Home Remedies for Yellow Nails

You might have seen someone with yellow nails or you also have them; and we know how embarrassing it is to have yellow nails. Finally you end up applying a nail paint to cover them. Many women are unaware of the fact that the pigment in the nail polish slowly discolours the nails especially the darker shades. So, the practice is to apply a clear base coat before applying nail polish. Other than this there can be different reasons behind yellow nails like fungal infection, excessive smoking, chronic liver disease, poor lifestyle habits, etc.

Home Remedies for Yellow Nails

1. Say No To Dark Nail Polish

Dark nail polish cause discoloration of nails more compared to light nail polish. Try to switch to light shades from dark shades. If possible switch to no nail polish as well. Let your nails breath too.

2. Use A Base Coat

It’s not at all crazy to use a clear base coat beneath the actual nail polish. Using a clear nail polish as base coat will protect your nail beds from the pigments present in the coloured nail polish. So, never avoid this step of applying base coat. If possible apply a clear nail polish and leave it without applying any coloured nail polish.

3. Use A Buffing Board

Your nails get exposed to nail polish and harmful chemicals. Use a buffing board to scrub off the discoloured layer but do not overdo it.

4. Lemon

We all know that lemon is a natural bleaching agent and so can remove yellow stains from your nails as well. Soak your nails for 10 – 15 minutes in a bowl of lemon juice and then scrub your nails with a toothbrush. Rinse your nails with lukewarm water and then moisturize your hands and nails. Do this twice a day to see results.

As an alternative you can also use lemon essential oil. Just mix few drops of it in some lukewarm water and soak your fingers in it. Follow the same procedure as the previous one.

5. Baking Soda

Mix two and half tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Apply this to your nails gently and leave it for 3 – 4 minutes. Rinse it well and moisturize. Do this once in 6 – 8 weeks.

Alternatively you can also mix a tablespoon of baking soda with one and half tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Rub this paste to your nails and leave it for 5 minutes. Rinse it well with lukewarm water and do this once in two weeks.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

Like lemon hydrogen peroxide is also a bleaching agent. Choose 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and pour 3 – 4 tablespoons of it in half cup of lukewarm water and mix it. Soak your nails in it for 2 minutes and then scrub with a brush followed by rinsing. Do this once a week for few months for better results. If you have stubborn yellow nails then directly apply the solution instead of mixing it in water. Don’t forget to moisturize your nails after this.

7. Denture Cleaning Tablets

Two most common ingredients found in these tablets are sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Dissolve 2 or 3 denture cleaning tablets in a bowl of lukewarm water and soak your nails for 15 minutes and then rinse well. Apply some moisturizer and repeat this process thrice a week for 1 to 2 months.

8. Tea Tree Oil

If your nails turned yellow due to fungus infection then tea tree oil can help you as it is naturally fungicide and antiseptic. Apply this oil directly to your nails and leave it for few minutes.Do this twice a day for few months for good results.

You can also mix this oil in olive oil in equal ratio and apply this to your nails. Do this twice a for few months.

9. Whitening Toothpaste

For mild stains choose toothpaste which contains whitening ingredient and hydrogen peroxide. Apply toothpaste to your nails and leave it for 10 minutes and then scrub it with a nail brush or toothbrush. Rinse it well and repeat this twice or thrice a week every month.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid and malic acid which can reduce yellow color of your nails. It is antifungal and so can treat many fungal infections. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal ratio and soak your nails in it for 30 minutes. Pat dry your nails and moisturize your nails. Do this thrice a day for 3 to 4 weeks.

11. Orange Peel

Vitamin C can also remove stains from nails. Take fresh peel and rub it to your nails twice or thrice a day for few weeks.

You cn also mix orange peel powder with some water to prepare thick paste and apply it to your nails. Leave it for 10 minutes and using a soft toothbrush rub your nails. Rinse with lukewarm water and then moisturize. Do this twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks.

12. Juniper Berries

They act as strong disinfectant fighting fungal infections. Mix a teaspoon of crushed juniper berries in some lukewarm water and soak your nails in it for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and then moisturize.  Do this once day before going to bed for few months.

13. Listerine

It consists of menthol, methyl salicylate, thymol and eucalyptol which has antifungal properties. Soak your nails in this solution directly for 30 minutes daily for a week. Take a break of a week and repeat. The skin around your nails may turn green but that is temporary.

You can also mix it in vinegar in equal ratio and follow the same process.

These tips will definitely help you get rid of yellow stains on your nails and get while nails; if not, you may have to visit a doctor.