Curly hair is usually the thing people hide under a wig at Halloween, and I think that's backwards. Half the characters below are defined by their hair, so if you already have the curls, you've done the hardest part. I've gathered princesses, witches, animals, retro looks and storybook characters, and for each one I cover the clothes, how I'd style the curls, the makeup, the props and the shoes. Short ringlets or long coils, red, blonde or dark, nearly every idea adapts to the hair you walk in with.
Making Curls Last From Doorbell to Midnight
Curls styled at five in the afternoon rarely look the same at ten. Body heat, a hat, a hood and damp evening air all work against definition, so I plan the hair as carefully as the outfit.
- Style the day before if you can. Second-day curls often hold a shape better than freshly washed ones, which are softer and drop faster.
- Use a gel with real hold, let it dry completely, then scrunch out the crunch. That dried cast is what stops frizz in humid air.
- Pin hats, crowns and headbands through the curls, not on top of them. Two bobby pins crossed in an X hold far more than one pushed straight in.
- Pack a small kit: a few pins, a spray bottle of water with a little leave-in, and a pick for lifting flattened roots.
- Never brush dry curls at any point. A brush turns ringlets into fuzz, which suits Hermione and almost nobody else on this list.
If rain is likely, a clear plastic rain hood folded in a pocket saves more costumes than any product. It isn't glamorous, but your hair arrives looking the way you styled it.
1. Merida Costume With Red Curly Hair
Merida is the costume I steer redheads toward first, because her hair does most of the talking. The dress is a floor-length forest-green gown with long sleeves and thin gold trim; a thrifted velvet maxi often gets you there with trim stitched on. Separate natural red curls with your fingers, never a brush, or you'll lose the definition and end up with a cloud. If you're not red, a full curly wig beats temporary colour here because she needs so much volume. Peach blush, a few freckles, a brown belt with a small pouch and a bow without arrows finish her, and brown ankle boots hide under the hem for a long walk or a school event.
2. Mirabel Costume With Short Curly Hair
Mirabel reads from her embroidery and her glasses more than anything else, which is good news if your curls are short. You need a white puff-sleeve blouse covered in flowers and butterflies, a turquoise ankle-length skirt with colour around the hem, and round green glasses. I make the embroidery as pinned or iron-on patches so the blouse goes back into the wardrobe afterward. For the hair, a deep side part with defined ringlets and one side tucked behind the ear. Small blue earrings, a woven crossbody bag and teal flats or brown sandals do the rest, and you never have to straighten a single curl.
3. Hermione Granger Costume With Brown Curls
Early Hermione is one of the few characters where frizz is actually correct, so don't fight it. Build the uniform from a white button-down, a gray V-neck sweater, a pleated skirt and a burgundy-and-gold striped tie; a plain black graduation gown makes a convincing robe. I define only the curls around the face and leave the rest full. Brushed brows and a natural lip keep her young. Carry an old hardcover book and a wooden-look wand, and add gray knee socks with black lace-ups. If you have a spare hour, stitch a small felt crest to the robe rather than gluing it, because felt glued to polyester tends to peel off by the end of the night.
4. Annie Costume With Red Curly Hair
Annie suits adults and children alike, and the hair matters more than the dress. Look for a knee-length red dress with short puff sleeves, a fitted waist and a white collar, plus a white belt if the waist disappears. Natural red curls need shaping into a round silhouette; I lift them at the roots with a pick rather than adding product, which weighs them down. If you need a wig, pick a short copper-red one with springy ringlets and shake it out before wearing, as cheap wigs shed in the bag. Freckles, a locket or a plush dog, white ankle socks and black Mary Janes. Neutral tights and a red cardigan handle a cold night without breaking the colour.
5. Ms. Frizzle Costume With Curly Red Hair
Ms. Frizzle is my usual suggestion for teachers, because it's a dress and a hairstyle rather than a costume you wrestle with all day. Start with a knee-length navy or royal-blue dress and pin removable felt planets, stars and comets across it. Pins rather than glue means the dress survives. Red or auburn curls go into a high, loose bun with ringlets left out at the face; with a wig, cross the bobby pins in an X so it doesn't slip during a long school day. Bright blue liner, a coral lip, star earrings, a toy school bus and a stack of books. Yellow flats beat heels when you're standing in a classroom.
6. Sandy Olsson Costume With Blonde Curls
Sandy's final look comes down to lifted blonde curls and a lot of black. High-waisted black pants, an off-the-shoulder black top, a wide belt and a cropped faux-leather jacket. I'd choose the softest jacket you can find, since stiff faux leather gets hot indoors fast. Mousse the curls, lift the roots and sweep them back off the face, or use a blonde curly wig for the same shape. Winged liner, a red lip, small gold hoops and a black clutch. Red heels or red flats give her the colour contrast, and nearly everything else can come from your closet or a thrift store.
7. Fran Fine Costume With Big Curly Hair
Fran Fine needs big hair first and a loud outfit second. Find a bright patterned minidress or a fitted skirt suit and wear it over opaque black tights; animal print, bold checks or colour blocking all read as her without an exact copy of any one outfit. Pile the volume at the crown and let the spirals fall to the shoulders. Thick curls suit her best, because the more exaggerated the hair, the more deliberate the whole costume looks. Gold statement earrings, stacked bracelets and a small structured handbag, then black pumps or pointed flats. A cropped jacket covers you if the night turns cold.
8. Bob Ross Costume With Brown Curly Hair
Bob Ross is about the easiest costume here and suits almost anyone with short brown curls. A pale blue button-down tucked into straight jeans with a brown belt, and the curls shaped round, or a short brown curly wig. For the beard, a costume beard is quicker, but brown face paint stippled lightly along the jaw looks softer; patch-test it on your inner wrist first and set it with powder so it stays off your collar. Dab craft paint onto a wooden palette and let it dry fully the day before, then carry a big clean brush. Friends can come as trees, mountains or clouds, which makes it one of the cheapest group ideas I know.
9. Winifred Sanderson Costume With Red Curls
Winifred is a costume where the hair has to be engineered. Wear a long dark-green gown, or a maxi skirt and top, under a purple velvet-look cape or coat. The red curls go into two high rounded sections, and I build each one over a small padded donut and pin into it, since curls alone collapse by mid-evening. Leave a few ringlets loose by the ears. Copper eye shadow, strong brows and a deep rose lip drawn into a small heart at the centre. A gold pendant, rings, a faux spellbook and black lace-up ankle boots finish her. Redheads get the easiest version, but a curly red wig styled on a foam head the night before works too.
10. Mother Gothel Costume With Long Black Curls
Mother Gothel depends on long, dense dark curls, so she belongs to anyone whose hair already falls past the shoulders. A floor-length burgundy dress with wide sleeves, a square neckline and gold ribbon trim, plus a matching sash tied at the waist. Use curl cream, a centre part, and arrange the hair over both shoulders. Arched brows, plum shadow, warm contour and a dark berry lip. I'd make her golden flower from felt or craft foam, which won't crush in a bag the way a real or silk bloom does. A gold brooch, a simple ring and ankle boots under the hem. There's no headpiece, which makes her one of the more comfortable villains to wear.
11. Betty Boop Costume With Short Black Curls
Short black curls get you most of the way to Betty Boop. Wear a knee-length red dress with a sweetheart or scoop neckline, cut so you can sit, dance and bend without fuss. Her forehead curls are the detail people notice first: I wrap a small section around a finger with strong gel and clip it flat until it dries. Longer hair pins under into a faux bob. Curved black liner, thin arched brows and a red lip, then gold hoops, a gold bangle and a heart-shaped bag. Sheer black tights add warmth. Swap in a longer dress, a cardigan and flats and she suits a family gathering or an office party.
12. Penny Proud Costume With Curly Pigtails
Penny Proud's outfit is cheerful and modest, and curly pigtails suit it. A burgundy cardigan over a cream blouse with a rounded collar, a dark-red pleated skirt, white ankle socks and black loafers. Divide the curls into two high pigtails, smooth the front gently and leave the ends springy. I use soft fabric scrunchies rather than thin elastics, because thin bands snag curls and you'll feel them pulling by the end of a school party. Soft liner, pink gloss, small gold earrings and a purple backpack. A notebook makes an easy prop, and she fits neatly into a group of other animated teenage characters.
13. Scary Godmother Costume With Orange Curls
Scary Godmother is whimsical, not frightening, and the colours carry it. A short black dress goes over purple-and-green striped leggings, with a fitted purple cape or cropped cardigan on top. Orange or red curls need full volume and a small pointed purple hat pinned near the crown. Temporary orange spray brightens red or brown curls, but it rubs off on the cape, so I spray, let it dry completely and seal it with a light hairspray. Pale green face paint goes on in thin layers with a damp sponge, followed by powder. Light black wings, a star wand, a pumpkin bag and buckled boots you can actually walk in.
14. Glam Witch Costume With Purple Curls
Purple curls take a standard witch costume somewhere more glamorous. Start with a long black dress with sheer sleeves, or a fitted black top with a layered skirt, then add a purple cape, striped tights and a wide-brim pointed hat with stars. On curly hair a big hat flattens the crown, so I pin it slightly back and leave the curls loose underneath. Use temporary purple on a few sections, or a violet curly wig if you want the colour all over. Lavender shadow, sharp black liner and a plum lip. A small broom made from craft twigs and ribbon, silver moon earrings, and buckled ankle boots supportive enough to answer the door all night.
15. Victorian Vampire Costume With Dark Curls
A Victorian vampire can look dark and polished without a drop of fake blood. Choose a long burgundy or black dress with a high neck, lace cuffs and a fitted waist, plus a black velvet-look cape lined in red. Dark curls go half-up, with height at the crown and ringlets down the back. Pale foundation, smoky gray shadow and a deep berry lip; berry lipstick transfers onto cups and cheeks, so blot, press powder through a tissue and reapply. A cameo choker, lace gloves and a folding fan. Fangs are optional, and I usually leave them out because they make talking awkward and the clothes already say vampire.
16. Lion Costume With Golden Curly Hair
Golden curls form the mane for you, so a lion barely needs anything on the head. Wear a tan long-sleeve top with leggings or relaxed pants and a golden-brown faux-fur vest. Fluff the curls out around the face and lift the roots to round the shape. Felt ears on a headband sit above the hair; I choose a headband with small teeth so it grips curls instead of sliding back. Bronzed makeup, a brown nose and whisker dots. Sew the tail into the waistband rather than pinning it, as pinned tails get yanked off. Brown gloves make paws. It suits adults, teens and children, and faux fur runs warm, so keep the layer underneath thin.
17. Disco Diva Costume With Voluminous Curls
Big glossy curls are already half a disco costume. Go for a silver or gold sequin jumpsuit with flared legs, or a shimmering wrap top with high-waisted bell-bottoms. Wear the curls round and high with a centre part. Sequins scratch the inside of the arms, so if the jumpsuit has no lining, I'd pick metallic stretch fabric instead. Metallic shadow, winged liner, glossy pink lips, big hoops and tinted round glasses. A mirrored clutch or a lightweight microphone prop, plus platforms with a sole steady enough to dance in for a few hours.
18. 1980s Aerobics Costume With Curly Hair
If your curls are big, the 1980s aerobics costume is almost made for you. Bright leggings with a contrasting leotard or longline tank, and a cropped sweatshirt slipped off one shoulder. Add leg warmers, wristbands and a wide fabric belt. Pull the hair into a high side ponytail and keep the volume at the crown and the ends. Blue or purple shadow and glossy lips set the decade. A foam dumbbell or a rolled mat is the prop, and white high-tops let you move. Neon is fun, but I limit it to three shades; past that it stops reading as a decade and starts looking like a jumble.
19. Mad Scientist Costume With Wild Curls
Wild curls are the whole point of a mad scientist, so this is the night to let them grow. Black trousers and a bright button-down go under an oversized white lab coat, with felt patches or removable labels on the coat for personality. Separate the curls and lift them upward with your fingers. I'd skip backcombing, which roughs up curls and takes ages to undo. A few streaks of silver temporary colour, pale foundation, gray shadow and a charcoal smudge on one cheek. Goggles, rubber gloves and plastic test tubes of coloured water, with the caps taped shut so nothing leaks at a school party.
20. Porcelain Doll Costume With Curly Pigtails
A porcelain doll is neat curls and sweet vintage clothes. Wear a pastel knee-length dress with puff sleeves, a white collar and a full skirt, lace-trimmed socks and black Mary Janes. The curls go into two low pigtails or a rounded shoulder-length shape, with satin bows at each side and a few defined ringlets at the face. Matte foundation and circular pink blush make the doll face; I press the blush on with a fingertip in a small circle rather than sweeping it. Fine lines at the temples suggest a painted finish without any cracks. A toy teacup, white gloves and a tiny bag. Keep the dress soft enough to sit down in.
21. Garden Fairy Costume With Flowered Curls
Loose curls hold silk flowers better than straight hair, which is why a garden fairy suits curly hair so well. Pair a sage-green corset-style top, or a fitted knit top if you'd rather breathe, with a layered skirt in green, lavender or blush. Clip small silk flowers into the curls; mini claw clips grip better than bobby pins here. Shimmery pastel shadow, a few face gems and pink gloss. Translucent wings, a flower crown and a ribbon wand. Ballet flats work indoors and flat boots outdoors. Leave loose glitter out entirely, because it travels into eyes and stays in curls for days. Pick flower colours that sit near your natural hair shade.
22. Mermaid Costume With Long Curly Hair
Long curls look like waves in a mermaid costume. A fitted teal top goes with a high-waisted, scale-patterned maxi skirt that flares near the hem. I'd skip a true costume tail, since a skirt you can take a normal step in matters more than a fin. Define the curls and decorate one side with pearl clips, little shells and aqua ribbon. Blue-green shadow, iridescent highlighter, a shell necklace and a seashell purse. Metallic teal flats keep walking easy. On a cold night, a fitted long-sleeve top under the bodice adds warmth and keeps the shape.
23. Circus Ringmaster Costume With Curly Hair
The red jacket is what makes a ringmaster, so spend your effort there. Wear it over a white ruffled blouse with black high-waisted pants or a knee-length skirt, and add gold trim and decorative buttons. Curls push small hats off, so I sew a thin elastic inside the brim of the top hat and pin through it. Wear the hair in a high ponytail or half-up with plenty of volume. Crisp liner and red lipstick, white gloves, a decorative hoop and a gold-tipped cane. Knee-high or sturdy ankle boots. It suits any gender and anchors a circus group of lions, clowns and acrobats.
24. Colorful Clown Costume With Curly Hair
Round natural curls make a cheerful clown rather than a scary one. Striped overalls go over a bright puff-sleeve blouse, or wide patchwork pants over a ruffled top, held to three main colours. Leave the curls full and add a tilted party hat or bow clips. White eye accents, pink cheeks, a small red nose and a curved smile in skin-safe paint, set with translucent powder so the smile doesn't smear by the second hour. Suspenders, big buttons and fabric pom-poms. I'd carry ribbon streamers instead of balloons, which pop and get in the way indoors. Red sneakers or bright high-tops.
25. Scarecrow Costume With Curly Pigtails
Curly pigtails soften a scarecrow. Denim overalls go over a plaid flannel shirt in orange, red or yellow, with fabric patches sewn or pinned on the knees and pockets. Tie two low pigtails with raffia-look ribbon, and let a floppy straw hat sit loosely so it doesn't crush them. Warm brown shadow, orange blush, a small painted nose patch and short stitched lines at the mouth. A fabric sunflower or small basket, plus brown lace-up boots and thick socks. I tuck raffia-coloured yarn into the cuffs instead of real straw, because real straw itches against the wrists and sheds on every floor you cross.
26. Pirate Captain Costume With Dark Curls
Dark tousled curls suit a pirate captain because nobody expects a pirate's hair to be tidy. A white ruffled shirt under a burgundy vest, black pants and a wide brown belt, with a long navy or black coat for a cold night. Let the curls fall around the shoulders and tie a red scarf across the crown; a scarf grips curly hair far better than a tricorn hat. Smoky liner and bronzed cheeks. Gold hoops, a compass, an old map and a coin pouch replace weapons, which plenty of schools and parties ban anyway. Black or brown buckled knee-high boots, and most of it can come from a closet or a thrift store.
27. Retro Cowgirl Costume With Curly Hair
Bouncy curls and a cowboy hat get along, provided the hat fits. Wear a white button-down with red piping, a denim skirt or boot-cut jeans and a cropped fringed vest, plus a wide buckled belt and a red bandana at the neck. A high ponytail lets the hat sit lower and more securely; loose curls under the brim only work if the hat is a size up. Warm neutral shadow and a red lip. A coiled soft rope or a hobby horse is the prop. Brown cowboy boots, with good socks inside. Stick to red, white, denim blue and tan, and nothing else needs adding.
28. Curly Hair Superhero Costume
An original superhero is my answer when someone wants to keep their curls and can't settle on a character. Start with a fitted long-sleeve top and matching leggings in one strong colour, then add a metallic skirt, shorts or a structured belt. The cape should end above the ankles so nobody steps on it. Style the curls in a high ponytail, a defined wash-and-go or a dramatic side part. Graphic liner and a bold lip in the suit colour. Cut the chest emblem from EVA foam, which bends with you, where thin craft foam creases. Wrist cuffs, a shield-shaped sign and knee-high boots or matching sneakers.
29. Space Alien Costume With Neon Curls
Neon curls take a plain metallic outfit straight into outer space. A silver jumpsuit, a holographic skirt set, or a metallic top with leggings, plus a wide belt and craft-foam shoulder pieces. Spray temporary green, blue or purple on selected curls, then twist two high buns with ringlets left loose. Coloured spray stains light fabric, so I spray before dressing with a towel round the shoulders. Iridescent shadow, silver liner and lavender lipstick. A headband with soft antennae, geometric earrings and a clear mini bag. Silver ankle boots or white sneakers, and no mask, so people still see your face.
30. Cloud Costume With White Curly Hair
White curls are rare enough that a cloud costume feels fresh. A pale-blue long-sleeve top with white pants, leggings or a tulle skirt is the base. Clusters of polyester stuffing on a white vest form the cloud; I hand-tack them on with a few loose stitches, since hot glue loses its grip on stuffing and shows through. Keep the stuffing away from the face. Style white, silver or very light blonde curls round, or wear a curly white wig. Icy blue shadow, pearly highlighter, raindrop earrings and a rainbow bag. Felt raindrops pinned across the vest add colour, and white sneakers keep it easy.
How Temporary Hair Colour Behaves on Curls
Several looks here call for red, orange, purple, silver or neon curls, and most people reach for a spray. Sprays sit on the outside of the hair, so they dry curls out and leave them stiff. I work a light leave-in through first, let it soak in, then spray from arm's length in short bursts. Colour wax or hair chalk gives more control on single ringlets, which is handy for streaks on the mad scientist or the alien.
Expect the colour to transfer onto collars, hats, pillowcases and anyone you hug. Dark clothing hides it, while a white blouse or pale cape shows every brush. On light or bleached curls, bright pigments can leave a faint tint after washing, so test on a hidden section a few days ahead. To take it out, wet the hair thoroughly, use a clarifying shampoo, then deep-condition, because the spray and the strong shampoo together leave curls drier than usual for a wash or two.
When a Curly Wig Is the Kinder Option
I'd always rather use your own hair, but there are good reasons to wear a wig. If the character needs a colour far from yours, such as Winifred's bright red on dark brown hair, a wig is gentler than layers of spray. It's also the better choice when you'll wear the costume two days running, or when your curls are short and the character's are long.
Choose a wig labelled heat-resistant if you'll be near candles, an oven or a fire pit, because standard synthetic fibre frizzes and can melt near heat. Flatten your own curls into two flat braids under a wig cap and pin the wig at the temples and the nape. Never brush a curly synthetic wig dry. Mist it with water and a little fabric softener, then separate the curls with your fingers.
Your Curl Pattern Picks the Character
Curly hair deserves to be the centre of a costume, not the thing you hide. Short ringlets, long spirals, loose waves or tight coils, there's a character here that fits. My own rule is to choose the person whose hair already looks most like yours, then build the clothes, makeup and shoes around that. Temporary colour, flowers, ribbons and pins stretch the choice further. Plan for comfort too, because you'll be walking and standing for hours, and the curls you start the evening with should still be there at the end of it.
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