How do you apply nail glue?

When applying nail glue, it’s always better to start with less, says Edwards. “You never want to flood the nail with glue and spill it onto your skin, which can be tricky to remove without your fingers sticking together.” She further advises to opt to place your finger at a downward angle, so if you do happen to spill, it’ll go down onto the paper towel instead of your skin.

How do you remove nail glue?

Nail glue is best removed with an acetone-based remover, says Edwards. “Apply on a lint-free towel and wipe excess glue or soak for one to two minutes for removal.”

Does nail glue expire?

Yes, nail glue expires and loses its adhesion, explains Edwards. “A good marker is if you see the glue has hardened or changed in color.”

The 12 Best Nail Glues of 2023

In the past, whenever you wanted to change up your acrylic nails or attempt nail art at home, a salon visit was necessary. Today, you can achieve salon-quality nails from the comfort of your own home. Your DIY manicure kit requires nail glue, and one that delivers long-lasting hold, notes Gina Edwards, a celebrity nail stylist and expert.

Nail glues help you apply acrylics, press-ons, and other essentials needed for nail designs (like gemstones or foil). We conducted hours of research on the best nail glues, evaluating each formula on how easy it is to apply and remove. We also looked for formulas that dry quickly and are infused with vitamins to benefit overall nail health.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best nail glues for your at-home acrylic manicure.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Beauty Secrets Drip & Clog Proof Nail Glue at Amazon

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Best Infused:

KISS Vita Bond Nail Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Press-Ons:

NYK1 Super Strong Nail Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Split Nails:

KISS Precision Nail Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Acrylics:

Makartt Quick Nail Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Fast Drying:

IBD 5 Second Brush-On Nail Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Wraps :

Big Bondini Plus All Purpose Nail Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

Young Nails Brush On Glue at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Long-Lasting:

INFILILA Professional Nail Glue at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie

4.6

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walgreens

What We Like

Dries quickly
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t come with a lot of product

With its durability and ease of use, this nail glue ranks high in our books. It dries quickly—in five seconds or less–and keeps nails in place for a minimum of two weeks. Reviewers rave that this nail glue lasts through it all—including activities like washing dishes—and dub it as ‘scary strong.’

Price at time of publish: $2

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.10 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Beauty Secrets Drip and Clog Proof Nail Glue

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sallybeauty.com

What We Like

Bonds quickly
Clever applicator
Vegan formula

What We Don't Like

Not as long-lasting as others

This Beauty Secrets formula is vegan, bonds quickly, and lasts. Its clever applicator ensures zero accidental spills or drips. We love that you get a sulfate-, silicone-, and paragon-free formula priced at under $5.

Price at time of publish: $4

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.37 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Riteaid.com View On Walgreens

What We Like

Low odor
Great hold
Infused with vitamin A and E

What We Don't Like

Formula can be a little tacky
Doesn’t come with a lot of product

What makes this nail glue formula different is its antioxidant infusion. We love its long-wearing abilities. Gina Edwards, celebrity nail stylist and expert, dubs this drugstore nail glue as a top pick “The brush-on glue is infused with vitamin A and E and has a great hold and low odor.”

Price at time of publish: $5

Active Ingredients: 2-cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.17 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nyk1.com

What We Like

Clever applicator
Long-lasting
Dries quickly

What We Don't Like

Tricky to remove

This UK brand is a celeb favorite for on-the-go manicures. We love its precision brush applicator ideal for press-on application. It has a long-lasting formula that dries quickly and stays on through it all—including strenuous tasks. A little goes a long way, so it’ll last you a while. We also love this is a clean formula.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.27 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

Repairs broken or cracked nails
Multi-purpose formula
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Difficult to find in stores
Messy to work with

While aiding with an acrylic application, nail glue can also help in fixing cracked or split nails. This one from KISS is a particularly great option for doing just that. Just the tiniest bit of glue is all you need to repair any broken nails.

Price at time of publish: $12

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.10 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Makartt.com

What We Like

Clever applicator
Dries quickly
Doesn’t set too quickly

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t come with a lot of product
A bit intense for some

Accomplishing acrylic nails at home is no easy feat, which is where this Makartt nail glue comes into play. Its brush makes for an easy, even glue application with no lumps, bumps, or clumps. And even though it dries quickly, it gives you just the right amount of time to set everything into place. Better yet, it can also be used to apply press-ons or gems and fix broken nails, too.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.23 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sallybeauty.com

What We Like

Great for reapplication
Dries quickly

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t come with a lot of product

If you’re notorious for applying your nails on the go, opt to use this nail glue from IBD. Quick-drying and repairing, it’s great for reapplication or fixing up broken nails. Plus, it has the seal of approval from Edwards, too. “I use this in conjunction with the ridge filler powder for a quick fix—it’s very consumer-friendly.”

Price at time of publish: $4

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.17 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Unitedbeautysupply.com

What We Like

Great for wraps
Dries quickly

What We Don't Like

Applicator makes it tricky to apply
Ingredient list is not listed

This Big Bondini formula is made especially for wraps. We love that it dries quickly and applies like a polish, with an easy-to-use brush.

Price at time of publish: $3

Active Ingredients: Not listed | Size: 0.14 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Not listed

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Dries quickly
Allows you to retain control
Mistake-proof

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t come with a lot of product
Tricky to open over time

Are you a new glue newbie? Seek out this one from Young Nails. Its formula is easy to apply and quick-drying, yet allows you to retain control, meaning there’s no need to fret about making any mistakes. But if you do make a mistake, just use a bit of soap and water to remove it. You’ll become a nail-pro in no time.

Price at time of publish: $13

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces Cruelty-Free: Not listed

Amazon

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What We Like

Long-lasting
Multi-purpose formula
Dries quickly

What We Don't Like

Has a learning curve

Achieve a pro-manicure at home with this salon-quality nail glue. It’s a serious multi-tasker, meaning you can use this nail glue for a variety of purposes—like acrylics, rhinestones, or to repair broken nails. Plus, the quick-drying formula lasts anywhere from 14 to 30 days, saving you valuable time and visits to the salon.

Price at time of publish: $7

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.23 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Not listed

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dashingdiva.com

What We Like

Great for applying gems and crystals
Formula won’t bubble
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it sometimes comes off quickly
Better for touch-ups than full application

Ready to add a little sparkle to your nails? While providing long-lasting staying power for acrylics and press-ons, this nail glue is specially created for applying gems, crystals, and other small items onto your nails. Its precise application tip, high-quality formula, and fast-drying abilities are bonuses.

Price at time of publish: $15

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.75 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

Pen formulation
Dries quickly
Helpful for quick fixes

What We Don't Like

Not as effective as other nail glues

Worried about a nail popping off mid-day? Throw this KDS nail glue into your bag. It offers a convenient and precise application, in case you need to use it on the go. The best part? It won’t open up or spill, thanks to its pen formulation and secure lid. The formula also dries super quickly, so you can quickly fix your nail and be on your way.

Price at time of publish: $4

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.16 ounces Cruelty-Free: Not listed

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue. It’ll stay put for two weeks or more, dry quickly, and last through tedious activities. For repairing nails, we recommend KISS Pro’s Choice Precision Nail Glue since it effortlessly repairs and mends nails when accidents happen.

Meet the Expert

Gina Edwards is a celebrity nail stylist and expert.

What to Look for in a Nail Glue

Purpose

Nail glues are essential for applying press-ons or acrylics, repairing broken nails, or sealing gems or crystals in place. Before picking a nail glue, take time to think about what you’ll use it for most. “It’s best to use a thin glue for a crack or split, which easily fills nails, whereas a thicker glue is better for tips” explains Edwards.

Thicker Viscosity

You’ll want your nail glue to have a thicker viscosity, advises Edwards. “This will give it a better hold.”

FAQ

How do you apply nail glue?

When applying nail glue, it’s always better to start with less, says Edwards. “You never want to flood the nail with glue and spill it onto your skin, which can be tricky to remove without your fingers sticking together.” She further advises to opt to place your finger at a downward angle, so if you do happen to spill, it’ll go down onto the paper towel instead of your skin.
How do you remove nail glue?

Nail glue is best removed with an acetone-based remover, says Edwards. “Apply on a lint-free towel and wipe excess glue or soak for one to two minutes for removal.”
Does nail glue expire?

Yes, nail glue expires and loses its adhesion, explains Edwards. “A good marker is if you see the glue has hardened or changed in color.”

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor, Rachel Dube, has written for some of the biggest publications out there. During her career, she has tested hundreds of beauty products, treatments, and at-home hacks.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any nail glues from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 6 Best At-Home Gel Nail Kits of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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