Can You Use Super Glue For Fake Nails?

In this day and age, it’s not uncommon for women to want to recreate their beloved acrylic nails at home.

But if you’re getting ready to apply fake nails and have suddenly realized all you’ve got is super glue, you might start to panic - is super glue safe for fake nails?

To put it simply, no, super glue should not be used for fake nails.

It’s simply not designed like other nail glues and is not considered safe for your natural nail bed, cuticles, or surrounding skin.

If you’re curious about using super glue for fake nails, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re diving into the world of super glue and why it should be avoided at all costs when applying fake nails.

Can You Use Super Glue For Fake Nails?

To be honest, if you use super glue to apply your fake nails, it will not kill you.

But it’s definitely not going to be the best option for applying a fake nail (official nail glue is the only glue recommended).

Use super glue as an absolute last resort. But why?

Three Important Reasons to Say “No” to Household Super Glue

While it might seem tempting to reach for super glue as a last resort for nail glue, there are definitive reasons why you won’t find nail techs reaching for this product at any nail salon.

Not Designed for Natural Nails

The main problem with super glue is that it contains high levels of cyanoacrylate and etching agents.

The etching agents work to “rough up” services for better adhesion. While this is great for wood and plastic, it’s not great for your natural nails.

The etching will destroy the top layer of your nail, making them weak and exposed. (Hello, broken nail problems).

The primary active ingredient, cyanoacrylate, is also a big no-no for natural nails. It is not considered safe to use on the human body and can easily cause skin irritation.

Not only that, but it can become weakened with moisture - which means your acrylic nail will fall off sooner than preferred.

Together, these ingredients can cause severe nail damage and infection, and the last thing you want to do is end up trying to repair broken nails for the next few weeks.

Potent and Difficult to Remove

Another issue is that super glue is highly potent, especially within the first few days of adhesion.

This can make it challenging - if not impossible - to remove nails. In fact, some people have lost entire natural nails from trying to pry off fake nails bonded with super glue.

Does that mean you’re entirely out of luck? Not exactly, but the process to remove fake nails adhered with super glue is nothing short of a tedious challenge.

To do so, you will need to soak your fingers for at least 30 minutes in acetone nail polish remover.

While that might not sound like too bad of an idea, the problem is that acetone is harmful to your nails, too.

Nail acetone dehydrates the nail bed and surrounding skin, which is not only unattractive but can lead to withered and brittle nails over time.

Not as Strong as Many Nail Glues

Yes, super glue is incredibly potent - but that potency doesn’t last long.

After a few short days, the super glue will begin to wear down from moisture, causing the acrylic nails to fall off. Needless to say, it is not an efficient adhesive.

What Kind of Glue Can You Use on Fake Nails?

You need to be extra careful when finding nail glue for your fake nails.

Why? Because some of the cheaper options have almost the same chemical makeup as household super glue products, which means you could end up destroying your nails and skin.

Instead, find nail glue with a low concentration of cyanoacrylate and essential additives that can withstand moisture and provide more flexibility.

The INFILILA Nail Glue is an excellent choice for long-lasting adhesion that’s safe for your natural nail.

What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Fake Nail Glue?

If you don’t have any official nail glue to attach to your artificial nail, don’t reach for the super glue just yet.

The good news is there are three other great options for applying fake nails - all of which adhere tightly without the potential damage.

Double-Sided Fashion Tape

Super glue and nail? No, thanks. Double-sided fashion tape? You bet. Double-sided tape can be found in any department or craft stores and works like a charm.

Simply cut the tape in the shape of your press-on nails, apply to the back of the artificial nail, then apply to your actual nail. Hold securely for around 30 to 60 seconds per nail. Simple!

Clear Nail Polish

Whether you’re trying to stick on a gem for some lavish nail art or are applying full-fledged artificial nails, you can use clear nail polish to get the job done.

• Start by using a nail file to buff the nail bed gently.
• Then, apply basic cuticle oil and push back the cuticles to create a blank slate for your new press-on nails.
• Cover your real nails with a base coat of clear polish.
• Let it sit for a few seconds to become tacky and not wet.
• Then, press the false nail firmly for 45 seconds, so the polish dries and creates a sort of DIY nail glue.

To make a stronger adhesive backing, mix the clear polish with a bit of white glue (PVA glue) using a cotton swab stick before applying the base coat.

FAQ

Can you use gorilla glue for fake nails?

No. Just as nail technicians won’t use super glue in nail salons, they won’t use gorilla glue, either. Only official nail glue should be used.

Can I use lash glue as nail glue?

If you’re in a rush to find nail glue and all you have on hand is lash glue, it can be used successfully.

Let the glue adhere smoothly to the nail, then apply your press-on nails. Enjoy!