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!
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? Nail polish colours can stain your nails yellow due to a variety of factors, including the pigmentation intensity and your nail's natural porosity. Darker shades, such as deep reds, blues and purples, are more prone to staining because they have higher concentrations of pigment. When these pigments are absorbed by the top layer of your nail, they can leave a yellow or discoloured stain.
Your nails are made of keratin, and just like your skin, they're porous. This means they can absorb some of the dye from nail polish, especially if the polish is left on for an extended period.
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.
How to prevent yellow nails
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, or isopropyl alcohol, 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?
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 a cuticle oil infused with Vitamin E like Self Love Oil.
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.
