One of the most painful moments as a DIY manicurist is to see your precious press-on fall out in front of you. But guess what? Now that you’re here, The Nails Girl doesn’t want you to go through this pain ever again.
Always remember that the right nail glue can make or break your entire nail set. When it comes to achieving the perfect manicure at home, one of the most important factors is having a strong and reliable glue. But the most important question is – what is the best way to apply press-on nails? – Glue or Adhesive Tabs. With a suitable adhesive, press-on nails can be applied quickly to get salon-quality nails in minutes and last for weeks.
Read on to learn everything about nail adhesives and choose what best suits you based on your choice and your lifestyle.
What is a Nail Glue?
Nail glues are adhesive liquids used for sticking fake nails including press-ons and acrylic nail enhancements. These come in self-applicator packaging and are used for adhering the fake nail tip onto your natural nail. They are also used for quick repairs of chipped or cracked free edges of the natural nails to make them last longer.
When it comes to liquid nail glues, there are two main types to choose from:
1) Brush-On Nail Glue
This type of packaging is quite similar to your OG nail polishes. It comes with a brush applicator dipped in the liquid glues. This can be the most convenient of the lot when it comes to controlling the application. You can use the brush to apply the glue on your nail bed being careful about how much and where you’re applying.
2) Dropper Tube Nail Glue
This is more of a one-drop bottle or tube. It releases a drop of glue every time you press it. This gets a bit messier sometimes particularly when working with smaller fake nail tips. It can also bleed out in the cuticles when a big drop comes out on the natural nail with a tinier nail bed.
What are Adhesive Tabs?
Adhesive tabs, also known as glue tabs or nail tabs, are tiny stick-on tabs made of thin plastic or acrylic sheets. These little stickers are ready-to-use applicators with sticky glue on both sides. One side of the tab is placed on the natural nail surface and the other side is on the fake nail tip. When using glue tabs with your press-ons, you do not require additional glue to stick your fake nail tips.
What is the Difference Between Nail Glue and Adhesive Tabs?
Though both nail glues and adhesive tabs are used with press-on nails, they aren’t the same and they don’t serve the same purposes. The wear time, application process, removal process – everything is different for the two.
While adhesive tabs are for short wear time, the application process is quite easy. And, while liquid nail glues have a tricky application and removal process, they increase the wear time drastically and feel more comfortable on the natural nail.
Though it is easy to handle adhesive tabs, they have a higher chance of popping off even in simple chores but they make press-ons reusable too. And, though handling liquid glues is a task, they increase the strength and longevity of the press-ons even in water and chores but the tips cannot be reused.
What are the Pros and Cons of Nail Glue and Adhesive Tabs
There are certain pros and cons for both nail glue and adhesive tabs. Learn more about them before choosing what you want to invest in:
Adhesive Tabs
Pros
- Fast and convenient: Just measure the correct size of the tab for your nail, stick it on, peel off the plastic, place your fake nail tip, and press.
- Easy to remove: You need not soak them. Just pull the fake nail tip and the press-ons will pop off.
- They don’t damage the natural nails even when press-ons are pulled to remove them.
- Reusable: They allow reusing the press-ons for up to 5 uses.
Cons
- Not long-lasting: The wear time can only be a few hours and they don’t hold the press-ons securely.
- Applying pressure on press-on nails with glue tabs can, in fact, pop them off!
- Thick and bulky: Press-ons look unnatural with them. They also leave some gaps near the cuticles and it can cause discomfort with hair getting stuck in there.
Nail Glue
Pros:
- Quite long-lasting: With proper application, you can carry your press-ons for up to 4-5 weeks with good-quality nail glues.
- They flush well with the natural nail and by applying the correct pressure, you can make your press-ons look natural and salon-worthy.
- Quick-drying: They provide a strong hold so you can do all the regular chores and activities without worrying that the nails will pop off.
- Good-quality nail glues offer the perfect consistency for applying thin layers to give a natural-looking final look.
- They can also be used for sticking rhinestones on nails or for fixing cracks and broken nails.
Cons:
- Application: Requires practice and patience to apply. You have to be careful with the quantity of liquid glue you use with your press-on nails. Also where you place the glue is extremely crucial as incorrect application can cause a mess.
- Removal: You need proper soaking and carefully pushing the press-on to remove it without damaging the natural nail.
- You cannot reuse your press-ons if you apply them once using nail glue.
What is the Best Glue to Apply Press-On Nails?
Depending on how long you want to wear the press-ons for, your lifestyle, and sometimes the size of the press-ons, you can decide for yourself what is the best way to apply your press-ons – nail glue or adhesive tabs. You can choose from brush-on nail glue, dropper tube, or glue tabs.
If you are looking to wear your press-on nails for only a few hours, you can use the sticky tabs that come in the pack. This is ideal if you want to have extensions for a particular event or change them with different outfits. Nail models use them to change between sets during photoshoots; fashion models can also use them with different looks. They can last from 48 hours to 4 days depending on your lifestyle although they are not advisable for people with busy schedules who cannot live without doing chores.
If you want salon-quality press-ons that can last for up to 4-5 weeks and let your natural nails grow beneath them, you should use liquid nail glue in any packaging. It is ideal to use the brush on nail glue as it can control the quantity and placement of the product on the natural nail. Plus you can use it with your non-dominant hand without creating a mess. You just need to cover the entire nail surface with a thin layer of glue and press the fake nail tip after placing it at an angle and you’re good to go.
If using the dropper packaging, be careful with the quantity of the nail glue to avoid ruining the surrounding skin. The ideal quantity is one drop of glue in the center of your natural nail and one drop on the back of the press-on nail tip. When you press the fake nail tip, the liquid glue will spread and occupy the entire nail surface without flooding the cuticles. Remove the excess glue from the sides with an orangewood stick and press the nail to ensure there are no air pockets left between the press-on and your natural nail.
Wrap-Up
Determining the best method for applying press-on nails ultimately boils down to your personal preference and lifestyle. Nail glue offers a strong and long-lasting hold, ideal for you if you are seeking durability and longevity. On the other hand, adhesive tabs provide a convenient and temporary solution, perfect for quick changes and sensitive nail beds. Consider your needs, lifestyle, and nail care routine when choosing between nail glue and adhesive tabs. Whether you opt for the reliability of nail glue or the convenience of adhesive tabs, the key is achieving beautiful and hassle-free nails that boost your confidence and style.
