As the Australia day celebrated on January 26th comes closer, it’s time to start planning your outfit, decorations and of course, your nails! This national holiday is all about celebrating the diverse culture, heritage and history of Australia. So why not add some festive flair to your look with these fun and stylish Australia Day nail designs? Whether you’re attending a backyard barbecue, hitting the beach or watching the fireworks, these nails will surely make a statement and show off your Aussie pride.
Festive Australia Day Nail Designs:
There’re so many ways to show off your love for Australia on this special day, but why not let your nails do the talking? From playful kangaroos to iconic symbols like the Australian flag and map, there’s no shortage of inspiration for these festive Australia Day nail designs.
Classic Australian Flag Manicure:
For a classic look, you can paint your nails red and white for the base colors. Then use a small brush or toothpick to carefully add the Union Jack in blue and white on one nail, and the Southern Cross stars in gold on another.
Pro Tip: If freehand painting feels too difficult, you can use nail stickers for the stars to ensure they are uniform and crisp.
Southern Cross Accent Nails:
Eureka flag-inspired nail art is another great option for showing off your Australian pride. The Eureka flag, also known as the Southern Cross flag, features five white stars on a dark blue background. To achieve this look, paint your nails in a deep blue shade and then use a small brush or toothpick to create five white dots in a star pattern on one accent nail. You can also add some gold and silver glitter to represent the other stars in the constellation.
Aussie Icons:
Australia is known for its unique and iconic animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. Why not incorporate these furry friends into your nail art? You can use different shades of brown to create a kangaroo silhouette or add some eucalyptus leaves for a koala-inspired design. For the adventurous nail artist, try your hand at painting a wombat on one of your nails.
Animal designing can be a bit tricky so you can you nail stickers to get the perfect look. Simply stick a sticker onto your nail and seal it with a top coat. This is a quick and easy way to add some Aussie flair to your nails.
Apart from animals, there are many other iconic symbols of Australia that you can use for inspiration. The Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, and Uluru are just a few examples of famous landmarks that can be transformed into beautiful nail art designs.
If you’re feeling patriotic, why not paint the Australian flag on your nails? You can use different shades of blue for the background and add stars using white polish or nail art pens. This is a great way to show off your love for Australia during national holidays or sporting events.
Beach Vibes:
Australia is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. You can capture the beach vibes with your nail art by incorporating elements like palm trees, waves, and seashells into your design. Choose bright colors such as turquoise, coral, and yellow to represent the vibrant energy of Australian beaches.
Green-and-Gold Ombré or Glitter:
Green and gold are the official colors of Australia, and they make for a perfect ombré or glitter nail design. You can paint your nails with a gradient effect using these two colors or add some sparkle with gold glitter polish. This is a simple yet effective way to pay homage to the country’s colors.
Small Map of Australia:
Another creative and subtle way to incorporate Australia into your nail design is by drawing a small map of the country on one or two nails. You can use a fine-tipped brush and some white or black polish to create an outline of Australia, or you can opt for a sticker or decal if you’re not confident in your nail art skills.
Caring for Your Manicure
To ensure your Australia Day nail ideas last through the long weekend, proper aftercare is essential. Even the best salon application needs protection from daily wear and tear.
- Hydrate Daily: Apply cuticle oil every evening to keep the skin around your nails soft and prevent hangnails.
- Wear Gloves: If you are washing dishes or cleaning up after a BBQ, wear rubber gloves. Water can expand the nail plate, causing polish to lift.
- Top Up: Re-apply a clear top coat every two to three days to restore shine and add an extra layer of protection against chipping.
- Protect with Gloves: Whenever possible, wear gloves when outdoors in the cold weather. The harsh temperatures and wind can dry out your hands and nails, causing them to become brittle.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Try to avoid using harsh chemicals on your hands such as bleach, cleaning products, or even hair dye. These can weaken and damage your nails over time.
- Moisturize Regularly: Keep your hands and cuticles moisturized by applying lotion frequently throughout the day. This will prevent them from becoming dry and cracked.
- Keep Nails Trimmed: Regularly trim your nails to keep them at a manageable length. This will help prevent breakage and splitting.
