Let's look at what the most popular costumes are likely to be this year. A large US retail organization is predicting Halloween 2009 will be awash with these characters: witches, vampires, pirates, princesses, clowns, cats, super heroes and the always-popular Star Wars cast.

This Year's Hottest Halloween Hair Trend

Brace yourself for a bevy of Twilight-inspired costumes, a result of the continuing popularity of the movie.


That means it's going to be a great All Hallows Eve for those with short or long hair - so easy to whisk up into a sexy vampirella 'do or leave long and flowing like a hip young vampire-on-the-go.

How to backcomb your hair like experts

With some back combing (okay, a lot of back combing) and fake cob webs draped over for effect, you've got yourself a witch's fright 'do. Tangle a rubber bat in your tresses or pin on a few plastic spiders. This is where dollar stores come in so handy.

Halloween Makeup - How to use glitter

Star Wars fans are again discovering that straight long hair is just two twists away from Princess Leia's double chignons.

On the other hand, earthbound princesses can be festooned with ringlets and spangled with glittering hairclips.

Don't despair if your hair is short. The classic Greek goddess costume is alive and well. And the hairdo can be as easy or as elaborate as you wish to make it. A simple headdress of leaves makes the point nicely, as does a fake braid in your natural color wrapped around the head.

If your hair is medium length or longer, pull it into a loose up-do with wavy tendrils falling around your face and neck.

Or go as Cleopatra with her sleek pageboy blinged out with gold costume and hair ornaments. Wrap a white sheet around you and go.

But don't fuss over the costume because everyone will be looking at your hair!

Halloween Hair Tips

• Having a hard time deciding who to be? Look for a hairstyle you like first, and then match the costume to it.



• History is a great place to look for inspiration. Short blunt flapper cuts from the '20s. Pristine buns from Victorian times. Poodle cuts from the '80s. Remember 80's hairstyle is back in trend, so perhaps this halloween is your best chance to see if you can pull it off.



• Or choose your theme from trends in the news and popular culture: Barack and Michelle, Jon and Kate, Octomom, etc.



• Plan a group or couples costume. How about a big family decked out as Snow White and the 7 Dwarves? Or a couple as Neo and Trinity from The Matrix (great for those with short hair and a black wardrobe) - Scifi Halloween hair idea for short hair

In short, be creative with your Halloween hair, have fun and don't scrimp on the styling products and hair accessories!