The betrayal is real. Your favourite dark polish has left you with yellowy nails. How could it do this to you? You were both so happy! Here’s how to fix yellow nails for good.
Why are my nails yellow?
It’s every dark polish lover's secret. Hiding beneath that chic manicure are some hideously yellow nails.
Dark polishes are gorgeous, it's true, but, if you’re not careful with the application, the results can be bad. You could end up with stained yellow-looking nails, and that ain't cute.
So why does it happen? The main reason stains appear on your nails is because heavy dark polishes leave a residue behind from the strong dyes used to concentrate their pigment. This is due to a chemical reaction between the colourant and the nail bed.
We don't mean to scare you, but it could also be a sign that there's formaldehyde in your polish (sadly, it's found in most standard polishes). This nasty chemical can react with the keratin in your nails and make it weak and discoloured.
If your nails are yellow and you haven't worn a dark polish at all, it's time to go visit your GP. Stained yellowy nails could be a sign of something more sinister, like infection or fungus, so get a GP to take a look and get that cleared up ASAP.
DIY: How to get rid of yellow nails at home
Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Soak a cotton pad in lemon juice and apply to your nails for 10-15 minutes to remove yellow stains. You may have to repeat this over a few days to see the best results.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps to hydrate the nail bed. It also benefits your skin (hello overachiever!) Vitamin E stimulates healthy nail growth, so grab a supplement from the pharmacy or use an oil or hand cream infused with Vitamin E.
Tea Tree Oil: If your nails are discoloured because of a fungal infection, consider using tea tree oil. Simply mix in a drop or two of tea tree oil into either coconut or jojoba oil, and using a cotton swab, apply the ointment to the affected area.
Preventing yellow nails
Who's your best friend? That'd be Miracle Treatment Base Coat. Using a nourishing base coat offers you a protective layer between your beautiful nails and your nail polish. It also gives you a longer lasting manicure. No-brainer.
Nail Cleanser is a manicure's secret weapon. It removes surface oils and impurities, and primes the nail for your base coat application. Who doesn't love a fresh start?
Water permeable nail polish (also known as breathable polish) allows water and air to pass through to the nail plate. This nifty technology can help prevent the pigment from staining your nails. It also boosts nail health and looks amazing.
