Brighten Your Nails… With Toothpaste?!

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.

Disclosure: Upstyle may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 


Stained nails can be a frustrating beauty concern, especially if you love wearing dark nail polish or frequently work with dyes and pigments.


Fortunately, there’s a simple and affordable way to restore your nails to their natural brilliance using something you already have in your bathroom — toothpaste!


Here’s why you should put toothpaste on your nails. 

Toothpaste - image via Canva

Tools and materials:

1. Why toothpaste works for nail whitening

Whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives and bleaching agents like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, which help break down stains and discoloration on your nails.


Just as it lifts stains from your teeth, it can also effectively remove yellowing or dullness from your nails, leaving them looking fresh and extra clean.

Crest 3D White Brilliance Pro Ultra White Teeth Whitening Toothpaste - image via Amazon

2. Your step-by-step guide to whiter nails

Start by cleaning your nails and removing any nail polish. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of whitening toothpaste directly onto each nail.


Using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a nail brush, gently scrub the nails in circular motions for about two minutes.


The mild abrasives in the toothpaste will work to lift any stains while the whitening agents help brighten the nail surface.


Let the toothpaste sit on your nails for a further 3-5 minutes then rinse your hands thoroughly with warm water and pat them dry with a clean towel or cotton pad.


Finish up by massaging a few drops of cuticle oil or hand lotion into your nails and the surrounding skin.

Cuccio Naturale Revitalizing- Hydrating Oil For Repaired Cuticles Overnight

L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream

3. Tips for the best results

For stubborn stains, repeat this process 2-3 times a week until you see an improvement.


If your nails are prone to discoloration from nail polish, try using a base coat before applying dark shades to prevent future staining.

Bright, healthy nails - image via Canva

An easy solution for brighter nails

This toothpaste nail-whitening trick is a fast and easy solution for anyone looking to refresh their nails without expensive treatments or harsh chemicals.


In just a few minutes, you can restore a natural, healthy-looking shine and say goodbye to unwanted stains.


Next time your nails need a little brightening, reach for your toothpaste and let this hack work its magic! Let us know how you get on with this hack in the comments down below. 

The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Comments
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 2 comments
  • Hel52002129 Hel52002129 on Mar 29, 2025
    Will definitely give this a try.
  • Paula Paula on Mar 29, 2025
    Thank you. Good idea. I'll try it. Just want to add I noticed when I got fresh lemon juice on my nails it helps to whiten the under side of the tips. Now I can remove stains from both surfaces.
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