Dark and bright nail polishes may look spectacular, but they often leave marks on your nails, which can be quite annoying. Fortunately, most of these stains are just surface stains that are easy to remove if you use the right products, technique and a little patience.

Nail stains can appear for a multitude of reasons: chemicals in cleaning products, dyes from clothing, smoking and even health problems such as nutritional deficiencies and infections. However, the most common cause is pigmented nail products. Nails are made up of porous layers of keratin, and pigments from nail polishes can gradually penetrate them, causing discolouration. 

The speed at which nail stains can be removed depends on the cause of the stains. Superficial stains, such as pigment and dye marks, usually only affect the top layer of the nail and can disappear in a single treatment. However, more persistent stains caused by smoking, chemicals or certain health problems can penetrate deeper into the nail plate. In such cases, it's sometimes easier to wait for the nail to grow back.

Some nail stains are superficial and can be easily removed. If the darkening is cosmetic in nature, gentle buffing using a fine-grained buff will help to gently remove some of the yellowing. It's important to apply a light touch and minimal pressure to gently buff the nail plate with the buff and return it to its natural appearance. But you shouldn't use it regularly - it can lead to thinning of the nail plate. 

Always use a base coat for your manicure - it will prolong its durability and protect your nails from yellowing. Therefore, it is worth investing in a quality professional product, instead of choosing the most budget-friendly option. 

We recommend using a mixture of white vinegar and warm water to lighten yellowed nails. To do this, mix one tablespoon of vinegar with a cup of warm water and immerse your nails in the solution for 10-15 minutes. This simple method will help bring back the natural freshness and brightness to your nails.

Here's another handy nail brightening trick: apply whitening toothpaste to your nails in the form of a mask. First, gently file your nails with a buff to smooth the surface and remove surface stains. Then, spread the toothpaste evenly on the top and bottom of your nails using a nail brush. Brush each area thoroughly, paying attention to even the smallest details. In most cases, just cleaning your nails is enough, but if stains remain, apply a second coat of paste and leave it on for 10 minutes. After that, rinse it off with warm water. 

Baking soda is an effective remedy for removing grease and fighting yellow stains. To prepare a brightening paste, mix two teaspoons of baking soda with warm water. Apply the paste on the top and bottom of your nails and leave it on for five minutes. Then rinse off thoroughly.

The easiest and most affordable way to whiten your nails at home is to use lemon juice. To do this, just moisten cotton wool with lemon juice and gently rub it into the nail plate. You can also just dip your fingers in the pulp of lemon and hold them for a few minutes. To enhance the effect, add a little olive oil to the juice. This will not only help whiten your nails, but will also improve their condition by strengthening and moisturising them.

A sea salt bath is a great way to whiten and strengthen your nails. To do this, dissolve 2 teaspoons of sea salt in one glass of warm water. Immerse your nails in the solution for 15 minutes, then rinse your hands in warm water. Then gently rub a nourishing cream or any vegetable oil into your nails. For better results, repeat the procedure twice a week. This method can be used as and when required to keep your nails healthy and beautiful.

For whitening your nails, prepare a decoction of chamomile. To do this, pour a tablespoon of dried chamomile in a glass of boiling water and keep it on a water bath for about 15 minutes. You can also just pour chamomile with boiling water and insist for 30-40 minutes. When the decoction cools down a bit, use it for a bath. Dip your hands in the warm liquid and keep them there for about 30 minutes. To achieve the best effect, it is recommended to do such procedures every day for a month. The result will not make you wait: the nails will become lighter, and the skin of the hands - soft and silky.

Apply castor oil on your nails to lighten the plate and prevent it from splitting. In addition, castor oil gently cares for the cuticle and helps to strengthen nails, giving them a healthy and well-groomed look. 

To maintain healthy nails, it is recommended that you apply a nail strengthener daily as your nails grow. The ideal choice is a product containing hyaluronic acid, which helps to moisturise and strengthen the nail plate. 

Read also: How can you make a hand and nail mask at home?