The best alternatives for nail glue are:
- Double-sided tape
- Nail tabs
- Clear nail polish
- Base coat and white glue
- Homemade acrylic blend
Nail glue has been the go-to solution for putting on fake and press-on nails. But nail glue can damage your natural nails, especially when used often and left on for longer periods.
If you want to continue using fake or press-on nails, you can still do so without nail glue. Better alternatives to nail glue are just as sturdy and long-lasting.
Keep reading to discover the best alternatives to nail glue and how to use them, so your fake or press-on nails work as well but in a healthier variation.
For more tips, you should also check out my guide on removing nail glue.
Do This Before You Apply Nail Glue Alternatives To Your Nails
Clean your fingers and nails.
Wash your hands in warm, soapy water. You can let them air dry or dry them with a clean towel.
To clean your nails, you will need:
- Cotton ball
- Non-acetone-based nail polish remover
Follow these steps:
- Add nail polish remover to the cotton ball
- Wipe down each nail in detail
This step will remove dirt or dust particles from your nails, helping the tape stick well.
For the best protection of your natural nails, add a layer of clear nail polish to your natural nails before you apply any of these alternatives. You can opt for one that will nurture your nails.
Apply Your Fake Nails With Double-Sided Tape
Fashion double-sided tapes are a real thing. You can use these to secure your fake nails from your natural ones.
These won’t be as long-lasting as nail glue, but they won’t damage your skin and nails. They also won’t hurt when you pull the fake nails off your natural nails.
Double-sided tape usually lasts for a few hours, potentially up to 24 hours (or more, depending on what you’re up to).
If you are getting your fingers underwater, such as washing many dishes or going swimming or doing crafts that require peeling things off with your fingers, then these double-sided tapes may not keep your fake nails on for many hours.
Use Nail Tabs As A Great Alternative To Nail Glue
Nail tabs are a great alternative to nail glue as they aren’t as harsh nor damaging to your natural nails as nail glue is.
Nail tabs also offer a more durable hold, so they are ideal when you need fake nails ready for a fabulous event like a wedding.
Nail tabs are sticky; two-sided tabs are cut precisely to help you get those fake nails on. These are more durable and longer-lasting than double-sided tape.
Nail tabs can keep your fake nails on for a few days.
Check out my guide on removing nail glue from the skin for more tips.
How To Apply Double-Sided Tape And Nail Tabs To Your Nail To Add On Fake Nails
Using double-sided tape as an alternative to nail glue to put on fake nails can be easy.
Follow these steps:
- Grab one piece of the double-sided tape or nail tab that will fit well with your nail
- Peel off one side of the tape
- Press the sticky side to your nail and press it on well – make sure it is smooth and isn’t folding or coming off
- Once the tape is secure on your nail, remove the top layer of the tape to expose its stickiness – do not touch the adhesive with your finger.
- Carefully apply the fake nail to the adhesive
- Press lightly to secure it
Repeat these steps to get the fake nails on each of your fingers.
How To Remove Fake Nails Put On With Double-Sided Tape Or Nail Tabs
Removing fake nails is quite easy with double-sided tape or nail tabs.
Follow these steps:
- Gently take off the fake nail
- Slowly peel the tape off your finger
If adhesive residue is left on your finger, grab a cotton ball and acetone-based nail polish remover and wipe down your finger multiple times if necessary. Acetone is effective in removing adhesive residues.
If you don’t have an acetone-based nail polish remover, try this step with distilled white vinegar, oil, or warm soapy water.
My guide on removing nail glue from your hands will help you further.
How To Put On Fake Nails With Clear Nail Polish
For this to work, the nail polish brand doesn’t matter. It is a clear one, not a colored nail polish, as it will be visible under your fake or press-on nails.
Follow these steps:
- Apply a thicker layer of clear nail polish to your natural nail
- Let it dry for about 5-10 seconds (don’t let it dry fully), just enough for it to become tacky
- Place a fake nail over it and gently press it into the clear nail polish
- Hold it there for at least 60 seconds (make sure it won’t move) until the clear nail polish dries and secures the fake nail to your natural nail
If you use quick-drying nail polish, you don’t need to let it dry as it will fully dry within a few seconds.
It could take a few short hours for the clear nail polish to form its bond, so avoid getting your nails in water or using them to peel things within the first few hours of applying the fake nails.
How To Take Off Fake Nails When Applied With Clear Nail Polish
Doing this is much simpler and pain-free than removing fake nails with nail glue.
Follow these steps:
- Add nail polish remover into a bowl big enough to fit your nails into it
- Soak your nails in it for about 15 minutes (more if necessary)
- Gently and slowly peel off the fake nails
When removing fake nails, it is important never to try and rip them off. This could damage your natural nails.
How To Apply Fake Nails With White Glue And A Base Coat
After you have washed your hands and cleaned your nails, follow these steps to put on fake nails using a nail base coat and white glue, working on one nail at a time:
- Apply one layer of a clear nail base coat on your natural nail – this will protect your nail
- While the base coat is still wet, apply a coat of white glue onto it – use enough to cover your nail well but not too much to get it overflowing onto your skin.
- Grab a fake nail and gently press it onto the glue
- Hold it steady for a minimum of 60 seconds
- Give your nails time to dry, at least 15 minutes
How To Remove Fake Nails When Applied With A Base Coat And White Glue
This is a simple and quick method.
Follow these steps:
- Add nail polish remover into a bowl big enough to fit your nails into it
- Soak your nails in it for about 15 minutes (more if necessary)
- Gently and slowly peel off the fake nails
Even if you are in a rush, don’t try to rip off the fake nails. Be gentle and go slow. If necessary, soak your nails longer in nail polish remover until they come off easily by gently peeling them off.
How To Put On Fake Nails With An Acrylic Blend
The acrylic blend is nothing sophisticated. It is the same liquid and powder used in making acrylic nails.
The great advantage is that this acrylic blend can be used to put on fake and press-on nails. And not only that, it is usually the method that lasts the longest and is the sturdiest option.
This acrylic blend is resistant to moisture, pressure, and heat, which allows it to be impressively long-lasting. With this method, your fake and press-on nails can last for weeks.
It is quite easy to implement this method. Follow these steps:
- Add a coating of the acrylic blend onto your natural nail, covering it fully
- Press the fake or press-on nail onto it
- Hold it there until the blend fully dries and bonds the fake nail securely to your natural nail
Conclusion
Several alternatives you can use for nail glue are better options for your natural nails.
These alternatives for nail glue aren’t just better for your natural nails but also easy to use. You can even choose from multiple alternatives, such as:
- Double-sided tape
- Nail tabs
- Clear nail polish
- Base coat and white glue
- Homemade acrylic blend
Each nail glue alternative is simple, easy, and quick to put your fake or press-on nails on. And besides this, they are also easy and simple to take off without causing pain or damage to your natural nails.
There is one important aspect to keep in mind. Regardless of your alternative, when you want to remove the fake or press-on nails, do not try to rip them off forcefully.
Be patient and gentle. Follow the steps in this guide to remove your fake nails with ease.
