30 Festive Mardi Gras Nail Ideas From a NOLA Nail Tech

Mardi Gras in New Orleans isn’t just a celebration—it’s a whole spectacle, and even your nails have to get in on the fun. After all, when the entire city is decked out in beads, sequins, and over-the-top costumes, why should your manicure be any different?

According to New Orleans-based nail artist Morgan Dixon, that means going all out. “With Mardi Gras being the highlight of our year, I would definitely say sparkles, conceptual designs that match outfits during parades and balls, and the traditional green, yellow, and purple palette are the top requests during the season,” she says. Translation: It’s all about going big. Whether you're parading through the streets or getting glammed up for a night out, your nails should be just as festive as your outfit.

While the nail artist notes traditional Mardi Gras colors—green, yellow, and purple—are always in high demand, Dixon emphasizes there’s no one way to do Mardi Gras nails. “Just have fun,” she shares. “I love playing with bright, exciting colors and throwing on even lots and lots of bling during this time.”

So whether you're in the mood for a cool French tip moment or want a design that mimics the event's signature beads, the whole city is going all out—your nails should too. Ahead, 30 Mardi Gras nail inspiration photos to spark some ideas.

Purple Madness

These nails are a mesmerizing mix of deep purples, swirls, and gemstone accents that scream mystical energy. The blend of abstract waves, glittery details, and zebra print adds a cool edge.

Gems Galore

In signature Mardi Gras colors, try adding gems for an eye-catching set that's nothing short of memorable.

Embellishments

The deep, shimmering red and gold embellishments on this manicure channel the opulence of a Mardi Gras ball. For the base, the artist used a mix of glossy and satin finishes.

Periwinkle

Keep it cute and simple with a purple manicure that glistens. The nail artist used Death Valley Nails Valentine's Day collection in the shade "I’d Let Him Eat Crackers".

Metallic Details

These nails are a perfect mix of delicate and bold, featuring a sheer nude base that keeps things soft while allowing the metallic details to pop. The abstract floral design in gold, green, and deep purple foil adds dimension and shimmer, creating a luxe, almost stained-glass effect.

Marble

Marble in this colorway brings all the Mardi Gras vibes. This set is unique, fun, and striking all in one.

Gold French Tip

Want to be in theme but don't want a total Mardi Gras nail takeover? Try this gold French tip design that gives off a regal touch in a simple to recreate mani.

Short & Colorful

These nails are Mardi Gras in a manicure—bold, playful, and bursting with the classic purple, green, and gold color scheme. The cool mix of designs offers a bit of everything: diagonal color blocking, a vibrant yellow grid pattern, and a full-on glittery purple moment that screams party vibes.

Distinct Decals

We love an opulent moment. The base of these nails is a sheer pink while the pointed almond tips are dipped in metallic gold for a luxe French manicure effect. The standout detail is the intricate gem embellishments—green baguette-cut stones that are accented with a pearl at the center.

3D Beige

This warm-toned set using Apres Nails' stiletto long sculpted tips looks next-level. It has texture, gold accents, and even plays around with negative space.

Classic Emerald

Basic doesn't have to mean boring. This classic green manicure with a subtle shine is def on the mood board.

Fool's Gold

These nails are a rich, molten gold moment that perfectly capture the extravagance of the event. The square-shaped tips are coated in a metallic, high-shine gold polish that mimics liquid metal.

Muliticolor Foil

These nails are an artsy, elevated take on Mardi Gras glam, combining abstract gold, green, and purple foil with delicate rhinestone detailing. The negative space design keeps them feeling modern and chic, letting the gemstone halos and metallic foil really shine.

Sunshine

Keep this colorful and simple with this soft yellow chrome manicure.

Swirls

These nails are pure Mardi Gras fun, with those shimmery green and purple swirls looking just like the throws you catch at a parade. Those 'S' shape designs look just like traditional serpentine streamers. And the little gold beads? That's a perfect touch of that royal Mardi Gras vibe, like the jewels on a king's crown.

Whimsical Patterns

This set uses classic Carnival colors and also includes a beautiful almost foil-like sheen.

Rings

These nails make a statement with a unique mix of purple and gold. They have soft, almost watercolor-like purple swirls on a sheer base with thick gold bands for a bold spin.

Mardi Gras Beads

It wouldn't be Mardi Gras without beads. This fun assortment of gems creates a colorful and saturated look on top of a nude matte base.

Mystic Vibes

There's so much to love about these nails. It has a mix of textures, iridescent polish, and chunky crystals that will glisten in the light.

Golden Time

These sculptural nails play with a soft, gradient yellow to nude base. The liquid gold addition adds an extra amount of dimension too.

Green Shimmer

The chrome green accents around the nail edges are a distinct way to make a regular shimmery manicure look fresh.

Gold and Green

These green and gold nails serve a striking contrast with the addition of gold foil.

Subtle Glitter

These sculpted almond nails make nude look especially exciting with the subtle shimmer added along the top edges. Perfect for Mardi Gras and beyond.

Glistening Purple

This shimmering purple manicure is simple to recreate at home and is perfectly on theme with the event's color palette.

Starstruck

There are no color rules when it comes to the event. This rainbow-structured mani was achieved using Kokoist excel builder gel.

Ultra Mini French Tips

Making an impact in the most subtle of ways, this ultra mini French tip proves less is sometimes more.

Purple Aura

This set plays around with deep berry tones for a moody yet refined Mardi Gras look. The gold accents here look simply divine.

Pearls

For a festive edge to a traditional French tip, try this cool girl dipped in gold look that's adorned with pearls.

Hearts

Make things a bit more romantic this season with a pink cat-eye heart moment.

Dimensional Purple

This non-traditional look is sure to be a conversation starter. These black French tip aura nails with an airbrushed star smack in the middle leave quite the impression.

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