St. Patrick’s Day often descends into a sea of neon green glitter and plastic shamrocks, but for those of us with curls, the goal is finding a look that celebrates the spirit of the day without sacrificing the health or integrity of our hair. Curls are notoriously temperamental, and when you add the humidity of early spring or the weight of festive accessories into the mix, things can go south quickly. The key isn’t just to match your outfit to your eyeshadow; it’s about utilizing the natural volume and bounce of your texture to create styles that look intentional, vibrant, and—most importantly—long-lasting.
Whether your hair sits in tight, springy coils or flows in loose, beachy waves, the right preparation makes all the difference. We are skipping the cheap, staining hair sprays and focusing on styles that lean into the festive aesthetic through color-coordinated accessories, intricate braids, and clever updos. Grab your favorite leave-in conditioner and a few reliable hairpins, because we are diving into 28 ways to wear your curls with a wink to the Emerald Isle.
1. Emerald Velvet Ribbon Half-Up
The quickest way to transition any daily look into something holiday-appropriate is to swap out your standard elastic for a piece of rich, emerald velvet ribbon. Start by gathering the top section of your hair, from the temples upward, and pulling it back into a loose, comfortable half-ponytail. Instead of tying it tight, let the curls cascade naturally over the ribbon for a soft, romantic effect.
Why This Style Works for Curls
The velvet material is far gentler on your hair than synthetic elastics, which can lead to breakage or snags when you go to take them out later. It adds a touch of luxury that feels festive without the need for kitschy plastic hats or headbands.
How to Style
- Gently finger-detangle the top section to ensure there are no knots.
- Secure the hair with a small, clear silicone band first to ensure the weight of your curls doesn’t cause the style to sag.
- Tie the emerald ribbon over the band in a simple bow, leaving the tails long enough to mingle with your curls as they fall.
2. Double Dutch Braids with Green Hair Rings
Braids provide a structural foundation that keeps curly hair controlled, especially when you are moving through a crowded parade or a long brunch. Dutch braids work particularly well because they sit on top of the head, showcasing the definition of your curls between the woven sections.
Adding the Festive Flare
The secret here is in the metal hair rings. You can find tiny, inexpensive charms in shades of emerald, gold, and lime green. Threading these into the loops of your braids creates a subtle, clinking effect that feels like jewelry for your hair.
Pro Tip for Neatness
Use a light-hold styling gel along your part lines before you start braiding. This tames the flyaways that curls are prone to developing and gives the finished style a crisp, professional look that lasts well into the evening.
3. The High Pineapple Updo with Gold Accents
If your curls are in their second or third day, a high pineapple is the ultimate savior. It moves the weight of your hair to the crown of your head, creating an elongated, dramatic silhouette that works beautifully with statement earrings.
Injecting Holiday Spirit
Since the pineapple is simple by nature, the holiday element comes from the accessories. Use gold bobby pins or small gold-tone leaf hair clips to pin back any loose strands at the nape of your neck. The gold against your dark or light curls mimics the “pot of gold” theme without being too literal.
Maintaining Volume
To keep the pineapple looking full rather than sparse, use a long-pronged afro pick to gently lift the roots after you have secured the base. Do not pull your hair through the band more than twice; keep it loose so the curls don’t get stretched thin.
4. Curly Low Chignon with Shamrock Pins
A low chignon is the definition of understated elegance. When done with curls, it shouldn’t look perfectly polished; it should look lived-in and soft. This style is excellent if you are heading to a more formal dinner or a work event where you want to nod to the holiday while maintaining a sophisticated profile.
The Construction
Gather your hair into a low, loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Instead of pulling the ends all the way through the final loop, create a “bun” by tucking the ends back under and securing them with a few heavy-duty pins. Pull out a few face-framing tendrils to soften the look.
Adding the Shamrocks
Scatter three or four tiny, delicate shamrock pins throughout the bun. Because the pins are small, they won’t weigh down the curl pattern, and they catch the light whenever you move your head.
5. Sleek-to-Curly Side Braid
This style offers a beautiful contrast between the flat, controlled scalp area and the voluminous, unbridled curls at the ends. It is a fantastic option for those who want to keep their hair out of their face but still want to show off their texture.
Why It’s a Winner
By braiding one side of your head—either a single large braid or two cornrow-style tight braids—you create a “faux-undercut” effect. It is a bold, edgy look that allows for maximum volume on the opposite side of your head.
The Finishing Touch
Use a temporary green hair wax or hair chalk on the braided section to make that specific area pop. It provides a burst of holiday color that is easily washed out the next day, saving you from any long-term commitment to festive dyes.
6. Loose Side Bun with Green Eucalyptus Sprigs
Sometimes, the best hair accessories aren’t even made for hair. Using small, dried eucalyptus sprigs—which are a beautiful, muted sage green—gives a natural and bohemian vibe to your St. Patrick’s Day look.
The Aesthetic
This works best with a loose, side-swept bun. After securing the bun with pins, simply tuck the stems of the dried eucalyptus into the coil. The scent is often refreshing, and the look is far more mature than the typical party favors.
Handling Eucalyptus
Ensure you are using dried or preserved sprigs. Fresh eucalyptus can sometimes leak oil or sap if it’s crushed, which you definitely don’t want near your hair products.
7. The Messy Top Knot with Emerald Scrunchies
We all know the power of a good scrunchie. For St. Patrick’s Day, it’s all about the texture. Look for an oversized emerald silk or satin scrunchie. The material is key—satin helps prevent frizz, which is the natural enemy of curly hair.
How to Style
Flip your head upside down and gather all your hair to the very top. Don’t worry about getting it smooth; the messier, the better for this look. Use the oversized scrunchie to secure the bun.
Why It Works
It takes two minutes to execute. If you are rushing to get ready, this style allows you to show your holiday spirit while keeping your curls protected inside the satin fabric of the scrunchie.
8. Braided Crown with Green Ribbon Weave
This is the “fairytale” look. A crown braid is a classic, but weaving a thin, lime-green satin ribbon through the braid takes it into holiday territory instantly.
The Technique
Start your braid at one temple, following your hairline across the top of your head, and continue down the other side. As you add sections into the braid, tuck the ribbon in so that it spirals around your head.
Expert Tip
Do not pull the braid too tight. Once it is pinned in place, go back and gently tug on the outer loops of the braid to create a “pancaked” effect. This makes the braid appear thicker and creates a soft, ethereal vibe that suits curly hair perfectly.
9. Waterfall Braids with Tiny Gold Studs
A waterfall braid creates a cascading effect that looks stunning when paired with the natural spring of your curls. Because the hair “falls” through the braid, your curls remain the star of the show.
Adding the Holiday Detail
Instead of using hair-specific accessories, use tiny gold-tone craft studs or beads. Carefully thread one onto each strand before you let it fall through the waterfall section. It creates a subtle, twinkling effect that feels like gold coins scattered throughout your hair.
Managing Tension
Waterfall braids can be tricky with curly hair because the tension needs to be consistent. Use a bit of anti-frizz serum on your hands as you work to keep the strands from grabbing onto each other too aggressively.
10. The Half-Up “Puff” with Green Bows
If you have tight coils, the half-up puff is a staple. It highlights your facial features while letting the length of your hair hang loose in the back.
Elevating the Look
Use two small green velvet bows—one on each side of the puff—rather than one large one. This creates a balanced, symmetrical look that feels youthful and playful.
Stretching the Coils
For the best result, gently stretch the hair in your puff using an afro pick before securing it. This adds height, which is essential for preventing the puff from looking flat or deflated as the day progresses.
11. Low Ponytail with a Green Silk Scarf
A silk scarf is an incredibly versatile tool for curly hair. For St. Patrick’s Day, look for a scarf that features various shades of green, perhaps with a floral or paisley print.
The Style
Gather your hair into a low ponytail and wrap the scarf around the base, letting the long tails hang down alongside your hair. You can even wrap the scarf into the ponytail itself, creating a mixed-texture look.
Why It’s Effective
The silk scarf provides a layer of protection from environmental friction. It’s a stylish way to keep your ends hydrated while ensuring that your holiday outfit has a cohesive, polished accessory.
12. Bantu Knots with Green Thread
Bantu knots are a beautiful, protective style that celebrates natural texture. For the holiday, you can wrap the base of each knot with green embroidery thread.
Creating the Look
Section your hair into clean squares or triangles. Twist each section into a tight knot. Use the green thread to wrap the base of each knot until the hair is covered and the color is vibrant.
The Benefit
This is a high-impact style. It keeps your hair tucked away and protected, and the green thread acts as a long-lasting accessory that won’t fall out, even if you’re dancing all night.
13. Double Buns (Space Buns) with Gold Glitter
Space buns are inherently fun. For a holiday party, they are the perfect canvas for a bit of sparkle.
The Sparkle Factor
After you have secured your space buns, use a root-touch-up glitter spray in gold or emerald. Lightly mist the buns so they catch the light. Just be sure to close your eyes and cover your face while spraying!
Avoiding the Crunch
Do not use heavy hairsprays to hold the buns in place. Instead, use thin, snag-free elastics and bobby pins. This ensures that when you take the buns out, your hair doesn’t have a “crunchy” texture from too much product.
14. Twisted Front Headband Style
This style mimics the look of a headband using your own hair. It is an excellent way to keep your curls out of your face without having to worry about a physical accessory slipping off.
The Process
Section off the front two inches of your hair from ear to ear. Divide this into two or three small sections, twist them back toward the crown, and pin them securely. Let the rest of your hair hang loose.
Holiday Addition
Place tiny green leaf pins at the point where the twists meet the rest of your hair. It makes the “headband” look purposeful and adds a festive touch that is subtle but noticeable.
15. The “Curly Mohawk” with Green Bobby Pins
A faux-hawk is a fantastic way to add edge to a curly look. By pinning the sides of your hair up toward the center, you create the illusion of a mohawk while keeping all that beautiful volume on top.
The Festive Twist
Use dozens of emerald-green bobby pins to secure the sides. Don’t hide the pins—let them be part of the design. Creating a geometric pattern with the pins on the sides adds a modern, artistic flair that elevates the entire style.
Why It Works
This style is extremely secure. Because you are using so many pins, the hair stays firmly in place, which is ideal if your St. Patrick’s Day plans involve a lot of movement.
16. Loose Waves with a Green Flower Crown
If you are aiming for a more bohemian, earthy look, a flower crown is the way to go. Focus on crowns that feature small green leaves, ferns, or white clovers.
Styling the Hair
This style works best with loose, brushed-out curls. Use a lightweight curl cream to ensure your waves are defined but not weighed down by heavy butter or oil.
The Crown
Place the crown gently on your head. Because curly hair has a lot of volume, it acts as a natural cushion for the crown, helping it stay in place without needing tight elastic bands.
17. The Side-Swept Curls with a Statement Clip
Sometimes, you don’t need a complex style. Simply pinning one side of your hair back with a large, statement-making emerald barrette can be enough to signal that you’re dressed for the occasion.
The Choice of Clip
Look for clips that feature resin, rhinestones, or enamel in shades of deep forest green. These look high-end and are sturdy enough to hold back a thick section of curly hair.
Positioning
Pin the clip about three inches above your ear. This pulls the hair away from your face and creates a dramatic, asymmetrical look that frames your features beautifully.
18. Braided Pigtails with Green Ribbon
Pigtails don’t have to be juvenile. Braided pigtails with curly ends can look incredibly chic, especially when styled loosely and accessorized correctly.
The Weave
As you braid, incorporate a thin green ribbon into the three sections of each braid. Secure the ends with a matching ribbon rather than a rubber band.
Maintenance
Use a refreshing curl mist on your ends before you braid. Since the ends of your hair are exposed in this style, giving them a little extra moisture helps them maintain their bounce once you take the braids out later in the day.
19. High Ponytail with Green Velvet Wrap
A high ponytail is classic, but wrapping the base with a long, thin ribbon of green velvet changes the entire aesthetic.
The “Tail”
Let the ribbon wrap around the ponytail itself, creating a candy-cane effect. Leave several inches of ribbon dangling at the end to mix with your curls.
Ensuring Height
To keep the ponytail high, use a “double-ponytail” trick. Tie the top half of your hair into a pony, then gather the bottom half and combine it with the first one. This supports the weight of the hair and prevents the ponytail from drooping.
20. Half-Up Knotted Top Knot
The knotted top knot is a more intricate take on the standard bun. It adds texture and interest to the top of your head.
The Knot
Instead of twisting your hair into a bun, split the hair into two sections and tie them in a simple overhand knot. Tuck the ends under and pin them.
Festive Accessory
Use a gold-and-green “lucky” charm pin to secure the knot. It acts as a focal point and gives a nod to the holiday theme in a way that feels intentional and well-styled.
21. Loose Side Braid with Fern Leaves
Similar to the eucalyptus look, fern leaves provide a beautiful, organic green element that feels very “forest floor.”
The Technique
Braid your hair loosely to the side. As you move down the braid, tuck individual fern fronds into the gaps between the woven sections.
Longevity
This style is best suited for an indoor event or a short period outside. Ferns are delicate and can wither if they are exposed to the elements for too long, so use this style for a brunch or a house party.
22. Curly Updo with Scattered Gold Stars
Gold stars are a fantastic alternative to shamrocks if you want a more celestial, subtle interpretation of the “lucky” theme.
The Construction
Gather your hair into a messy, high updo. Don’t worry about perfect placement. Once the structure is set, take small gold star hair pins and scatter them throughout the bun.
The Effect
The gold stars reflect the light beautifully, especially if you are in a dim environment like a pub or a restaurant. It’s sophisticated, elegant, and perfectly holiday-appropriate without being overtly green.
23. The “Tucked-Under” Faux Bob
If you want to try a shorter look for the day, a tucked-under faux bob is a clever way to fake it without cutting your hair.
The Process
Gather your hair into a very low, loose ponytail. Tuck the length of the ponytail up toward your nape and pin it securely underneath.
Holiday Flair
Use a large green statement headband to pull the front sections back. This anchors the style and ensures that the “bob” stays in place, while the headband provides all the color you need.
24. Fishtail Braid with Green Tinsel Strands
If you really want to lean into the party atmosphere, thin strands of green tinsel can be braided into your hair.
The Tinsel
Make sure the tinsel is designed for hair use—it is usually much softer and lighter than craft tinsel. Braid it into a fishtail braid so the sparkles are evenly distributed throughout.
Why It Works
It catches the light, it’s undeniably festive, and it is a fun departure from your everyday look. It’s perfect for a night out or a loud celebration.
25. The Curly Beehive
A beehive is a retro style that looks incredible with curly hair because the volume provides a natural base.
Building the Hive
Backcomb the roots of your crown section slightly, then smooth it over and pin it into a rounded, voluminous shape. Let the rest of your curls flow down your back.
The Accessory
Wrap a green silk ribbon around the base of the beehive, tying it into a small bow at the back. It adds a 1960s-inspired vibe that is both polished and festive.
26. Side-Braided Ponytail
This is the workhorse of curly hairstyles. Braid a small section of hair at your hairline and pull it back into a ponytail with the rest of your hair.
The Green Element
Use a bright lime green elastic to secure the ponytail. It provides a sharp contrast, especially if your hair is dark, and makes the style look intentional.
Texture Tip
Use a light texturizing spray on your ponytail to keep the curls from clumping together too much. You want the ponytail to look airy and full, not heavy.
27. The Crown Twist with Gold Pins
If a full crown braid is too much effort, a crown twist is a perfect alternative. Twist two sections of hair from your temples toward the back and pin them together.
The “Luck” Factor
Use gold pins in the shape of cloverleaves along the twist. It creates a beautiful, metallic line that follows the curve of your head.
Ease of Use
This style takes under five minutes and is very easy to adjust throughout the day if a pin starts to slip.
28. High Bun with a Green Velvet Ribbon
Sometimes, the simplest approach is the most effective. A high, messy bun is the perfect backdrop for a long, flowing green ribbon.
The Finish
After you have secured your bun, tie a long, emerald velvet ribbon around the base. Let the long ends flow down your back, mimicking the length of your hair.
Why It’s the Final Choice
It is elegant, simple, and comfortable. It keeps your hair off your neck—which is always a plus during a busy celebration—and it makes a bold statement with just one accessory.
Final Thoughts
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to treat your hair as an accessory rather than just a feature. When working with curls, the most important thing is to avoid styles that require excessive heat or tension, which can lead to frizz and breakage. By focusing on accessories like ribbons, silk scarves, and delicate pins, you can achieve a look that celebrates the holiday while keeping your natural texture healthy and happy. Whether you choose a simple ribbon or an intricate braid, the key is to own the look with confidence and enjoy the day.
