How To Whiten Nails – 6 DIY Nail Whitening Methods

The problem with nails is that they can easily get stained or discolored. Excessive usage of nail paint or vitamin and mineral deficiencies could cause this discoloration. You must be wondering how to whiten your nails. After all, unsightly nails can be off-putting and embarrassing. Clean and well-groomed nails are also a sign of sophistication and good hygiene. It is not a surprise that many people invest in expensive manicures and pedicures to achieve polished nails. Fortunately, there are a variety of low-cost and basic at-home procedures that can help you whiten your nails in a pinch. So, how to whiten nails at home? Keep reading this article if you are looking for cheap and easy DIY options as well as some cool nail tips!

Note: Your overall health is often reflected in your nail health. Nail changes, such as discoloration, can indicate severe underlying medical conditions. So, if you are finding it difficult to figure out why your nails are changing color, you should have them examined by a medical specialist immediately. Given below are five effective techniques to whiten your nails. Most of these ingredients may probably be lying around your house already!

A common reason for nail discoloration is a fungal infection called onychomycosis. According to a clinical overview and analysis, it is the most common nail infection seen in clinical practice. It has a worldwide prevalence of 5.5% and an estimated prevalence of 2% to 14% in the United States and 0.5% to 24% in Europe.

Note: Consult your doctor before opting for these home remedies.

Quick Tip

Fake nails and specific nail art and treatments can stain your nails. Take a month-long break between treatments to maintain their health and look.

How To Whiten Nails At Home – 6 Easy Ways

Nail discoloration is both common and unavoidable with regular nail polish use. It is especially common when you use dark hues like reds, purples, blues, and black. If you can’t break up with your polish, we recommend you get into the habit of practicing mindful nail care. Always start your nail beauty process by prepping your nails with a base coat every time you paint them. A good base coat creates a stain-proof barrier between your nails and the polish.

But, if the deed’s done and you skipped the prep in a rush, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. Given below are five effective techniques to whiten your nails. Whether you’re doing a manicure at home or just maintaining your nails between salon visits, these tips are easy to follow. Most of these ingredients may probably be lying around your house already!

1. Lemon Juice And Baking Soda

According to nail experts, mixing lemon juice and baking soda creates a powerful cleansing paste for your nails. It works instantly to whiten and brighten dull, discolored nails.

What You Need

• Half a lemon
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• A plastic bowl
• An old toothbrush

Tutorial

Step 1: Squeeze half of a lemon into a plastic bowl.

Step 2: Mix in the baking soda until you get an abrasive, paste-like texture.

Step 3: Apply the paste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Use an old toothbrush to scrub your nails with the paste.

Step 5: Rinse your hands with mild soap and water.

Tip: If you don’t have baking soda, combine salt and lemon juice as an alternative nail whitening solution. Salt acts as a gentle buffer, and when you mix it with lemon juice, you can get rid of practically any stains.

2. Whitening Tooth Paste

Whitening toothpaste is the easiest way to get your nails ramp-ready. Some toothpastes contain baking soda and peroxide that work together brilliantly to fix that yellow tinge on your nails. Baking soda is known to remove stains and for its whitening effect (1). Though the studies are based on its efficacy on the tooth, it might work on nails also.

What You Need

• Whitening toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Nail buffer

Tutorial

Step 1: Start by buffing your nails until they look shiny.

Step 2: Apply a thin layer of the toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Use an old toothbrush to scrub your nails gently.

Step 4: Remove the toothpaste with the help of cotton balls soaked in water.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

A diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide works like magic to lighten and whiten nails. Hydrogen peroxide can help clear old blood from the nail bed. This suggests that it may also help remove stains from nails in general, especially those caused by dried blood or other organic matter (2). All you need to do is create a soak. We assure you that it is the most effective stain remover in existence.

What You Need

• 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide (5 ml)
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Plastic bowl
• 125 ml of water

Tutorial

Step 1: Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of baking soda in a plastic bowl.

Step 2: Add half a cup of water and mix the ingredients until the powder dissolves.

Step 3: Soak your nails in the solution for about 10 minutes or until the stains disappear.

Step 4: Rinse your hands with lukewarm water.

Step 5: Slather on some lotion. Voila! Your nails should be clean now.

Jessica, a YouTuber who tests DIY remedies, tried a mixture of hot water, peroxide, and baking soda to treat her toenails. She used the remedy for 60 seconds but saw no visible results. She says, “I did not get my nails whiter. They are still stained (i).” She suggests that if you want the method to work, you may have to try it for longer.

4. Denture Cleaner

Soaking your nails in a denture cleaner also works efficiently to get rid of stains. Denture cleaners contain dilute sodium hypochlorite that works as a mild bleaching agent. Sodium hypochlorite is often used to treat “green nails” caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, which results in green discoloration and nail detachment. The 2% solution helps by disinfecting the nail bed and clearing the bacterial stain, promoting healing and improving the appearance (3).

What You Need

• Denture cleaner tablet
• ½ cup warm water
• Bowl

Tutorial

Step 1: Add one denture cleaner tablet to a dish of warm water.

Step 2: Once the tablet dissolves in the water, soak your hands in the solution for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse your hands with warm water and pat them dry with a clean towel.

Step 4: Follow up with a moisturizer, and you’re good to go!

5. White Vinegar

Vinegar is another mild acid that can strip stains from hard surfaces (4). However, you should only use white vinegar as other kinds of vinegar can stain your nails.

What You Need

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• Bowl

Tutorial

Step 1: Pour one cup of warm water into a bowl.

Step 2: Add one tablespoon (5-10 ml) of white vinegar to the water.

Step 3: Soak your nails in the solution for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse your nails with lukewarm water and pat them dry with a towel.

Step 5: Apply lotion to your hands to prevent your skin from drying out.

6. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is not typically used for whitening nails, but it is popular for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties (5). It may help treat nail discoloration caused by fungal infections, thus restoring the natural color of your nails.

What You Need

• 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil of your choice
• 1 cotton swab

Tutorial

Step 1: Mix the tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, to minimize its potency.

Step 2: Gently apply the diluted tea tree oil to the discolored nails using a cotton swab.

Step 3: Allow the oil to get absorbed by your nails for at least 10-15 minutes or leave it on overnight.

Step 4: Apply it twice a day over several weeks to reduce nail discoloration.

When using these whitening remedies, keep an eye out for potential allergies or skin sensitivities. Some ingredients, like lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and tea tree oil, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Most of the studies on these treatments are based on their efficacy for stain removal from hard surfaces or teeth, rather than specifically from nails. Therefore, individual results may vary, and it is always best to perform a patch test before trying any new remedy.

For the best care, consult a dermatologist, especially if you are dealing with long-term discoloration or other nail issues. They can give you specific advice based on your needs and help address any underlying health concerns. But as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So, check out some preventive tips below.

Preventing Nail Discoloration

Maintaining the natural color of your nails is key to keeping them looking healthy and vibrant. By following some simple tips, you can help prevent discoloration and damage.

• Always apply a base coat before using nail polish to protect your nails.
• Avoid wearing dark nail colors for long periods, as they can stain your nails.
• Give your nails breaks between treatments to let them breathe and recover.
• Consider using nail strengtheners to promote healthy growth and prevent brittleness.

General Nail Health And Maintenance

• Keep your nails clean and trimmed to avoid breakage and infection. 
• Moisturize your cuticles to prevent dryness and hangnails. 
• Avoid biting your nails, as this can cause damage and infection. 
• Regularly massage your nails with oils like coconut or olive oil to keep them nourished. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your nails healthy.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support nail health.

If you notice any changes, such as discoloration, pain, or infection, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional to ensure your nails remain healthy and strong.

Quick Tip

Vitamin E is a trusted solution to keep your nails from getting stained. Topical application, as well as oral medication, can help.

Infographic: 5 Easy Remedies To Whiten Nails At Home

We know how annoying it is to deal with yellow or stained nails. Cleaning them can be quite tiresome and may also require salon visits. No worries! We’ve got your back. Check out the infographic below and take a look at the effective DIY ways to brighten your nails at home.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any products I should avoid to prevent staining?

Yes, avoiding dark nail polishes and long-lasting formulas can help reduce the risk of staining over time.

Do yellow nails mean healthy nails?

No, yellow nails do not mean healthy nails. Yellow nails can be caused by a fungal infection or trauma to the nail plates.

What color should fingernails be?

Healthy fingernails and toenails should be pink. Generally, the nail plates are pink, and the nail that grows off from it is white.

Does coconut oil whiten nails?

Coconut oil nourishes and strengthens nails but does not affect discoloration or help whiten nails.

Is vaseline whiten nails?

Vaseline does not whiten nails, but it can help to moisturize and protect the skin around the nails.

How long does it take to see results from nail whitening treatments?

The amount of time it takes to see results from nail whitening treatments depends on the method used and the severity of the discoloration. Results may be visible for mild discoloration within a few days or weeks, while more severe cases may take several weeks or months to show improvement.

Have your nails looking healthy and beautiful in no time! Click on this video to learn how to whiten yellow nails with this easy tutorial and get ready to flaunt your hands!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. CP ThajudheenMD

       

Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries.

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Esha SaxenaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi holds a postgraduate degree in English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam. With over three years of experience writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle, she is also a certified skin care coach.

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