I don’t know about you guys, but even when I am very diligent, and ALWAYS use a clear base coat before I apply my colour/s – to prevent the staining of my nails – constant wear of dark coloured nail polish inevitably eventually leaves me with some yellowing of my nails.

And although no one can see these yellow stains while I am wearing my bright coloured polishes, it becomes a problem when I want to do a lighter or a French Mani…

So here are a couple of DIY nail whitening treatments that I have tried out:

My preferred method is a Lemon juice and Baking Soda Paste:

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice – one and a half tablespoons
• Baking soda – one and a half tablespoons (or add more until you get a thick enough paste)

Method:

1. Remove all nail polish from your nails
2. Wash and then soak your nails in luke-warm soapy water for about 10 to 15 minutes and dry with a clean towel.
3. Use a cotton bud to apply some petroleum jelly (vaseline) to the area around your finger nails, and your cuticles.
4. Use a small bowl and add your lemon juice and baking soda together to form a thickish paste.
5. Use some cotton buds to apply the paste on top of your nails as well as under your nail tips, and leave it on for about 5min before rinsing thoroughly.
6. Apply your preferred cuticle oil on yours nails and cuticles and finish off with a nourishing hand moisturiser.

Repeat this treatment once a week for best results, until your nails are back to its natural bright white 😉

Another option is to use Hydrogen Peroxide with your Baking Soda, instead of the Lemon Juice

Ingredients:

• Hydrogen peroxide one tablespoon
• Baking powder 3 tablespoons

Method:

1. Remove all nail polish from your nails
2. Wash and then soak your nails in luke-warm soapy water for about 10 to 15 minutes and dry with a clean towel.
3. Use a cotton bud to apply some petroleum jelly (vaseline) to the area around your finger nails, and your cuticles.
4. Use a small bowl and add your hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together to form a thickish paste.
5. Use some cotton buds to apply the paste on top of your nails as well as under your nail tips, and leave it on for about 2-4min before rinsing thoroughly.
6. Apply your preferred cuticle oil on yours nails and cuticles and finish off with a nourishing hand moisturiser

Again, repeat this treatment once a week for best results, until your nails are back to its natural bright white.

The 3^rd method is to use Whitening Tooth Paste

Ingredients:

• Any whitening toothpaste
• An old toothbrush

Method:

1. Remove all nail polish from your nails
2. Wash and then soak your nails in luke-warm soapy water for about 10 to 15 minutes and dry with a clean towel.
3. Use a cotton bud to apply some petroleum jelly (vaseline) to the area around your finger nails, and your cuticles.
4. Use an old toothbrush and gently scrub your nails with a little bit of whitening toothpaste and leave it on for 5min before rinsing thoroughly.
5. Apply your preferred cuticle oil on yours nails and cuticles and finish off with a nourishing hand moisturiser

Do this treatment once a week for best results, until your nails are back to its natural bright white.

Certain brand names also have a nail polish remover that has a slight whitening effect.

You can use these each time that you remove your nail polish, to help keep your nails whiter.

Try:   The Clicks brand, available at Clicks pharmacies nationwide

And the last product that I want to mention that you can use when it comes to nail whitening, is Essence Studio Nails Pro White Gloss

This is a fast-drying pro white gloss with a special anti-yellow formula. This nail polish not only ensures naturally white nails, but also offers a radiant shine and long lasting gel-finish thanks to its unique texture.

It is specifically for using on its own (not as a base or top coat), when you want to do a natural nail look (no colour), or a French Manicure.

Last Thoughts:

• Never overdo any of these treatments, as they do have a drying effect on your nails. So no more than once a week!
• Always moisturise your cuticles, nails & hands after doing these treatments
• Do not try any of these treatments if you have any broken skin around your nails, as it WILL burn 😛
• Should you experience any irritation at any time, stop your treatment immediately, and rinse the area under cold water. (I have never had any bad reactions myself, but some people’s skin are more sensitive than others)

Let me know if you know of any other DIY nail whitening treatments not mentioned here. And what worked for you or didn’t work for you! 😉