St. Patty’s Day Nails: The Ultimate Guide to Festive and Fun Designs

Ginny in Beauty & Fitness Feb 21 • 21 min read

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion to show off some festive nail art! Whether you're heading to a parade, grabbing drinks with friends, or just looking for a fun way to celebrate, a themed manicure is the ultimate accessory. From classic green shades to intricate shamrock designs, there are endless ways to create the perfect St. Patty’s Day nails.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best St. Patrick’s Day nail ideas, popular designs, step-by-step tutorials, and tips to make your nails stand out on March 17th.

The Significance of St. Patrick's Day and Nail Art

St. Patrick's Day commemorates the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and celebrates Irish culture with parades, music, and vibrant decorations. The use of the color green, shamrocks, leprechauns, and gold coins in decorations is synonymous with the holiday. Just like clothing and accessories, your nails can become part of your St. Patrick's Day attire.

Why Nail Art Matters

Nail art allows for personal expression and creativity. It can transform a simple manicure into a conversation starter, making it a fun addition to any festive outfit. Whether you prefer subtle designs or bold statements, there’s something for everyone when it comes to St. Patty's Day nails.

1. Must-Have Colors for St. Patrick’s Day Nails

Before diving into specific designs, let’s talk about colors! St. Patrick’s Day nails wouldn’t be complete without these classic shades:

Emerald Green – A rich, deep green that embodies the Irish spirit.
Kelly Green – A brighter, festive green that screams St. Patty’s Day.
Gold – Adds shimmer and luxury, perfect for leprechaun gold accents.
White – A great base color to make designs pop.
Orange – A nod to the Irish flag.
Black – Ideal for outlining details and adding contrast.
Glitter & Metallics – For a sparkling, eye-catching finish.

These colors can be combined in endless ways to create unique and eye-catching designs.

2. Top St. Patrick’s Day Nail Designs

Here are some fun and festive nail art ideas to try:

Shamrock Nails

Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like shamrocks! Try painting tiny clovers on your nails with a thin brush or use a stamp for an easier application. You can also opt for 3D shamrock stickers for a raised effect.

Rainbow & Pot of Gold Nails

Paint each nail a different color of the rainbow or create a stunning gradient. Add a tiny pot of gold at the end of a rainbow design for a playful look. If you want extra sparkle, use gold foil to mimic real gold.

Gold Glitter Accents

If you want something more elegant, add gold glitter over a green or nude base. This gives a glamorous and festive look without being too overwhelming. You can also create a gold ombré effect for a luxurious touch.

Irish Flag Nails

Show your Irish pride with a simple tricolor nail design featuring green, white, and orange stripes. This is a bold and patriotic look perfect for celebrating Irish heritage.

Green Marble Nails

Marble nails are always in style. Use different shades of green with a bit of gold to create a luxurious and trendy marble effect. For added depth, use a water marbling technique to swirl the colors together.

Black & Green Ombre Nails

For a bold and edgy look, blend green into black for an ombre effect. Top it off with a matte finish for a modern twist. This design is perfect for those who want a subtle yet festive touch.

Leprechaun Hat Nails

Paint a tiny leprechaun hat on your accent nail, complete with a gold buckle and black belt for a cute and whimsical look. Pair it with green and gold nails for a cohesive St. Patrick’s Day theme.

Beer Mug Nails

If you’re celebrating with a pint in hand, why not match your nails? A tiny beer mug design with foam details can be a fun conversation starter. You can even add small bubbles using a dotting tool for extra realism.

Heart Clover Nails

For a romantic twist on St. Patty’s Day nails, create a four-leaf clover using tiny heart shapes. This design is simple, cute, and adds a touch of love to your festive manicure.

3. Step-by-Step Tutorials

Want to try some DIY St. Patty’s Day nails at home? Here are step-by-step guides for a few classic designs.

Shamrock Accent Nail Tutorial

What You’ll Need:

Green polish (base color)
White polish (optional background)
Thin nail art brush or dotting tool
Top coat

Steps:

Apply a base coat and let it dry.
Paint your nails green or white (if you want a contrast background).
Using a dotting tool, create three small dots close together to form the shamrock leaves.
Add a small line for the stem.
Seal with a glossy top coat for shine and longevity.

Rainbow & Pot of Gold Nail Tutorial

What You’ll Need:

Various rainbow-colored polishes
Black polish
Gold glitter polish
Thin brush
Top coat

Steps:

Start with a white base to make colors pop.
Use a thin brush to paint small curved lines for the rainbow.
At the end of the rainbow, use black polish to create a small pot shape.
Dab some gold glitter on the pot for the gold effect.
Finish with a top coat for a glossy, long-lasting design.

4. Tips for Long-Lasting St. Patty’s Day Nails

To make sure your festive nails last throughout the celebrations, follow these expert tips:

Always use a base coat to prevent staining from dark green polishes.
Seal with a top coat to lock in your design and add durability.
Opt for gel polish if you want a longer-lasting manicure.
Moisturize your cuticles to keep your hands looking fresh and well-maintained.
Avoid excessive water exposure to prevent chipping.
Use nail stickers or decals for an easy and polished look.
Experiment with different finishes like matte, glossy, or textured designs.

5. Essential Products for St. Patty’s Day Nail Art

To achieve the best St. Patty’s Day nails, it’s important to have the right products. Here’s a list of essentials:

Base Coat: Protects your nails from staining and helps the polish adhere better.
Green Nail Polishes: Various shades from pastel to dark green.
Gold Glitter Polish: Perfect for adding sparkle and depth.
Nail Art Brushes: For detailed designs and fine lines.
Dotting Tools: Great for creating dots and intricate patterns.
Nail Stickers/Decals: Easy and fun way to add designs without the hassle of painting.
Top Coat: Seals in your design and adds shine.

Product	Purpose	Recommendation
Base Coat	Protects nails and enhances polish	OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
Green Polish	Main color for designs	Essie "Going Incognito"
Gold Glitter	Adds sparkle	Sally Hansen "Gold Rush"
Nail Art Brushes	For detailed designs	Born Pretty Nail Art Brushes
Dotting Tools	For dot designs	McCart Dotting Tool Set
Nail Stickers	Easy designs	Beauty Big Bang Nail Art Stickers
Top Coat	Seals and protects the design	Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

6. Where to Get St. Patty’s Day Nails Done

If DIY isn’t your thing, visit a nail salon for a professional touch. Many salons offer seasonal designs, so book your appointment early to get the best St. Patty’s Day nails.

Alternatively, you can buy St. Patrick’s Day press-on nails for a quick and stylish fix. These are perfect if you want festive nails without the effort.

7. Final Thoughts

St. Patrick’s Day nails are a fun way to celebrate the holiday with style. Whether you go for shamrocks, rainbows, or gold accents, your nails will be the highlight of the party. Try out these designs at home or visit a salon for a professional touch.

No matter what design you choose, your festive nails will be the perfect finishing touch for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Enjoy the holiday, flaunt your stunning nails, and may the luck of the Irish be with you!

Ready to rock your St. Patty’s Day nails? Tag us in your festive nail looks and show off your creativity!