Yellow fingernails: how to solve this problem?

from Ira Savin

29.09.2017

2055

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I love painting my nails, but I also take care of the condition of my natural nails. I bleach them once a week... well, once a month... well, at least before each manicure. Over the past couple of months, I have tried all the methods described below, and now I decided to share with you.

What causes nails to turn yellow?

If you didn't have a poor-quality red or orange varnish on your nails (after removal they can leave a yellow tint on your nails), then the reason lies in your body. The most common causes of yellowing:

1. Smoking.
2. Nail fungus.
3. Impending old age.
4. Avitaminosis.
5. Diseases of the body:
   psoriasis;
6. diabetes;
7. jaundice;
8. sinusitis;
9. arthritis;
10. tuberculosis;
11. thyroid diseases.

The following is a video about the causes of yellowing nails:

Prevention of yellowness

• In order to minimize the risk of developing such a nail defect, first of all, you should carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene.
  You can become infected with fungus in any public place, from an unqualified nail salon to a public toilet. Important! It is best to always have an antifungal cream with you.
• Get your manicure done by a specialist and only with high-quality coating. Be sure to use a base protectant under the varnish. For a while, it is better to rest your nails and leave them in their natural state, performing only therapeutic procedures.
• If you smoke, it is recommended to do nail whitening procedures more often than non-smokers. This will prevent the process of yellowing from starting and preserve their healthy appearance for as long as possible.
• And the last thing is the mandatory treatment of chronic diseases that cause the yellow color of the nail plate, and the intake of vitamin and mineral complexes to maintain the health of the body and saturate it with all the necessary elements.

Masks for whitening yellowness on nails

How to remove yellowish nails after polish? You can try special masks.

A good remedy is a mixture of baking soda with the addition of hydrogen peroxide. To do this, you will need to mix a tablespoon of peroxide with two tablespoons of soda; the consistency of the composition should resemble a paste. The product is applied to the nail plate and under it, and after 5 minutes it is washed off well.

You can try a mask with peroxide and glycerin . Glycerin is mixed with peroxide in a ratio of five to one. It is necessary to take into account that minor irritation occurs from peroxide, so the composition should not come into contact with the skin, and should be kept for no more than two minutes. In this case, you can only use three percent peroxide. After removing the mask, it is recommended to clean your nails using a manicure brush. This helps remove all dead cells and lighten the plate. From time to time, you can supplement this mask with a light massage; it helps accelerate blood microcirculation and the absorption of whitening products.

You can use a rose water mask . To do this, mix 35 ml of rose water, 45 ml of hydrogen peroxide and 10 grams of glycerin. The components are mixed thoroughly and then applied to the nail plate using a cotton swab or sponge. It is recommended to apply this mask for 14 days.

How to remove yellowish nails after polish

Using acetone to remove polish, clean the nail plate, then wash your hands with soap. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with the same amount of baking powder until the consistency resembles a paste. Apply a small drop of the product to each nail. You can take a polishing buffer, carefully using it for each plate. After the procedure, wash your hands well and use nourishing cream.

There are many other ways to whiten the nail plate, but before using them it is recommended to eliminate the main cause of this phenomenon.

If yellowness on the nails occurs as a result of smoking, then it is recommended to give up this bad habit.

If the problem arose as a result of low-quality or too pigmented nail polish, then the solution is completely different:

• First of all, before using any polish, apply a base coat to the nail plate. It will provide protection against pigment penetration deep into the nail plate.
• Also try to avoid cheap, low-quality varnishes, as they contain formaldehyde, a substance harmful to nails.
• During the treatment period, it is better to avoid applying a coating to your nails altogether, give them time to rest and restore their healthy color.

How to quickly brighten your home?

When the cause of the yellow nail color has been established and appropriate treatment has been taken, you can begin to eliminate the external consequences on your hands. There are some special cosmetics for this, or you can use folk recipes.

Special means

They can be found in almost any specialized cosmetic store. These include whitening pencils and nail polishes.

Whitening pencil for ends

Using a pencil, you can lighten only the tip of an overgrown nail and only on the back side. This is a method of instant whitening, as it contains chalk or white clay. The effect is visible immediately after application, but it does not last long.

Attention! After the first hand wash, the pencil is washed off and reapplication is required. And, as you understand, the number of such repetitions per day can reach more than a dozen times.

To obtain a pronounced and lasting effect from use, it is necessary to carry out this procedure regularly and for at least two weeks.

Next, you can watch a video about what a whitening pencil looks like and how to use it:

Whitening varnish

Nail whitening varnish or gel is more effective than a pencil, since it is applied to the entire nail plate and is not washed off from the first touch with water. In addition to their whitening properties, almost all varnishes also have a healing and restorative effect : they strengthen the nail plate, smooth it and protect it from delamination.

Reference. It is recommended to apply this varnish to nails that have been previously cleaned of decorative coating and in several layers. A good result is achieved if you use the product for at least 10 days.

Folk recipes

With traditional methods of nail whitening, the situation is much simpler. All facilities are affordable and within walking distance. And they give results no worse than professional cosmetic preparations.

Lemon

The simplest and most effective way to whiten nails. Due to the high content of vitamin C, lemon is endowed with excellent lightening properties.

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and rub it into each nail using a cotton pad. Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Citric acid

Citric acid is a great alternative to fresh lemon. It contains a high concentration of vitamin C, which not only brightens, but also destroys harmful bacteria and microorganisms. To prepare the bleach solution, you will need a glass of clean boiled water and 1 teaspoon of citric acid. Mix everything and immerse your nails in this solution for 10–15 minutes, then generously lubricate them with nourishing cream or oil.

Important! Be careful with scratches and cuts in the nail plate area. Whitening procedures using lemon or citric acid can cause pain.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a panacea for many cosmetic defects, including yellowness on the nails. And it costs mere pennies compared to professional products. The procedure consists of applying peroxide to the nails several times a day using a cotton pad.

If you want a stronger effect, you can prepare a mask based on peroxide and baking soda. To do this, you need to mix these two ingredients in a ratio of 1: 2, respectively. Apply the resulting paste to the nail plate and leave for 10 minutes.

Such procedures should be performed daily until you achieve the desired result.

Baths

Another way to lighten nails at home is using baths. And absolutely every housewife will have the ingredients for them.

Saline

For such a bath, it is best to use sea salt. It contains more useful microelements. But if you don’t have one, you can use a regular kitchen one.

Attention! Add 25 grams of salt to 1 glass of clean water and stir thoroughly until the salt crystals are completely dissolved.

If desired, you can add the juice of half a lemon. This will further enhance the brightening effect. Immerse your fingers in the bath for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse your hands with warm water and apply the cream.

Soapy

To prepare a soap solution, you will need 1 glass of water, 1 tablespoon of high-quality liquid soap and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything and dip your fingers into the mixture for 15–20 minutes.

After using the bath, rinse your hands with clean water and, if necessary, apply moisturizer.

With soda

Soda baths are made on the same principle as salt baths. To do this, dissolve 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a glass of distilled water. Dip your nails into the resulting mixture for 10 to 20 minutes. The best results are achieved with daily use.

With chamomile

Reference. Chamomile can not only clean and lighten the nail plate, but relieve inflammation and nourish it with vitamins.

Preparing a chamomile bath is a more labor-intensive process compared to previous options. To do this you will need chamomile flowers and boiled water.

1 tablespoon of dried flowers is poured with 1 glass of boiling water and infused for 40 minutes to 1 hour. The resulting infusion is filtered and used as a bath not only for nails, but also for the entire skin of the hands.

With potatoes

Potato starch is an excellent natural bleach and can be safely used in nail baths. You can buy ready-made dry starch in the store, or you can use raw potatoes. It will definitely be found in every kitchen.

To prepare, you will need to peel and grate fresh potatoes and add a glass of water. Let the gruel sit for up to 1 hour so that the potatoes begin to release starch. Then feel free to soak your nails in the bath for 15-20 minutes.

So, how to whiten your nails at home...

...toothpaste

Toothpaste with a whitening effect and hydrogen peroxide is best suited for these purposes. All you need to do is apply the paste to your nails and rub it in with an old toothbrush, and then simply rinse it off with water. The method is good when you have just removed the nail polish and have not yet turned yellow. Further…

...how to whiten nails with lemon

Did you know that lemon is considered a natural bleach? Although I know, I still don’t know why, but it doesn’t matter...

Just cut the citrus in half and soak your nails in lemon juice for a couple of minutes, squeezing the pulp with them. Or squeeze the juice into a shallow bowl and dip your fingertips into it. Finally, soak a piece of cotton wool in lemon juice and wipe your nails with it.

... just hydrogen peroxide

Another way to get rid of yellow spots is to use peroxide. In a shallow bowl, add four tablespoons of water and a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Immerse your hands in the resulting solution for ten minutes. Then scrub your nails with an old toothbrush and rinse with water.

How to whiten nails with peroxide and soda

This method of whitening nails involves the use of baking soda and the same hydrogen peroxide. To do this, mix a tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of peroxide. Apply the resulting paste to your nails for ten minutes and then rinse with running water.

That's all, and after any of the procedures described above, do not forget to lubricate your hands with nourishing cream and cuticles with oil to restore the natural moisture of the skin. And by the way…

Brightening base coat

In addition to everything described above, you can use a special product - nail brightener, which is a transparent base coat applied to the nails in one or two layers.

How to tidy up your hands after gardening?

Sometimes even gloves do not save your hands and nails from getting soil and dirt while working in your summer cottage.

Important! It is not always possible to wash dirt from under your nails with ordinary water and soap. For this, regular table vinegar comes to the rescue.

It is better to use apple cider vinegar for the procedure: it has a more pleasant aroma. Add 350 ml of hot boiled water to a teaspoon of vinegar. Dip your nails into the resulting mixture for 5 to 10 minutes. The result is clean and beautiful nails without any contamination. After the procedure, it is recommended to apply a nourishing cream.

Methods for whitening nails

The problem can be eliminated using special procedures that are carried out in beauty salons. Paraffin therapy, vitamin wraps, etc. have a good effect.

How to remove yellowness on nails:

1. Use masks and warm baths.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Normalize your diet by eliminating all fatty foods.
4. Take vitamins designed to strengthen nails.
5. Try not to use gel and acrylic, avoid extension procedures.
6. Temporarily avoid using nail polishes, except for medicinal and strengthening ones.
7. Eliminate the presence of fungus.

How to get rid of yellow nails:

To whiten nails, it is recommended to combine proper nutrition with the use of local remedies.

Using masks

When the nail plate turns yellow, it is recommended to use citrus fruits. A mask based on lemon juice has a firming and whitening effect. You need to do it 2 times a day for 4 weeks. Rub lemon juice on each nail, leaving it until completely dry. However, you should not wash your hands for an hour.

An effective mask based on grapefruit essential oil is often used in the treatment of yellow nails, because... has whitening and restorative properties. Additionally you will need a base. You can use olive oil in 2 tbsp. which it is recommended to add 6 drops of ether. Apply the resulting composition to the plates 2 times a day for 4 weeks.

Warm baths

You can also get rid of yellowness with the help of warm baths. How to whiten your nails:

1. Take 2 tbsp. chamomile and pour 300 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for an hour, then filter and add 200 ml of warm water. Place your hands in a container with the resulting liquid for 15 minutes. Repeat three times a week for 1-2 months.
2. In 1 liter of warm water you need to dissolve 2 tbsp. sea ​​salt and add 2 drops of bergamot and tea tree oil. Mix everything and put your hands in there for 15 minutes. Repeat the procedure every other day for 4 weeks.

Baths can be combined with masks, then the effect of the procedures will be enhanced.

Other whitening products

How to deal with yellow nails:

Additionally, you can use a combination of sandalwood and eucalyptus essential oils and baby cream. In this case, such a remedy should be used every day. In 1 tsp. cream you need to add 1 drop of oils and mix. Apply the product to each nail using rubbing movements.

How to restore after varnish?

If you are faced with yellowness on your nails after removing decorative varnish, oils will help you quickly get rid of such imperfections. They will cope perfectly with this problem, since their properties allow you to quickly and effectively remove any pigment, even well-ingrained ones.

Any of the following oils will be suitable for the procedure:

• olive;
• sandalwood;
• essential oils of lemon or bergamot.

The principle of use is simple: rub the oil well into the nail plate with a cotton pad several times a day. This procedure does not require further rinsing, and the oil will additionally help moisturize and soften the cuticle.

Traditional methods

Lemon has a good whitening effect.
The easiest way is to cut the fruit in half and stick your nails into the halves. Sit like this for 5-10 minutes. You can cut the lemon into slices and wipe your nails 3-4 times a day, or you can squeeze the juice, add olive oil to it and make a bath. As a result of this procedure, the nails will become not only lighter, but also stronger. Chamomile combines whitening and disinfecting effects. Pour 2 tablespoons of dried flowers with a glass of boiling water and let them brew for half an hour. After this, dilute the resulting broth with warm water in the amount of 0.5 liters and put your hands in it for 20 minutes. Carry out this procedure 2-3 times a week.

Sea salt baths will make your nails lighter and stronger. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in warm water. If desired, you can add essential oils of grapefruit, tea tree, sandalwood or bergamot. Keep your hands in the solution for 10 minutes and arrange a repeat session after 2-3 days.

Buy grapefruit seed extract at the pharmacy. Take a small container, mix 5 drops of this extract and a tablespoon of olive or sunflower oil. Lubricate your nails with the resulting product 3-4 times a day.

Hydrogen peroxide is also known for its whitening properties. Add it in the amount of one tablespoon to 2 tablespoons of soda and mix well. As a result of foaming, you will get a paste that must be applied to the nails and left for no more than 5 minutes. This method is one of the fastest and at the same time aggressive, so it is recommended to use it only in emergency cases.

How to lighten from the inside?

If you need to whiten the inside of your nail, a regular lemon can also help.

Attention! You need to cut the lemon in half and immerse your nails in each half for 10 minutes. After the first use, you will see changes: your nails will become lighter and take on a healthier appearance due to their saturation with vitamins.