Published By: Puja Sinha

Sparkling White Nails for the Clean Look: DIY Nail Whitening Tips

Creating gleaming white nails for the perfect party look!

Nail discolouration is a common worry that plagues the life of many! It not merely mars the entire look but also renders the look shoddy and incomplete. This pigmentation comes in varying shades and each has its specific reasons. Sometimes, it is a result of dark nail polishes that leave a tint on nails. Beauty experts recommend starting the grooming process by first tending to the nails. Heavy makeup or even other factors such as accidental slipping of colours on nails or paling of the original nail colour due to lifestyle issues can be easily managed by DIY home remedies. To start with, be sure to practice these five nailcare tips for healthy nails:

Maintain Nail Hygiene: Keep your nails clean and dry by wearing gloves while digging into dirt, trimming nails, and limiting exposure to water.

Use Gentle Nail Products: Avoid harsh chemicals and use nail products designed for sensitive nails.

Moisturize Regularly: Use hand and nail moisturizers to keep nails healthy.

Protect Your Nails: Wear gloves when cleaning or doing activities that expose your nails to water or chemicals.

Avoid Nail Trauma: Be gentle with your nails to prevent injury and avoid biting your nails or picking at cuticles.

If the malady persists, here is how you can bring the glimmer back!  

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Soak

Nothing really beats this natural and effective method for achieving whiter nails. Lemon juice, known for its natural bleaching properties, removes nagging stains while baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that cleanses the nail surface.

To prepare the soak, mix the juice of one lemon with a teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl of warm water. Soak your nails in the mixture for 5-10 minutes. Post soaking, rinse your hands with warm water and pat them dry. This method not only whitens nails but also vigorously cleanses them. For best results, follow up with a moisturizing hand lotion or cuticle oil to keep your nails hydrated and healthy. Regular use of this soak can help maintain bright, white nails.

Toothpaste for Instant Whitening

The whitening properties of toothpaste could be your saviour. Toothpaste contains silica, calcium carbonate, phosphates, and carbamide peroxide that remove stains and bring about a fresh whiteness.

Apply Toothpaste: Squeeze a small amount of whitening toothpaste onto each nail. You can either apply it directly from the tube or put a dab on your toothbrush or nail brush.

Brush Nails: Use the toothbrush or nail brush to lightly scrub each nail. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the nail, including the edges and under the tips to be thorough.

Let it Sit: After scrubbing, leave the toothpaste for 3-5 minutes for the whitening ingredients to work on any stains.

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your nails with warm water, ensuring that all the toothpaste is removed.

Moisturize: After drying your hands, apply hand lotion or cuticle oil to moisturize the nails and skin, as toothpaste can sometimes be drying.

White Vinegar for Instant Grooming

In a small bowl, mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. A common ratio is 1/2 cup of white vinegar to 1/2 cup of warm water. Immerse your nails and stay still for about 5 minutes. For additional cleaning, you can use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub your nails while they are soaking. After soaking, rinse your hands and nails with warm water to remove any vinegar residue. Dry your hands and moisturise to see the magic!

These simple steps would spare you from splurging on parlour visits or waiting for a groomer.