Halloween costumes for redheads: Max Mayfield, ‘Stranger Things’
Skateboarder, arcade queen, horror-film fan and the toughest kid in Hawkins: Max Mayfield from Stranger Things is the perfect Halloween costume for any redhead. Played by Sadie Sink, Max arrived in season two and stayed right through to the series finale on New Year’s Eve 2025. And the best bit? If you’ve got natural red hair, you’ve already nailed the hardest (and best – in our opinion) part of the look.
Max Mayfield costume
Max is a tomboy through and through, so think comfortable, sporty and very 1980s-style. Layering is your friend (and particularly handy for a chilly 31 October):
- A zip-up or hooded jacket, or a retro sports jacket
- A plain t-shirt underneath
- Straight-leg or slightly baggy jeans, rolled at the ankle
- Old-school canvas skate trainers
- Long striped tube socks
The props
Two props make this costume instantly recognisable:
- A skateboard. Max’s skateboarding is central to the character. Carrying one is enough, no tricks required (even Sadie Sink has said she hated skateboarding on set after a hard fall).
- A Walkman and headphones. In season four, Max’s friends famously save her life by playing her favourite song: Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”. In 2022 the show gave Kate Bush her first ever US top 10 hit, 37 years after the song first came out, and it went on to reach the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. A cassette player and foam headphones are the finishing touch.
How to get Max’s red hair
Here’s where redheads win. Max wears her long red hair loose and centre-parted, sometimes with a slightly messy, wind-swept look (probably from all that skateboarding).
- Wash and air-dry for natural texture, spritz with sea-salt spray for a surfy look, or add loose waves with a few plaits left in overnight. No heat, no fuss needed.
- Part it down the middle and leave it down.
- If your hair is shorter, a clip-in or two in a matching shade can add length. Our guide to natural-looking hair extensions for redheads can help you find your match.
How to get Max’s make-up look
Max’s look is barely-there, so keep it fresh and natural:
- A light tinted moisturiser or skin tint. Let those freckles show!
- A little brown or auburn mascara on your lashes and a touch of brow gel.
- A sweep of peachy blush and a tinted lip balm.
Our ‘no make-up’ make-up tutorial for redheads walks you through it.
Make it a group costume
Got friends who need a costume too? Max works brilliantly as part of a Stranger Things group costume for Halloween: Eleven, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Mike and Steve are all easy to recognise. After that you’ll just need someone willing to be a Demogorgon.
Skateboard under your arm, Kate Bush in your ears, red hair flying – job done.