How To Remove Fake Tan From Your Nails
We all want a perfect, natural-looking tan, and for many of us, the only way to achieve this is by using a self-tanner.
However, as much as you might want that perfect sunless tan, you definitely do not want the orange and yellow-stained nails that happen after application.
Stained nails are a dead giveaway that you have just used self-tanner, and did not, in fact, spend your summer tanning on a beach somewhere exotic.
For many first-time self-tanners, orange fingernails are a reality; you are so focused on getting in between every nook and cranny on your body that you forget your poor nails are soaking up an excess of self-tanner.
So, let’s not waste any time and jump right into the guide.
7 Ways to Remove Self-Tanner From Nails
Whether you use a self-tanning lotion, mousse, mist, or towelettes, you might end up with orange nails.
Luckily, there are a couple of remedies for this that should see your nails looking pretty and clean in no time!
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is one of the best gifts nature has given us! From naturally bleaching hair to tasting great in a Lemon Drop Cocktail, you should always keep a couple on hand.
To remove staining from your nails, simply dampen a clean face cloth with fresh lemon juice, place it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up, and then gently massage it over your stained nails.
The bleaching properties in lemons will lighten the staining and remove it altogether after a few applications.
The best thing about using lemons to do this is that they are completely natural!
2. White Vinegar
Thanks to the acidity in white vinegar, it is able to remove almost any stain.
Dip a cotton swab in white vinegar and gently dab it onto your nails. Leave it to soak for a few minutes, then rinse off to reveal clean, healthy-looking nails.
3. Toothpaste
Everyone has toothpaste at home, making it one of the more convenient options. Whitening toothpaste works best, but any old toothpaste should do.
Use an old toothbrush and some toothpaste to scrub off the staining on your nails, and soon enough, your nails will be stain-free!
4. Nail Polish Remover
This is possibly the most logical solution.
The acetone, which makes up nail polish remover, will break down the self-tanning solution that has stained your nails. Simply dab it on with a cotton pad and gently massage the stained area.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another household staple with numerous great uses.
Baking soda is found in almost every kitchen cupboard at home, making it a readily accessible solution to a wide range of problems.
Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste.
Scrub it into your nails and wait a few minutes before washing it off. You may need to repeat the process a few times to completely remove the stains, but it does work.
6. Bathing
If you don’t have time to waste with other remedies, simply leave your nails to soak in a warm bath with a few drops of essential oils.
The water and oils help soften your nails, making it easy to scrub off the self-tanner with a towel once you are done relaxing in the bath.
7. Soaking
If you have twenty minutes to spare, you could try this method which combines a couple of the above to ensure the staining is completely removed from your nails for good.
- Fill the bathroom basin with water and add a mild soap. Soak your nails in the warm water for 10 minutes.
- Use a cuticle trimmer to gently remove dead and stained skin from the nail base.
- Empty the basin and refill it with warm water, and add a couple of drops of tea tree oil.
- Place your hands in the water for a few minutes.
- Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub your nails, the skin under your nails, and the nail beds.
- Soak a cotton pad in lemon juice and rub it onto each nail.
- Wash your hands with warm water and dry them off.
- Apply a small amount of hand cream to your nails to add extra moisture, helping to prevent them from drying out.
This is one of the best and gentlest ways to remove staining from your nails.
How To Avoid Fake Tan Staining Your Nails
While it is good to know how to remove fake tan staining on your nails, it is even better to know how to avoid staining your nails in the first place!
Preparation is the absolute key to ensuring a flawless, natural-looking tan, and the same applies when performing the correct preparation to avoid giveaway stained nails.
Here are some of the best ways to avoid orange fingers and toes!
Use Tanning Mitts and Gloves
It is always a good idea to use a tanning mitt when applying self-tanner at home.
It will help you achieve an even, smooth tan, and the mitts have the right texture to apply the self-tanning product evenly.
However, tanning mitts also help protect hands, fingers, and nails from staining caused by self-tanning lotion.
Some people prefer to use gloves when applying self-tanner at home. The fingerless gloves help to properly apply self-tanner to smaller, more hard-to-reach areas.
Just like tanning mitts, gloves really help to protect nails and hands from staining.
Apply Tan Primers
There are some tan primers available that help to act as a barrier to self-tanning products.
The primers prevent self-tanners from being absorbed, making it impossible for staining to occur.
Wear Nail Varnish
Any type of nail polish applied to the nails will help to protect them from the sunless tanner.
You don’t even have to use dark nail polish; even a clear nail varnish will do the trick.
You can simply remove the nail varnish after application with nail varnish remover, and apply some moisturizer to keep your nails hydrated.
How To Protect Artificial Nails from A Tanning Bed
Other than tanning your skin by basking in the sun, there are other ways to obtain a golden, glowing tan.
Self-tanning is a great option for those who want to get it done in the privacy of their own home at a more affordable price. However, tanning in a sunbed at a salon is also a popular choice.
Many people choose to use a sunbed at a salon for a quick, natural-looking tan. Many people also love having artificial nails. The bad news is that these two don’t mix well at all.
Exposure to UV rays, such as those from a tanning bed, can cause artificial nails to turn yellow. Artificial nails need to be protected in a tanning bed, and there are some simple ways to do this:
- Coating artificial nails with a UV protectant can prevent UV rays from discoloring the nails. Some salons offer this, but at an additional cost.
- Some nail polishes offer UV protection. You can paint your nails with the varnish before getting into the tanning bed, and remove it with artificial nail-safe varnish remover once you are done.
- You can also cover your artificial nails with nail savers or even with some plastic bandages. Nail savers are quite handy, as they are pockets that slip onto the finger and cover the entire nail and the end of the finger from UV rays. Alternatively, you can wrap a small bandage around the end of each finger, covering the nails, but this can be time-consuming.
- If you are using a tanning bed that requires you to lie down, you can simply hang your fingers out of the bed. Please note that this will not work if you are using an upright tanning bed.
- Some nail salons offer solar nails, which do not require additional protection from UV rays and will not turn yellow when exposed to them.
How To Protect Toe Nails
You might be so focused on protecting your fingernails that you forget to protect your toenails as well!
Nobody wants to have to cover up their feet in the summer, so you need to ensure you don’t end up with orange toenails.
All the same tricks apply to toenails.
You can remove self-tanner staining from toenails the same way you remove it from your fingernails, and you can protect your toenails the same way you protect your fingernails from being stained during a fake tan (except using gloves and a tanning mitt, as these weren’t designed for your feet).
Self-Tanner Stained Nails
There is no need to freak out if you happen to stain your nails orange during a fake tan. There are several remedies to address this issue, and you will soon discover which one is best for you.
See it as a learning curve as well; once you have stained your nails orange, you will most likely ensure that it never happens again!
Everyone makes these common mistakes, and they are the best way to perfect your self-tanning application going forward.
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