20+ Clown Hairstyles: from Classic and Traditional to Creepy and Unique

Clown costumes are a Halloween classic, and a great clown costume is all about the details—especially the hair! From colorful wigs to outrageous curls, the hairstyle is what takes a clown costume from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re going for a traditional circus clown, a creepy killer clown, or something entirely unique, there are countless ways to style your clown hair to make your costume stand out.

In this article, we’ll explore different clown hairstyles, ranging from classic and traditional to creepy and unique. With the right hair, you can create a memorable clown look that will steal the show at any event.

Classic Clown Hairstyles

When you think of a traditional clown, the first image that comes to mind is usually that of a brightly colored wig and exaggerated volume. Classic clown hairstyles often rely on big, bold styles that scream fun and chaos. Here are a few options to consider if you want to stick to the roots of clown tradition.

1. Rainbow Afro Wig

The rainbow afro wig is perhaps the most iconic clown hairstyle. This wig is full of color and volume, capturing the joyful and playful spirit of the traditional circus clown. It’s easy to find and immediately recognizable, making it a great choice for a classic clown look.

How to Style It:

Purchase a pre-made rainbow afro wig from a costume store.
If you’re creating your own, use a voluminous curly wig and spray it with temporary hair dyes in bright rainbow colors.
Tease the curls with a comb to make them as big and fluffy as possible.

3. Bald Cap with Side Tufts

This classic clown hairstyle features a bald cap with brightly colored tufts of hair sticking out on the sides. It’s a fun and easy-to-create style that is perfect for those who want a quirky and playful look.

How to Style It:

Purchase a bald cap from a costume store and apply it securely to your head.
Use brightly colored wigs or fake hair to create two large tufts on each side of your head.
Use hair spray to keep the tufts standing upright, adding as much volume as possible.

Creepy Clown Hairstyles

Not all clowns are happy and cheerful—some are downright terrifying. If you’re aiming for a creepy or sinister clown look, your hairstyle plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere. Here are some hair ideas for creating a spine-chilling clown costume.

4. Messy Bedhead Clown Hair

For a deranged, creepy clown look, go for messy, unkempt hair. This style looks like you’ve just woken up from a nightmare and adds to the unsettling appearance of a horror-themed clown.

How to Style It:

Use a straight or curly wig in a dark color like black or gray.
Tease the hair with a comb to create a tangled, messy look.
Add baby powder to give the hair a dusty, ghostly appearance.
Use hair gel to create clumps and random spikes for a chaotic effect.

5. Two-Toned Hair

Two-toned split hair, where one half of the hair is one color and the other half is a contrasting color, is a popular choice for creepy clowns. This hairstyle can create a jarring and unsettling look, perfect for a killer clown costume.

How to Style It:

Use a wig that’s split down the middle, with each half a different color (e.g., black and white or red and green).
If you’re using your own hair, part it down the center and use temporary spray-on dyes to create the two-tone effect.
Tease the hair for added volume, or smooth it down for a slicker, more menacing look.

6. Classic Pennywise Look

Pennywise, the notorious clown from Stephen King’s It, has an iconic hairstyle that’s both creepy and memorable. The exaggerated forehead, high hairline, and short, spiked red hair are essential to creating this infamous clown’s look.

How to Style It:

Use a pre-styled Pennywise wig for the most authentic look, or start with a short red wig.
Use hair gel or styling paste to spike the hair outward, making sure it flares out around the sides.
To recreate Pennywise’s unique hairline, use a bald cap or light-colored makeup to cover your natural hairline.

Unique and Creative Clown Hairstyles

If you want to stand out from the typical clown crowd, consider trying a unique or more creative hairstyle. These options break away from the traditional clown look and allow you to showcase your own style.

7. Bubble Pigtails

Bubble pigtails are a fun and cute option that can add a whimsical touch to your clown costume. This hairstyle involves tying your hair into pigtails with sections "bubbled" by using small hair ties.

How to Style It:

Part your hair down the middle and create two high pigtails.
Use small hair elastics to section each pigtail into “bubbles.”
Tease each section lightly for added volume, and spray with a bright color for extra fun.

8. Curly Mohawk

For a punk-inspired clown look, a curly mohawk can be a showstopper. This hairstyle combines the rebellious spirit of punk with the playful nature of clowns, making it a great choice if you want something edgy.

How to Style It:

Use a short, curly wig or style your natural curls into a mohawk.
Shave or slick down the sides of the head with hair gel.
Spray the curls with bright, temporary hair dye in bold colors like neon pink or electric blue.
Use styling gel to keep the curls defined and upright.

9. Crazy Curls with Glitter

If you want your clown look to be glamorous and sparkly, consider going for wild, voluminous curls with a touch of glitter. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want a more colorful and light-hearted clown costume.

How to Style It:

Use a curly wig or enhance your natural curls with a curling iron.
Tease the curls for extra volume, making them as big and bouncy as possible.
Apply hair-safe glitter gel to your curls, focusing on the tips for a shimmering effect.
Use bright colors, like neon pink or electric purple, to make the look even more eye-catching.

DIY Clown Hair Ideas

Creating your clown hairstyle doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a little creativity and some DIY spirit, you can make a memorable clown look with items you might already have at home.

10. Balloon Buns

Balloon buns are a unique and playful hairstyle that involves creating large, balloon-like shapes with your hair. This is a whimsical and light-hearted style that’s great for a circus-inspired clown costume.

How to Style It:

Divide your hair into four to six sections, depending on how many "balloons" you want.
Roll each section into a bun and secure it with hair ties.
Tease the buns for extra volume, making them look puffier.
Use colored hairspray to add different hues to each "balloon."

11. Wig with Yarn Hair Extensions

If you want a completely unique clown look, consider creating your own wig using yarn hair extensions. This style is colorful, quirky, and perfect for a DIY clown costume.

How to Style It:

Start with a cheap wig cap as your base.
Attach brightly colored yarn pieces to the cap using a glue gun, creating a textured and layered effect.
Trim the yarn pieces to your desired length and style them as you like—tease them, curl them, or leave them straight.
Add colorful bows or ribbons to complete the look.

Tips for Styling Clown Hair

Go Big or Go Home: Clown hair is all about exaggeration, so don’t be afraid to go for big, voluminous styles. Use hair spray, teasing combs, and accessories to make your hairstyle larger than life.

Color is Key: Bright colors are a staple of clown hair, so embrace temporary hair dyes, colored hairsprays, and wigs in bold shades. The more colorful, the better.
Use Hair Accessories: Ribbons, bows, flowers, and even small toys can be great additions to your clown hairstyle. Don’t be afraid to get creative and decorate your hair with playful accessories.
Texture Matters: Whether you’re using curls, spikes, or sleek sections, adding texture to your hairstyle makes it more interesting. Consider using hair gels, waxes, and sprays to create different textures.

Conclusion

A great clown costume starts with the right hairstyle. From traditional rainbow afros to unique and quirky DIY ideas, there are countless ways to style your hair to create the perfect clown look. Whether you’re aiming for cute and playful, bold and colorful, or dark and creepy, the right hairstyle can make all the difference in how your costume is perceived. So, get creative, experiment with styles, and have fun transforming your hair into a clown masterpiece!