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Lighten your fingernails and toenails (+ prevent future discoloration)
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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!
The Best Way to Make Your Nails Whiter
Combine 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice with 2 tbsp (30 mL) baking soda to make a paste, then gently scrub your nails with a toothbrush and rinse with water after 10 minutes. To remove tough stains, stir 4–5 tbsp (59–74 mL) hydrogen peroxide into 1⁄2 c (120 mL) water, then soak your nails in the solution for 15 minutes.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
10 Quick Ways to Lighten Your Nails
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Apply a whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Coat your nails with the toothpaste and set a timer for 10 minutes. Use a nail brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the toothpaste into your nails for 1-2 minutes—according to Nagorska, this type of “gentle buffing may help remove stains.” [1] X Expert Source Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist Expert Interview. 26 May 2021. When the time is up, rinse your hands in warm water until all the toothpaste is removed. [2] X Research source- It’s best to use a whitening toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
- You may achieve white nails after a single treatment. If not, you can repeat this treatment once or twice a week until your nails are totally white.
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Make a baking soda paste and let it sit on your nails for 10 minutes. Mix equal parts of baking soda and warm water to create a paste. Dip a nail brush or toothbrush into the paste and scrub it onto your fingernails. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes to whiten your nails, then rinse off with warm water and mild soap. [3] X Research source
- If the paste looks too runny or doesn’t stay on your nails, add more baking soda to thicken it.
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Scrub baking soda and lemon juice onto your nails and wait 10 minutes. Mix 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of lemon juice with 2 tbsp (30 mL) of baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the top of your nails and underneath the tips using a cotton swab. Let the paste sit on your nails for 10 minutes, then wash your hands with soap and warm water. [4] X Research source
- Lemon juice will sting, so keep it away from any cuts, tears, or hangnails.
Variation: You can replace the lemon juice with hydrogen peroxide. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste, then let it sit on your nails for 10 minutes.
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Apply tea tree oil to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of coconut or olive oil, then apply it directly to your nail bed. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently scrub your nails with a clean toothbrush. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for the best results. [5] X Research source
- If you don’t have tea tree oil, you can use lemon or grapefruit essential oils . [6] X Research source
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Soak your nails in a homemade salt soak for 10 minutes. Combine 0.5 cup (136 g) of baking soda, 0.5 cup (136 g) of Epsom salt , 0.25 cups (59 mL) of hydrogen peroxide, and 4 cups (950 mL) of hot water in a glass bowl. Mix those ingredients together, then add 0.25 cups (59 mL) of white vinegar and soak your nails in the solution for 10 minutes. Rinse your nails with clean water and apply hand cream. [7] X Research source
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Color under the tips of your nails with a whitening nail pencil. A whitening pencil hides nail discoloration and offers a fast, temporary solution. To use the pencil, moisten the tip to help it glide easier, then color underneath the tips of each nail. Reapply the pencil as necessary to keep your nails looking white. [8] X Research source
- You may need to reapply the pencil after each time you wash your hands.
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Use a color-correcting nail polish to treat discoloration. If you have minor stains or discoloration, apply a coat of nail color corrector to conceal any imperfections and protect your nails from damage. Nagorska says there are “many nail polish brighteners that have a specific tint to counteract yellowing.” [9] X Expert Source Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist Expert Interview. 26 May 2021.
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Section 2 of 3:
Bleaching Your Nails to Remove Tough Stains
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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 whichever of the below options that works best for you, then add the solution to a clean glass bowl: [10] X Research source
- Stir 4 to 5 US tbsp (59 to 74 mL) of hydrogen peroxide into 0.5 cups (120 mL) of water. [11] 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.
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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. [12] X Research source
- If your fingers start to burn, remove them immediately and wash your hands with warm water and soap.
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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. [13] 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.
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Expert Q&A
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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.
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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.
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Warnings
- Buffing can help remove stains, but it also weakens your nails. To avoid over-buffing, stick to about 6 strokes per nail. [21] X Research sourceThanks
- See your doctor if the discoloration worsens or your nails change, swell, or cause pain. These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ 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://foxpodiatry.com/how-to-whiten-nails-that-have-turned-yellow/
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/nails/a14440104/how-to-whiten-nails/
- ↑ Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2021.
- ↑ 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/
- ↑ 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/
- ↑ Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 29 July 2019.
- ↑ Marta Nagorska. Nail Artist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2021.
- ↑ 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
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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!
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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
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"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!"
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"i liked the tip about lemon plus baking soda and also lemon plus salt, since these things are easily available in any kitchen. :)"
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"It's amazing and such a inexpensive way to treat. I learned about the vitamin benefits as well."
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