When you get a gel manicure, you probably expect it to last for weeks without any chipping or peeling. But sometimes, your nails may start to yellow after a few days or even weeks.
So what’s going on? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
This article will explore the causes of yellowing gel nails and offer some tips on how to prevent and fix the issue. We’ll also provide some general advice on how to take care of your gel nails so they last longer.
Let’s get started!
What Are Yellow Gel Nails? What Causes Yellowing Gel Nails?
Yellow gel nails are simply gel nails that have started to turn yellow. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:
- Exposure to UV light: Gel nails are cured (set) using ultraviolet (UV) light. If you expose your gel nails to too much UV light, it can cause them to yellow.
- Product buildup: If you don’t properly clean your gel nails, it can lead to a buildup of products on the surface of your nails. This can cause your nails to yellow.
- Poor nail care: Not taking proper care of your gel nails can also lead to yellowing. This includes things like not using a base coat or top coat, not properly cleaning your nails, and using harsh nail care products.
- Allergies: Some people may be allergic to the ingredients in gel nail products. This can cause your nails to yellow.
- Genetics: In some cases, yellowing gel nails may be due to genetics. If you have a family history of yellow nails, you may be more likely to experience this problem.
How to Know if You Have Yellow Gel Nails?
One way to tell if your gel nails are yellowing is to look at the color of your nails. If they’re starting to turn yellow, that’s a good indication that your gel nails are yellowing.
Another way to tell if your gel nails are yellowing is to look at the texture of your nails. If your nails are starting to become brittle or flake, that’s another sign that your gel nails are yellowing.
If you’re not sure whether or not your gel nails are yellowing, it’s best to consult with a professional. They can take a look at your nails and give you an accurate diagnosis.
How to Prevent Yellow Gel Nails
There are a few things you can do to prevent your gel nails from yellowing:
- Use a base coat: Always use a base coat when you apply gel nails. This will help to protect your nails from staining and yellowing.
- Use a top coat: Be sure to use a top coat every time you apply gel nail polish. This will help to seal the color and prevent yellowing.
- Avoid over-exposure to UV light: Try to limit your exposure to UV light, both from artificial sources (like gel nail lamps) and natural sources (like sunlight).
- Keep your nails clean: Be sure to clean your nails regularly. This will help to prevent product buildup and yellowing.
- Choose non-toxic products: If you’re concerned about the ingredients in your gel nails, choose non-toxic products. This will help to reduce the risk of allergies and yellowing.
How to Fix Yellow Gel Nails
If your gel nails are already yellow, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem:
- Use a whitening polish: You can try using whitening nail polish to help cover up the yellowing. Be sure to follow the instructions on the polish and only use it as directed.
- Use a color-correcting base coat: You can also try using a color-correcting base coat before you apply gel nail polish. This will help to neutralize any yellowing that has already occurred.
- Soak your nails in lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. You can try soaking your nails in lemon juice for 10 minutes to help lighten the yellowing.
- Use hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is another natural bleaching agent. You can try soaking your nails in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes to help lighten the yellowing.
- Talk to your doctor: If you’re concerned about the yellowing of your gel nails, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other treatments or products that can help.
Yellowing of gel nails is a common problem. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent or fix the problem. If you’re concerned about the yellowing of your gel nails, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other treatments or products that can help.
What Should You Do if Your Nails Are Fixed?
After you’ve fixed your yellow gel nails, there are a few things you can do to take care of your nails and prevent future problems.
- First, be sure to keep your nails clean and dry. Wash your hands regularly, and use mild soap to avoid drying out your nails.
- Second, avoid using harsh chemicals on your nails. When cleaning your house or doing the dishes, wear gloves to protect your nails from harsh cleaners.
- Third, use cuticle oil or cream to keep your nails and cuticles healthy. This will help to prevent your nails from drying out and becoming brittle.
- Fourth, avoid picking at your nails or using acrylic nails. Both of these can damage your nails and lead to yellowing.
- Finally, see a doctor if you have any concerns about your nails. If you notice that your nails are yellowing and you have other symptoms, such as fatigue or joint pain, you may have an underlying health condition that needs to be treated.
You can keep your nails healthy and prevent yellowing by following these steps. If you have discoloration, see a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.
Conclusion
Taking care of your gel nails isn’t always easy. But with a little effort, you can keep them looking shiny and new for weeks.
Just be sure to use high-quality gel polish, apply a top coat regularly, and take care of your natural nails.
And if you do end up with yellowing gel nails, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to fix the problem. With a little effort, you can have beautiful nails that you’ll be proud to show off.
We hope this article was helpful in answering your question, “why do my gel nails turn yellow?” If you have any other questions or would like to share your own tips and tricks for keeping gel nails looking their best, please leave a comment below!
Related: How Long Do Gel Nails Last?
