Tobacco Staining

[wondernail]

Had a a lady in today for a manicure, and she is a heavy smoker, smoking mainly roll ups which have left two of her fingers with extreme yellowy/brown staining, both the skin and nail were stained.

Any ideas on how to reduce or remove heavy staining if there are any ways at all?

The best I could manage was to use some effervesant nail brightner which did not work and the as a last resort dipped her finger in acetone, which did left the stain a little.

After I had done a french manicure, it was not really noticeable on her nail but she cannot wear nail varnish to work and is very aware of the staining.

Any ideas?

 

[Jaydee]

I'm a smoker and I get stained fingers, not too bad but enough for me to notice. The only time they ever come up as clean as a whistle is when I have done a Raw Earth Pedicure. I know this is not the answer you really need but it works on my fingers.....lol
David

 

[wondernail]

Thanks David......Not sure it would work but maybe worth considering, her nails were very dark brown!

 

[VHunter]

I apologize in advance for not having a 'fantastic' solution for the staining :sad:
The one idea I have is this:

There are products available in Cda & the US (and likely in the UK) that are traditionally used for 'bleaching' arm hair or 'feminine' mustaches. You might want to try that 'bleach'.
It's a gentler bleach than that used on clothes or for stripping hair, so it's ok to lay it RIGHT on the skin. It's usually a cream & Powder mix and should be found in the section of the store retailing products for hair removal and 'bleaching'.

Perhaps you could offer her ways of 'avoiding' the stains to begin with?
I'll be honest.
I'm a heavy smoker and never have stains.

I find that those with stains are people that either
A) are prone to holding onto the cigarette while it smolders, hanging down and the smoke curls upwards, staining the fingers
B) dont wash their hands several times a day using a nail scrubbrush (the brush is important as it sloughs away the debris and stained dead skin cells)

If you can find some way to 'gently' suggest that she not 'hang onto' her cigarette between puffs and to set it down. Also, suggest that she use a nailbrush several times a day... that should help the problem... or even get rid of it completely.

As I said, I smoke heavily and have no stains at all...

Good luck

 

[TMOUSE]

I Was Told In My Training That Lemon Juice Might Help

 

[nemotail]

CND Cuticle remover works on one of my clients with nicotine stained fingers
HTH, I apply and leave for a couple of minutes while I prep the other fingers. Wash off using a nail brush and lightly buff the surface of the nail with a Koala Buffer (240/1200 grit)- all gone
KxXx

 

[LBR]

I suppose the only real way to stop the staining is to stop smoking but I know this will not help you just now.

I have a client who has enhancements and god they are yellow when she comes back for a rebalance, disgusting if you ask me!

 

[jellybelly06]

I was also recommended by my tutor the best way to get rid of stains was to cut a lemon in half, squidge the pulp about a bit then push your fingers right into the lemon. This was in response to asking about men's heavily stained fingers. Not had chance to try it yet but the theory sounds good, also natural and lemony fresh!
Does anyone know if this works? Since stopping smoking last Nov I haven't had to try it myself- another suggestion for your client but you might be risking a slap! :smack:

 

[wondernail]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Will be trying them out and will let you know how I get on next time!

 

[Neetz]

I was told whilst doing my training that Cuticle remover cream works well.

Hope you find the right solution.

 

[Bagpuss]

I smoke and dont have yellow fingers or nails....its all to do with how you hold your ciggy....some hold it to far down the finger...near the nail...and some hold the ciggy for too long..burning more than they are smoking. I hold my ciggy nearer my knuckle, smoke it and butt it out....lol xx

 

[lexi]

Always found that a good rub with some scrub fresh & solar oil buffed in with a Koala buffer normally works.

Try pearl drops whitening toothpaste (sounds odd I know but it does work), place a small amount on the nail, rub with a soft nail brush and then rinse:Love:

 

[Bev Rose]

I used to smoke, packed it in 15months ago. I never had yellow staining or anything.

Could it be that those people who have this don't generally wash their hands many times during the day? And the yellow is a sign of 'build-up'.
I have a few clients who are smokers and only one of them has slight yellowing. I've tried buffing with a koala which helps a little. Only a light buff tho!!!

 

[EllaX]

have u tried lemon juice?? xx

 

[*JOANNE*]

i am a smoker too and never have any yellowing...yuk they as angie said they mustn't wash their hands regularly