How to Fix White Dip Nails That Turned Yellow: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’ve been sporting a crisp white dip manicure only to see it turn a shade of yellow, it can be a frustrating experience. While there could be several reasons for this discoloration, the most common culprits are:

• Sun Exposure: Just like your skin, your nails can also get “tanned” when exposed to UV rays. The discoloration is more noticeable on white dip nails due to their light color.
• Chemical Exposure: Household cleaners, chlorine in swimming pools, and certain lotions or skincare products can also lead to yellowing of your white dip nails.
• Staining from colored substances: Colored nail polish, food, or beverages can stain your nails over time. This is especially true if you’ve not used a base coat under your dip powder.
• Improper Application: If the dip powder manicure was applied too thickly or if the nails weren’t prepped correctly, it can lead to discoloration over time, or potentially a grainy texture.
• Health issues: In some cases, yellow nails could indicate an underlying health issue, such as a fungal infection or a more serious condition like diabetes or lung disease. However, if this were the case, you would likely see yellowing on all your nails, not just the ones with dip powder.

In this article, we’ll go over how to fix white dip nails that turned yellow. We’ll also discuss prevention techniques to keep the color from going off in the first place.

Let’s dive in!

How Can You Prevent Your White Dip Nails from Turning Yellow?

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to keeping your white dip nails from turning yellow. Here are some tips to keep your dip nails (AKA SNS nails) nails looking bright and white:

Protect Your Nails from UV Rays

Wear gloves or apply a clear UV protective top coat to shield your nails from the sun’s rays. You can also look for dip powders that come with built-in UV protection.

Be Mindful of Chemical Exposure

Wear gloves while cleaning or doing dishes to protect your nails from harsh chemicals. If you’re going for a swim, consider applying a waterproof top coat to shield your nails from chlorine.

Use a Base Coat

A good base coat can protect your nails from staining, especially if you like to switch up your nail colors often. It also provides a smooth surface for the dip powder to adhere to, preventing any bumps or ridges.

Apply Dip Powder Correctly

Proper application can go a long way in preventing your white dip nails from turning yellow. Prep your nails correctly, apply thin, even layers of dip powder, and ensure that you seal the manicure with a good top coat.

If you follow these preventative measures, you can keep your white dip nails looking fresh and vibrant for longer.

Can You Fix White Dip Nails That Have Turned Yellow?

The good news is that yes, you can fix white dip nails that have turned yellow. Depending on the cause of the yellowing, there are several methods you can try to restore your nails to their original white color.

How To Fix White Dip Nails That Turned Yellow

Removing Stains

If the yellowing is due to staining from colored substances, you can try using a gentle nail buffer to buff away the top layer of your nails. This can help remove any surface stains.

Next, you can try soaking your nails in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with two and a half tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl. Soak your nails in this solution for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

This method can help whiten your nails, but it should not be used more than once a week, as it can be drying.

Covering Up Yellowing

If buffing and soaking don’t work, you can try covering up the yellowing with a nail polish or dip powder. Opt for a full-coverage formula that can effectively cover up any discoloration, or do some creative design to work around the yellowing.

Professional Help

If your white dip nails are turning yellow due to an underlying health issue or fungal infection, it’s best to seek help from a professional. A healthcare provider or dermatologist can provide you with the right treatment to address the root cause of the yellowing.

The Best Products to Fix White Dip Nails That Turned Yellow

Having the right products at your disposal can make all the difference when it comes to fixing white dip nails that have turned yellow. From buffers and base coats to whitening soaks and full-coverage dip powders, here are some of the best products to help you fix your yellowing dip nails.

1. Seche Vite Base Coat

This base coat by Seche Vite provides a smooth surface for your dip powder, preventing any bumps or ridges. It also helps to protect your nails from staining.

2. Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffer

With a 400-grit design, this nail buffer from Revlon is gentle yet effective at buffing away surface stains and smoothing out your nails. See our article on buffing dip nails top coats for details.

3. Color Club Dip Powder

Available in a range of full-coverage shades, this dip powder by Color Club can effectively cover up any yellowing and give your nails a fresh, vibrant look.

With these tools in your arsenal, you can successfully combat yellowing and enjoy a beautiful white dip manicure that lasts.

How to Keep Your White Dip Nails Looking Fresh and Vibrant

After going through the trouble of fixing your yellowed white dip nails, you’d surely want to keep them looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

• Reapply a Top Coat: If your top coat starts to look dull or worn, don’t hesitate to apply a fresh coat. This not only refreshes the look of your manicure but also provides an additional layer of protection against stains.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can yellow your white dip nails, so try to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible. If you’re going to be outdoors, consider applying a clear UV protective top coat.
• Wear Gloves: Protect your nails from harsh chemicals by wearing gloves while cleaning or doing dishes.
• Maintain Healthy Nails: Healthy nails are the foundation of a beautiful manicure. Keep your nails strong and healthy by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and moisturizing your hands and cuticles regularly.

Remember, your nails are a reflection of your overall health and well-being. Taking care of them will not only make your white dip manicure look better, but it will also make you feel better.

FAQ

Wrapping Up: Say Goodbye to Yellowed White Dip Nails

Yellowing of white dip nails can be an annoying issue, but it’s not something you can’t fix. With the right tools, techniques, and preventive measures, you can enjoy a vibrant white dip manicure that doesn’t turn yellow.

From understanding why your white dip nails turn yellow, to fixing the issue, to preventing it from happening again – we hope this comprehensive guide has helped you gain a better understanding of how to maintain your white dip nails.

Remember, having beautiful nails isn’t just about the colors or designs you choose. It’s also about taking good care of your nails and understanding how to deal with common issues like yellowing.

Here’s to beautiful, vibrant white dip nails that last!