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.
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