Another reason to keep up with nail care during the winter? Sometimes, winter nail trends can dictate wearing shades that can stain the nails — and one of the biggest offenders is red. Seeing as red is the color of the holidays, so many of us apply layers of it in winter, only to take it off and notice our talons are yellow underneath (consider us guilty). As for why? “Our nail plates are made of layers of keratin which are super porous, and the [nail polish] pigments can wedge in there over time,” nail artist Sigourney Nuñez explained to Byrdie.
That’s why you want to still care for your nails properly to stop staining. The first step you can take is to apply a base coat to create a barrier before the polish and your nails. But if it’s too late and your nails have already yellowed, then there are ways you can help remove it. “Drop three [denture tablets] into a bowl of lukewarm water, and let your fingers soak for five minutes,” nail artist Miss Pop recommended to Allure. You could also try applying cuticle remover to the nail for around one minute. “This, along with a gentle nail buff for natural nails, will lighten yellow staining,” Miss Pop shared. NailKnowHow founder, Julie Ventura, even recommended soaking your fingertips in a mixture of one tablespoon of white vinegar and one cup of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes.
