie is on in the background. So here are a few of my favorite, simple, at home manicures inspired by some spooky and horror adjacent films and shows!

Note: I am not a very good nail artist, so these are easy-peasy. You can find more complex, ornate designs inspired by these films/shows online but I’m just going to KISS.

Mild spoilers for some of these films/ shows!

Twin Peaks: The Return

Diane’s two manicures seem to be inspired by the Black Lodge or Red Room. The first look worn by her tulpa form uses black, light grey, and two shades of red to evoke the mysterious location where these spirits hang out. Her true form has a simple alternating black and white set that compliments her flaming red hair. I prefer the tulpa’s look and have been giving myself this manicure since The Return aired in 2017.

Jennifer’s Body

Jennifer’s simple nails are iconic to me. I love the vivid Barbie pink with the single black accent nail on her middle finger. Is this a hint of the darkness hidden within all teen girls, especially Jen once she becomes possessed, or a way for Jennifer to give people the finger? Both are valid interpretations and this set is fun for those who never got over their obsession with a black x pink color combo. This is the current look I have on my nails for spooky season!

Demon Slayer

After being transformed into a demon, Nezuko’s nails grow long, pointed, and appear like they’re tipped in blood. She uses these talons to scratch enemies or herself to activate her blood demon art. Nezuko’s demon nails are easy to achieve if you get creative! Using a makeup sponge as a stamp, you can mix bright, blood red polish with a pink shade to get the ombre effect. You can mix them on a plastic surface then dab the sponge into them or paint the colors onto the sponge before stamping your nails. The more blending you do, the more subtle the transition between the two colors. This technique does get a lot of polish on the skin around your nails so make sure to have some nail polish remover nearby or do it a few days before you want to show them off! A couple of coats of clear polish can eliminate any bumps from the sponge stamp technique.

Promising Young Woman

Cassie’s consistent pastel nails are one of the only constant parts of her costumes in Promising Young Woman. She uses her femininity to threaten and expose “nice guys” who are taking advantage of intoxicated women as payback for the assault and subsequent suicide of her best friend. While her outfits to ensnare her targets are meant to look like she is a club or party girl, her day-to-day outfits appear demurely girly and soft. While the film left a bad taste in some viewer’s mouths, Cassie’s nails were replicated by many others!

Dexter

Pastels not for you? What about a lurid set of “skittle nails” but with a creepy twist? This bold, multicolored look from Dexter may just be the ticket! The ice truck killer from the first season infamously painted the nails of his victims as part of their calling card. These bright, saturated colors feel more childish and playful than even Cassie’s, hinting to the disturbing childhood the killer had and their identity long before they’re fully revealed.

One reason I love these simple looks is because I can pay homage to some of my favorite spooky media without doing a full cosplay. While I am a fan of a good closet cosplay, it is not feasible for every day at work. While most of these characters are women/ femmes, there is no reason these looks can’t be rocked by anyone. Please let us know if you have any fun, iconic nails from horror/ horror adjacent works! <3

Feature by Dee

Twitter @Sirenofscience