Buzz
Discolored nails probably aren't what you're aiming for, so you're likely eager to whiten them quickly. Nail polish, household cleaning products, and exposure to smoke can all contribute to yellowing and splotchy nails. Luckily, you can restore their whiteness by soaking or scrubbing them with some common household items. Additionally, adjusting your manicure routine can help you maintain white nails.
Steps
Soaking Your Nails
Choose hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, lemon juice, or denture cleaner and pour it into a bowl. Several household items can effectively whiten your nails. Opt for the one that suits you best and add it to a clean glass or plastic bowl. Try one of these methods:
- Mix 3 to 4 US tbsp (44 to 59 mL) of hydrogen peroxide with .5 c (120 mL) of water.
- Squeeze the juice from 2 lemons into a bowl.
- Pour approximately .5 c (120 mL) of denture cleaner into a bowl for soaking.
- Measure out about .5 c (120 mL) of white vinegar into a bowl.
Whiten your nails by soaking them for up to 10 minutes. Set a timer for 10 minutes, then dip your nails into the bowl and let your fingertips submerge. Relax as your nails absorb the whitening solution.
- If you're using hydrogen peroxide, you might notice results in just 2 minutes.
- If your fingers start to feel irritated, remove them immediately.
Remove the solution by rinsing your nails with warm water. After soaking your nails, wash your hands with mild soap and warm water. This will eliminate the whitening solution. Check your nails to see if they appear white.
- If you're not satisfied with the results, you can try another whitening method. However, it's advisable to wait at least a day before doing so to avoid skin irritation.
Tip: Apply hand lotion after soaking your nails to replenish moisture to your skin.
Soak your nails 2-3 times a week until they achieve the desired whiteness. Stubborn stains may require multiple whitening sessions, so it's recommended to repeat the treatments 2-3 times per week to whiten your nails without harming your skin.
If you have a special occasion approaching, you may consider daily whitening treatments for up to 3 days. However, this may dry out the skin on your fingertips and lead to redness and irritation.
Using Scrubs for Your Nails
Apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Cover your nails with toothpaste, then set a timer for 10 minutes. Afterward, use a nail brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the toothpaste into your nails for 1-2 minutes. Rinse your hands in warm water until all the toothpaste is removed.
- Opt for a whitening toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for best results.
- Your nails may become white after just one treatment. If not, repeat this process once or twice a week until your nails are completely white.
Create a baking soda paste and let it rest on your nails for 30 minutes. Mix equal parts baking soda and warm water to form a paste. Then, dip a nail brush or toothbrush into the paste and apply it to your fingernails. Allow the paste to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water and mild soap.
- You can thicken the paste by using less water, which may help it adhere better to your nails.
Scrub a paste of baking soda and lemon juice onto your nails and wait for 10 minutes. Combine 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of lemon juice with 2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) of baking soda to create a paste. Apply this paste to the surface and underside of your nails using a cotton swab. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Alternative: Substitute lemon juice with hydrogen peroxide. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda into a paste, then apply it to your nails for 10 minutes.
Revamping Your Manicure Routine
Remove polish stains by wiping your nails with nail polish remover. Dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover, then press it against your nail for 1-3 seconds. Swipe the cotton swab across your nail to eliminate any polish stains. Reapply nail polish remover and use a fresh cotton swab if necessary.
- Nail polish remover containing acetone may be more effective, but it's optional if you prefer to avoid it.
Quickly conceal discoloration with a whitening nail pencil. A whitening pencil camouflages nail stains, providing a speedy, temporary solution. Dampen the pencil tip, then apply it underneath your nail tips. Reapply as needed to maintain white nails.
- You may need to touch up after washing your hands.
- Whitening nail pencils are available at drugstores or online in the nail care aisle, resembling eyeliner pencils.
Apply a base coat before painting nails to prevent yellowing. Nail polish often causes nail discoloration, but a base coat offers protection. Prior to painting your nails, always use a base coat to shield them from color absorption, preserving their white appearance.
- Any clear base coat can safeguard your nails, typically found alongside nail polish in the nail care section.
Opt for lighter nail polish hues over darker shades. Dark nail polish pigments can penetrate nails, leading to staining. While lighter colors can also stain, they're less likely to do so. When choosing nail polish, favor lighter shades over darker ones.
- For example, a pale pink polish is less likely to stain compared to a deep fuchsia color.
Essentials
Prepping for Nail Soak
- Glass or plastic bowl
- Water
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- 2 lemons (optional)
- Denture cleaner (optional)
- Vinegar (optional)
- Timer
Getting Ready to Scrub
- Spoon
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Whitening toothpaste (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- Timer
Revamping Your Nail Care Routine
- Nail polish remover
- Water
- Nail brush or toothbrush
- Whitening nail pencil (optional)
- Base coat (optional)
- Light nail polish (optional)
Pointers
Cautions
- Buffing nails can remove stains but weakens them. Avoid buffing.
- If discoloration persists or nails change shape, separate from skin, or thicken, consult a doctor.
