Completing everyday tasks can have a cumulative negative effect on the look of your nails. Dull, stained and yellowed nails are not uncommon in natural nails, yet they can be easily brightened, whitened and spiffed up at home. No need to polish or hire a professional, as a combination of consistent nail care, good hygiene and a few easy at-home tricks will greatly improve the look of your nails.
Step 1
Fill a small bowl with warm water and add three to four drops of gentle shampoo or liquid soap. Soak your nails for approximately 5 minutes.
Step 2
Dip the nail brush in soapy water then remove, shaking off excess water. Gently scrub your just-soaked nails and fingers to remove dirt and surface stains. Dry fingers and nails.
Step 3
Use the pointed tip of the nail tool to remove debris from under your nails. Pass it under each nail, moving it gently from one side of the nail to the other, using a gently scraping motion. Remove debris from the tool before moving to the next nail.
Step 4
Dull or stained nails can be naturally brightened with a lemon. Cut the fruit in half and dig your nails into the flesh of the fruit for about a minute, letting the juice flow into your cuticles and under nails. Remove, letting the juice linger on your fingers for a few minutes. Rinse your fingers and nails and dry thoroughly.
Step 5
Apply the buff side of your nail file, or buffing chamois, to the surface of stained or ridged nails. Gently buffing the nails will smooth away ridges, as well as remove stains from the surface of the nails.
Step 6
Instantly brighten your nails with a white stick. Soften the sharpened tip of the white stick by running it under warm water, then pass it gently under each nail.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't buff your nails too frequently or vigorously as it will thin your nails.
- If streaks or dark spots persist on your nails, have them examined by a health professional, such as a dermatologist. Skip the application of lemon if there are any cuts or broken skin around your nails or on your fingers.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap and water
- Small bowl
- Nail brush
- Nail tool with a pointed tip
- Lemon
- White stick
References
- Royal College of Nursing; Guidance On Maintaining Personal Hygiene in Nail Care; Malkin B, Berridge P.; 2009
- Nail Fungus and Nail Health; American Academy of Dermatology
Member Comments