Sophia Delgado
White gel nails are popular for their clean and crisp appearance, but they can sometimes turn yellow. This colour change can occur shortly after application and tends to be more common on the dominant hand. While it may be alarming, it is important to note that this discolouration is typically not a safety concern but a cosmetic issue. There are various factors that can contribute to this phenomenon, including exposure to sunlight, certain skincare products, and even smoking. Additionally, the curing process and the presence of photo initiators in the gel formula can also play a role in the yellowing effect. While some high-end brands may offer optical enhancers to counteract discolouration, it is still a common occurrence, especially with less expensive options.
Do white gel nails turn yellow in the sun?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sun exposure | Excessive sun exposure is the most common cause of yellowing. The UV light from the sun reacts with the chemistry of the nail application, altering its colour. |
| Self-tanning products | The chemicals in self-tanning products can also cause discolouration. |
| Smoking | Just as smoking causes teeth to turn yellow, it can also stain nails. |
| Skincare products | Some skincare products contain harsh chemicals that can react with the gel and cause it to yellow. |
| Hair products | Hair dyes and other hair products can contribute to nail discolouration. |
| Makeup | Certain makeup products, especially those with high SPF, can cause yellowing. |
| Sanitisers | Some hand sanitisers contain chemicals that can discolour nails. |
| Cleaning agents | Exposure to household cleaning products and chemicals can lead to nail discolouration. |
| Chlorinated water | Spending time in chlorinated swimming pools can also cause yellowing. |
| Food | Foods with high acid levels, such as turmeric and other spices, can stain or discolour nails. |
| Application errors | Improper application or contamination of colours during the application process may contribute to yellowing. |
| Brand and quality | Less expensive brands are more likely to experience yellowing due to the lack of optical stabilisers in their formulations. |
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Sun exposure
It is worth noting that while sun exposure is a significant contributor to nail discolouration, other factors can also play a role. For example, certain skincare products, cleaning agents, and sanitisers contain harsh chemicals that can react with the gel formula and accelerate yellowing. Smoking, hair dyes, and exposure to certain spices and ingredients, such as turmeric, can also contribute to nail discolouration.
To prevent yellowing caused by sun exposure and other factors, you can follow these additional tips:
- Choose a reputable nail technician who is trained in handling nail products correctly. This includes using separate bases and sealers for white nail applications and ensuring proper UV light exposure during the drying process.
- Opt for higher-end gel polish brands, as they are less likely to develop a yellow hue due to the inclusion of "optical stabilisers" in their formulations.
- If you use sunscreen or skincare products with high SPF, be cautious as these products may contribute to nail discolouration. Consider using gloves when applying products that come into contact with your nails.
- If you notice discolouration, you can try removing it by gently rubbing the affected area with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Alternatively, create a paste with lemon juice and baking soda, apply it to your nails, and wash it off after a few minutes.
By being mindful of sun exposure and following these preventative measures, you can help minimise the chances of your white gel nails turning yellow and maintain their crisp and clean appearance for longer.
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Smoking
While spending too much time in the sun can cause white gel nails to turn yellow, smoking is another major cause of discolouration. The staining varies from person to person, depending on how heavy a smoker they are, the type of cigarettes they smoke, and how they hold them. Typically, the nails on the dominant hand of the smoker are more affected, as this is the hand that holds the cigarette.
Some smokers opt for darker colours on their nails to avoid the discolouration from being too noticeable. However, if you wish to have pale colours, there are some solutions to the yellowing issue. One option is to use a buffer block to buff over the nail lightly and remove the staining, and then apply a polish top coat to restore shine. Another option is to use a special sun gel or varnish your nails before going out in the sun.
To prevent discolouration, you can also wear gloves when cleaning and cooking to avoid staining from cleaning agents and food.
Gelled nails can also be discoloured by skincare and hair products, makeup, and even food with high acid levels.
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Skincare products
White gel nails can turn yellow due to overexposure to the sun, with UV light from the sun reacting with the chemistry of the nail application, altering its colour. Spending time in the sun can also cause discolouration of the nails, especially in the summer. Therefore, it is recommended to cover the nails if you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun.
Additionally, skincare products, cleaning agents, and hand sanitisers can contain harsh chemicals that react with the gel, causing it to turn yellow. These include hand creams, hair products, and moisturisers with high SPF. To prevent this, you can wear gloves when cleaning or cooking to avoid direct contact with these products.
If your nails have already turned yellow, there are a few methods to remove the stains:
- Soak your nails in tea tree oil for approximately 10 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
- Create a paste with lemon juice and baking soda, let it sit on your nails for a few minutes, and then wash it off with soapy water.
- Spray hairspray onto your nails and gently rub the stains off with a cotton pad. Wash your hands with soap and water afterward.
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Chlorinated swimming pools
White gel nails are well-known for their sleek and clean aesthetic. However, maintaining this pristine appearance can be challenging due to the tendency of gel nails to turn yellow. This discolouration can occur soon after application and may come about without any apparent reason. While yellowing can be frustrating, it is important to note that it does not indicate any harm to the nails and is typically not a safety concern.
Sun exposure is a significant contributor to the yellowing of gel nails. The powerful UV rays from the sun interact with the chemistry of the nail application, causing a change in colour. This is similar to how the sun can cause clothing, such as white shirts, to turn yellow over time. Therefore, it is advisable to minimise direct sun exposure when sporting white gel nails. Covering your nails or wearing gloves can provide protection from the sun's rays and help prevent discolouration.
Swimming in chlorinated pools can also increase the risk of yellowing. Chlorine, a chemical commonly used to disinfect swimming pools, can react with the gel and lead to discolouration. If you plan to spend a lot of time in chlorinated pools, it is recommended to take precautionary measures such as covering your nails or wearing gloves to create a protective barrier.
In addition to sun exposure and chlorinated water, other factors can contribute to the yellowing of white gel nails. These include the use of certain skincare and hair products, exposure to self-tan and tanning beds, smoking, and the use of some cleaning agents and sanitisers. Additionally, errors during the application process, such as contamination of colours or insufficient UV light, can also play a role.
While it may be challenging to completely prevent yellowing, there are ways to minimise its occurrence and restore the colour of discoloured nails. Using high-quality, reputable nail products with optical stabilisers or enhancers can help reduce the yellowing effect. Additionally, taking precautions such as wearing gloves during cleaning and cooking, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and being cautious when using chemicals can help prolong the whiteness of your gel nails. If discolouration occurs, various methods can be employed to remove stains, such as using natural bleaching agents like lemon juice and baking soda or seeking professional nail treatments with enhanced sun protection.
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Hair dyes
Prolonged sun exposure is a common cause of yellowing gel nails. Gels can absorb UV rays, altering the colour. This can also happen with artificial tanning. However, hair dyes can also cause gel nail discolouration.
Coloured hair dyes can stain your nails, and bleach can discolour them. This can occur when rinsing hair or running your hands through your hair after dyeing. Gloves are recommended when handling hair dye to prevent this. Hairspray can be used to remove hair dye stains from nails. Spray the nails, gently rub the stains with a cotton pad, and then wash your hands with soap and water.
Other causes of gel nail discolouration include smoking, skincare products, cleaning agents, makeup, chlorine, and certain foods.
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Frequently asked questions
The UV light from the sun reacts with the chemistry of the nail application, altering its colour. This reaction is caused by photo initiators, a common ingredient in the curing process of many gel products.
You can cover your nails or wear gloves to prevent excessive sun exposure.
You can try natural bleaching agents such as lemon juice and baking soda, or hairspray. Alternatively, you can add a new layer of colour or redo the affected nails.
