Buzz
You likely don’t want discolored nails; instead, you’re aiming to whiten them quickly. Nail polish, cleaning products, and tobacco can damage your nails, leading to yellowing. Fortunately, you can whiten your nails by soaking and scrubbing them with common household items. Additionally, changing your nail care habits can help you achieve bright, white nails.
Steps
Soak Your Nails
Pour hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, lemon juice, or denture cleaner into a bowl. Many household products can safely whiten your nails. Choose the one that works best for you and pour it into a plastic or glass bowl. You can try one of the following methods:
- Mix 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) of hydrogen peroxide with half a cup (120ml) of water.
- Squeeze the juice of 2 lemons into a bowl.
- Pour about half a cup (120ml) of denture cleaning solution into a bowl for soaking your nails.
- Measure about half a cup (120ml) of white vinegar into a bowl.
Soak your nails for about 10 minutes to whiten them. Set a timer for 10 minutes, then dip your fingertips into the bowl and begin the soaking process. Relax while your nails soak in the whitening solution.
- If using hydrogen peroxide, you may see results within 2 minutes.
- If your fingers start to feel uncomfortable, remove them from the solution immediately.
Rinse your nails with warm water to remove the soaking solution. After soaking, wash your hands with mild soap and warm water. This will cleanse away the whitening solution. Now, check to see if your nails appear whiter.
- If you're not satisfied with the results, you can try another whitening method. However, it’s best to wait at least a day before trying again to avoid skin irritation.
Tip: Apply hand moisturizer after soaking your nails to hydrate your skin.
Soak your nails 2-3 times a week until they become white. Sometimes, stubborn yellow stains on nails are hard to remove, so you may need to repeat the whitening process multiple times. For best results, repeat the treatment 2-3 times a week to whiten your nails without harming your skin.
If you have an upcoming event, you can apply the whitening method daily for 3 consecutive days. However, the skin around your fingertips may become dry, red, and irritated.
Scrub Your Nails
Apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Spread the toothpaste evenly over your nails, then set a timer for 10 minutes. Next, use a nail brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the toothpaste into your nails for 1-2 minutes. Finally, rinse your hands with warm water until all the toothpaste is removed.
- It’s best to use whitening toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for optimal results.
- Your nails may whiten after one treatment. If they don’t, you can repeat the process 1-2 times a week until your nails are fully whitened.
Mix a paste of baking soda and apply it to your nails for 30 minutes. Combine equal parts baking soda and warm water to create a thick paste. Dip a nail brush or toothbrush into the paste and scrub it onto your nails. Leave the paste on your nails for 30 minutes to allow it to work its whitening magic. Finally, rinse your hands with warm water and mild soap.
- You can make the paste thicker by reducing the amount of water, which helps it adhere better to your nails.
Scrub a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice onto your nails and wait for 10 minutes. First, mix 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to form a thick paste. Next, use a cotton swab to apply the paste to the surface of your nails and under the tips. Leave the paste on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Alternative Method: You can replace lemon juice with hydrogen peroxide. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to create a thick paste, then apply it to your nails and wait for 10 minutes.
Change Your Nail Care Habits
Remove nail polish using a nail polish remover. Dip a cotton swab into the nail polish remover, then hold it on the painted area for 1-3 seconds. Next, wipe the surface of your nails to clean off the polish. Use additional remover and a fresh cotton swab if needed.
- Acetone-based nail polish removers are more effective. However, you can opt for acetone-free options if preferred.
Quickly brighten your nails using a whitening pencil to color the tips. A nail whitening pencil helps conceal discoloration and provides a temporary fix. To use it, moisten the pencil tip and apply it under the edges of your nails. Reapply as needed to maintain a bright appearance.
- You may need to reapply the pencil after washing your hands.
- You can purchase nail whitening pencils online or at beauty supply stores. They are typically found in the nail care section and resemble eyeliner pencils.
Apply a base coat before painting your nails to prevent yellowing. Nail polish is a common cause of discoloration, but a base coat can protect your nails. Always apply a base coat before using colored polish to prevent staining. This helps maintain the natural whiteness of your nails and avoids discoloration.
- You can use a clear base coat for added protection. These are usually sold alongside nail polishes in the nail care section.
Opt for light-colored nail polish instead of dark shades. The pigments in dark polishes can seep into your nails, causing staining. While light-colored polishes can also cause discoloration, it’s less common. If you enjoy painting your nails, choose light shades more often than dark ones.
- For example, a soft pink shade is less likely to stain your nails compared to a deep burgundy.
What You'll Need
Soaking Your Nails
- Plastic or glass bowl
- Water
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- 2 lemons (optional)
- Denture cleaning solution (optional)
- Vinegar (optional)
- Timer
Scrubbing Your Nails
- Spoon
- Cotton pads or cotton swabs
- Whitening toothpaste (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- Timer
Adjust Your Nail Care Routine
- Nail polish remover
- Water
- Nail brush or toothbrush
- Nail whitening pencil (optional)
- Base coat (optional)
- Light-colored nail polish (optional)
Warnings
- While buffing your nails can remove yellow stains, it may weaken them over time. It’s best to avoid excessive buffing.
- Consult a doctor if nail discoloration persists, or if your nails change shape, separate from the skin, or become unusually thick.
