Every woman dreams of beautiful and well-groomed hands. However, with frequent use of varnishes and lack of nail care, the nail plate begins to turn yellow and acquire an ugly shade. First of all, you need to establish the cause of the formation of such a defect, and then choose the most reliable way to deal with this problem.
Why do nails turn yellow?
Our body speaks about the state of our health and about diseases, if any. Yellowness of nails can indicate both cosmetic problems and talk about serious diseases.
The main causes of discoloration on the nails:
- Smoking and other addictions can affect color changes. Nicotine has a detrimental effect on the lungs, heart, significantly changes the condition of nails and hair for the worse. If you quit smoking, the skin will gradually begin to regain its elasticity, and the ugly color of the nails will take on a natural shade.
- With frequent use of classic varnish or building, the general condition of the nails can significantly deteriorate. The use of low-quality products with acetone in the composition has an extremely negative effect on the human body. Dark shades of classic varnishes can change the color of the nail plate. It is best to use quality products from trusted brands. Do not use dried foods, dilute them. It is important to give your hands a rest and not use decorative products at this time.
- With a fungus on the nails, not only the shade of the nails is subject to change, but also their structure. The nail becomes thicker, coarser and peels off the skin. The process is accompanied by poor aroma and tarnishing of the nails.
- Using chemicals and various fertilizers can change the color of nails.Many women have a habit of washing dishes, floors or working in a summer cottage without special protective equipment. Some products in the cooking process also affect color change.
- A lack of vitamins, iron or zinc affects the shade of nails. It is necessary to adjust the diet, add more vitamins and minerals to it. It is important to eat a variety of foods.
- Medicines, antibiotics. In this case, at the end of the course of treatment, the nail plates themselves will acquire a normal shade.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and diabetes can affect the shade of the nail plates.
- Long exposure to the sun and frequent visits to the solarium, the abuse of black coffee and tea can cause this effect.
Whitening products
To restore the nails to their original appearance, it is recommended to use special products. They are great for use at home or in specialized salons.
It is important to pay attention to the components of the composition and manufacturer.
The most famous products:
- Lacquer. It is applied directly to the nails after a manicure, it is a very simple and convenient tool to use. In addition to bleaching, some varnishes help strengthen the nail enamel, protect against adverse external influences.
- Whitening pencil. In its composition, chalk and white clay, it has an instant, but short-term effect. After washing hands, the pencil is completely washed off. This tool is indispensable if you need to quickly whiten your nails at home.
- Special powder for whitening. It is enough to dissolve it in a small amount of warm water, the procedure must be performed daily, in a course.
- Special masks. It is necessary to apply the mask on the nails and wait until it becomes a transparent color.
Folk methods
There are a large number of folk methods for whitening nails at home. Many experts find them effective in combating yellow nails.
Products for cleaning dentures are very popular.
Recommendations for use:
- stir 3 tablets in 100 ml of water, keep nails for 5 to 7 minutes;
- if the effect of the use of tablets is weak, then after 6 hours, you can repeat the procedure;
- use of this method is recommended 1 time in 14 days.
Glycerin whitens nails well and has a softening effect.
Method of use:
- the skin around the nails should be lubricated in advance with a nourishing cream with a tight coating;
- in a clean container, 20 ml of hydrogen peroxide and 100 ml of glycerin are mixed, in the resulting composition you need to hold your hands for about half an hour;
- hands should be wiped with a paper towel and washed with liquid soap.
Toothpaste with whitening effect.
Application Tips:
- for the procedure, it is necessary to prepare a toothbrush with soft bristles, paste and cotton or silicone gloves;
- in gloves, you need to cut holes for the nails, and glue the area of the cuticle with tape or tape;
- a small amount of paste is squeezed onto the brush and rubbed into the nails with massaging movements without touching the skin;
- you need to massage your nails for about 10 minutes, then remove the rest of the toothpaste with cold water;
- an alternative option is a whitening powder, it has a lower cost, but has high efficiency;
- apply this method is recommended no more than 1 time in 7 days.
Essential oils not only help whiten your nails, but also have a caring effect. Experts recommend choosing natural products: sea buckthorn, olive, castor, camphor and vegetable oils. From the ethers, you should choose lemon, lime, chamomile and jojoba with geraniums.
It is important to observe the proportions: 20 ml of natural oil and 10 drops of essential. The resulting composition is recommended to rub daily into the nails.
Chlorhexidine is often used to whiten nail plates.
Method of use:
- in a clean container you need to dilute 50 g.baking soda and 30 ml of the drug;
- the composition is thoroughly mixed and applied to the nails, then wrapped with a dense layer of cling film;
- the mixture must be kept on the nails for 5 minutes;
- residual composition is removed with paper towels;
- bleaching can be repeated after 6 hours if the desired effect has not been achieved;
- the procedure is recommended to be done every other day.
Laundry bleach is a very aggressive method, which is recommended for use in the most extreme situations. It is believed that this is the most extreme method of combating yellowness on the nails. It is worth resorting to when other methods are no longer able to cope with the problem:
- 30 gr the bleaching powder must be diluted with water to a dense consistency;
- in rubber gloves, holes must be made in accordance with the size of the nails;
- after the gloves are worn, they must be tightly fixed on the hand with electrical tape;
- it is necessary to apply the product with a toothbrush, massaging movements;
- the procedure is performed for no more than 120 seconds;
- removed with cold water and laundry soap;
- After the procedure, you need to apply a nourishing cream on your hands.
Lemon is the most popular nail whitening product. There are a huge number of recipes using lemon. Effective ways:
- 2 citruses need to be cut and nails immersed in them for 10 minutes;
- this procedure can be repeated no more than 1 time per week;
- squeezing citrus juice into a small container is allowed;
- after the juice is infused, it can be rubbed into the nails;
- it is recommended to carry out the procedure no more than 2 times a day and no more than 5 days a week.
Fresh strawberries will also help to cope with this problem:
- chop the berries in a blender and pour the resulting mass into a shallow cup;
- hands should be immersed in the prepared composition and held for 30 to 60 minutes;
- such whitening can be carried out daily;
- to soften the cuticles and skin rollers around the nail, you can add a little olive or corn oil to the berries.
Table vinegar is effective, but not suitable for those who have burrs, cracks or irritation on their hands.
To prepare the mixture, you can use 9% table or apple cider vinegar.
Method of use:
- combine 35 ml of vinegar, 30 ml of warm water and 2 tsp. Sahara;
- all ingredients must be thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained;
- keeping fingers in this solution is recommended for 7 minutes;
- after the procedure, hands should be washed well, use a moisturizer or balm;
- this method can be used no more than 2 times a week.
Chamomile is also a popular and affordable nail whitening product. It is better to use a product that is sold in the pharmacy chain as follows:
- need to take 40 gr. chamomile flowers, pour them with a glass of boiling water, insist 25 minutes;
- lower the fingers into the solution for 30 minutes;
- to enhance the effect, you can add eucalyptus, sage or birch bark;
- additional ingredients are recommended to add 4 teaspoons;
- this procedure can be carried out no more than 4 times a week.
Potato is a natural remedy for removing slight yellowing on the nails.
Mode of application:
- grate potatoes on a fine grater or pass it through a meat grinder, you do not need to peel the peel;
- in a container for ground potatoes you need to add half a glass of kefir;
- in the resulting composition, hold hands every day.
Soda is also a well-known and affordable nail whitening product. Every housewife has it, helps to cope with such a defect perfectly.
How to apply:
- in a clean container you need to mix 50 g. soda and 25 ml of hydrogen peroxide 3%, until a mass of medium density is formed;
- with the prepared product, you need to cover the nails and wrap them with foil or cling film;
- hands should be in this composition for 30 minutes;
- after the specified time, you need to massage your nails for another 5 minutes and wash your hands.
Sea salt is perfect for whitening nail plates.
Mode of application:
- in a clean container you need to add sea salt and a glass of hot water;
- when the granules dissolve, lower the hands into the solution for 30 minutes;
- if the salt begins to pinch under the nails, it is better to reduce the time by 2 times;
- You can repeat the procedure no more than once a week.
Means for baking muffin.
Apply as follows:
- in a clean container you need to mix 20 gr. baking powder and 20 gr. citric acid, mix thoroughly and dilute with water to a paste-like consistency;
- the product must be applied to the nails with a thick layer, and on top cover the composition with a paper towel;
- hands should be kept in the resulting composition for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water;
- This procedure is allowed to be carried out 1 time in 5 days.
An excellent natural remedy for whitening nail plates is obtained from parsley.
People with tanned skin should carefully perform this procedure. Parsley has a whitening effect and can lighten the skin on the hands.
Cooking method:
- 100 gr. fresh herbs and half the cucumber must be ground in a blender;
- transfer the resulting composition to a clean plate and add 2 tbsp. tablespoons of honey;
- hands should be in such a mixture for 20 minutes;
- This procedure is recommended to be repeated 3 times a week.
An original and affordable product for whitening nails is milk. This method was used in ancient Egypt.
To prepare a tool for whitening nails, you can use milk or cream with a high fat content.
Cooking method:
- 100 ml of cream or milk is warmed to room temperature;
- in warmed cream or milk, you must lower your fingers for half an hour;
- This procedure is recommended to be performed every 7 days.
Preventative measures
If there is yellowness on the nails, then The following rules should be observed:
- monitor hygiene when performing manicure, all instruments must undergo a thorough disinfection;
- if the nails are damaged, it is recommended to immediately treat the wound with peroxide;
- Do not use cheap varnishes;
- it is recommended not to abuse tobacco, coffee and black tea;
- It is recommended to take a break in the use of varnish or gel polish;
- if the problem is not resolved by folk methods and special means, you must consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination.
For how to whiten your nails at home, see the next video.