
Nail glue is a very important tool for every nail artist. It bonds the artificial nails to your natural ones, protects them from becoming brittle, and gives you that high quality manicure look. But sometimes nail glue can be too expensive or difficult to find in stores.
If this sounds like something you have experienced before, don’t worry! We have some best nail glue alternatives for you so that you can continue with your artistic ventures without any problems!
What Are The Best Nail Glue Alternatives?
Acrylic, gel and resin are some of the most common materials used to make fake fingernails. Nail glues are one of the most important nail art tools that keep your artificial nails in place. The fake nails, rhinestones, and other nail arts techniques all adhere well to the artificial nails.
The following are our alternatives:
- Using Acrylic Mixture
- DIY Nail Glue
- Nail Tabs
- Gel Nail Polish
Using Acrylic Mixture as Alternative to Nail Glue
Acrylics are essentially adhesive. It’s the adhesive strength of the acrylic that holds the fake nail. Acrylics are probably the most long-lasting and durable technique to adhere your press on or fake nails to your natural nail.
DIY Nail Glue as Alternative to Nail Glue
To prepare a glue, combine flour and cold water in a saucepan. For a thick mixture, use equal parts flour and water. Add extra water to create glue. Bring to a boil while stirring frequently. Once it has boiled and thickened, remove from the heat. If it’s too thick, add some water until the consistency is right.
Nail Tabs as Alternative to Nail Glue
Nail tabs are small pieces of metal or plastic that are glued to the underside of your fake nails. They have a small hole in the center and come with a ring that you put around your finger to keep them in place.
Nail tabs can be reused multiple times and are easy to find at most beauty supply stores. The tabs are easier to remove, but the glue is more effective.
Gel Nail Polish as Alternative to Nail Glue
If you’re looking for a temporary fix, gel nail polish might be the best alternative to nail glue. Gel nails can last up to two weeks with proper application and removal. They are also very durable and can withstand most activities. However, they can be difficult to remove without damaging your natural nails.
What are the Benefits of Using Alternatives to Nail Glue?
If you are not a fan of nail glue, then you might want to consider some other alternatives. The following are the benefits that each alternative provides:
- Using Acrylic Mixture – Nails sticks provide great grip and protection against chipping or breaking for up to two weeks. They can be used on natural nails without causing damage. You can purchase them in most drugstores or beauty supply stores.
- DIY Nail Glue – It’s easy to find the ingredients for this alternative, and it costs very little money. Plus, you get complete control over how much glue is used.
- Nail Tabs – Nail tabs are small and easy to store. Most beauty supply stores carry them, and they’re inexpensive. They don’t cause damage to the natural nails when they’re removed properly.
- Gel Nail Polish – Gel polish is a good alternative for those who want their fake nails to match their natural nails. It’s also very easy to remove without damaging the real nails underneath.

What are Some Tips for Using Alternatives to Nail Glue?
Here are some tips that you should follow when using alternatives:
- Make sure your fake nails fit properly before gluing them on, otherwise they might slip off easily or be difficult to remove.
- If you’re using nail tabs, make sure the hole is in the center of your fake nails. You can use a needle or toothpick to help place them correctly.
- When using acrylics as an alternative to nail glue, it’s important that you don’t apply them too thickly. Otherwise, they will be difficult to remove and will not stick to the fake nails.
- When you use nail tabs, make sure they’re properly adhered before moving on with your day’s activities. If necessary, hold them in place for 30 seconds while the glue sets.
- If using gel polish as an alternative, allow it to dry completely before applying top coat or harsh chemicals. Gel polish is not as durable as acrylic nails and can chip easily.
- Apply a base coat to your natural nails before applying the fake nails, especially if you’re using gel polish. This will help protect your nails from any damage that might occur when the fake nails are removed.
- Make sure you remove all of the glue (or nail tabs) before removing the fake nails. If you don’t, it will begin to damage your natural nails and cause them to peel or break off easily.
What are Some Benefits of Using Nail Glue?
Nail glue has many benefits that make it a go-to solution for most people who want their false nail designs to last longer. Here are some of the benefits that it provides:
- Nail glue comes with a liquid or gel form. You can purchase either option at most beauty supply stores, drugstores, and online retailers.
- It is safe to use on natural nails without causing damage. If you’re looking for an alternative solution that won’t ruin your real nails, nail glue is a great option.
- Nail glue can be used on both fake and natural nails as long as you follow some important steps. It’s not difficult to use, but it does require proper technique in order for it to work properly.
- It dries clear, so your false nail design will look more realistic than those with colored nail glue.
- Nail glue is a great option for those who want their fake nails to last longer. It provides a strong grip and can be used with most artificial nail designs.
- When it comes to removing your fake nails, nail glue is one of the easiest options. You can use either acetone or non-acetone polish remover without damaging your natural nails.
- Nail glue is a great option for those who want their fake nails to look and feel real. It’s easy to use, durable, and comes in both liquid and gel forms. Plus, it dries clear so you won’t have to worry about any unsightly residue left on your nails after removal.
What are Some Drawbacks of Using Alternatives to Nail Glue?
On the other hand, alternatives to glue come with some downsides. These are the drawbacks of each alternative:
Using Acrylic Mixture – You need to wait for it to dry before applying the fake nails, and they only last about two weeks even though their grip is good.
DIY Nail Glue – It’s difficult to get just the right consistency, and it’s easy to overdo it. You also have to wait for the glue to dry before applying your fake nails.
Nail Tabs – Nail tabs can be difficult to apply, and they don’t offer as much of a grip as other alternatives do.
Gel Nail Polish – Gel polish takes longer than other alternatives to apply. Although it can be removed without damaging the nails underneath, you have to wait for it to dry before applying your fake nails.
Nail glue is a popular way of keeping artificial or false nail extensions on for an extended amount of time but there are many other options that work just as well if not better than using traditional nail glue.

More Notes on Using Nail Glue Alternatives
There are more things you also need to learn about these alternatives.
- Glue-free nails, such as those that use a combination of an acrylic mixture, can last for up to two weeks without chipping or breaking and are also very easy to find at most beauty supply stores.
- If you’re looking for something temporary, nail polish in general is a great option; gel nail polish especially lasts up to two weeks, is very durable and can withstand most activities. However, it’s difficult to remove without damaging your natural nails.
- If you want something that lasts longer but doesn’t damage the natural nail underneath then acrylic mixture or gel polish may be perfect for you; they both last up to two weeks with proper application and removal while also being easy enough to find in most beauty supply stores.
- On the other hand, nail tabs- these small pieces of plastic that adhere to the tips of your nails- are a good option if you’re looking for something that’s easy to remove and doesn’t damage your nails. Most beauty supply stores carry them and they’re very inexpensive.
Finally, if you’re looking for a glue-free alternative that still offers good grip and doesn’t damage your nails, then acrylic mixture is a good option. It can be used on natural nails without causing any damage, it dries quickly and is easy to find at most drugstores or beauty supply stores.
Whichever route you decide to go, there is an alternative out there that will suit your needs. Thus, if you’re looking for something that’s easy to find, doesn’t damage your nails and offers a strong hold then acrylic mixture is the best option.
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