Download Article
Expert-backed tips and DIY remedies to whiten your nails and toenails
Download Article
Nail discoloration can be caused by certain polishes, fungal infections, and lifestyle factors, but luckily, there are several ways to lighten your nails and have them looking healthy again. In this article, we’ll teach you how to whiten your nails at home, plus treat stains and discoloration. We also talked to nail artist Marta Nagorska for tips on how to prevent yellowing so you can get the perfect mani or pedi.
Best Ways to Whiten Your Nails at Home
- Apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Gently scrub your nails with an old toothbrush and rinse with water.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of baking soda to make a paste. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub your nails, then rinse after 10 minutes.
- Stir 4 to 5 US tbsp (59 to 74 mL) of hydrogen peroxide into 0.5 cups (120 mL) of water, then soak your nails in the bleaching solution. Rinse with warm water after 15 minutes.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Bleaching Your Nails to Remove Tough Stains
Download Article
-
Add hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, lemon juice, or denture cleaner to a bowl. There are several household products that you can use to safely whiten your nails. Choose the option that works best for you, then add it to a clean glass bowl: [1] X Research source
- Stir 4 to 5 US tbsp (59 to 74 mL) of hydrogen peroxide into 0.5 cups (120 mL) of water. [2] X Research source
- Squeeze the juice from 2 lemons into a bowl.
- Drop a denture cleaning tablet into a cup of warm water for soaking.
- Combine 4 to 5 US tbsp (59 to 74 mL) of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup (240 mL) of water.
-
Soak your nails for up to 15 minutes to bleach them. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Then, dip your fingers or toes into the bowl until they’re completely submerged. Relax as your nails soak in the whitening solution. [3] X Research source
- If your fingers start to burn, remove them immediately.
Advertisement -
Rinse your nails off in warm water to remove the solution. After soaking your nails, wash your hands with mild soap and warm water. Check your nails to see if they look white, and repeat the treatment every day until your nails are as light as you want. [4] X Research source
- If you’re not happy with the results, you can try another whitening treatment. However, it’s best to wait at least a day before you do so since your skin might get irritated.
- Apply a hand cream after this treatment to add moisture back to your skin. If you’re soaking your nails for more than 3 days, apply sweet almond or coconut oil on your cuticles.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionWhat if no whitening treatments seem to work?Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.Ask your doctor to take a look. In some cases, yellow nails may be a sign of a nail condition.
-
QuestionWhat brightening products can I try?Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.Try a nail polish brightener or whitener. These products are usually a clear nail polish with a specific tint that counteracts the yellow tinge.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
- Buffing can help remove stains, but it also weakens your nails. To avoid over buffing, stick to about 6 strokes per nail. [17] X Research sourceThanks
- See your doctor if the discoloration worsens or your nails change, swell, or cause pain. This may be a sign of a more serious condition. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to sourceThanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ https://www.drdanastern.com/nail-news/2018/4/23/yellow-nails
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2021.
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/nails/a14440104/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ https://foxpodiatry.com/how-to-whiten-nails-that-have-turned-yellow/
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/nails/a14440104/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2021.
- ↑ https://foxpodiatry.com/how-to-whiten-nails-that-have-turned-yellow/
- ↑ Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2021.
- ↑ https://foxpodiatry.com/how-to-whiten-nails-that-have-turned-yellow/
- ↑ https://foxpodiatry.com/how-to-whiten-nails-that-have-turned-yellow/
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/healthy-nail-tips
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If your nails are stained yellow from using nail polish, you can whiten them at home using whitening toothpaste. First, apply a thick layer of whitening toothpaste to each of your nails, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub your nails under warm water, and you’re done! For stubborn yellow stains, use diluted hydrogen peroxide. First, mix 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water. Then, soak your nails in the mixture for 2 minutes. Finally, use a toothbrush to gently buff the surface of your nails. To prevent yellow stains on your nails in the future, remember to always use a base coat when you paint them. To learn how to prevent your nails from developing stains in the first place, scroll down!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 984,736 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "My family picks berries, and it's so horrible to be in public with dark purple stains on my hands and nails. I am so grateful for this article and how it has helped make my nails look so much better. Thank you, wikiHow, for all of your helpful articles!" ..." more
Advertisement
81%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"My family picks berries, and it's so horrible to be in public with dark purple stains on my hands and nails. I am so grateful for this article and how it has helped make my nails look so much better. Thank you, wikiHow, for all of your helpful articles!"
..."
more
"i liked the tip about lemon plus baking soda and also lemon plus salt, since these things are easily available in any kitchen. :)"
..."
more
"It's amazing and such a inexpensive way to treat. I learned about the vitamin benefits as well."
"Every step was very helpful, I already have the majority of these items at home!"
"Thanks, I am back in track with my nails!"
