How to Get Yellow Discoloration Off of Fingernails

Fingernails that are yellowed after a dark-toned nail polish has been removed are likely discolored as a result of staining. If the yellow discoloration in your fingernails is always present, though, see your doctor. It may be a sign of a fungal infection for which a prescription nail treatment may be necessary. You can prevent future nail staining by using a clear base coat on your nails before applying the darker color.

Things You'll Need

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Clean toothbrush
• Cotton balls
• Nail polish remover, non-acetone
• Cuticle oil

Instructions

1. Pour 1/3 cup of water into a small bowl. Remove the cap from the bottle of hydrogen peroxide, fill the cap with hydrogen peroxide and pour the liquid into the water. Add two more caps full of hydrogen peroxide to the water and stir.

2. Dip a clean toothbrush into the diluted hydrogen peroxide and shake off any excess liquid. Scrub the discoloration on your nails with the toothbrush. Repeat the process until the discoloration is gone. For severe staining, you may have to soak your fingers in the diluted hydrogen peroxide for two to three minutes before scrubbing your nails.

3. Soak a cotton ball in non-acetone nail polish remover and run it across your nails to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide solution. Pat your nails dry, then apply a cuticle oil to the nails. Let the oil sink in for three to five minutes.

4. Soak a new cotton ball in nail polish remover. Use the cotton ball to clean the cuticle oil off of your nails.

References

• Cosmopolitan: Nix Yellow Nails