Why do nails turn yellow after long-term nail polish use?

Dear Reader, 

A well-manicured set of nails can—literally—make you feel more polished! Unfortunately, as you’ve noticed, pigmented nail polish can leave a yellow stain behind. The good news is that these surface-level stains are harmless and usually go away once the new nail grows out. In the meantime, applying nail stain remover can help to lighten their appearance. For future manicures, choosing lighter colors and applying a base coat before the polish can also help to reduce staining. That said, nail polish isn’t the only thing that can lead to yellow nails. From health conditions to lifestyle factors, the causes are manifold. Read on to find out more! 

Can nail polish turn your nails yellow? 

Although your nails might appear hard, they’re very porous. This means that they can absorb substances that are applied to their surface, such as dyes and pigments from nail polish. Colored nail polish can leave a yellow or red stain on the top layer of your nails, especially if left on for more than a week. Darker polish colors such as red, orange, blue, and black are more likely to stain your nails.  

Is it harmful to leave nail polish on for a long time? 

The good news is that nail discoloration from nail polish is harmless. It usually goes away in a few weeks once the new nail grows out.  

That said, leaving nail polish on for too long can dry out the nail and make it brittle. This makes it easier for fungus, bacteria, and other harmful microbes to grow underneath the nail, increasing the risk of infection. It’s recommended to leave polish on for a week or so and then go without polish for another week or so to give your nails a break. 

What else can turn your nails yellow? 

Apart from nail polish, some types of cosmetic procedures can cause your nails to look yellowish. Many nail hardeners contain formaldehyde-based ingredients that can make nails brittle, yellow, and prone to cracking. Additionally, some clear topcoats can turn yellow over time, causing the nail polish underneath to take on a yellowish hue.  

Many different conditions and lifestyle factors can cause nail discoloration. For instance, nails naturally yellow with age as nail growth slows down. Medications such as antibiotics, acne medication, and chemotherapy can also lead to yellow nails. Long-term tobacco use often leaves yellowish-brown stains on fingertips and nails, especially on fingers that are routinely used to hold cigarettes.  

In certain cases, however, discolored nails could be a sign of more serious issues. Fungal nail infections and rheumatoid arthritis can cause nails to become thick, yellow, and brittle.  

How can you prevent yellow nails? 

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That said, choosing lighter colors and applying a base coat before the color polish can help to reduce staining. If you’re heading to a salon for a little pampering and polishing, it’s helpful to keep in mind that spa foot baths can be breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. Scoping out your salon and making sure that it uses clean instruments as well as safe procedures can go a long way towards preventing gnarly nail infections.  

How can you treat yellow nails? 

If your nails have already been stained by nail polish, fret not. You might consider applying nail stain remover to lighten the stain. Soaking your nails in a vinegar solution or dabbing on some whitening toothpaste may also work in a pinch. 

If the new nail that grows out continues to be yellow, however, it could be a sign that something else is afoot. If you suspect that your nail discoloration is caused by an underlying health condition, you might consider speaking with a health care provider or dermatologist. They may be able to examine you and offer appropriate treatment, if necessary.  

While dyes and pigments in colored nail polish are most likely the culprit for yellow nails, it’s important to make sure that nail discoloration isn’t a sign of more serious issues.  

Here’s to nailing the next mani-pedi!