9 Best Nail Glues for Press-On Nails and More That Are Strong and Long-Lasting (2024)

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Remember the times you could go to the nail salon and get a manicure for $25? Or maybe $40 at most for acrylics or gels? Ahh, good times. Unfortunately, today that’s very hard to come by, with prices at most salons ranging from $30 to upwards of $100 for gel or acrylic nails. With this increase in cost, it can make it difficult and unrealistic to keep up with biweekly nail appointments, not to mention the time commitment that it entails. Thankfully, press-on nails have had a major moment the past couple of years, with new and improved versions that make nails look like you just left the salon. They’re much more affordable, many costing less than $10, and so much quicker. But in order to get your press-ons to last as long as a salon manicure, you need the right nail glue! Keep reading for the best nail glues that will keep press-ons lasting weeks.

What to look for in a nail glue

If you’ve used press-ons, there’s a good chance you’ve used nail glue that doesn’t last longer than 30 minutes. It’s so frustrating when you spend time sizing all of your press-ons and putting them on, only for them to pop right back off. Unfortunately, a lot of these nail glues that we’re talking about are the ones that come with the press-on kit (not always, but this is often the case). Therefore, we need to look elsewhere for the best nail glue.

So, how do you know what to look for in a nail glue? Well to start, you of course want your nail glue to be sticky. You want it to have grip and hold, and nails should feel tacky after applying the glue. If your nail glue feels super “wet” or doesn’t seem like it’s drying down, it’s probably not the best option. It should feel sticky, strong and tacky to the touch.

Speaking of drying down, look for a nail glue that has a quick drying time. When you apply the press-on to your nail, if the nail glue is still very wet, the press-on will slip and slide around, messing up the placement. A nail glue that dries quickly will help ensure the press-on won’t move around after you’ve applied it.

Next, you don’t want a nail glue that is too thin. You want a thicker consistency, as this will help the press-on have a stronger hold to attach to.

One other note: If you have sensitive skin, look out for possible irritants. It’s best in general to look for a non-toxic nail glue, especially if you have aging and mature nails, as these are typically thinner and more frail.

The 9 best nail glues

Keep reading for the best nail glue for all your nail needs like press-ons, extensions and more.

Best long-lasting nail glues

Static Nails Brush On Nail Glue

While all of the picks on this list are known to be long-lasting, there are a couple that are especially famous for their staying power—Static Nails Brush On Nail Glue being one of them. What’s great about this pick is you have full control over how long your press-ons last. Just want them on for the night for a special occasion? Just apply a tiny bit of glue. Want them on for over two weeks? Apply more nail glue. Their website says, “Our unique formula bonds like acrylic for a strong hold, but dissolves away over time leaving behind zero glue or damage to natural nails when removed properly. The more glue applied, the longer the glue will take to dissolve off the natural nail creating a longer wear time.” There’s a reason this nail glue has gone viral and is one of the best in the game.

NYK1 Super Strong Nail Bond Nail Glue

This option, NYK1 Super Strong Nail Bond, is TikTok famous and doesn’t play around when it comes to strength (hence why it’s called “super strong”). Press-on nails will last weeks with this glue without any lifting or reapplying. And best yet, you can get it on Amazon for fast shipping and delivery. It has over 48,000 5-star ratings on Amazon—you can’t beat that!

Best viral nail glue for press-on nails

Luxxi Brush On Nail Glue

This nail glue, Luxxi Brush On Nail Glue, has gone viral on TikTok over and over because of its long-lasting superpowers. You’ll find videos of creators digging their nails into potatoes and apples, doing dishes, tapping their nails on hard surfaces and more after using this glue, and the press-ons don’t budge or lift. It’s been considered the best nail glue by thousands, and it’s definitely worth giving a try if you want your press-on nails to last for weeks.

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Best drugstore nail glues for press-on nails

Beauty Secrets Drip & Clog Proof Nail Glue

We love a good drugstore find as much as the next, and Beauty Secrets Drip & Clog Proof Nail Glue is no exception. It costs around $6 at Sally Beauty, and it has close to 200 5-star reviews on the retailer’s website. It’s noted for being “insanely strong” and one reviewer wrote that it’s “the perfect nail glue.”

Kiss PowerFlex Brush-On Nail Glue

This nail glue, Kiss PowerFlex Brush-On Nail Glue, costs less than $5 at Target, and packs a powerful punch in terms of strength and hold. It has a brush-on applicator, which will help ensure the nail glue is distributed evenly on the nail, and it also makes application a breeze and more precise.

Best non-toxic nail glues

Glamnetic Brush On Nail Glue

Glamnetic is known for their press-on nails, which come in a large variety of gorgeous designs and styles, but we also think they deserve major props for their Glamnetic Brush On Nail Glue (something has to keep their stunning press-ons on all day!). And not only do we like it for its long-lasting and durable properties, but also because it’s non-toxic. It’s free of a lot of potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, formaldehydes and formaldehyde-releasing agents, to name a few, and is vegan and cruelty-free.

Olive & June Press-On Brush On Glue

For another non-toxic nail glue option, turn to Olive & June Press-On Brush On Glue. It’s gentle on nails, meaning it’s non-damaging, and it has 4.6 out of 5 stars on their website. Pair it with their gorgeous press-ons, and you have a beautiful at-home mani that will last weeks.

Best nail glues for nail extensions

Aprés Extend Gel

Trying out Gel-X nails at home? You need a good Gel-X adhesive! Aprés has one of the most, if not the most, well-known Gel-X systems, and the Aprés Extend Gel is part of what makes it so beloved and well-known. This will make your Gel-X nails look and feel like you got them done in-salon.

Red Carpet Manicure Soft Gel Tips Adhesive

For a more affordable Gel-X adhesive, we like Red Carpet Manicure Soft Gel Tips Adhesive. It’s available on Amazon for fast delivery, and is easy to apply and use.