Exactly How to Whiten Your Nails, According to Experts

Freshly painted nails can be a huge source of confidence, especially when they're tapping into the buzziest nail trends. However, if you're suffering from a condition like brittle, yellow nails, you may find yourself hiding your hands. If, like many of us, you've struggled with yellow nails and found yourself baffled over what to do, you may want to begin by speaking with a doctor about your nail woes. “You want to get a proper diagnosis and treatment if you're constantly battling stained nails,” agrees Dana Stern, M.D., and board-certified dermatologist, explaining that causes can be as simple as nail polish use or as serious as severe as organ issues.

Ahead, we spoke with doctors specializing in nail health to get the full breakdown on what causes yellow nails, how to prevent them, and how to fix them. Get ready for your healthiest, most immaculate-looking hands yet.

Why Are My Nails Yellow?

• Nail Polish Staining

If you do your nails regularly, your yellowing is probably due to a combination of the polish and the polish removal process. Dr. Stern warns that this is especially the case if you gravitate towards darker colors like black, red, and navy. "Polish remover-dissolves the polish and makes the pigments migrate and leach," she explains. "The darker the color, the more pigment." Acrylics are especially damaging: Medical pedicurist Marcela Correa says, "Nail discoloration often happens because nails become dehydrated from all the chemicals the acrylic contains, often making them appear yellow and thin. If acrylics are not taken off regularly, the chances of your nails becoming discolored and changing in shape increase."

And if your chronically painted nails seem to yellow more easily than those of your friends, don't be alarmed. Dr. Stern says that some people are more prone to this discoloration than others: We all have different nail porosities, and the more porous your nails are, the more prone they are to yellowing.

Finally, gel manicures damage nails not only because of the polish itself but also because of its removal. "We may see more yellowing with the no-chip and gel manicures, which require 10-minute soaks in acetone for removal," says Dr. Stern, as this practice is incredibly drying.

• Fungal Infection

Dr. Stern says that if your nails are yellow, thick, and "crumbly," you may just have a fungal infection—but you should check with your dermatologist first, since only a professional can diagnose and treat the condition. "If you remove your toenail polish and the nails are not improving after a few weeks, seek medical attention," she says.

While Dr. Stern admits that only 50 percent of nail abnormalities are caused by fungus, Correa warns that if the condition is left untreated, it can result in nail loss—so it's better to be safe than sorry.

• Yellow Nail Syndrome

In rare cases, your yellowing nails may be caused by Yellow Nail Syndrome, a condition in which nails cannot grow at a normal rate and appear thick and yellow or green. Dr. Stern says this issue "is associated with underlying lymphatic disease as well as lung disease or malignancy." Other warning signs include the lack of a cuticle and a lunula (the half-moon mark at the bottom of your nails). While treatment is available for this condition, Dr. Stern points out that it's typically a chronic disease and requires close medical monitoring.

• Injury

Dr. Stern explains that any nail injury or condition that slows growth can lead to nail yellowing. One example is retronychia, in which the nail matrix, or growth plate, is injured, resulting in an abnormal, discolored nail. where the nail matrix (growth plate) is injured and produces abnormal nail.

• Environmental Factors

Finally, products other than nail polish can also impact your nails' appearance. Dr. Stern cites tobacco and self-tanner as particularly likely culprits for yellowing.

Whitening Yellow Nails

Good news: You can remove yellow nail stains with relative ease. If your stains are mild, Correa recommends brushing them once monthly with a whitening toothpaste and then following up with an oil (she loves olive oil) for hydration. Dr. Stern also recommends using a solution specially formulated to revitalize nails, particularly an exfoliating option that contains glycolic acid.

If the stains are particularly severe, she says to use a solution made of three to four tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and half a cup of water. Up to two to three times per week, you can soak your nails in this mixture for up to two minutes, scrub the surface with a soft toothbrush, and rinse.

Preventing Yellow Nails

Yellowing is common and even unavoidable with regular nail polish use, but a few precautions can mitigate it. Dr. Stern recommends using a base coat every time you paint your nails. This will create a stain-proof barrier between your nail and your polish. Correa also advises hydrating and exfoliating bare nails regularly and removing polish every two weeks, allowing some time for nails to go bare. You can also opt for a gentle or acetone-free nail polish remover that won't dehydrate your nails so much.

Meet the Experts

Dana Stern, M.D.

Dr. Dana Stern is a board-certified dermatologist who also specializes in nail disorders. She is based in New York City.

Marcela Correa

Marcela Correa is the founder and CEO of Medi Pedi NYC. A licensed Medical Nail Technician with over 20 years of experience, she specializes in pioneering nail treatments that both satisfy her clients' aesthetic desires and support long-term nail health.