Q&A for How to Remove Nail Polish Stains from Your Finger Nails

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  • Question
    How do you get rid of nail polish stains on your nails?
    Mia Rubie
    Nail Artist
    Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.
    Nail Artist
    Expert Answer
    An acetone-soaked cotton ball is the easiest option. Just wipe the nail gently with the cotton ball until the stain is gone. If you're already wearing polish and you got a stain or mark on it, grab a nail file or buffer and just slowly work it off of the nail.
  • Question
    Can you use limes instead of lemons?
    Cats:)
    Community Answer
    Yes, they both have the same acid content.
  • Question
    Do you have to moisten with coconut oil afterward?
    Jazz3631
    Community Answer
    This is optional, it will leave your hands a lot softer.
  • Question
    I used markers to paint my nails without base coat. After repeated efforts of de-staining with nail polish remover, I can't get rid of the stain. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Wait for a few days, then try again. If it still doesn't come off, soak your nails in warm water for a few minutes and then very carefully buff off the stain.
  • Question
    I used a blue gel nail polish on my nails, and when I took it off, it left my nails looking blue. How do I get them back to their normal color?
    Community Answer
    Try soaking your nails in a soap mixture or nail polish remover. Once they are completely soaked, let them sit. Then scrub them with cotton balls, and the stain should come off.
  • Question
    I use daily nail polish and it stained my nails orange. None of the above tips are working for me. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Try soaking them in soap or different kinds of nail polish remover. This will loosen the stain. Rubbing your nails with cotton balls will get it off after they are soaked.
  • Question
    Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. They are very similar products.
  • Question
    What do I do if I don't have any lemons to get off the leftover stains?
    Community Answer
    Try to remove the polish thoroughly with the remover. Take a cotton pad, dip it into the nail polish remover and then cover your finger where the nail ends. After a minute, rub the pad against your nail especially in the corners. You could follow up with a Q-tip dipped in polish remover for the edges/corners if needed.
  • Question
    I used nail polish and when I removed the polish, a couple of my nails were dark. What can I use to get them back their normal color?
    LunarEclipse
    Community Answer
    This is just staining of your nail polish on the nail; if you typically use dark colors this is to be expected. However, if you want your nails to not look yellowish, try soaking in lemon juice for 10-15 minutes each day until you are satisfied. You can also use 3-4 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1/2 cup of warm water and buff you nail gently with a toothbrush.
  • Question
    I have orange stains on my nails, since I used a lot of nail polish. I tried to use nail polish remover and that didn't work. How can I get rid of it immediately?
    Ellie Homewood
    Community Answer
    Your nails are stained, so it cannot be removed. You just have to wait for it to grow out. Bleaching or buffing your nail to remove the stain will only ruin the nails.
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