How to whiten your nails at Home

Stained nails can be embarrassing and unsightly, but thankfully, there are some fairly simple treatments you can use to whiten your nails when they start looking a little discolored. Give one of these techniques a shot so that you can stop hiding your hands in pockets and gloves.

How to whiten your nails at Home-Home Remedies

Whitening Toothpaste  

I tried this one first. It’s easy and it works! Use a baby toothbrush to apply it and give your nails a good scrub for a minute or two. You may need to do it several times depending on how stained your nails are. The white colored pasty toothpaste works best as opposed to the blue or green gel-like toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste with added baking soda is even better!

Lemon

Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and can effectively clean off yellow stains from your nails. Plus, lemon juice also works as an astringent. Fill a bowl halfway with fresh lemon juice. Soak your stained nails in it for 10 to 15 minutes. Then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the yellow discoloration off your nails. Finally, rinse your hands with lukewarm water and then apply moisturizing lotion to replenish valuable moisture. Do this twice daily until you are happy with the results.

Lemon Oil

You can use lemon essential oil. Pour some lemon essential oil into a shallow bowl and soak your fingertips in it for several minutes. Then scrub your nails with a soft toothbrush for one or two minutes. Repeat this process twice daily for a few weeks to whiten and brighten your nails.

Baking Soda

The bleaching and exfoliating properties of baking soda can help remove stains from the nails. Mix two and one-half tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Use cotton swabs to apply the mixture on the stained nails. Leave it on for three to four minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat this process every six to eight weeks. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda, one-half teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of lemon juice to make a thick paste. Rub the mixture on your nails using a soft toothbrush. Leave it on for about five minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this remedy every two weeks.

White vinegar

Vinegar is another mild acid capable of stripping away stain particles from hard surfaces. Make sure that you use white vinegar, however, since an apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or other color vinegar could actually stain your nail in the process. Pour 1 cup (250 ml) of warm water into a bowl and add 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp (5 to 15 ml) of distilled white vinegar. Soak your nails in this mixture for 8 minutes. When done, rinse your nails under lukewarm, running water and pat dry. Apply a lotion to your skin to prevent it from drying out.

Orange Peel

The high amount of vitamin C present in orange peel will help remove yellow stains from your nails. Rub your nails with fresh orange peel two or three times daily. Within a few weeks, you will see effective results. Mix two tablespoons of dried orange peel powder and a little water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on your nails and leave it on for 10 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to remove the paste from your nails and then wash them with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy twice daily for one to two weeks.

Nail Whitening Pencil

I didn’t know this existed until recently! You can pick one up at a local drugstore, maybe even Walmart or Target, too. I like to apply it under the tips of my nails to make them look healthier (almost looks like a French manicure, only more natural).

Base Coat

Prevent stained nails from happening in the first place by using a base coat. Duh, right? It’s definitely worth the extra step! Don’t forget that most of these techniques can dry your hands out, so apply a good moisturizer once you’re finished.