Why Does Nail Polish Change Color Over Time? (2024)

FAQs

Why Does Nail Polish Change Color Over Time? ›

Over time, the solvents in the polish can evaporate, causing the formula to thicken. This can affect the dispersion of the pigments, leading to color variations. Furthermore, certain pigments used in nail polish may be sensitive to pH changes.

The color change in nail polish is primarily due to a special type of pigment called thermochromic pigment. This pigment is sensitive to temperature variations, causing it to alter its color when exposed to different temperatures.

The quality of nail polish degrades over time. “It won't spread as well, the pigment won't be as vibrant, and separation will occur,” explains cosmetic formulator Mary Berry. Nail polish contains solvents that eventually evaporate, causing the remaining ingredients to get thick and not spread as easily.

Nail polish colours can stain your nails yellow due to a variety of factors, including the pigmentation intensity and your nail's natural porosity. Darker shades, such as deep reds, blues and purples, are more prone to staining because they have higher concentrations of pigment.

effect does involve a bit of chemistry though. Thermal nail polish changes colour because it contains something called 'leuco dye'. The word leuco is a greek word meaning 'white'. This clever dye comes in two forms- clear or colourless and the change between the two occurs when heat is applied.

While there are some harmless causes of nails changing color, some are a warning sign of diseases, infections, anemia, and even poisoning. Watch out for unexplained changes to blue, white/pale, greenish-black, yellow, or red, which can affect either the whole nail or just parts of it.

Leaving nail polish on for an extended period can cause yellowing. It's best to remove the polish after a week or so and let your nails breathe for a few days before applying a new coat. Taking a mani break is essential.

Discoloration can be a sign that your nail polish is expired, as it means the polish dyes and pigments have separated from the rest of the formula. Additionally, discoloration may also be caused by incorrect storage of your nail polish bottles.

UV exposure is a primary cause of gel nail discoloration. This may seem counterintuitive as we use a UV lamp to cure the gel nail polish in the first place. However, the UV rays in sunlight can react with the chemicals present in the gel polish, causing them to break down and change color due to overexposure.

Nail polish can dry out your nails: TRUE

"Leaving your nail polish on for too long can dry out the nails, leaving them brittle," says Dr. Curry. "Thin, brittle nails pose a health hazard because the nail is a barrier to keep out bacteria and fungus."

What is the science behind nail polish? ›

Regular nail polish is based mostly on nitrocellulose and hardens after solvent evaporation. Gel, acrylic, and powder, or “dip,” nails are all based on acrylic polymers, and the polymerization is part of the application process.

Nail polish usually contains an ingredient called plasticizers, which keeps the resin flexible once it is dry. This is what helps with long-lasting fingernail polish.

Nail color meaning is a real thing. Unconsciously or consciously, colors can evoke emotions, inspire reactions, and change modes of perception. It can raise or lower your blood pressure, make you happy or sad, and even make you hungry! Color has the power to communicate with the world without words.

If you can use a nail brush to scrub the nails. You can mix a paste of baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice and apply that to the underside of your nail. You can also use a very fine grit buffing block to remove the yellow tinge. Try using a light coat of base coat before you apply polish.

UV exposure is a primary cause of gel nail discoloration. This may seem counterintuitive as we use a UV lamp to cure the gel nail polish in the first place. However, the UV rays in sunlight can react with the chemicals present in the gel polish, causing them to break down and change color due to overexposure.

Answer. This usually happens when clients expose their nails to chemicals, like bleach, other cleaning products, or even some hair products and lotions. There are actually many products out there that can dull or change the color of polish.