Nothing shows your dedication to the spooky spirit quite like getting a Halloween tattoo to commemorate the holiday. From cute ghosts to famous slasher figures, Halloween offers a multitude of tattoo ideas in the realm of all things macabre and malignant. However, if you're not into scary or gory body art, consider getting a ghost tattoo instead.
Easily recognizable and often associated with All Hallows' Eve — but not exclusively so, meaning it also works even after the holiday — the ghost is an ideal ghoul to tattoo. Though the concept may seem straightforward (it is just a floating sheet, after all), ghost tattoos vary depending on your creative desires. You can get a small ghost tattoo or big, elaborate design, something simple or complex, and the design lends itself to just about anywhere on your body. Some designs venture into the realm of whimsy, with ghost cats, ghost dogs, and even the more eccentric ghost moth. Other examples incorporate bold color and wild patterns, making for some groovy art. The ideas ahead reflect the diversity of the seemingly simple ghost-tattoo concept, hopefully sparking your holiday spirit without causing too big a fright. After all, taking the spooky out of our favorite ghoul might just be what you need in a new tattoo.
— Additional reporting by Florie Mwanza
This whimsical tattoo features two cheery little ghosts: one is butterfly hunting while the other irons itself.
This blushing ghoul dons a pair of striped socks and roller skates.
These two specters sit at a dining table in a fun twist on the ghost tattoo.
With sharp lines, small eyes, and neat sneakers, this little arm ghost is a classic design.
Adorned in bold, multicolored polka dots, this groovy ghost is a fun statement piece.
Complete with sagging robes and movement lines, this little ghoul appears to be floating.
Surrounded by bright flowers and donning a cute mushroom hat, this ghoul is ready for a day in the garden.
These simple specters make for a fun set of matching tattoos.
These ghost hands make for a unique tattoo set that's sure to impress any Halloween fanatic.
With its smaller size, round eyes, and friendly smile, this subtle specter is far from scary.
This fun tattoo features its phantom floating in the center of a diamond-shaped figure, a jack-o'-lantern pail held in its outstretched hand.
In a delightful twist, this little ghost seems to be bungee jumping down this person's leg.
Including a text bubble in your tattoo, as this ghost has here, can add humor or charm to the design.
This little guy is another example of how cute a ghost hand tattoo can be.
This colorful little hairstylist ghost brushes the hair of a unicorn client, making for a unique tattoo.
This fun arm specter distinguishes itself with its shaded, billowy robe.
This delightful design relies on bold colors for a cute tattoo of a cowboy ghost riding a frog.
This simple tattoo is complemented by a bright-red heart, showcasing two ghouls in love.
With its odd long legs and distinctive grin, this fun ghost resembles an old cartoon.
This ghost tattoo features a rad phantom skater.
In a comedic take on the ghost tattoo, this design has its specter hanging from a clothesline.
Playing around with patterns, like the heart shapes on this ghoul, can add interesting detail to your ghost tattoo.
Pops of color here and there also make for a cute ghost tattoo, as seen with this phantom.
This tattoo features a devil ghost in bright red with pink hearts lining its form.
This fun tattoo combines two monsters in one by using Venom's color scheme.
This design, decorated with subtle bat and sparkle accents, features two ghosts holding hands.
This unique tattoo features a ghost moth, which is sure to delight any bug-lover.
In another comedic twist on the ghost tattoo, this small specter reads a book on how to live.
Playing off the design of a tarot card, this tattoo features a bored specter leaning down to mumble at some plants.
Halloween meets spring in this fun tattoo of a flower blooming with several little ghosts.
With a smiley face and stick legs, this rad skater ghost reminds us that sometimes simple is best.
This little ghost seems to be flying down the person's arm, making for a dynamic design.