My Favorite 5 Nail Glues of 2020 – Make Your Nails Last For Weeks (2025)

The Best Nail Glues for Maximum Staying Power

Nail glue is the mainstay of any decent mani kit. It’s technically known as cyanoacrylate glue and is a must-have for applying acrylics or any accessories to your natural nails.

What Makes A Good Nail Glue?

Most nail glues will have similar ingredients, but there are a few secrets to choosing a glue that will last. The first is quick-drying power. Unless you love just waiting, drying time is important. Secondly, superior adhesion is crucial for tips, acrylics, and gorgeous accessories, such as nail charms.

So, what are the best nail glues on the market today?

1) Modelones Nail Glue – 10 pcs

What Makes It A Great Glue

The bottle is well designed to only release a tiny drop at a time, and with a tightly fitting top, there is no chance of any nasty leaks. This amazing glue forms a strong bond – so you won’t have to worry about a last-minute dash to the salon. Easy and clean to apply, with no dripping, or seepage. You only need to use a tiny amount, too, so these tubes will last forever. My nails stayed in place, despite getting them caught in shopping bags, for nearly two weeks.

Where It Could Be Improved

Make sure that you take your time in applying this nail glue as it will stick very firmly to skin.

2) Kiss Maximum Speed Nail Glue (3 Pack)

What Makes It A Great Glue

This little nail glue is the perfect size for keeping in your purse. Having three bottles in the pack meant I could keep one in my bag for any emergency repairs whilst out and about. I like the fact that this takes a second or two to bond as it means I can slide the nail about to get the exact placement before things become permanent.

It kept my nails in place for about 14 days, even coping with lifting, typing, and showering. Once they came off, the natural nails felt nicely smooth and nourished.

Where It Could Be Improved

You do need to use a little more glue than you might expect – I used three to five drops per nail.

3) ibd Brush On Nail Glue

What Makes It A Great Glue

I applaud ibd for producing a nail glue that doesn’t generate headache-inducing chemical fumes, and by giving it a brush applicator, putting it on is easy – you don’t run the risk of dropping on way too much and making a mess.

The glue itself forms a good, strong bond, and it held my nails firmly in place for well over two weeks. This is probably the best brush-on nail glue you will find.

Where It Could Be Improved

Although the brush applicator eliminates the risk of clogging which is so prevalent with nozzles, I did have to rinse it off with hot soapy water and nail polish remover occasionally when it became stiffened.

4)Makartt Nail Glue for Acrylic Nails

What Makes It A Great Glue

Super quick delivery on this Makartt nail glue, and I love the pink packaging! It comes with a built-in brush which is a great idea that more manufacturers could consider. It glued my nails in place perfectly with no mess and kept them there for nearly three weeks. I’m already a fan.

Where It Could Be Improved

I found the residue hard to remove once the nails were off, but I can’t deny that it certainly has stickability!

5) 5 Second Nail Glue

What Makes It A Great Glue

The application was smooth and easy with the well-designed bottle nozzle – no drips or splodges, and the drying only took … you guessed it … 5-seconds. Almost to the mark. My artificial nails stayed in place for over three weeks, and once removed, the natural nails and cuticles felt lovely and smooth, with no flakes or blemishes. Plus this product is hypoallergenic.

Where It Could Be Improved

This nail glue definitely smells of “glue” so if you’re extra sensitive, make sure your space is well ventilated.

How To Remove Nail Glue?

Once your fake nails come off, there is a chance some nail glue residue will be left on your fingernails. Don’t worry though – this does not damage the nail. First, use a clean toothbrush or a nail buffer to gently buff your nail and get most of the larger nail glue chunks off. Then, soak a few cotton balls in acetone-based nail polish remover and apply them to your nails for 5-10 minutes. The glue should come right off.

How To Get Nail Glue Off Skin?

Although very sticky and hard to remove once hardened, getting nail glue off your skin is relatively easy. Soak your skin in hot water for 10-15 minutes (make sure it’s not scalding hot!). Then, use gentle strokes to scrub your skin using a clean toothbrush or nail brush. Use an acetone solution to wipe your skin and take off any last bits of nail glue. Make sure you moisturize your skin right after because acetone is very drying.

What Nail Glue Do Salons Use?

Salons use different types of nail glue depending on its purpose, such as nail glue for press-ons, nail glue for acrylics, nail glue for nail accessories such as beads and glitters, nail glue for nail reparation, etc. Professional nail glue is accessible to the public as well, and all of the products reviewed on this page are used in professional nail salons.

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