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It’s Halloween, and you’re out on the town in your best costume (Brat, the Challengers Trio, etc.). Suddenly, you pass a tattoo parlor, offering a special Halloween flash sale. It’s tempting but you aren’t sure. The thought of a Halloween-themed tattoo is always exciting, especially if you are someone who starts planning their costume and decorations on November 1st.
“I love a good trend, but when putting something on your body for the rest of your life I would ask ‘do I really want this when I’m old?’” says tattoo artist Amanda Merkatz. “If the answer is yes, then absolutely! There are some serious Halloween people out there so if you’re a fan, I say why not!”
When going for a Halloween tattoo, some artists recommend personalization for a look that will feel relevant all year long.
“There are so many cool Halloween-themed themed tattoos-witches, cats, jack-o-lanterns, spider webs,” says a Toronto based tattoo artist that goes by Wildflowers. "The most requested Halloween tattoo I've done is a ghost holding a black cat or my client's pet. I have also done a tattoo of a client's dog wearing a blanket with holes cut out for the eyes and snout. A Little personalization is always fun and unique.”
Check out the 10 spooky tattoos below to help inspire your October ink.
A BOO-tiful furry friend
Halloween is one day out of the year, but you love your pet for three hundred and sixty five of them. Pay homage to your favorite holiday, and companion with a cute- and ghostly pet tribute.
The Da Vinci Skull
For those with a more serious and artistic side, this Leonardo Da Vinci Skull has a spooky skeletal effect…while still being a conversation starter.
The Skeleton Shake
Even bodiless bone structures can have a goofy and fun side. These two dancing skeletons are everything for the halloween aficionado that knows some of it is just fun and games.
Fantasy Ink
For the many people who will undoubtedly dress up in House of the Dragon costumes this year, this tattoo is for you. The soft and gentle wings against the night sky is perfect for those that plan on leaning into their fantasy side this halloween.
Minimalist Astrology
If Halloween brings out your mystical and astrological side, look no further than a star sign tattoo. Relevant year round, these pieces are simple enough to stay trendy, and will also mean you will never have to answer “what’s your sign” again.
Ram Skull
Not all skeletons need to be human. This spooky ram’s head skull will look extremely cool year round. It will also perfectly match a cowboy costume, should you choose to do that.
Veiled Woman
There is truly nothing more haunting than a veiled statue. These impressive tattoos are beautiful any time of the year, but ultimately right on theme for those that are always thinking about the horror genre.
A Victorian Candelabra
This tattoo evokes the dark romanticism that halloween is all about. Beautiful and a little bit spooky, it brings a “haunted mansion-but make it gorgeous” vibe that so many Halloween lovers are going for.
All Dressed Up and No Body to Go With
Now that is a dapper gentleman…or should we say Gentle-bones. This impeccably dressed skeleton is a true party animal. He’s ready to party from past October 31st, and all the way into Winter, Summer and Spring.
Sad Clowns
If you want truly scary, then look no further. Nothing is scarier than a sad clown. Something about the fact that it’s supposed to be happy really makes it much worse. If that’s your vibe, this InStyle writer completely respects it-but is ultimately extremely terrified.