Why Are My Nails Yellow? Causes & Solutions

Question
Hi,

I was hoping you could help me with my finger nails.  They are yellow/creamy yellow.  I dont have any fungal infections, i always use a base coat, and only ever do a french manicure anyway.  But they still turn yellowy.  Ive tried scrubbing them, ive tried constantly cleaning behind them, but they are still yellow! oh and im not a smoker either.... im guessing mine are just this way naturally? is there anything i could do to stop this? I eat healthily aswell so i dont think its a vitamin definciency....im lost!
please help

Many thanks

Louise

Answer
We ALL have a yellow tinge to our nails naturally, and besides being intensified by smoking and not using base coat, it can also happen with age.

If they are quite thick and strong (which I suspect they are), you can take a very soft abrasive and gently file the topmost layer of your nail plate, and see if this helps.  You can also soak your hands in water with denture cleaner in it to brighten them up :)

Are you using a natural nail strengthener? Many of these nail hardeners contain formaldehyde, and make the nail TOO strong, making them yellow and brittle.  If you have WEAK nails, meaning peeling, soft nails, I recommend a product by CND called "Toughen Up." It's does not contain formaldehyde, and will not excessively crosslink the keratin in your nail (this is what makes them overly hard.)

If your nails ARE quite strong, go get a bottle of "Ridge Out" or "Stickey" for your base coats- they are both also manufactured by CND.

Good luck! Let me know if I can be of further assistance :)