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The Best Nail Glue for a Salon-Level Mani at Home

You can achieve a salon-quality mani from the comfort of your couch, and these top-rated (and budget-friendly!) nail glues will make it look flawless.

By Arielle Tschinkel
hands with long artificial manicured nails colored with pink nail polish
Natkinzu//Getty Images

While a trip to the nail salon might be a nice bit of self-care, finding time (and funds) for professional nail treatments isn't always a simple feat. Thankfully, you can achieve a gorgeous manicure at home, and with a little bit of practice and patience, every person you see will be complimenting you on your flawless tips.

But you can't score a stunning at-home mani without the proper tools, and that's where a good nail glue will come into play. Whether you're applying acrylics or press-ons, or customizing your look by way of fun designs, you'll want to have at least one pick on hand in your arsenal for your DIY manis.

Not sure where to begin? Here's what to look for, according to Anna Parvatova, brand manager at SNS Nails. "For at-home users, prioritizing ease of application and removal is crucial since they don't have the assistance of a professional," she says. "Look for nail glue with a fine-tip brush or applicator for precise application. A quick-drying formula is also ideal to prevent accidental damage. Choose a glue that offers an easy removal process, whether it's through gentle peeling or a simple acetone soak."

It's not a bad idea to patch test on one nail before doing a whole set, even if you're not particularly sensitive. "In general, nail glue does have an element of toxicity to it," she notes. "Even products marketed as 'non-toxic' will have things like cyanoacrylate in them, which can cause skin irritation. But most nail glue is safe to use as long as it’s applied by an adult and it’s not ingested. However, you can always reduce the toxicity of using nail glue by choosing products that don’t have toluene, camphor, parabens, and formaldehyde."

As you get used to working with nail glue, Parvatova recommends starting small. "The rule of thumb for nail glue is 'Less is more.' Using more product will not make the bond stronger. In fact, it can make the glue layer a bit clunky, and it increases the chance of skin contact. Just apply a small amount and let the product do its work."

Keep reading for our favorite picks. An added bonus: Most of these are under 10 bucks, which will save you hundreds in the long run by skipping the salon.

1

Glamnetic Glamnetic Brush-On Nail Glue

Glamnetic Brush-On Nail Glue
1

Glamnetic Glamnetic Brush-On Nail Glue

$7 at Ulta Beauty$14 at Walmart$7 at Sephora
Credit: Glamnetic

This brush-on nail glue makes perfecting your home mani easy breezy, which is why so many Ulta reviewers keep sharing their five-star ratings and reviews. One recent buyer called it the best nail glue they have ever used, adding, "I've tried plenty of nail glues throughout the years and I've never been able to find one that makes my press-ons last more than a day. Decided to give this one a try since it had pretty good reviews and I was left highly impressed. They make my press-ons last so long and I love how the applicator is a brush instead of a squeeze tube like other brands, the brush makes it easier for me to evenly spread the glue. I will forever recommend this product."

2
Budget-Friendly Nail Glue

L.A. Colors Ultimate Hold Precision Tip Super Nail Glue

Ultimate Hold Precision Tip Super Nail Glue
2
Budget-Friendly Nail Glue

L.A. Colors Ultimate Hold Precision Tip Super Nail Glue

Credit: L.A. Colors

This clear nail glue costs less than two bucks (yes, really!), and the dropper tip makes application seamless. In fact, one recent reviewer called it "the Holy Grail of all nail glue," so you know it's gotta be good.

3
Best for Nail Art

Dashing Diva Fastbond Nail Glue

Fastbond Nail Glue
3
Best for Nail Art

Dashing Diva Fastbond Nail Glue

Credit: Dashing Diva

When you want to get fancy with your fingertips, this nail glue is an absolute essential. It's specially designed to support gems, crystals, and any other small adornment you'd like to add to your home manicure, sealing the gap between your natural nail and artificial nail products with ease.

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4
Best Professional Nail Glue

SNS SNS Nails Brush On Glue

SNS Nails Brush On Glue
4
Best Professional Nail Glue

SNS SNS Nails Brush On Glue

Credit: SNS

This lightweight nail glue comes with a professional rec. "At SNS Nails, we have a brush-on nail glue that is perfect for any application. It is compatible with our signature product, dip powder, as well as GelStar UV gel and lacquer polish. It is fortified with calcium for optimal nail health."

5
Best UV Gel Nail Glue

NXJ INFILILA UV Nail Glue INFILILA 3 in 1 Gel Nail Glue

UV Nail Glue INFILILA 3 in 1 Gel Nail Glue
5
Best UV Gel Nail Glue

NXJ INFILILA UV Nail Glue INFILILA 3 in 1 Gel Nail Glue

Credit: NXJ INFILILA

This nail glue is truly versatile—you can use it not only on acrylics and press-ons but also as a base coat for any mani, and it works on polygel polish, which is a hybrid between gel and acrylics. You will need to cure this one under a nail lamp, but the end result will be a stunning set that stays strong and shiny for weeks on end.

6
Fast-Drying Nail Glue

Kiss PowerFlex Max Speed Super Strength Nail Glue

PowerFlex Max Speed Super Strength Nail Glue
6
Fast-Drying Nail Glue

Kiss PowerFlex Max Speed Super Strength Nail Glue

Credit: Kiss

This super-wallet-friendly pick dries in three seconds flat, which means you won't sit around wasting precious time for your tips to dry. You'll wonder how you did at-home manicures without it.

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7
Strongest Nail Glue

Nailene Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue

Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue
7
Strongest Nail Glue

Nailene Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue

Credit: Nailene

When it comes to a nail glue that will withstand your housework, gardening, typing, and general wear and tear, don't listen to us. Heed the call of more than 56,000 Amazon reviewers (!), who boast about their manicures staying put for at least two weeks at a clip. What more is there to say, really?

8

IBD 5 Second Nail Glue

5 Second Nail Glue
8

IBD 5 Second Nail Glue

Credit: IBD

This glue has a slew of great features you'll love, including an extender nozzle that controls glue and provides extraordinarily precise application, a five-second drying time, and a convenient airtight storage case with a stand that prevents leaks or spills. It's also moisture-resistant and works well with acrylics, polygel, and more.

9
Best Nail Glue on Amazon

NYK1 NYK1 Super Strong Nail Glue

Best Seller
NYK1 Super Strong Nail Glue
9
Best Nail Glue on Amazon

NYK1 NYK1 Super Strong Nail Glue

Now 20% Off
Credit: NYK1

With an impressive 62,000 Amazon reviews and counting, it's understandable why shoppers can't stop raving about this long-wearing formula. As one recent buyer shared: "These keep on press-on nails better than any other glue. I have my nails on for two weeks, maybe even longer. Just make sure you do put the glue on clean, dry, buffed nails and also on the nail you're pressing on."

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10
Best for Damaged Nails

Orly Nail Rescue Kit

Nail Rescue Kit
10
Best for Damaged Nails

Orly Nail Rescue Kit

Credit: Orly

If your nails have become brittle or broken, you might be taking a break from professional treatments. That's where this all-in-one kit comes to the rescue. It includes brush-on glue and repair powder that will help restore and repair chipped, cracked, broken, or split nails, helping bring your tips back to life in no time.

11
Best for Beginners

Makartt Makartt Super Strong Nail Glue

Makartt Super Strong Nail Glue
11
Best for Beginners

Makartt Makartt Super Strong Nail Glue

Now 25% Off
Credit: Makartt

This brush-on formula eliminates bubbles or bumps, and reviewers new to the at-home mani game especially love it due to a mess-free, precise application process. Enjoy a sleek, stunning manicure that dries quickly and lasts for weeks.

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