Clean your nails with toothpaste. How to whiten your nails yourself, at home: methods and recommendations. What is nail whitening

For a number of reasons, nails may turn yellow. Are you familiar with this problem? In this article we will tell you how to whiten your nails at home quickly and efficiently.

Reasons for changing nail color

Before you go to the store for a miraculous nail whitening product, you need to determine the reason that influenced the change in their color. After all, after the procedure they will become noticeably whiter, but in the future the problem will recur again.

The yellowing of the nail plate is influenced by the following factors:

Using acetone;
Permanent coating of nails with varnish that contains formaldehyde;
Housework without gloves using household chemicals;
Tobacco smoking;
Kidney diseases, liver diseases, fungal infections, psoriasis, nail diseases.

All these reasons negatively affect the condition of the nails and their color. Therefore, you need to minimize the contact of your hands with harmful substances or use special cosmetic care products. If your nails have become yellow due to illness, then even repeated procedures will not help whiten them. In this case, you must definitely consult a doctor and treat the root cause.

How to whiten nails using special cosmetics?

In stores you can find a wide range of nail care products. These are special varnishes with gentle ingredients, strengthening coatings, and whitening agents. Before using any cosmetics, it is recommended to consult a specialist (at least a familiar manicurist) and carefully read the instructions for use.

Before applying any coating, nails must be protected with a base base, which will protect them from the aggressive effects of all components. If a varnish or other care product contains formaldehyde, toluene, nitrocellulose, or dibutyl phthalate, then it is better not to buy it. The nails will probably turn yellow and it will take a long time to restore their health.

How to whiten nails at home?

Store-bought whitening products were previously unavailable. Therefore, our mothers used what was always at hand. Traditional methods of whitening nails at home are still relevant today.

Use these methods to whiten your nails quickly:

Lemon juice- the most effective substance. With its use, you can whiten your nails in a short time. You need to wipe your nail plates with a slice of lemon every day for 5-7 minutes until they turn white.
If pure juice irritates the skin, then you can dilute it with vegetable oil or add a few drops to hand cream and rub it thoroughly near the nails.
Hydrogen peroxide 3%. It has been used for a very long time, therefore it is one of the leaders among home nail whitening products. To reduce the destructive effect on the plates, it is recommended to add peroxide to glycerin - mix in a ratio of 1 to 5. The procedure is carried out every other day, applied for 3 minutes.
Vegetable oils. Based on them, you can prepare different masks for whitening nail plates.
Option 1. Add lemon juice (1 tsp) to olive oil (1 tbsp). Rub your nails daily for 5 minutes until you get the expected result.
Option 2. Mix almond or olive oil (1 tablespoon) with a few drops of essential oil. Ylang-ylang, grapefruit, cedar, bergamot, sandalwood, and jojoba oils are excellent whiteners. After the procedure, your nails will become not only whiter, but also stronger.
Vinegar. Suitable only if the skin on your hands is not damaged. It is recommended to use apple cider vinegar. If you don’t have it, you can use regular 9% table water. The substance (1 tsp) is added to warm water (1 tbsp) and hands are kept in this bath for about 5 minutes. If you experience an unpleasant burning sensation, stop the procedure and wash your hands well with soap and water.
Soda. Active whitening agent in home cosmetology.
Option 1. A small amount of soda (about 1 tbsp) needs to be turned into a paste by adding 3% hydrogen peroxide. The resulting mixture is applied to the nail plates every other day and kept for no more than 7 minutes. It is not recommended to use this method more than 3 times. To enhance the effect, you can use a toothbrush or cotton pad during massaging.
Option 2: A baking soda bath will also help whiten your nails. Add 1 tsp to 1 glass of water. soda We hold the nails for about 10 minutes, after which we wash them under running water and soap. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to the bath, then it will be more effective.
Sea salt. This substance is often used in beauty salons for nail care procedures. We can also use it at home to prepare whitening baths. The recipe is simple: add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) to warm water (1 tbsp). You need to keep your hands in the bath for about 20 minutes. After this, it is recommended not to wash your hands immediately, but to wait 1-2 hours. Repeat every other day.
Toothpaste. White paste perfectly whitens both teeth and nails. Therefore, we can also use it to quickly whiten nails. Brush your nails with a toothbrush and toothpaste every day for 10 minutes until they become whiter.
You can add a few drops of lemon juice and peroxide to the paste. First, mix the juice (2 tbsp) with hydrogen peroxide (1 tbsp) in a non-metallic bowl and wait until the mixture finishes foaming. Then add 2 tsp. toothpaste and apply to the nail plates for 10 minutes.

If you feel an unpleasant tingling or burning sensation, then be sure to stop the whitening session. After each procedure, you need to wash your hands under running water and use a moisturizer or nourishing cream. Each traditional whitening method helps to lighten the nail plates equally well, so you can choose any one that you like best.

Prevention is better than any whitening method. Therefore, do not skimp on varnishes and creams, try to enrich your diet with foods high in vitamins and calcium, and take care of your overall health. Then your nails will not be in danger of turning yellow.

Video instruction

Every girl wants to have well-groomed and beautiful nails, regardless of age.

However, the effect of even the most professional and carefully done manicure can negate the greyish, yellowish or brownish tint of the nail plate.

In this case, the hands look extremely unaesthetic. Therefore, the following question is relevant: how to quickly whiten nails at home?

Why do they change color?

Before you start whitening a yellowed nail plate, you need to determine the exact cause of this problem and try to eliminate it, otherwise all the means used will not give the expected lasting effect.

Remember that a nail plate that has changed color is only an external symptom. The most common causes of this problem include the following:

Nail whitening methods

The main rule in this matter: to achieve maximum effect, you will need to repeat the procedures regularly. Try to make them a weekly habit. Only in this case will you be able to completely get rid of yellow nails, and not hide your hands in your pockets or behind your back.

How to whiten nails with toothpaste? To do this, apply a small amount of this product to each nail with a special nail brush (a regular toothbrush can serve as a brush), and then rub your nails.

Leave the toothpaste on the nail plate for 5-7 minutes, and then rinse it off with water. For greater effect, use whitening toothpaste; it will help remove yellowness and unsightly stains from the nail plate.

A mask made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide perfectly whitens the nail plate..

The peculiarity of this mask is that it must be applied very carefully and try not to overexpose it to the nails.

How to effectively whiten nails with peroxide and soda? To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and 2 tablespoons of soda in a container, apply the mask to your nails and leave for 2-3 minutes. Then wash your hands with warm water and soap.

You can also mix hydrogen peroxide with glycerin in a ratio of 5 to 1. Leave the resulting mixture on your nails for no more than 2 minutes, rinse it well with soap and apply cream.

Particular attention should be paid to the fact that only 3 percent peroxide can be used, otherwise there is a risk of burning the skin.

How to whiten nails with lemon? Mix one glass of warm water with 1 glass of lemon juice. Dip your fingers into this solution and hold until the water cools. You can add a couple of drops of liquid soap to this product. The procedure must be repeated 2 times a week.

There is an even more convenient and simpler method, according to numerous reviews from women. Cut the lemon into 2 slices and stick your nails into the pulp. This is a nourishing mask, whitening, and vitamins for precious nails.

You can also use fresh lemon peel. It is rubbed into the nails and cuticles in a circular motion. Carry out this procedure carefully so as not to injure the skin near the nails.

After exposure to lemon juice, yellow nails become much whiter. In this case, lemon juice acts as a natural astringent and helps remove stains. To completely eliminate yellowness and unsightly spots on the nails, this procedure must be carried out several times.

Since lemon juice dries out your nails and skin, use a moisturizer after the procedure.

Tablets for cleaning dentures

At the pharmacy you can buy special tablets for cleaning dentures, which remove stains from tea, coffee, and red wine. Also, such tablets are an effective means for whitening nails.

Dissolve 2 tablets in warm water and soak your nails in it for several minutes.

Whitening agent

If your nails are very dirty, you can use a bleaching detergent..

Add bleach to water 1 to 1. Dip your fingers into the solution and thoroughly rub the liquid into your nails. Rinse your nails thoroughly with warm water.

Coming from a vacation at the seaside, we can notice how our nails have turned white and strengthened.

To do this, add two teaspoons of sea salt to a mug of warm water and keep your nails in this solution for 20 minutes.

Carry out the procedure twice a week and your nails will look beautiful and healthy.

Milk

In ancient Egypt, queens took milk baths. This made their skin dazzlingly white and smooth. You can also use this method today.

It is good to use heavy cream to whiten nails.. Warm them to room temperature, dip your fingers in them and enjoy.

Perform this pleasant procedure every day for both nails and hands.

Strawberry

Prepare 5-6 freshly picked strawberries, mash them thoroughly until juice is obtained.

Then add 1 tablespoon of soda to them and stir.

Apply the strawberry mask to your nails for 15 minutes. When the mixture is completely dry, rinse it off with warm water and apply again.

Sodium borate

Mix 3 grams of Borax with 30 mg of rose water. The mixture will effectively remove yellowness only if you wipe your nails with it daily using a cotton swab.

Natural juices

Analogues of lemon are black and red currants, lime and cranberries. The juice of these berries has a pronounced lightening effect.

To do this, mix warm water with any of these juices, add a few drops of rose water and enjoy the nail whitening process.

How to whiten fingernails in 1 day? You can very effectively whiten your nails using baths using three recipes:

Thanks to citric acid, you can solve the problem of dullness and yellowness of the nail plate.
So, how to whiten nails with citric acid? Below are the two most effective ways:

In cosmetics stores you can find 2 types of nail whitening pencil:

for French manicure;
restorative.

Obviously, the first one was created for nail design, and the second one is intended for comprehensive care of nail plates.

Pencils for restoring and whitening nails are made from white cosmetic clay, as well as from purified medical chalk.

What is the benefit of such a tool? They have a beneficial effect on both the appearance and the healthy condition of the nail plate.

The product must be used as follows:

Important: the whitening effect of the pencil lasts until the first contact with water.

Almost all brands that produce various manicure products produce whitening varnishes. Finding them is not difficult, and the price range of such a product is very wide. But are such varnishes really effective?

Manufacturers boldly declare that regular use of this product has not only a decorative, but also a restorative effect, since it contains oils, mineral complexes, vitamins and other beneficial substances.

In addition to whitening, this product can:

align the nail plate;
strengthen the nail;
give it elasticity;
prevents nail brittleness.

However, in order to achieve a similar effect, it is not enough to just apply the whitening varnish once. It is necessary to complete a whole course of treatment in 10 days.

How to use whitening varnish:

Use the product on your nails for the first time after a hygienic manicure.
Apply varnish in 2 layers.
Distribute the product evenly over the entire nail plate.
Leave it to dry for 5-7 minutes.
The next day, repeat the procedure.

There is no need to remove the whitening varnish each time before applying it again, since a better effect can be achieved if new layers of varnish are gradually applied to the previous ones.

To prevent red polish from ruining the color of a healthy nail plate, before applying it, it is recommended to first use a base coat, and after removing the polish, make the following oil mask from the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil;
3 drops of lemon ether;
2 drops of bergamot ether;
2 drops sandalwood oil.

As a result of exposure to certain unfavorable factors, nails can change their color not only on the hands, but even on the feet. Regarding the legs, some specific factors can be identified.

First of all, this includes wearing uncomfortable, ill-fitting, tight shoes, especially with narrow toes. In this case, blood circulation in the foot is disrupted, small capillaries are compressed, so the nails do not receive enough nutrition and oxygen.

In some cases, nails may become stained due to the fading of colored socks or tights.

Fortunately or unfortunately, there are simply no special methods for whitening the toenail plate. However, you can use all the above remedies to help get rid of this problem on your hands.

It may also happen that no nail whitening procedures help. This may indicate a more serious problem in the body.

Therefore, in order for the procedures not to be in vain, it will be necessary to identify the main cause and take measures to eliminate it.

Any girl can make a little effort and not spend a lot of money, but at the same time always keep her nails in perfect shape. For this, everything you need can be found in every kitchen.

The only thing that is required from you is just a little time and patience, as well as a strong desire to solve the problem of gray or yellowed nails.

If you carry out regular procedures, you will definitely be able to boast of strong, healthy and beautiful nails!

Yellowed nails are an unpleasant discovery for any girl. Painting over an unwanted shade with cosmetic varnish will not be the best option, since yellowness is often a consequence of poor care or serious diseases of the internal organs. It is important to find the cause and only then select the correct treatment.

Causes of darkening of nails

smoking, regular alcohol consumption;
disruption of the endocrine system;
deficiency of vitamins A, D, C, E;
kidney and liver diseases;
regular exposure to chemicals;
incorrect and prolonged use of antibiotics;
prolonged exposure to the sun, visiting a solarium;
diabetes;
nail plate fungus;
frequent consumption of black coffee and tea;
use of colored coatings without applying a base layer;
diseases of the heart and circulatory system.

Effective ways to whiten nails

Denture Cleaners
The drug is available in both liquid and tablet form. Its main purpose is to remove stains from wine, coffee, tea and cigarettes from the surface of artificial teeth. To get rid of an unwanted tint you need to dilute 3 tablets in 80 ml. warm water, then lower your nails into the bath and wait 5 minutes.

If you decide to purchase the drug in liquid form, dilute 1 teaspoon with 70 ml. warm water, then make a bath. In cases where the effect was incomplete, the procedure can be repeated, but not earlier than after 6 hours. It is not recommended to use the product more than once every 2 weeks.

Glycerol
Buy a 3-6% solution of hydrogen peroxide and liquid glycerin at the pharmacy. Pre-smear the skin around your nails with a rich cream, you can use a baby cream. Take 20 ml. peroxide and 100 ml. glycerin, stir well and dip your fingers into the mixture for 30 minutes. At the end of the procedure, wipe your hands with a paper napkin, wait another 5 minutes and wash them with warm water and soap. Glycerin can be used daily, it nourishes the skin and does not harm the nails.

Toothpaste with whitening effect
As it turns out, the teeth cleaning product can also be used in nail care. Buy a soft toothbrush and whitening toothpaste, then put cotton or silicone gloves on your hands. Cut holes for your nails so that the skin around them is covered. Now secure the gloves on each finger individually using electrical tape, adhesive tape or adhesive tape. Try to grab the cuticle.

After you have secured your hands, proceed to the procedure. Squeeze a lot of paste onto the brush and massage your nails in a circular motion without touching the skin. Continue bleaching for 10 minutes, then remove the composition with cold water.

For convenience, you can “trim” the brush along the perimeter and entire length so that the bristles are used only on the nail plate. An alternative to toothpaste is whitening powder; its cost is much lower, but the result is much better after the first use. The principle is the same, with one clarification: the product is diluted with water to a viscous state. Teeth whitening can be done once every 5 days.

Wine and vodka
Natural homemade wine, always white and dry, will help whiten your nails. Mix 100 ml. drink with 100 ml. vodka and make a nail bath. Wait 20 minutes, then wipe your fingers with a napkin and apply the cream, do not rinse off the composition with water.

Ethers
Natural and essential oils can be used to whiten nails. Natural ones include sea buckthorn, olive, castor, corn, vegetable, camphor. Among the esters, give preference to lemon, lime, chamomile, ylang-ylang, jojoba, and geranium. For 20 ml. natural oil there are 10 drops of any ether. Rub the resulting mixture daily in the mornings and evenings.

Chlorhexidine
Dilute 50 gr. baking soda 30 ml. chlorhexidine, then cover your nails with the mixture and wrap your fingers with cling film. Wait 5 minutes, all this time rub the mixture into the plate. After the expiration date, remove with a paper napkin, wait a few more minutes and wash your hands with soap. As with denture cleaners, chlorgrexidine bleaching can be repeated after 6 hours. The recommended frequency of the procedure varies from 3 to 5 times every 10 days.

Fabric bleach
The most extreme method available. It is used when nothing else helps. Take 30 gr. bleaching powder (Vanish is suitable), dilute with water to a thick consistency. Put on rubber gloves, make holes in them just for your nails, then secure tightly with electrical tape. Scoop up a little product with a toothbrush and start massaging your nails. Do this for no longer than 2 minutes, then remove the bleach with cool water. Wash your hands with laundry soap and apply rich cream. This whitening method should be used as a last resort.

Lemon
There are a great many recipes for whitening nails with lemon. Take two fruits, cut them lengthwise and stick your fingers into the pulp for 10 minutes. The frequency of the procedure is 1 time per week.

Let's consider another option. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon, pour it into a small bottle and close the lid. After 3 hours, rub the mixture into each nail separately for 1 minute. It is recommended to repeat the procedure 2 times a day, but not more than 5 days a week.

You can also whiten with pure lemon juice. To do this, you will need 4 citrus fruits, which should yield 150-200 ml. juice Pour it into a container and put your fingers in there, leave for 10 minutes. After this, wash your hands with soap and wrap the bowl in cling film. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and store for no longer than 5 days. Do whitening 4 times a week.

Fresh strawberries
Surprisingly, berries are great for whitening nails. To do this, just grind them in a blender, transfer them to a shallow container and dip your fingers into the mixture. The duration of the procedure varies from 30 to 60 minutes; whitening with strawberries can be done daily. To soften the cuticles and skin around the nails, add olive or corn oil to the berries in small quantities.

Table vinegar
The method is absolutely not suitable for those whose fingers have burrs, cracks, abrasions or irritation. It is acceptable to use both 9% table vinegar and apple cider vinegar. Choose a product based on what you have on hand. Dilute 35 ml. vinegar 270 ml. warm water, add 10 g. sugar and stir until the granules are completely dissolved. Dip your fingers into the bath and wait 7 minutes. After this, wash your hands well and apply moisturizing lotion. If you feel even the slightest burning or discomfort, stop the procedure. Vinegar should not be used more than 2 times a week.

Chamomile officinalis
Buy dried chamomile flowers at the pharmacy, take 40 grams. plants and pour 250 ml. boiling water, leave for a quarter of an hour. Dip your fingertips into the solution and wait half an hour. For the best effect, you can mix chamomile, sage, birch bark and eucalyptus in an amount of 20 grams. each plant. In this case, 350 ml of water will be required. The frequency of the procedure is 4 times a week.

Potato
Grate on a fine grater or grind in a blender 3 raw potato tubers along with the peel. Transfer the mixture into a deep container, add 100 ml. low-fat kefir and dip your fingers into the composition. Keep it for at least half an hour, repeat the steps every day.

Soda
Combine 45 g into a homogeneous composition. baking soda and 25 gr. 3% hydrogen peroxide. You should end up with a thick paste, otherwise adjust the composition so that it is not too liquid. Cover the nail plate with the mixture, wrap each finger in foil or cling film, wait a quarter of an hour. After the time is up, massage your nails for another 5 minutes, remove the tips and rinse your hands.

There is a second option using soda and lemon. Squeeze the juice from half a citrus, add 40 g. soda and mix well. Apply the mixture to your nails, wrap it with film or foil on top, wait 20 minutes. Baking soda is used as a bleaching agent no more than once a week.

Sea salt
Take 60 gr. crushed sea salt and fill it with 250 ml. boiling water, wait until the granules dissolve. Dip your fingers into the bath and keep for half an hour. If you start to pinch under your nails, shorten the duration of the procedure. Repeat simple manipulations once every 3 days.

baking powder
Take 20 gr. baking powder and 20 gr. citric acid, mix them and dilute with water to a paste consistency. Apply the product to your nails in a thick layer, place a paper napkin on top. Wait 10-15 minutes, then remove the mixture with water. The procedure can be repeated every 5 days.

Parsley
Take 100 gr. fresh parsley and 0.5 cucumber. Place in a blender, grind thoroughly, transfer the composition to a bowl and add 20 g. liquid honey. Dip your fingertips there and wait 20 minutes. If you have tanned skin, you should be careful, parsley will lighten it too. Perform whitening 3-5 times a week.

Have your nails darkened? No problem. Prepare a vinegar solution, sea salt bath, or potato mixture. Use hydrogen peroxide, clogrexidine, baking soda, or toothpaste as a last resort. Be careful with laundry bleach; never use chlorine-containing products. After the procedure, do not forget to moisturize your fingers with cream.

Video: how to whiten nails in 5 minutes

Svetlana Markova

Beauty is like a precious stone: the simpler it is, the more precious it is!

Content

Every girl wants to have beautiful, healthy nails, but constant use of varnishes and careless care for them leads to the fact that the surface turns yellow and loses its natural pleasant shade. To eliminate it and return the plates to their natural appearance, it is necessary, first of all, to eliminate the cause of the color change, but methods that are aimed at eliminating the consequences will also be useful. Below we describe how to whiten nails at home using improvised and store-bought products.

Why do nails change color?

The external condition of the nail plate reflects the internal health and habits of a person. The surface may turn yellow for the following reasons:

Bad habits, including smoking. Tobacco not only negatively affects the condition of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, but also worsens the appearance of the skin, hair and nail plates. Quit smoking and you will see an overall improvement in your condition, not just the elimination of the yellowish or brownish tint.
Constant use of varnish (regular, gel does not cause such an effect), artificial nail prostheses. The coating, especially in several layers, blocks access to oxygen. Low-quality varnishes containing acetone also have a negative impact. Bright colors especially spoil the nail surface. Use proven products, do not allow them to dry out and do not dilute them if this has already happened. Let's also give our nails a rest.
Onychomycosis (fungus). Because of this disease, not only the color, but also the structure of the nail changes - it thickens and peels off from the bed. In addition, an unpleasant odor may appear and the natural shine may disappear. Although pharmacies sell ointments and sprays for fungus without a prescription, it is better not to self-medicate, but to consult a dermatologist. This way you will get rid of the disease faster and completely.
Chemicals, fertilizers. The habit of washing dishes, doing laundry or working in the garden without rubber or other gloves affects the shade of the nail surface. Some foods also change color, so cooking can also affect the appearance of the plates - for example, beet leaves stains that are difficult to wash off with soap (instead of disappearing, they turn purple).
Deficiency of vitamins, zinc, iron, calcium. Adjust your diet to include healthy natural foods and a full range of nutrients. To avoid shortages, diversity is also important.
Taking medications, especially antibiotics. As soon as the course of tablets ends, the nails will return to their natural color on their own.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, gall bladder, kidneys; diabetes. If you do not experience any of the above reasons, then the problem is in your health. Contact a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist for examination, since disruptions in the digestive and immune systems directly affect the condition of the nail plates.

What is nail whitening

Lightening, or bleaching, of nails means the elimination of unnatural shades of the surface: yellowish, grayish, brownish. Since discoloration can be caused by many factors, restoring it with home remedies like masks is not always effective. In case of illness, it is necessary to treat the ailment that caused the consequence in the form of an unpleasant shade.

How to make your nails white at home

To whiten nails at home, use natural herbal or pharmaceutical products that are always at hand. Products successfully used include milk, lemon, salt, soda, natural juices, and vinegar. Among pharmaceutical products, hydrogen peroxide and toothpaste are effective. Substances that show the best results are vinegar, lemon. They act aggressively, therefore it is recommended to bleach them not in their pure form, but also to observe the dosage. In addition, if there are wounds, cracks or hangnails on the fingers, a burning sensation will be felt upon contact with them.

Mask with toothpaste

This remedy is considered extreme, since abrasive toothpastes can even damage enamel (the hardest tissue in the human body). You need to bleach them carefully; repeating them more than three times a week is not recommended. Instructions for the procedure:

apply a thin layer to the nail surface;
lightly massage the plate with a brush;
hold for up to 5 minutes (if the paste is not whitening, up to 7 is allowed);
rinse with regular warm water.

An alternative is not to whiten with pure toothpaste, but to prepare a special brightening mask. The recipe is:

lemon – 1 piece;
baking soda – 1 tbsp. spoon;
toothpaste – 2 teaspoons.

Squeeze the juice out of the lemon, mix it with soda (it will start to foam, this is normal, wait until the mixture calms down). Add toothpaste, then you can apply it to your nails. You can hold it for 15 to 20 minutes. It is not recommended to overexpose - the mask will dry out the surface. For this reason, after washing off the mixture with warm water, you should apply a nourishing moisturizer to your hands.

Lemon acid

This substance does not bleach in its pure form. Baths and masks are prepared on its basis. To whiten your toenails and fingernails using citric acid, you can use one of the following methods:

A bath that returns the natural color and shine of the nail plate. For 250 ml of warm purified water, take 1 teaspoon of citric acid. Immerse your fingers in the prepared bath for 15 minutes. Afterwards, wash off the acid and moisturize your hands with cream.
Bath and mask. Prepared separately and used one at a time. For the mask, mix 1 teaspoon of citric acid with a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Apply for 5 minutes. Afterwards, wipe your fingers from the mask and lower them into the bath. Solution recipe: dilute a teaspoon of acid in a glass of water. Keep for 15 minutes. After the procedure, the nail surface is polished with a buff.

Lemon juice

This method can not only whiten, but also strengthen the nails. Lemon nourishes them with vitamins, makes them stronger, and restores shine. There are several ways to whiten with this citrus:

Rub in pure lemon juice. It is not recommended to bleach this way too often, so as not to dry it out.
Masks are prepared from lemon juice with almond, olive or essential oils. This whitens and also nourishes the nails, but does not dry them out.
Nourishing and whitening mixture. Mix two tablespoons of olive oil with the same amount of liquid honey, then add the juice of one lemon, drop in essential oils of any two citrus fruits. Immerse your fingers in the pulp for 20 minutes. Wash off with soap, then apply moisturizer.

Milk

This product was used to bleach people in Ancient Egypt. The nobility took milk baths to make their skin color noble. Now the product is added to masks for the face, hands and nails. In these cases, milk can be replaced with kefir, natural yogurt or sour cream. Heavy cream is best suited for whitening nail plates. They are warmed to room temperature, then applied to the hands, or the fingers are dipped into a container with the product. This pleasant procedure restores the natural color of the nail surface and is beneficial for the skin.

Natural juices

This is an alternative to lemon, so juices should be from fruits or berries that contain a lot of acid, which has whitening properties. These include black currants, red currants, lime, cranberries and strawberries. By mixing the juice of any of these products with warm water (1:1), you get a bath that has pronounced lightening effects and is rich in vitamins. To improve nutritional properties, you can drop a little essential oil.

An alternative way to whiten nail plates with juice is to mix it with baking soda. If you use strawberries, use 5-6 berries per tablespoon of powder. The result is a mask that should be applied to the nail surface for 15 minutes. This is a quick whitening method. After drying, you can wash off the residue and repeat the procedure. This manipulation can be carried out many times until you are satisfied with the lightening result.

Sea salt

To strengthen and whiten your nails with a useful product, you don’t have to go to the sea (although you can combine business with pleasure). An alternative option: buy it in a store and make a bath. The simplest recipe with sea salt:

Take 2 teaspoons of salt per glass of warm purified water;
essential oils are added if desired;
Damaged nails are immersed in a saline solution for 20 minutes;
The procedure is repeated twice a week; it not only whitens, but also promotes nail growth.

A double lightening effect is observed if you mix sea salt with another product of a similar effect. The following recipe whitens better, but may dry out your hands:

a glass of warm water;
a teaspoon of sea salt;
two teaspoons of lemon juice;
keep the marigolds in the solution for about 7-10 minutes;
After the procedure, lubricate your hands with nourishing cream.

Vinegar

The aggressive action of ordinary vinegar helps whiten the nail plates, but can harm them. A softer apple version is better, but if you have wounds on your hands, you should also avoid it. Vinegar and water are diluted in proportions of a teaspoon per glass. Only the fingertips are immersed in the composition, for a maximum of 5 minutes. If you feel discomfort or tingling, remove immediately. Wash vinegar off your hands only with soap and water.

It is often not recommended to carry out procedures. As an alternative, you can soak cotton pads in vinegar and wipe the nail surface with them. If whitening is not effective, it is better to consult a doctor to determine the cause, since this is a proven remedy, and if it does not work, it means there are problems with internal health and this affects the appearance.

Whitening baths

The components are used not only in pure form, but also diluted with water. Effective baths are prepared with them in order to make nails light. It is convenient to hold pens in prepared solutions using a manicure bowl as a container. The best bath recipes:

Saline. Dilute 1 teaspoon of sea salt, the juice of half a lemon or 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 250 ml (one glass) of water. Keep your fingertips in this solution for 25 minutes.
With chamomile. One tablespoon of dried plant flowers is poured into 200 ml of hot water and left to infuse under a closed lid. When the broth has cooled to room temperature, it is filtered and poured into a bowl. Place your hands in the bath for 15 minutes.
With soda. For a glass of warm water, take one teaspoon of soda and the same amount of lemon juice. You can keep your hands in this solution for up to 10 minutes.
Soapy. Heat the water and pour it into a bowl. Throw a bar of regular baby soap there. Wait 5-10 minutes for the marigolds to steam. Then scrape the softened block. After this, clean your nails with a brush.
Soda-salt. Take two glasses of water. Add one teaspoon each of salt and soda. Drizzle a little lemon juice. Dip your fingers into the solution for 15 minutes.
Starchy. Dilute the powder in milk or lemon juice to obtain a consistency similar to sour cream. Soak your marigolds for 20 minutes. Afterwards, be sure to lubricate your hands with cream.
With potatoes. Grate the vegetable and pour into a bowl. Put your hands there. You can keep it for up to half an hour. This bath is the most harmless, whitens, but does not dry out the skin at all.

How to remove yellowness from nails after polish

If whitening your nails with soda and peroxide does not help, you can turn to the products that are on the shelves of cosmetic stores. Keep in mind that these, like home lightening methods, will only give lasting results if you have eliminated the cause of the yellowing of the plates. If you continue to treat your nails carelessly and use low-quality varnishes, any product will be useless.

Whitening varnish

Many of the products on this list contain those natural ingredients from which baths are prepared at home. Their principle of operation is based on the same as the masks described above. In addition, there are active additional elements that enhance the properties, protect and nourish the nails. Therefore, such varnishes are convenient to use as a base for coating.

Thus, the main active component of Beam up from Essie is lemon extract, but unlike citrus, regular use of this product does not dry out the nails, but prevents yellowing. You can paint it at least every day, instead of a transparent coating or as a base. The main thing is not to use it instead of a finishing layer - then there will be no effect, since the product does not have such deep penetrating properties.

Oriflame Nail Whitener comes in gel form and is therefore not used with polish. It is water-based, contains a brightening component - hydrogen peroxide - and nutrients, aloe vera and D-panthenol. Using Nail Whitener is simple: just apply a small amount of gel to clean, dry nails and rub in. This will help not only whiten them, but also restore shine and health.

Mava-white from Mavala is the only product presented that has not only a cosmetic, but also a therapeutic effect. It will not help against onychomycosis, but it has a complex effect. Mava-white contains titanium oxide against yellowness, and caring components strengthen the nail. The product will greatly help plates weakened by constant coating. As a preventative measure, you can apply Mava-white as a base for varnish, but if you are undergoing treatment, you should give your nails a rest and just do a manicure regularly.

The Alessandro brand has a universal whitening product. On the shelves it's a bottle of polish called Pro White Original. A well-groomed look appears on your nails immediately after applying the product, since it not only whitens, but also gives a natural shine. You can also paint it under the coating. In general, Alessandro has a whole line of nail brightening products, including coatings, masks, etc.

Whitening Pencil

Initially intended for nail design (for example, to do a French manicure), but is able to remove their unpleasant shade. It works on this principle: it does not lighten the surface or remove pigment, but simply colors the plate from the inside. For this reason, with a pencil you can only whiten the free edge of the nail (and even then underneath it).

The product still has an advantage over conventional varnishes. The painted part does not look glossy, but looks natural. French with a pencil turns out neat, beautiful and natural. To achieve this effect, manufacturers add white clay or medical chalk to the composition. These components are easy to wipe off, so it is recommended to apply a clear varnish on top. In theory this works. In practice, you cannot achieve an expressive French look, but in order to whiten the surface, this is a good option.

So, a combination of a pencil and medicinal varnish will work best. The first will help to immediately make the smile line bright and healthy, and the second will hide, and after regular use, eliminate pigment, and also strengthen the nail. Another advantage is the fact that during the treatment you will not have to walk around without a beautiful design. Another advantage: you can carry the pencil with you, if necessary, correcting your manicure.

An improved version of the product is made on a wax basis and, unlike its predecessor, has medicinal properties. Such pencils are applied in a similar way: the back side of the nail is painted over, but the layer is denser and more durable. After several uses, the plate becomes lighter (at the site of application) and is also strengthened. The nail becomes less brittle and stops peeling, but it will also not be possible to whiten the entire surface with this product.

It is useless to use the third type of pencil for lightening purposes. It's called a varnish and works like a corrector or pen. When you press the pencil from its tip, the product gets onto the nail surface, which lies in a line 1-1.5 mm wide. This is an ordinary white varnish that does not have healing properties, so it can only visually correct the situation, but in fact, even aggravate the yellowing problem. Using such a pencil for a French jacket is also inconvenient, since it lies unevenly.

Video

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A discolored nail plate is a problem that many women deal with. Few people know how to whiten nails at home. After reading the article, you will learn about the causes of color changes, preventive methods and how to whiten your nails at home.

What causes nails to turn yellow?

Before considering the question of how to whiten your nails at home, you should understand the reasons for the color change. There are many factors that cause yellowing nails.

Bright varnishes, especially red and burgundy shades, which contain quickly absorbed colored pigment.
Ultra-resistant varnishes, gel varnishes, due to long use, oxygen does not enter the nail plate, “oxygen starvation” occurs, due to which the nails change color.
Fungus - in the early stages, colors the nail enamel yellow.
Nicotine – when smoking, microparticles of tar and nicotine contained in tobacco smoke settle on the nails, causing discoloration. Nails begin to turn yellow especially quickly when smoking indoors.
Alcohol – constant abuse of alcoholic beverages causes destruction of internal organs, including the liver and lungs. Disruption of work inside the body leads to changes in the color of the skin, hair and nails.
Lack of vitamins and iron deficiency anemia cause malfunctions in the body, leading to changes in skin color, dullness of hair and yellowing of nail plates.

Prevention of yellowness

Preventing a problem is easier than getting rid of it. You should remove nail polish from your nails in a timely manner, using a product that does not contain acetone. Before applying long-term varnish, you must use a special base designed to protect your nails.

To preserve the beauty of your hands, nails and good functioning of the whole body, it is best to get rid of bad habits and start leading a healthy lifestyle. You should stop abusing drinks that contain alcohol, quit smoking, and start leading a healthy lifestyle. Include foods high in vitamins and minerals in your diet.

If you are not sure about the reasons for the yellowing of the nail enamel, then before whitening your nails at home, it would be appropriate to consult a dermatologist and have your nail sections examined to identify the fungus.

Once a week, it is advisable to give your nails a break from polish for several days. If gel polish was applied, then before repeating the manicure you should abstain for about seven days to restore oxygen supply. It is advisable to use a special cream intended for nourishing hands and nails.

How to choose special products

To make your nails whiter, there are special nail whitening products. It is best to buy goods in special shops or from trusted suppliers. When buying a specialized product, first of all you need to pay attention to the composition and labels. Often on whitening products it is written: non-yellowing top, nail whitener. Below are the products that will make whitening your nails at home easy fun.

Varnish

If you do not want to delve into the search for an answer to the question: “how to whiten your nails at home?”, then the simplest solution would be to purchase a special gel or varnish. The varnish is applied after preliminary cleaning of the nail and creation. There are varnishes created only for whitening, but there are also those that, in addition to lightening, are capable of strengthening the nail plate.

Smart enamels take care of the condition of nails, make them stronger, prevent delamination and protect them from external factors. Thanks to reflective particles, such varnishes look good on the nail plate and can be used without additional coating.

Step by step usage:

remove remnants of the previous coating;
get a manicure;
push back the cuticle;
shake the bottle of varnish;
apply the product to each nail, moving from bottom to top, from one edge of the nail to the other;
wait a few minutes until it dries completely;
apply a second layer;
let dry.

Whitening Pencil

In addition to enamels and varnishes, cosmetics stores sell pencils that can restore the original color of a nail. The whitening pencil contains chalk or white clay. The cosmetic pencil gives a quick but short-term effect; after washing your hands, the product is washed off.

Step by step application:

remove the coating using liquid without acetone;
Wash the hands;
apply vitamin cream;
wait until completely absorbed;
using a sharpener, sharpen the pencil;
soak the sharpened edge in water;
cover the inside of the regrown nail with a pencil;
moisten a cotton pad with water and wipe the product off the skin.

comparison table

The table shows the comparative characteristics of varnish and pencil.

Product name	Pencil	Enamel
Problem resolution speed	Instant whitening	Required to complete a 10–14 day course
Effect duration	Disappears after contact with water	Stays on nails for a long time
Additional substances	No	Vitamins, oils and minerals
Additional effect	No	Leveling and strengthening
Flaw	Does not cure, suitable only for yellowed edges	Doesn't give quick results

Whitening and nourishing baths

In addition to special products, you can use baths to whiten the nail plate; although they do not give instant results, with constant use, your nails and hand skin will look much more well-groomed and beautiful.

Chamomile

Even grandmothers knew about the chamomile bath. Chamomile is a unique plant that cleanses the nail plate, relieves irritation from the skin, softens the skin of the hands, filling it with vitamins.

Step-by-step instruction:

buy dried chamomile flowers;
Prepare a container with a lid, preferably metal or ceramic;
pour two tablespoons of flowers into a container;
pour two glasses of boiling water over the plant;
to cover with a lid;
wrap in a towel;
let it brew for 45–60 minutes;
separate the liquid from the inflorescences using gauze;
pour the broth into a bowl;
Immerse your hands in the liquid for twenty minutes.

With citric acid

If you don’t have time to go to pharmacies and look for chamomile inflorescences, then you can make a bath using lemon juice. A teaspoon of powder should be dissolved in a glass of warm water, pour the liquid into a bowl and immerse your nails there. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes.

Saline

For a salt bath, it is better to take sea salt; it contains more useful microelements. For the solution you will need:

25 grams of salt, both regular and sea salt will do;
juice from half a lemon;
glass of water.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until the salt crystals are completely dissolved. When the water becomes tolerable, place your nails in a bowl and keep in the solution for no more than twenty minutes. After the procedure, rinse the solution with running water and apply cream to your hands.

With oils

For a nourishing and whitening bath you will need:

34 grams – olive oil;
Two tablespoons of liquid honey;
Freshly squeezed juice of one lemon;
Citrus essential oil – three drops;
Grapefruit oil – three drops.

Mix all ingredients until a homogeneous liquid is obtained. Immerse your nails in the mixture for 20–25 minutes. After the procedure, wash your hands with soap and dry with a towel.

Video

This video shows how to whiten your nails at home.

Soda

One of the simplest baths for whitening is soda. Soda must be mixed with water, maintaining equal proportions. Keep your fingertips in the solution for up to twenty minutes.

With vinegar

This bath is suitable only after an untrimmed manicure, since any abrasion or the slightest cut can cause burning and stinging from acetic acid. For the procedure, you will need to take a teaspoon of vinegar, preferably apple cider vinegar, and dilute it in 350 grams of not hot water. Immerse your fingertips in the vinegar solution for five minutes, after the allotted time has elapsed, rinse your hands well with water and anoint them with nourishing cream.

Milk bath

Milk is a storehouse of vitamins; back in ancient times, people noticed the beneficial properties of dairy products. To get rid of yellowness, homemade milk or cream is best. Bring the dairy product to body temperature, then dip your fingertips, and, if possible, your entire palm into the container with milk. The procedure has no restrictions on time and number of uses.

Quick removal of yellowness

All the methods described above are mostly suitable for long-term use; they do not instantly lighten the nail plate. Below you can learn how to whiten your nails at home quickly.

Lemon

The citrus fruit is ideal for quickly cleansing the nail plate. It can be used not only to get rid of yellowness, but also to cleanse nails after gardening. For this method you will need a whole lemon. It should be cut in half, digging your nails into each half. Soak your nails in lemon pulp for ten minutes.

Berries

Many berries contain acid that can whiten the nail plate. Strawberries are best; you can take gooseberries or blackcurrants. The berries should be crushed into a mushy mass, then add 25 grams of soda; if the mass turns out to be very thick, you can increase the amount of powder. After applying the resulting mask to the nail, keep it until completely dry, then rinse with running water and repeat the procedure.

For quick whitening, freshly squeezed tomato, lime or cranberry juice is suitable. Natural juices not only whiten nails, but also nourish the skin of the hands with vitamins.

Toothpaste

To get rid of yellow nails, any toothpaste is great. The paste should be applied to a toothbrush, moistened with water and thoroughly brushed on both sides of each nail.

Hydrogen peroxide

To create the mixture, you need to mix peroxide and soda in a 1:2 ratio. Apply the resulting mixture to each nail, walk for three minutes, then wash your hands well. The mask can be applied no more than once every seven days.

Whitening ointment

It is necessary to mix lemon juice with the oil that is available in equal proportions. Next, using a cotton pad, gently rub the liquid into each nail. You can wear a mask for an unlimited time.

Baby soap

To clean your nails, you need to take baby soap, you can use something else. Place a bar of soap in water, preferably warm, and let it sit for a few minutes until the top layer is soaked. Then scrape the piece with your nails so that the soap particles go deep under the nail. Walk for a few minutes, then remove the residue using a pointed object. The soap lightens and removes difficult-to-remove black streaks under the nails.

Bleach

Oddly enough, but ordinary laundry bleach, which does not contain chlorine, will help give your nails a natural light color. You should add water to it before use. It is advisable to use the same amount of water as bleach. After mixing, the solution should be applied to each nail, after ten minutes, wash off the remaining bleach.

Other methods

To add shine, lighten and remove impurities on nails, you can use long-term exposure techniques. The recipes below do not bring instant results, however, the results obtained are permanent.

Sodium borate

Sodium borate mixed with rose petal water can also cleanse nails. To prepare the mask, you need to take the ingredients in a ratio of one to ten. Lubricate your nails with cotton wool for several weeks until the desired result appears.

Whitening tablets

There are special tablets on the market that people use to clean denture teeth. If you take several of these tablets and dissolve them in a small amount of water, the resulting solution will perfectly lighten your nails. Fingertips should be kept in the solution for 2-3 minutes.

Soda mixture

Baking soda makes an excellent whitening mask. To do this, you need to take freshly squeezed lemon juice, in the amount of one teaspoon, and add soda to it. The soda should be placed so that at the end of mixing you get a thick mass. Apply the paste to your nails using a brush, walk with the mask for five minutes, then rinse off the residue with water.

Glycerol

Glycerin can not only moisturize the skin of your hands, but also whiten your nail enamel. You need to mix five drops of glycerin with 25 drops of peroxide. Having received a homogeneous liquid, lubricate the surface of the nails with it. After five minutes, wash off the product from your nails.

Oil

Ylang-ylang oil must be mixed with lemon juice and jojoba oil. The mixing proportions must be observed as follows:

first ingredient - 4 grams;
second – 25 grams;
third – 8 grams.

The resulting liquid should be rubbed in twice a day; there is no need to rinse off.

Whitening on legs

Toenails, due to various factors, change color. Factors influencing color change can be varnishes and low-quality clothing, which stain not only nails, but also skin. In order to give your toes and nails a beautiful, well-groomed look, you can use all the methods described in this article.