Even when you are very diligent, and ALWAYS use the best clear base coat before you apply your colour/s to prevent the staining of your nails, constant wearing of dark coloured nail polish inevitably leaves you with some yellowing of your nails.

And although you cannot see these yellow stains while you are wearing your bright coloured polishes, it becomes a problem when you want to do a lighter or get a French Manicure.

So here are some DIY nail whitening treatments that you can try:

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. 1.Remove all nail polish from your nails
2. 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. 3.Use a cotton bud to apply some petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the area around your finger nails, and your cuticles.
4. 4.Use a small bowl and add your lemon juice and baking soda together to form a thickish paste.
5. 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. 6.Apply an effective cuticle oil on your nails and cuticles and finish off with a nourishing hand moisturiser
7. 7.Do 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. 1.Remove all nail polish from your nails
2. 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. 3.Use a cotton bud to apply some petroleum jelly such as Vaseline to the area around your finger nails, and your cuticles.
4. 4.Use a small bowl and add your hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together to form a thick-ish paste.
5. 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. 6.Apply your preferred cuticle oil on yours nails and cuticles and finish off with a nourishing hand moisturiser
7. 7.Do 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. 1.Remove all nail polish from your nails
2. 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. 3.Use a cotton bud to apply some petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the area around your finger nails, and your cuticles.
4. 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. 5.Apply your preferred cuticle oil on yours nails and cuticles and finish off with a nourishing hand moisturiser
6. 6.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 nail whiter.

They are available from Click and Dischem stores.

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

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

This 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 these treatments, as they have a drying effect on your nails. So no more than once a week
• Always moistures 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 L
• Should you experience any irritation at any time, stop your treatment immediately, and rinse the area under cold water. ( I have never had any ad reactions myself, but some people’s skin is more sensitive than others)

Let us 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! 😉

Article By Mariaan