When they are healthy, the nails are a nice light pink color. Over the years, dark streaks may form on the surface. Nail polish, detergents, and smoking can also negatively impact the health of your nails and make them yellowish or stained. Fortunately, it is possible to return them to the light color of the past by soaking them or rubbing them with some commonly used products. This article also explains how to manicure correctly to keep your nails whiter.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Soak Nails
Step 1. Pour the selected product into a bowl
You can use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, lemon juice, or a product formulated to clean dentures and dentures. You almost certainly already have at least one of these commonly used products at home. Choose the one you prefer to whiten your nails and pour it into a clean bowl made of plastic or glass. Use one of the following methods:
- Hydrogen peroxide - mix 45-60 ml of hydrogen peroxide with 120 ml of water;
- Lemon juice - squeeze 2 lemons and pour the juice into the bowl;
- Product for cleaning dentures and dentures - use 120 ml;
- White wine vinegar - use 120 ml.
Variant:
if your nails are only lightly stained, you can save time by rubbing them directly with a lemon wedge. Leave the juice on your nails for 10 minutes before washing your hands with warm water.
Step 2. Soak your nails in the liquid for 10 minutes
Start the timer on your phone and immediately dip your nails into the liquid contained in the bowl. Relax as you soak them in the whitening solution.
- If you use hydrogen peroxide, you should notice an improvement after just a couple of minutes.
- If you experience burning or discomfort in your skin, wash your hands immediately.
Step 3. Rinse your nails with warm water to wash off the whitening product
After soaking your fingertips for about ten minutes, wash your hands using warm water and a mild soap. When finished, examine your nails to see if they have turned whiter.
If the result does not fully satisfy you, you can try using a different product. In this case it is important to let at least a day pass because the skin may have become irritated
Suggestion:
after soaking, apply a hand cream to rehydrate the skin.
Step 4. Repeat the treatment 2-3 times a week until the nails regain their beautiful pink color
Some stains are difficult to remove, especially if they are old, so you may have to repeat the steps several times before you get the desired result. The ideal is to soak the nails in the selected liquid 2-3 times a week. This way you will be able to whiten your nails without jeopardizing the health of the surrounding skin.
If you are close to an important event, you can repeat the treatment for three days in a row, but you must consider that the skin around the nails could become irritated and red. In any case, never exceed three consecutive days
Method 2 of 3: Rub Your Nails
Step 1. Apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and leave it on for 10 minutes
Smear it on the surface of your nails and start the phone timer. When the set time is up, rub the toothpaste on your nails for a couple of minutes using a toothbrush. You can use a special nail brush or a clean old toothbrush. Finally, wash your hands with hot water to get rid of the toothpaste.
- It is best to use a whitening toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide and bicarbonate.
- Your nails should be whiter after just one treatment. If necessary, you can repeat it 1-2 times a week until you are fully satisfied with the result.
Step 2. Make a baking soda-based whitening mixture and leave it on your nails for 30 minutes
Combine baking soda and hot water in equal parts to create a pasty mixture. Dip the bristles of a nail brush or old toothbrush into the whitening mixture and rub it into your nails. Then leave it on for 30 minutes to give the baking soda time to act. After half an hour, wash your hands with warm water and a mild soap.
You can make the mixture thicker by using less water. This way it will adhere better to the nails
Step 3. Combine the whitening action of baking soda with that of lemon juice
Combine the two ingredients, apply the mixture on your nails, then leave it on for 10 minutes. Pour 2-3 tablespoons (30-45g) of baking soda into a bowl, add one tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice, and then mix to create a paste. Apply the mixture above and below the nails using a cotton swab. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash your hands with warm water and a mild soap.
Variant:
you can replace lemon juice with hydrogen peroxide. Combine it with baking soda to make a paste-like mixture, then apply it to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Method 3 of 3: Tips for a Correct Manicure
Step 1. Use nail polish remover to remove nail polish stains
Dip the tip of a cotton swab in the solvent and then hold it on the nail polish stain for a few seconds. Afterward, rub the cotton swab against your nail to remove any remaining nail polish. If necessary, take a new cotton swab and repeat.
Acetone-based nail polish removers are more potent and effective, but you can use a gentler product if you prefer
Step 2. Use a white pencil to color the bezel of the nails
There are white pencils specially formulated for manicure that allow you to hide nail defects temporarily, but very quickly. Moisten the tip of the pencil and then wipe it on the back of the nail. Reapply as needed to bring out the white of the bezel.
- You may have to reapply the pencil every time you wash your hands.
- You can buy a white nail pencil at a perfumery or online. Look for it in the section reserved for manicure tools, it looks the same as a common white pencil.
Step 3. Use a clear base coat to prevent your nails from turning yellow
Colored nail polishes tend to stain them, but luckily you can protect them by using a special clear base. You should always use it to prevent your nails from absorbing the pigments of the colored nail polish. Prevention is the best cure for nails.
You can buy a clear base for nail polish in perfumery, look for it next to colored nail polishes and top coats
Step 4. Go for light colored glazes
It is best to avoid darker shades as the pigments can penetrate inside the nails and stain them. This can also happen with lighter colors, but the damage is less noticeable. If you like to use colored nail polishes, go for the ones with the more subdued shades and use the dark ones only occasionally.
For example, nude nail polish is less likely to stain nails than hot pink
Warnings
- Filing the surface of the nails can help remove stains, but it is best to avoid it so as not to weaken them.
- See your doctor if your nails are discolored, have changed shape or thickness, or are peeling off the skin.
