If frequent nail polish use leaves your nails looking dull and yellow, a nail whitener can be just what you need. This post explores various methods for achieving brighter nails, from home remedies to commercial products. While yellow staining on the nails is generally harmless and common, it’s not always desirable. Fortunately, there are ways to quickly whiten your nails, making them perfect for creating a French manicure look or applying clear polish over your natural nails.
These quick fixes mean you don’t have to wait for stains to fade before trying out new nail art ideas.
How to Whiten Dark Toenails
Throughout this blog post, there is the possibility that certain links are affiliated, resulting in me receiving compensation when you make a purchase through these links without any additional expense incurred by you. For more information on my full disclosure policy, please visit the provided link.
What Can Cause Your Toenails to Turn Dark
When it comes to whitening nails that have become stained or yellow from excessive use of nail polish, there are several methods to explore. However, it’s essential to recognize that nail discoloration can be caused by factors beyond just polish usage. For instance, fungal infections can lead to yellowing nails, which is a common issue in unhygienic nail settings where tools aren’t properly cleaned between uses.
If you’re experiencing nail staining due to an infection, you may need to opt for antifungal creams rather than whiteners. The NHS website provides more information on this topic and antifungal creams are widely available at drugstores. In some cases, nails can become darkened as a result of subungual hematoma, which requires time – often several months – to heal naturally. Additionally, rare instances may involve yellow nail syndrome, a sign of underlying medical conditions.
Further information on this topic can be found in the article ‘What Your Nails Say About Your Health’.
Home Remedies to Whiten Nails
Before diving into whitening products, it’s worth exploring some effective home remedies that can get the job done. One such solution lies in harnessing the power of natural ingredients, like lemon juice, which not only lifts away stubborn stains but also eliminates harmful bacteria or fungus from the nail bed. With a few simple techniques and common kitchen staples, you can enjoy a brighter, healthier-looking manicure without breaking the bank.
Lemon Juice Nail Whitener
When it comes to brightening up yellowed nails, acidic lemon juice can be a valuable ally. However, those with minor cuts around their nail beds should exercise caution, as the acidity of the lemon juice may cause stinging. On the other hand, lemon’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an effective natural remedy for tackling bacterial infections or fungal toenail issues that may be affecting the appearance of your nails.
To harness the whitening power of lemon juice, simply soak a cotton ball in the liquid and apply it to the nail for 15 minutes. Follow up by gently scrubbing the area with an old toothbrush to help lift away any stubborn stains. Alternatively, you can squeeze the lemon juice into a small bowl and let your fingers soak for 10 minutes before rinsing off.
White Vineger Nail Whitener
To tackle nail stains, white vinegar’s acidity proves particularly effective. Crucial to note is the importance of using only white vinegar, avoiding any coloured alternatives. Start by mixing two cups of this vinegar with warm water in a bowl, allowing your nails to soak for 10 minutes. For added efficacy, you can employ a gentle scrubbing motion with a nail brush, carefully targeting the discoloured areas.
When crafting a foot soak, consider combining white vinegar with Epsom salt and witch hazel – these ingredients not only help combat fungal infections but also aid in removing toenail discoloration.
Baking Soda Paste Nail Whitener
To create an effective baking soda paste for nail whitening, mix equal parts baking soda and warm water in a small container until you get a smooth consistency. Apply this paste directly to your nails, leaving it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with soap and water. For added benefits, consider incorporating a squeeze of lemon juice and a splash of white vinegar into the mixture.
If the discoloration has spread to the edges of your nails, use a cotton swab to gently lift away any remaining stain.
Tea Tree Essential Oil Nail Whitener
For individuals grappling with fungal infections, tea tree oil offers a natural and effective remedy. As a potent topical antifungal agent, it effectively eliminates the fungus, hindering its spread. This versatile essential oil can be easily sourced from health food stores or online retailers.
To harness its benefits, simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton wool ball and apply it directly to the affected nails.
Allow the treatment to sit for 10 minutes before thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water.
For those who find the concentrated oil too potent, it can be diluted with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil, offering a more gentle yet still effective treatment.
10 Recommended Nail Whiteners
For those who prefer not to rely on natural methods, there’s an array of effective nail whitening products to choose from. In my research, I’ve curated a list of the top ten most highly-recommended options based on customer reviews.
essence Active Whitener
The Active Whitener from [Buy From: Amazon | Wilko | Parfumdreams] is a game-changer for those seeking a brighter, healthier-looking nail. This multi-tasking formula serves as both a base coat and whitening treatment, tackling stains while shielding the nail from future discoloration. Its natural ingredients, including lemon extract, ensure a gentle experience free from harsh chemicals like acetone or alcohol.
Perfect for restoring and protecting your nail’s natural color, this product can be applied directly to bare nails before a manicure or used alone to conceal any unwanted yellowing.
Eveline Cosmetics White Nails
The Eveline Cosmetics Nail Whitener can be purchased from reputable online retailers such as Amazon, OnBuy, Walmart, and iHerb. This innovative conditioner targets discolouration caused by dryness or prolonged use of nail varnish, restoring the natural whiteness of the nails. The formula features UV filters and lemon extract, which not only whitens the nails but also protects the nail plate from turning yellow again.
After just ten days, dull and yellowing nails are transformed, leaving a healthy and shiny appearance. This product is particularly useful for achieving a milky white finish under glitter or dark polishes. Furthermore, it can be used as a top coat to safeguard the nail, preventing breakage and damage.
Vitry Fizzing Nail Spa
To achieve salon-quality results from the comfort of your own home, consider incorporating these beads into your nail care routine. Simply dissolve 2-3 beads in 100ml of warm water to create a nourishing and whitening bath for your nails. Soak your fingers for 5 minutes, allowing the lemon essential oil and tea tree essential oil to work their magic.
Not only will this treatment leave your nails looking radiant and healthy, but it will also help to remove stubborn yellow stains, restore natural nail color, and even kill any bacteria or fungus that may be present.
Mava-White Optical Nail Whitener
When it comes to achieving salon-quality results at home, one product stands out for its ability to seamlessly blend with your existing nail polish collection: Mava-White Optica Nail Whitener. This innovative formula features pigments that respond to UV light, expertly concealing yellow stains and leaving your nails looking naturally radiant. What’s more, it can be used as a standalone treatment or layered beneath/above your favourite polish for an added dimension of shine and protection.
By applying a thin layer before or after colour application, this whitener not only brightens the overall tone but also safeguards against further discolouration, giving you peace of mind alongside a flawless finish.
Blulu 2 in 1 Nail Whitening Pencils
When it comes to revamping your nail care routine, The Blulu Nail Whitening Pencils offer a unique two-in-one solution. Not only does the product serve as a cuticle pusher, allowing you to tidily trim those pesky cuticles, but it also functions as a white nail pencil. This dual purpose is particularly useful when dealing with yellowing nails at the rim, as the pencil can be used to create the illusion of longer and healthier-looking nails.
By applying the whitening pencil to the tips of each nail, you can effortlessly remove any unsightly yellow marks, leaving your nails looking brighter and more radiant than ever.
Herome Natural Nail Whitener Pink Glow
The Herome Natural Nail Whitener is a versatile clear polish that not only camouflages yellow stains but also enhances the natural pink hue of your nails. With its subtle pink tint, this product can be used as a base coat, top coat, or standalone treatment to leave dull and discoloured nails looking shiny and healthy. As a convenient addition to your nail care routine, it’s available for purchase on Amazon.
L’Oreal Resist and Shine Nail Whitening Corrector
When it comes to achieving a radiant white nail look, L’Oreal’s Resist & Shine White is an excellent colour corrector that helps to mask unwanted yellow tones and reveal healthy-looking nails. To get started, apply the polish from base to tip and allow it to dry completely. Once set, you can then use a nail file and cuticle tools to tidy up the shape of your nails for a polished finish.
Trind Nail Brightener
The Trind Nail Brightener is a game-changer for anyone struggling with discolored or dull nails. Not only does it effectively mask imperfections, but it can also be used as a top coat to amplify the vibrancy of nail polish or acrylic nails. Its subtle pink hue doesn’t just brighten the overall appearance of the nail, but also draws attention to the natural pink undertones, making it an excellent choice for those dealing with yellowed or lackluster nails.
ARTDECO Nail Whitener French Rose
The ARTDECO Nail Whitener is a standout product in my collection, perfect for achieving salon-fresh results at home. Its delicate rose hue not only effectively eliminates yellowing stains but also imparts a lovely transparent shimmer, reminiscent of classic French manicures. For an extra touch of elegance, I recommend applying two coats to reveal the full extent of this stunning shade.
Flexitol Nail Revitaliser Gel
To rejuvenate your nails, consider purchasing the Flexitol Nail Revitaliser from one of three popular retailers: Amazon, Boots, or Superdrug. This gel-based treatment is applied directly to the nails and left to dry. Its purpose is to be used twice daily for up to seven weeks, or until the discolouration has disappeared. As a result, it helps to improve the overall health and condition of your nails, leaving them in top-notch shape.
Specifically, this product can soften and whiten yellow, thickened nails on both your hands and feet.
This Post Was All About How to Whiten Dark Toenails
I appreciate your interest in my previous post about whitening dark toenails. If you’ve had the chance to try any of the products or tips I shared, please take a moment to leave a comment below and share your experience with me. In addition to these methods, if you’re dealing with toenail fungus or an infection, you may want to consider exploring natural remedies as well.
Specifically, a mixture of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of tea tree oil has been shown to be effective in treating fungal infections and promoting healthy nail growth.
