Why Are My Nails Yellow? (And What Can I Do About It?)

Why Are My Nails Yellow? (And What Can I Do About It?)

Yellow nails are surprisingly common and can affect anyone, whether you regularly wear nail polish or prefer to keep your nails natural. Although yellowing is often harmless, it can sometimes indicate that your nails need a little extra care or attention.

At The Nail and Beauty Lounge, we see this concern regularly and the good news is that in most cases, yellow nails can be improved with the right habits and treatments. Below is a practical, helpful guide to what causes yellow nails and how to restore them to a healthy, natural colour.

1. Staining from Nail Polish

The most common cause of yellow nails is staining from highly pigmented nail polish, especially reds, oranges and darker colours. Wearing polish for long periods without a break can allow pigments to absorb into the nail plate.

What you can do:
Apply a base coat every time you paint your nails
Choose professional-grade polishes less likely to stain
Give your nails polish-free breaks to allow them to breathe
Consider a strengthening clear coat if you prefer a natural look

Prevention plays a big part here, so a good-quality base coat is essential.

2. Smoking or Nicotine Exposure

Nicotine can cause yellowing of both the fingers and nails. Even passive exposure can sometimes contribute to discolouration.

What helps:
Regular exfoliation around the fingers
Moisturising to reduce dryness
Keeping nails as clean and hydrated as possible
Choosing lighter shades that do not highlight staining

If the yellowing is due to nicotine, it may take time for the colour to improve, but consistent care will help.

3. Fungal Nail Infections

A fungal nail infection can often cause yellow, thickened or flaky nails. This is more common on toenails, but it can affect fingernails too.

Signs to look out for:
A yellow or greenish tint
Thickening of the nail
Rough or crumbly texture
An odour or visible separation from the nail bed

What to do:
Seek medical advice if you suspect a fungal infection
Keep the nails clean and dry
Avoid sharing nail tools
Book a professional assessment to confirm the cause

Only medical treatment can completely resolve a fungal infection, so it is important to get the right support early.

4. Nail Dehydration

Nails can become yellowish or dull when they are dehydrated, especially if you frequently wash your hands, use sanitiser or skip cuticle oil.

How to rehydrate:
Apply cuticle oil at least twice daily
Use hand cream after every wash
Choose acetone-free removers
Avoid long, hot showers that strip natural oils

This is one of the simplest and quickest issues to resolve with consistent moisture.

5. Ageing or Natural Keratin Build-Up

As we age, nails can naturally become slightly more yellow due to changes in keratin, the protein that makes up the nail plate.

What you can do:
Keep nails short and filed
Use gentle nail brightening products
Apply cuticle oil daily to maintain flexibility
Book regular manicures to keep nails looking fresh and healthy

This type of yellowing is harmless but can be improved with consistent nail care.

6. Certain Medications or Health Conditions

Some medications can cause yellow nails as a side effect, as can conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues or circulation concerns.

What to do:
Speak to your GP if you notice sudden or severe changes
Monitor any additional symptoms such as thickening or swelling
Continue caring for your nails while seeking medical guidance

This is less common but important to be aware of.

7. Use Nail Brightening Treatments at Home

If your yellow nails are caused by staining or dehydration, at-home brightening treatments can help restore their natural colour.

Try these:
A gentle nail buffer to remove surface staining
A nail brightening polish
Hydrating nail masks
Cuticle oil to improve colour and shine

Avoid harsh scrubs or whitening hacks that can damage the nail plate.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your nails have been yellow for a long time, have changed shape or texture, or you think a fungal infection may be the cause, it is best to seek professional support.

At The Nail and Beauty Lounge, we can:
Assess the cause of your discolouration
Recommend strengthening or brightening treatments
Treat nail dehydration and damage
Help you regain healthy, natural-looking nails

Want Healthier, Brighter Nails?

With the right care and support, yellow nails can be improved and often completely reversed. If you are unsure what is causing the discolouration or want professional advice tailored to your nails, we are here to help.

Book your nail health appointment with The Nail and Beauty Lounge:
https://thenailandbeautylounge.book.app/book-now