Halloween outfits can cost a small fortune – and let’s be honest, hairdos often take up half the budget (and half the effort!). But fear not, mums – 2025 is all about clever creativity. With families tightening their belts, this is the year to raid wardrobes, rummage through drawers and turn household bits into show-stopping costumes. Because let’s face it — no one does resourceful glamour like mums do.
And the best part? You can do it all without damaging the kids’ (or your own) hair with harsh dyes, bleach or glitter overload. Here’s how to create five iconic looks with flair, fun and a touch of mum magic.
Glinda (from Wicked) – The Good Witch on a Budget
What you need:
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A pastel or sparkly dress (think pink, blue or silver).
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Some tulle or an old net curtain for the skirt — layer for extra “poof.”
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A wand made from tin foil wrapped around a wooden spoon.
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A cardboard crown sprayed with glitter or covered in foil.
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Sparkly makeup and a bright smile — instant enchantment!
DIY magic:
Add body glitter or shimmer lotion for that glowing fairy-tale finish. Even battery fairy lights tucked under the skirt can make Glinda sparkle.
Hairdo:
Use a big curling tong to make soft, bouncy curls. Skip the glitter hairspray, especially on blonde hair, as it can make it look dull. After Halloween, wash your hair well with a deep-clean shampoo and use a repairing mask to bring back the shine.
Wednesday Addams – The Queen of Deadpan Chic
What you need:
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A black dress with a white collar (or layer a white shirt under a black jumper).
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Black tights and shoes.
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Pale face powder and dark lipstick.
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Two neat braids — easy and instantly iconic.
DIY twist:
Carry a headless doll or a small bottle labelled “Poison” (just water in a jar!) for that eerie Addams charm.
Hair tip:
Part your hair in the middle and make two neat braids for that classic Wednesday look. Avoid using cheap black hair spray as it can stain your skin and make your scalp itch. After Halloween, wash your hair well and use a light conditioner or serum to keep it smooth and shiny.
Beetlejuice – The Striped Chaos
What you need:
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Black trousers and a white shirt.
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Use black electrical tape or a marker to create stripes on an old blazer.
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Messy hair dusted with baby powder.
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Smudge green eyeshadow or DIY “slime” around the hairline.
DIY twist:
No face paint? Mix cornstarch, a drop of water and green food colouring for a spooky, washable effect.
Hair idea:
Pop on a temporary wig for that wild white-and-green ghost look. Skip the heavy colour sprays — they can dry your hair and stain the roots. After the party, wash with a deep-cleansing shampoo and treat your hair to a good moisturising mask to bring it back to life.
Barbie – Think Pink, Not Pricey
From left to right: The 1959 original Barbie, The 1992 Totally Hair Barbie, Part of the 2023 Movie Collection, Barbie.com
What you need:
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Anything pink — dresses, tops, or even glam pyjamas.
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Big sunglasses, high ponytail and bright lipstick.
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Heels or sparkly trainers.
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A hairbrush accessory — “Barbie on the go!”
DIY twist:
Transform a cardboard box into a Barbie display box with pink paint and a white marker for the logo.
Hairdo:
Use pink hair chalk or a tinted conditioner to add a soft pink tone — it washes out easily and looks fun. Avoid using semi-permanent dyes at home, as they can sometimes make blonde hair look orange. After Halloween, wash your hair with a gentle, colour-safe shampoo and finish with a nourishing oil to keep it shiny and healthy.
Ken – Pick Your Personality: Beach, Gym or Disco
What you need:
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Beach Ken: Shorts, open shirt, sunnies and sandals.
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Gym Ken: Vest, joggers, trainers and a sweatband.
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Disco Ken: White shirt, jeans, shiny belt and confidence.
DIY twist:
Print or draw a “Ken” logo on cardboard and stick it to your outfit. Couples can strike a Barbie-and-Ken pose together for maximum fun!
Hairdo:
For a smooth hairstyle, use a light styling cream. Stay away from strong gels with alcohol, because they can make your scalp dry and cause flaking. To take care of your scalp afterwards, use a gentle scrub and then a light conditioner.
Final Tip from London Mums HQ
Halloween doesn’t need to cost the earth to be magical. Some of the best costumes are made with imagination, laughter, and things you already have at home. So grab your glue gun, sprinkle a little creativity, and remember — it’s not about perfection, it’s about having fun together.
