Having healthy and beautiful nails is important for many people. Yellow nails can be unsightly and may make you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your hands. While there can be several causes for yellow nails, such as smoking, poor hygiene, or fungal infections, there are natural remedies that can help restore the natural color and health of your nails. In this article, we will explore the 16 best natural home remedies for yellow nails that you can easily try at home.
Common Causes of Yellow Nails
Yellow nails can be caused by various factors. Some common causes of yellow nails include:
- Nail Polish: Frequent and prolonged use of dark-colored nail polishes can stain the nails and cause them to appear yellow.
- Smoking: Smoking tobacco can lead to discoloration of the nails, including yellowing. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can stain the nails over time.
- Fungal Infections: Certain fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, can cause the nails to turn yellow or develop other discoloration. These infections often occur in warm, moist environments and can be spread in public places like swimming pools and locker rooms.
- Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition, can affect the nails, causing them to become thickened, pitted, and yellow.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: In some cases, nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and iron, can lead to changes in nail color, including yellowing.
- Aging: The nails can become more brittle and yellow as we age. This is due to the gradual slowing down of cell turnover and changes in the structure of the nails.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and liver disease, can cause changes in nail color, including yellowing.
16 Best Natural Home Remedies for Yellow Nails
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help remove stains from your nails and restore their natural color. The citric acid in lemon juice helps reduce discoloration and brighten the nails.
Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a small bowl and soak your nails in it for about 10 minutes. Then, using a soft brush, gently scrub your nails. Rinse with warm water and repeat this remedy a few times weekly for the best results.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is known for its cleansing and exfoliating properties. It can effectively remove stains from your nails and make them look whiter.
Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water until it forms a thick consistency. Apply the paste to your nails and gently scrub for a few minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat this remedy once or twice a week.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has natural bleaching properties that can help remove yellow stains from your nails. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl.
Soak your nails in the mixture for a few minutes, and then gently scrub your nails using a soft brush. Rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer afterward, as hydrogen peroxide can be drying. Repeat this remedy once a week for best results.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy for various skin and nail conditions, including yellow nails. It has antimicrobial properties that can help combat fungal infections, often responsible for yellowing nails.
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl. Soak your nails in the mixture for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat this remedy two to three times a week.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent that can help treat yellow nails caused by fungal infections. It also has a refreshing scent.
Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to your nails and gently massage it in. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. Repeat this remedy twice a day until you see improvement in the color of your nails.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil is not only beneficial for your overall health but also for your nails. It can help moisturize and nourish your nails, making them less prone to discoloration.
Warm up olive oil and soak your nails in it for about 15 minutes. Gently massage your nails while soaking to improve blood circulation. Rinse with warm water and repeat this remedy daily for the best results.
7. Orange Peel
Orange peel contains natural bleaching properties that can help whiten yellow nails. Take a fresh orange peel and rub the inner side on your nails for a few minutes.
Alternatively, you can also make a paste by grinding dried orange peel and mixing it with water. Apply the paste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat this remedy twice a week.
8. White Vinegar
White vinegar can help restore the natural color of your nails by removing stains and reducing discoloration. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
Soak your nails in the mixture for about 10 minutes. Gently scrub your nails with a soft brush and rinse with warm water. Repeat this remedy two to three times a week for best results.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties and can help nourish your nails, making them appear healthier and less yellow.
Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your nails and gently massage it in. Leave it on overnight and rinse with warm water in the morning. Repeat this remedy daily to see a noticeable improvement in the color of your nails.
10. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt can help improve the appearance of yellow nails by reducing discoloration and removing stains. Fill a basin with warm water and add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt. Soak your nails in the solution for 15 minutes.
Gently scrub your nails afterward and rinse with warm water. Repeat this remedy once a week for the best results.
11. Cucumber
Cucumber is not only refreshing but also has natural bleaching properties that can help whiten yellow nails. Cut a fresh cucumber into slices and rub them on your nails for a few minutes.
Alternatively, you can also blend a cucumber to extract its juice and soak your nails in it for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat this remedy two to three times a week.
12. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and healing properties. It can also help improve the appearance of yellow nails. Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf and apply it to your nails. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. Repeat this remedy daily for the best results.
13. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help treat yellow nails caused by fungal infections.
Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool down. Soak your nails in the tea for 15 minutes. Gently scrub your nails afterward and rinse with warm water. Repeat this remedy two to three times a week.
14. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a powerful natural remedy for various nail conditions, including yellow nails. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that can help treat underlying infections.
Apply a few drops of neem oil to your nails and gently massage it in. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. Repeat this remedy daily until you see improvement in the color of your nails.
15. Rose Water
Rose water is fragrant and has natural astringent properties that can help remove stains from your nails and make them look whiter.
Soak your nails in rose water for 10 minutes. Gently scrub your nails afterward and rinse with warm water. Repeat this remedy two to three times a week for best results.
16. Onion Juice
Onion juice contains sulfur compounds that can help strengthen your nails and prevent them from turning yellow. Extract the juice from an onion and apply it to your nails. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. Repeat this remedy daily for the best results.
FAQs
1. Can poor hygiene cause yellow nails?
Yes, poor hygiene can contribute to the development of yellow nails. Regularly cleaning and taking care of your nails can help prevent yellowing.
2. How long does it take for natural remedies to work on yellow nails?
The time it takes for natural remedies to work on yellow nails can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Consistent use of the remedies over a few weeks can yield noticeable results.
3. Are these natural remedies safe to use?
Yes, these natural remedies are generally safe to use. However, if you experience any allergic reactions or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
4. Can I use multiple remedies at the same time?
It is recommended to try one remedy at a time to see which works best for you. Using multiple remedies simultaneously may not necessarily enhance the results.
