Which is the best nail glue to use for press on nails?

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Check out my reviews and experiences of different press on nail glues

Nail glue can vary a lot between product and brand. When it comes to press on nails its important to pick the right glue product for attaching them to your nails.

I am now offering a range of custom press on nails and as part of that want to find the best product to attach these that I can feel confident recommending.

Nail glue, which is the best for you?

If you only want them on for a single event you may find sticky tabs are your best option. Easy to apply, and reapply, with these its likely that your press on nails will be reusable although they may only last the night.

If you want press on nails to last then nail glue is your best option and there are lots of options out there. Here are my honest reviews of some nail glues I have tried myself.

I live an active life and do a lot with my hands so I certainly put these glues through their paces!

How to apply press on nails with nail glue

To apply

Follow any instructions on your glue packet first and foremost! 

1. Remove all nail polish leaving nails clean. 
2. Push back cuticles and neaten skin, skin on the nails can lessen the adhesion
3. Then put glue on your nail and the press on. 
4. Apply the nail by starting at the cuticle and then press down to the tips. 

To remove

1. Turn your nail over and apply acetone remover with a brush around the edges.
2. Gently loosen with a clean orange stick or similar
3. Repeat as needed. 
4. Do not push! 
5. File any hard glue off the back of the nails or apply a small amount of remover. 
6. Remove glue from own nails with remover
7. Leave to dry
8. Store for applications another day!  

For more information check out this post on press on applications.

Nail glues, ranked from best to worst!

Quick note- I also mention tea bag fixes which are another great use for nail glue to fix a broken nail.

This fix works on broken nails of all sorts. Simply cut a piece of tea bag (literal tea bag) bigger than the rip. Apply nail glue to the nail and press on tea bag. Reapply nail glue ontop. You can then smooth with a nail file when dry.

Elegant Touch Brush On

Available at Superdrug, amongst other stores.

This has a nice angled brush and clear glue. The first nail didn’t pop off until the next morning when I got it caught in my dog’s fur!  I had to remove the nails after 3 days for an event and all that remained were securely attached still. I removed them with acetone and a thin brush.

This glue works very well for tea bag fixes

Ps False Nail Glue from Primark

Available exclusively at Primark

This cheap nail glue comes in a squeeze bottle which requires you to cut of the top order for the glue to flow. I found I had to cut it quite far down for the glue to come out leaving quite a large hole meaning lots of glue came out at once so I had a messy first application. However any excess glue came off from the skin very easily. This glue holds well and even withstood me chipping the end of my press on nail when I whacked my hand with force in a rush! 

By day 3 the nails were still holding well (including chipped middle finger!!) I decided to take the nails off after three days and with a little wiggling they mostly popped off. As it as a dropper I don’t think the glue had spread the edges so they were coming up off my nails and catching. But that’s just something I need to perfect with application. As time goes on I am more impressed with this product, however it due to its cut off design it only lasted for a couple of applications.

This glue is not precise enough for tea bag nail fixes.

Vixi Professional Glue

Available from By Vixi

These little bottles of glue has a twist of top under their lid which means it will quickly dry out in the tube but it applies easily and seems firm overall. One nail didn’t survive a shower the next day, then two more were gone before 24 hours was up. Personally I prefer glues which are designed for multiple uses.

Elegant Touch Quick Dry Nail Glue

Available from Superdrug, amongst other stores

This dropper bottle is a little more difficult to apply but has great staying power. Unfortunately, this meant it actually damaged my natural nail when I lost my press on.

If you can handle the dropper application this works well for fixes as well as pressons.

Finishing Touches, Superdrug

Available from Superdrug

The bottle was sticky before I’d even opened it which unfortunately left my hands sticky after application. It has a thin brush, a pink tint and dries quickly. My first nail popped off within half an hour and I wouldn’t be willing to carry this glue around. However after that the remaining nails lasted over night. The nails lasted before 3 days before I had to remove them for an event.

This glue does not work well for tea bag fixes either.

Kiss Power Flex Glue 

Available from Superdrug, amongst other stores

An easy-to-use brush on glue but with very little staying power. I lost the first nail less than an hour later. Carefully reapplied but they came off less than 24hrs after application.

I didn’t even bother to test this with tea bag fixes!

What glue do you use for your nails? Or any there any you would like me to test run? Be sure to let me know in the comments!