It’s common for people to have nails that are different colors or shades. There are a few possible reasons why this happens:
Differences in nail thickness
The thickness of your nails can affect how they look. If some nails are thicker than others, the color may appear darker. Thicker nails have more layers for the nail polish to soak into and can make the color appear more saturated. Meanwhile, thinner nails will let more light through, making the shade seem lighter.
Nail damage or discoloration
If some of your nails have damage, discoloration, or irregular surfaces, this can also impact how evenly nail polish applies. For example, nails affected by fungal infections often get yellowed or stained. The polish will go on a little differently compared to your healthy pink nails. Small dents, ridges, or keratin granules can also make polish look uneven.
Differences in nail polish application
Sometimes our nail polish application technique leads to variations in color. Rushing through painting our nails may result in an uneven coat on some nails. If you don’t allow enough drying time between coats, it can cause polish to slide around and change the final look. The angle you hold the brush at and wand strokes also affect application.
Sun exposure differences
If some of your nails get more sun exposure than others, this can subtly change the shade over time. UV exposure can make nails a touch yellower naturally. So if you’ve got nails that see the sun more while driving or on your dominant hand, you may notice pigment variations emerge.
Using nail products incorrectly
Applying nail polish incorrectly or using certain products the wrong way can definitely make your manicure turn out uneven. Here are some common mistakes that lead to two-toned nails:
- Not shaking nail polish thoroughly before use – The pigments and solvents can separate, and shaking mixes them back up so color applies smoothly.
- Using too many layers of polish – More than 3 heavy layers can start to look blotchy and uneven.
- Skipping the base coat – This important first layer helps polish bind to your nails.
- Applying top coat too soon – It’s best to wait until polish is 95% dry before adding top coat.
- Using the wrong polish for your base color – Light shades tend to show imperfections in application more.
Underlying medical causes
While it’s often something simple, nail colors varying can occasionally be related to medical issues. Here are a few examples:
- Fungal infection – Yellow, brown, white, or distorted nails.
- Psoriasis – Pitting, discoloration, nail separation from bed.
- Melanoma – Dark black, brown, or gray streaks on nails.
- Kidney conditions – Can sometimes cause pale or white nail discoloration.
- Liver disease – May be associated with pale nails or white spots/lines.
- Medications – Some drugs like chemotherapy can affect nail color.
- Poor circulation – Bluish discoloration of nails.
See your doctor if you have nail changes along with other concerning symptoms. But in most cases, differences in color are harmless nail quirks.
Nail Polish and Manicure Tips to Even Out Your Color
While nails never match perfectly, there are tips to get your manicure looking more uniform:
Pick the right nail polish color
- Medium tones rather than pastels or brights apply more evenly.
- Steer clear of whites, blacks, and pure reds which show imperfections.
- Sheer washes of color are great for camouflaging inconsistencies.
Use a base coat
A primer fills in any nail flaws and helps polish bind better for smooth application.
Apply polish carefully
- Work in thin, even coats allowing drying time between each.
- Roll the polish wand along the nail to get all areas.
- Finish with downward strokes in one direction.
Use a top coat
This seals everything to create an even-looking, glossy manicure.
Thin overly pigmented nails
Gently file down any nails polish adheres to too well to match others.
Touch up imperfections
Use a small brush to manually fill in uncoated spots or streaks after polish dries.
Moisturize nails daily
Massaging in cuticle oil keeps your nails healthy, reducing irregularities.
Apply thinner polish layers
Too much polish exacerbates unevenness. Do 2-3 thinner coats.
Remove polish fully
Leftover polish around the edges or cuticles ruins the next manicure.
When to See a Doctor
While having nails different shades is usually harmless, see your doctor if:
- You have nail changes along with other symptoms like pain, swelling, numbness, or skin lesions.
- Discoloration, thickening, or distortion is severe or spreads quickly.
- Your nails are separating from the nail bed.
- You have a personal or family history of autoimmune disease.
- Fungal medication doesn’t improve fungal-like nail issues.
Professional evaluation can determine if an underlying condition requires treatment. Dermatologists are experts when it comes to diagnosing nail abnormalities.
The Takeaway
Having nails that are slightly different colors or thicknesses is very common and usually due to harmless factors like nail care habits. Make sure to apply polish carefully using proper technique. If you have additional symptoms or worsening nail changes, see your doctor to find the underlying cause. With the right polish choices and manicure prep, you can master a more uniform nail look. But don’t stress over nails that still vary slightly in shade—embrace your unique nails!
