All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
Last year, I reconnected with half of my family after 17 years.
Collage by Bella Geraci / Getty Images
Some backstory: I’m a first generation American; half Mexican and half Ethiopian.
Its considered the life force of all Habesha northern Ethiopian people.
Of course, theres nothing wrong with embracing spice-tinged nails.
But after spending $100 on a classic whiteFrench mani, I wanted it to look that way.
My first stop was the group chat.
One friend told me shes resorted to wearing latex gloves when prepping her favorite turmeric smoothie.
Naturally, I wanted better answers for all of us.
This is especially key on a light color like white, says Kandalec.
Another line of defense for both bare and polished nails is anail brush, says manicuristSonya Belakhlef.
These palm-sized brushes have short, densely-packed bristles and can be used to gently buff the nail area.
Belakhlef suggests using it every time you wash your hands, particularly following a meal.
This method is also approved by board-certified dermatologistDana Stern, who specializes in nail care.
Apply a small coat of whitening toothpaste to your nails [and let it sit] for 10 minutes.
Using a nail brush or clean toothbrush, scrub the surface of nails gently before washing the toothpaste off.
Dr. Stern suggests repeating the process two or three times per week for a month to treat persistent staining.
She did not approve.The foam is abrasive and is a likely skin irritant.
It can cause an abrasion or friction burn if used on the skin, says Dr. Stern.
Also near the nail it could damage thecuticlebarrier.
Other things she says you should avoid when removing stains?
Do not take a stab at scrape vigorously with a metal tool or electric file.
One last unexpected hack: denture tablets, says manicuristMiss Pop.
They are known to clean food out of teeth and they will also whiten your nails.
It works like magic!
Now, can someone pass me themitmita?
Read more about nail care:
Watch Deepika Padukone try nine things she’s never done before:
