The Best Nail Glue

Buying Guide

Nail glue has long been a go-to item in beauty kits. But some are more reliable than others. That’s why it’s important to do your research.

There are two major reasons you might need to bring out the nail glue. One is that you have a break in your nail that can’t be trimmed up. If you’ve split your nail above the quick, for instance, or you simply want to maintain your naturally long nails when one starts to break, nail glue can save the day. It will hold the nail together until you can grow it out and file off the split part.

Another reason you might use nail glue is with artificial nails. Many nail kits will even come with glue designed specifically to use with the nails you’ve purchased. However, people sometimes find that those glues aren’t sufficient, so they buy their own.

The good thing about nail glues, though, is that they do minimal — if any — damage to the nail bed. You can often pop artificial nails off with these glue types, or if you’re using it to repair a break, you can easily remove it with nail polish remover. With stronger nail glue, you’ll likely need more work to remove it.

Beyond the strength and usage, the application of nail glue can vary from one kind to another. Some brush on while others come out of a tube in drops. You can find bottled nail glue that looks similar to nail polish, but you’ll also see nail glue that comes in small, disposable tubes that you can take on the go. The latter is handy for ensuring you always have nail glue with you for inevitable fingernail mishaps.

• If you’re using nail glue to repair a tear in the nail, first buff the surface of the nail and wipe it clean before applying nail glue. Let it dry before applying a coat of nail polish to protect the tear. You might want to see a manicurist for a more permanent solution, but if it’s not too far up the nail bed, you can simply monitor it and apply more glue if necessary while it’s growing out.
• Removing artificial nails that have been attached with strong glue can be tricky. You’ll often need to soak them in warm, soapy water, followed by a soak in 100% acetone. If this still doesn’t do it, you might need to go to a professional to avoid damaging your fingers and nails.
• One issue with nail glue is that it can dry out between uses. This is why disposable one-use tubes can be so handy. If you go for one designed for reuse, you’ll want to make sure the bottle fully seals when you’re finished using it.
• Nail glue has varying drying speeds. Fast-drying glue can be convenient for making repairs on the go, especially if you need to reattach an artificial nail quickly.
• Having glue that lasts up to two weeks can be convenient, but keep in mind that this can make it hard to remove. If you have artificial nails, you might find the nail growth beneath can leave an area near the cuticle visible toward the end of that two-week period.
• Hot, warm water can start to break down the nail glue, so it’s important to look for one that can withstand your showers and hand-washing sessions. Make sure it’s had time to settle before you expose your hands to water.