Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (2025)

TL;DR

N1K1 Super Strong Nail Bond has everything we seek in a nail glue—multipurpose, strong-holding, durable, quick-drying, and easy to use. The brush-on application is mess-free and has a waterproof finish. If you want to add gemstones to your manicure, we recommend using the Makartt Nail Rhinestone Glue with Brush and Pen Tip.

Yes, nail glue is essential if you’re applying press-ons or adding fake tips to emulate a salon-style manicure from the comfort of your home. But it’s also an unsung hero that’s good to have on hand for any mani emergencies—it can rescue a split or broken nail, reinforce a nail decal, and much more. With a range of different application techniques (brush-on, dropper applicator, precision nozzle, and more), finding your perfect match is essential. Regardless of your preference, celebrity manicurist and educator Julie Kandalec recommends finding a nail glue that’s quick drying and has a thick enough viscosity to bond to the nail.

We want you to nail your manicure and feel confident with your toolkit. To help you out, we took matters into our own hands and conducted hours of research, consulted with professional nail techs, and evaluated a range of products based on their application, dry time, hold, and removal. Keep scrolling for our 11 favorite nail glues.

  • What to Look for in Nail Glue

    • Purpose: Before selecting your nail glue, you need to understand what you intend to use it for the most. A precision pen is an effective, mess-free option if you want to add some bling to your nailbeds. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quick acrylic application, a brush-on glue will be fast and durable. Ultimately, select an application process that fits your mani needs.
    • Viscosity: Kandalec prefers thick viscosity nail glues to ensure the glue is fully set and secure. This is great for press-on and added tips. Likewise, a thinner viscosity glue is a great option for adding small decals or reinforcing a minor split. Usually, you have more playtime with thinner viscosity glues, making it a beginner-friendly option.
    • Dry Time: If you’re a nail glue newbie, finding a glue that gives you a few extra seconds before hardening is crucial. The added time will allow you to adjust the positioning of an additional tip or gem. If you’re more proficient or need a quick fix, a fast-drying glue will help get the job done in a matter of seconds. Ultimately, it comes down to your comfortability with glue.
  • How to Use Nail Glue

    To repair a split/broken nail: “When using nail glue to repair a split nail, it only works if the nail is split in a way that the nail glue can hold the layers together: if the layers of the split are overlapping,” says Kandalec. The glue should act as a bond between the layers to create a seamless surface. That being said, we recommend starting with less and adding more if needed. Be sure to follow the directions of the specific product.

    For press-ons, acrylics, and tips: “You want to find a nail glue and press-on combo that hugs your nail (and properly fits at the cuticle, not over it) without leaving a big space in the middle of the nail to pop off,” shares Kandalec. “The nail should gently rest on the nail plate for the perfect fit. Pressing hard makes the nail glue seep out under the free edge and at the cuticle, making a mess.” Instead of pressing down hard, test the nail's fit and ensure it’s the proper size.

Our Top Picks

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Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (1)

Best Overall

NYK1 Super Strong Nail Glue
Best Overall NYK1 Super Strong Nail GlueView on

Amazon

Price$18

$13

Active Ingredients

Cyanoacrylate

Size

0.27 oz

Cruelty-Free

Yes

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (2)

Best for Press-Ons

Glamnetic Super Strong Brush on Nail Glue
Best for Press-Ons Glamnetic Super Strong Brush on Nail GlueView on

Amazon

$7

Ethyl cyanoacrylate

0.24 oz

Yes

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (3)

Best for Split Nails

KISS PowerFlex Ultra-Hold Precision Nail Glue
Best for Split Nails KISS PowerFlex Ultra-Hold Precision Nail GlueView on

Amazon

$9

Ethyl cyanoacrylate

0.10 oz

Yes

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (4)

Best for Acrylics

Makartt Super Strong Nail Glue
Best for Acrylics Makartt Super Strong Nail GlueView on

Amazon

$7

Ethyl cyanoacrylate

0.23 oz

Yes

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (5)

Best Fast-Drying

IBD 5 Second Brush-On Nail Glue
Best Fast-Drying IBD 5 Second Brush-On Nail GlueView on

Amazon

$28

Cyanoacrylate

0.17 oz

Yes

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (6)

Best for Wraps

Big Bondini Plus All Purpose Nail Glue
Best for Wraps Big Bondini Plus All Purpose Nail GlueView on

unitedbeautysupply

See Retailer

Not listed

0.14 oz

Not listed

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (7)

Best for Beginners

Young Nails Brush On Glue
Best for Beginners Young Nails Brush On GlueView on

Amazon

$14

Ethyl cyanoacrylate

0.5 oz

Not listed

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (8)

Best Long-Lasting

INFILILA Professional Nail Glue
Best Long-Lasting INFILILA Professional Nail GlueView on

Amazon

$7

Ethyl cyanoacrylate

0.23 oz

Not Listed

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (9)

Best for Nail Art

Makartt Nail Rhinestone Glue With Brush & Pen Tip
Best for Nail Art Makartt Nail Rhinestone Glue With Brush & Pen TipView on

Amazon

$13

$10

Resin

0.27 oz

Yes

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (10)

Best for Tips

Infeling 28 Days Long Lasting Solid Gel Glue
Best for Tips Infeling 28 Days Long Lasting Solid Gel GlueView on

Amazon

$8

$7

Resin

0.5 oz

Yes

Full Review

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (11)

Best Pen

KDS Nail Tip Glue
Best Pen KDS Nail Tip GlueView on

Amazon

$5

Ethyl cyanoacrylate

0.16 oz

Yes

Full Review

What We Like

  • Easy brush-on application

  • Long-lasting and durable

  • Quickly air dries

What to Consider

  • Difficult to remove

Active Ingredients: Cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.27 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s no surprise this aptly named nail glue is a hit for manicure newbies and nail pros alike. The fine precision brush applicator easily controls how much product is dispensed, so there are no messy mishaps. It bonds well with acrylics, extensions, wraps, and decals and effectively repairs a split nail. Beyond its practical and intuitive use, the fast dry time (it sets in five seconds) truly stole the show. It’s great for quick fixes and any last-minute press-on application. The water-resistant and long-lasting formula boosts its reinforcement, so you won’t have to worry about any nails flying off. Although it can be tricky to remove, we appreciate its durability. We guarantee you’ll want to add this gem to your toolkit, makeup bag, or wherever you keep your nail care arsenal.

What We Like

  • Effectively adheres press-ons without any mess

  • Great hold

  • Extremely durable

What to Consider

  • May leave residue when removed

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s nothing better than mimicking a salon-quality manicure, and thanks to a plethora of press-on nail options, it’s never been easier. But the real hero in these DIY manis is the bond between the nails, and Glamnetic’s nail glue is the way to go. The glue is easy to brush on and long-lasting—the brand claims it lasts up to three weeks—but it also has impressive staying power. You can confidently wash dishes, button up your favorite pair of jeans, and open your soda can without a press-on popping off. It’s worth noting that removal can be a bit tricky, so we recommend following our guide to all things press-ons for proper removal tips.

What We Like

  • Precision tip easily seals any splits or tears

  • Affordable

  • Fast dry time

What to Consider

  • Only a tiny amount is needed at a time

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A split or broken nail is a mani-lovers worst nightmare, but fear not as Kiss Powerflex Precision Nail Glue comes to the rescue. The extended precision tip easily glides onto the nail, fixing any minor splits, breaks, or tears without causing a glue frenzy. With a three-second dry time (yes, you heard that correctly), this no-fuss nail glue is the ideal purse companion. Its compact size and affordable price tag will be there for you during any nail breaks. Just be sure to start small; you only need a small drop to see the incredible staying power.

What We Like

  • Seamless acrylic application sans bumps

  • Durable and strong hold

  • Doesn’t set too quickly

What to Consider

  • Has a strong smell

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.23 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A lot can go wrong with acrylic application: bumps, bubbles, clumps, or crooked nails. While mastering this tactful triumph may require a bit of practice, this adhesive can help make the process easier. The brush-on application easily coats the acrylic nail and provides long-lasting, strong hold. But what truly stands out is that despite its astounding staying power, the glue doesn’t set too quickly. You have some playtime to adjust your acrylic before it’s set in stone. If you’re tempted to apply your own acrylics, this pick will be your ultimate companion.

What We Like

  • Very fast dry time

  • Great for fixing broken nails

  • Good for quick-fix

What to Consider

  • Doesn’t come with a lot of product

Active Ingredients: Cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.17 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When you’re in a pinch and need a solid product to get the job done, reach for this fast-drying nail glue. Lost a nail gem? Simply apply a new one by gliding on the glue and applying your decal atop. After five seconds, your added bling is set and ready to go. We appreciate that it dries down smooth and leaves no messy residue. Plus, it’s compatible with acrylic, gel, dip, and natural nails. We highly recommend this product if you’re in a rush; we only wish it came with more.

What We Like

  • Multipurpose glue great for wraps, tips, and press-ons

  • Short dry time

  • Smooth application

What to Consider

  • Small amount of product

Active Ingredients: Not listed | Size: 0.14 oz | Cruelty-Free: Not listed

Nail wraps, an alternative to gel, acrylic, and dip, often come with sticky backings, but adding glue is always a good idea to reinforce its staying power. Luckily, this multipurpose glue is intended to do just that (and more). With a quick dry time and smooth texture, simply add a tiny dot to extend the longevity of your wrap. The thin texture won’t leave you any bumps, so your new mani or pedi will look smooth and sleek. It’s also great for adding extensions or repairing tears—a win-win in our books.

What We Like

  • Intuitive application

  • Smooth, clump-free consistency

  • Dries quickly

What to Consider

  • Not as durable as others on this list

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Not listed

This is a great place to start if you’re new to nail glue. The intuitive, fool-proof brush application is as straightforward as it gets. It also boasts a thin, smooth formula, ensuring you have no bumps or bubbles in your new set. It dries down quickly but not too fast (you still have some time to adjust your extension or nail). It’s not the most long-lasting on this list, but it’s a solid option for any beginner.

What We Like

  • Long-wearing

  • Impressive strong hold

  • Multiuse formula

What to Consider

  • Recommends to apply directly to fake nail

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.23 oz | Cruelty-Free: Not Listed

Going on vacation and don’t want to worry about losing a nail for an extended period of time? This long-lasting, strong hold glue will keep your nails in place. The brand claims it lasts up to 30 days so that you can make the most of your new set. This glue is also great for applying nail gems, extensions, acrylics, and press-ons. One thing to note: this particular glue advises applying the adhesive onto the fake nail rather than your nail itself.

What We Like

  • Pen tip and brush applicator is ideal for nail art application

  • Secures rhinestones and decals

  • Long-lasting

What to Consider

  • Requires UV lamp

Active Ingredients: Resin | Size: 0.27 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Adhere some playful bling to your manicure or pedicure with the help of this glue. The dual-headed device has a brush on one side and a pen tip on the other. The fine tip effortlessly applies tiny dots ideal for rhinestones, crystals, gems, charms, and more. Plus, the pen-like shape is easy to hold and won’t leave excess glue dried out on your nails. While it does require the curing of a UV lamp, you can rest assured that your fun nail art will remain securely in place.

What We Like

  • Solid gel formula keeps tips in place

  • Long-lasting

  • Doesn’t slip or slide around

What to Consider

  • Requires UV lamp

Active Ingredients: Resin | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The high-viscosity, resin-based glue is the ideal consistency for tip application. The sticky formula bonds to your nail and extension, creating the appearance of longer nails. Yes, it requires a UV lamp, but this additional step ensures your new mani will last. It doesn’t move around and looks seamless beneath your polish of choice.

What We Like

  • Great for mani emergencies

  • Precise nozzle top

  • Comfortable to hold

What to Consider

  • Not the most durable

Active Ingredients: Ethyl cyanoacrylate | Size: 0.16 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Like a mini glue stick, this baby is great to keep in your emergency kit. While it doesn’t offer a host of bells and whistles, it's effective and great for popping a nail back on. The narrow tube disperses a minimal amount of glue and dries fairly quickly. While it’s not the most sturdy option, it’s travel-friendly and will do the job until you find a better fix.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    FAQ

    • How do you remove nail glue?

      According to Kandalec, acetone is the fastest and most effective way to remove excess glue. While some products come with a glue remover, she notes that they are often infused with hydrating ingredients like castor oil, which can cause future products to slip and slide. Just be sure to thoroughly cleanse the nail after using these or stick with tried-and-true acetone.

    • Does nail glue expire?

      Nail glue can expire and harden over time, losing its adhesive properties. If the product appears to have changed colors or textures, we advise tossing it out.

  • Meet Our Expert

    We tapped a celebrity nail stylist and professional technician to learn more about what to look for in nail glues.

    • Julie Kandalec is a New York City-based celebrity manicurist and nail educator.
  • Why Trust Byrdie

    Amanda Rosenthal is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writer on staff at Byrdie. She specializes in product recommendations and has tried almost every nail process under the sun—regular polish, gel, dip, acrylics, extensions, and press-ons—so she knows more than a thing or two about nail glue. With the help of a nail pro, she researched the best nail glues to deliver this guide.

Elevate Your At-Home Mani With the Most Durable Nail Glues (2025)
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