The Best Nail Glue of 2023 for a Salon

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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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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?

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.

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."

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.

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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