How to Treat Nail Discoloration

Dark nail polish can stain nails a dull yellow. Return nails to a healthy hue using these tips.

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You Will Need

  • Lemon juice
  • Water
  • A lemon slice
  • Baking soda
  • A nail buffer
  • Denture cleaner
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Gloves
  • Patience

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Use lemon juice

    Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to a bowl of water; soak your fingernails and toenails in the mixture, then rinse. Or, rub a lemon slice directly onto your nails.

  2. Step 2

    Add baking soda

    Combine one tablespoon of lemon juice with one tablespoon of baking soda. Apply the paste with a nail buffer, then rinse.

  3. Step 3

    Dissolve denture cleaner

    Dissolve denture cleaner in water per package directions and soak your fingernails for 15 minutes, then rinse.

  4. Step 4

    Use hydrogen peroxide

    Mix three tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of three percent hydrogen peroxide and put the paste on your nails, then rinse.

  5. Step 5

    Drop the polish

    Let your nails grow out without using polish. In four to six months, the stains will have grown out.

  6. If you need to color your nails, use a base coat and avoid nail polish and polish removers that contain formaldehyde.

  7. Step 6

    Wear gloves

    Wear gloves when working with chemicals. Medical professionals, hair stylists, and others should wear gloves to protect their nails as well as their health.

  8. Did you know? Nail polish is believed to have originated in China in 3,000 B.C.E.

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