How to Get Rid of Green Nails After Fake Nails

Artificial nails, such as acrylic nails, are great for those that want to add length, create a beautiful shape, or indulge in gorgeous designs on top of their natural nails.

But what happens when you remove the false nails, only to realize your natural nails are riddled with a horrendous green cast?

You might panic, wondering, “Why are my nails green?”

Nobody wants to see green on their nail bed, as this can only mean one thing: fungus.

Don’t panic, though! Green nails are relatively common after removing an artificial nail manicure, and there are plenty of ways to get rid of them ASAP.

Why Is My Nail Green After Fake Nails?

As disturbing as it might be, green nails are somewhat common after removing false nails.

And as you might assume, yes, it’s nail fungus (caused by pseudomonas bacteria).

What gives?

The biggest issue is when moisture seeps in-between the false nail, such as an acrylic nail, and the nail plate.

Once moisture gets underneath the fake nail, it remains locked in place.

Combined with the warm environment, it’s the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi to grow.

Another thing that can cause green nails is unsanitary equipment in a nail salon.

For example, your nail tech might apply gel nails without cleaning between nail clients. This can lead to a bacterial infection.

The pseudomonas nail infection that causes the ghastly green color can happen to anyone, but it’s more likely to happen to those with a weak or damaged plate.

That’s because moisture and other materials can seep into the nail plate more readily, causing green nails - especially after a nail enhancement procedure.

How to Get Rid of Green Nails After Artificial Nails

If you’re struggling with green nails (also referred to as green nail syndrome), don’t panic. It’s surprisingly easy to get rid of green nail syndrome quickly and effectively.

1. Keep Your Nails Clean and Dry

Green nails after fake nails are caused by bacterial growth. So, what’s the best thing to do? Destroy the fungus’ living space - aka your nails.

How do you do this? Simply keep the area clean and dry.

Bacteria thrive in a moist environment, so ensuring your nails are kept dry will kill the bacteria in no time.

2. Soak in a Vinegar and Water Mixture

You can treat green nails efficiently with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and water mix.

Simply pour white vinegar and water into a bowl in a 1:4 ratio. Stir. Then, soak your fingertips in the mixture for about ten minutes.

When you’re done soaking, make sure to dry your nails off completely.

3. Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub may be the go-to when your chest is feeling congested, but it can also work wonders at getting rid of green fungus on your nail beds.

Simply massage a bit of the Vicks VapoRub onto your nail bed a few times per day and let the product work its magic.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is natural oil used in DIY remedies and beauty treatments regularly.

That said, it’s not shocking that it’s commonly used to treat a fungal infection on nail plates.

Like the VapoRub, all you need to do is massage the oil onto your nail a few times per day.

5. Listerine Mouthwash

The key to getting rid of green spots on your natural nail is using antifungal products - and Listerine mouthwash just so happens to have antifungal properties.

Soak your fingers in a bowl of Listerine mouthwash for around 20-30 minutes until the green spot(s) are gone.

6. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is antiseptic and antifungal, excellent for treating green nails after false nail enhancements.

Squeeze some lemon juice into a bowl and use a cotton ball to wipe it across your nails. Let it soak into the nail bed for a few hours, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

7. Over-The-Counter Treatments

Don’t want to wait for DIY treatments to work? Don’t worry - you can always opt for over-the-counter remedies instead.

Many products can work to get rid of the fungus on the infected nail. Simply look for products that are detailed to treat nail fungus (green nails) and use it as directed.

How to Prevent Green Natural Nails After Fake Nails?

Why struggle with green nails after artificial nails in the first place? Here are a few tips to avoid green nail fungus and prevent green nails in the future.

• Visit reputable nail salons. Ensure that the nail techs are using sanitary equipment.
• If applying artificial nails yourself, use rubbing alcohol and dry the nail before applying the fake nail. This will help to stave off moisture and bacterial growth.
• Use the right-sized acrylic nail. If the nail is too big or small, it can allow moisture to accumulate underneath.
• Do not expose nails to water until 2 hours after the manicure. Allow the manicure to “set” entirely before coming in contact with moisture.
• Don’t over-buff the nail. Over-buffing can cause the plate to thin out or get micro-tears, allowing moisture to seep inside.

Can You Use Nail Polish Over Green Nails?

Nobody wants to walk around with unsightly green nails riddled with fungal infections, whether a super light green or dark green hue.

That said, can you paint over green nails that are disturbed with pseudomonas bacterial infection?

Yes, you can! It is entirely safe to paint over green nails with your regular nail polish. Just don’t use anything too toxic or abrasive.

FAQ

Will my green nail go away on its own?

As long as you keep your real nails completely dry, the green nail should go away on its own.

However, most people will want to use home remedies or an over-the-counter antifungal cream to speed up the process.

If your real nails don’t seem to be clearing up after a few weeks, you may consider getting treatment from a doctor. You may need more intensive treatment like topical antibiotics.

What happens if your nail bed is green?

When your real nail is green, it simply means you’re dealing with a bacterial infection. It should go away on its own, but you can use several treatments to get rid of it quickly.