Isla Bennett
Yellow and stained nails are a common issue, often caused by certain polishes, fungal infections, and lifestyle factors. Luckily, there are several simple and effective ways to whiten your nails at home, ranging from natural remedies to cosmetic solutions. From lemon juice soaks and baking soda scrubs to whitening toothpaste and nail pencils, you can easily brighten your nails and prevent future discolouration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of nail discolouration | Certain polishes, fungal infections, and lifestyle factors |
| Prevention of nail discolouration | Avoid wearing gloves and socks for long periods of time, wash hands and feet after a workout |
| Whitening products | Whitening toothpaste, diluted hydrogen peroxide, whitening nail pencil, colour-correcting nail polish, lemon juice, vinegar, coconut oil and tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, bleach, mouthwash |
| Application methods | Apply and scrub with a toothbrush, soak nails, paint the underside of nails with a whitening nail pencil or quick-dry white or milky polish, rub directly with lemon, apply a moisturising cream |
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Whitening toothpaste
It is important to choose the right type of whitening toothpaste. Opt for a white paste rather than a coloured one. Additionally, look for toothpaste that contains ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or hydrated silica, as these have whitening properties. The mild abrasives in these toothpastes can help remove surface stains from your nails, just as they do for teeth.
For best results, it is recommended to keep the toothpaste on your nails for about 10 minutes. If your nails are severely stained or discoloured, you may need to repeat the process a few times. However, be cautious not to overuse whitening treatments, as some ingredients like hydrogen peroxide can be drying and weaken your nails if used excessively.
If you don't have whitening toothpaste on hand, you can create a simple paste with baking soda and water. Mix equal parts of baking soda and warm water to form a paste, and then apply it to your nails using a nail brush or toothbrush. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water and mild soap.
By following these steps and using whitening toothpaste or a baking soda paste, you can effectively whiten the underside of your nails and achieve the desired bright and white appearance.
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Mouthwash
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can be used to remove stains from nails, just as it does for teeth. Apply a thick layer of whitening toothpaste to each nail and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub your nails under warm water. For best results, use a whitening toothpaste that contains baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and opt for a white paste rather than a coloured one.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be used as a mild bleach to whiten nails. Simply rub fresh lemon on your fingernails and tips, or paint lemon juice directly onto your nails with a brush or cotton swab. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You can also create a nail soak by mixing a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with a cup of lukewarm water and a splash of liquid hand soap in a small bowl. Soak your nails in the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse and moisturise your nails.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be combined with lemon juice or water to form a paste, which can then be applied to the nails with a cotton swab or toothbrush. Leave the paste on for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water (1:3) and soak your nails in the solution for a couple of minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then moisturise your nails.
White Vinegar
Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with a small cup of water. Soak your nails in the mixture for about five minutes, then rinse and apply hand and nail cream to keep them moisturised.
Whitening Pencil
A whitening nail pencil can be used to hide nail discolouration and offer a fast, temporary solution. Moisten the tip of the pencil and colour underneath the tips of each nail. Reapply as necessary, such as after washing your hands.
It is important to note that if you have not used nail polish recently and do not have another clear reason for discoloured nails, it may be best to consult a physician rather than attempting to whiten the apparent stains. Infection or serious underlying medical conditions can affect nail appearance.
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Lemon juice
There are several methods for using lemon juice to whiten your nails, including a simple lemon juice soak. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a bowl and add warm water. Dip your nails into the mixture for around five minutes. This will brighten your nails and soften your cuticles. You can also sweep a lemon peel over your nails, focusing on your cuticles, before a manicure.
Another option is to mix lemon juice with olive oil. Combine the juice of half a lemon with a quarter cup of olive oil. Dip your nails into this mixture for around ten minutes. The lemon juice will gently whiten your nails, while the olive oil will strengthen them with natural vitamins and moisture.
It is important to note that lemon juice can sting, so avoid getting it on any cuts or hangnails. Always moisturise your nails after using lemon juice, as it can be drying.
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Whitening nail pencil
To use a whitening nail pencil, start by moistening the tip of the pencil to help it glide more smoothly. Then, colour underneath the tips of each nail, creating beautiful white edges. You can also wet your nails to make the pencil creamier and easier to apply.
There are several whitening nail pencils available on Amazon, such as the Maitys 2-in-1 Nail Whitening Pencil, which comes with a cuticle pusher, and the Flowery 4-in-1 Nail Whitening Pencil, which targets discolouration and acts with a gentle touch.
It is important to note that some people may prefer using a quick-dry white or milky polish under the nail instead of a pencil, as they can sometimes be too creamy and messy. Additionally, it is recommended to reapply the pencil as necessary, especially after washing your hands, as the colour may fade or wash away.
Overall, whitening nail pencils are a simple and effective way to achieve brighter and whiter-looking nails, making them a popular choice for those who want to enhance the appearance of their nails.
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Tea tree oil
If you have yellow or white spots under your nails, you may have a fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis. This is a common occurrence, especially in warmer regions where fungus thrives. It is usually caused by fungal growth in the nail bed due to trapped moisture and can also occur due to swimming or excessive sweating.
To use tea tree oil for treating nail fungus, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hands and the infected area.
- Trim the affected nail straight across, leaving a thin strip of white at the tip, and smooth rough edges with a file.
- Push back the cuticle to expose as much of the nail as possible.
- Dilute the tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, avocado, sesame, or grapeseed oil.
- Apply a drop of diluted tea tree oil directly to the nail once in the morning and once before bed.
- If you shower or swim during the day, repeat the treatment afterward.
- Sanitize any tools you use by soaking them in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry.
It is important to note that tea tree oil should only be used topically and can be poisonous if ingested. It may also cause an allergic reaction on the skin, so it is recommended to do a skin test before use. Results may take a while, so consistent application is key.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to whiten your nails, including:
- Whitening toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Lemon juice
- Coconut oil and tea tree oil
- Vinegar
- Whitening nail pencil
Apply a thick layer of whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub your nails under warm water.
Lemon contains natural bleaching properties that can help to remove yellow stains from nails. You can rub a piece of lemon on your nails or soak your fingertips in lemon juice for 10-15 minutes.
Combine coconut oil with a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply the mixture generously to your nails every day for 1-2 weeks.
Use a whitening nail pencil to colour the underside of your nails. You can also use white or milky polish under your nails for a similar effect.
