Can You Use Gel Polish As Nail Glue?
If you’ve ever had a nail pop off, you know how frustrating it can be. Rather than running out to buy nail glue, you may wonder if you already have a solution at home. Gel polish has become an increasingly popular choice for its durability and long-lasting shine.
Could you use gel polish in place of traditional nail glue if you find yourself in a pinch? Read on to learn the answer.
The short answer is you can use gel polish instead of nail glue, but with a few key considerations. Gel polish won’t work quite as well as commercial-grade glue, but in an emergency, can temporarily adhere your nail back to the nail bed.
What Is Gel Polish?
Here are two paragraphs for the article section on gel polish, based on the provided outline and requirements:
Gel polish is a type of nail polish formula that uses LED or UV light to cure and harden on the nail. Gel manicures have become immensely popular in recent years due to their extended wear and chip-resistant properties compared to traditional nail polish.
Some key properties and ingredients that allow gel polish to adhere so well to natural or artificial nails include:
Key Properties and Ingredients
- Polymer powders – These resins allow gel polish to harden under UV or LED light.
- Plasticizers – Ingredients like dibutyl phthalate help gel polish maintain flexibility after curing.
- Photoinitiators – Chemicals like ethyl methacrylate or butylated hydroxytoluene absorb light to help gel polish harden.
- Thickening agents – Components like silica provide the viscosity needed for an even application.
- Adhesion promoters – Methacrylic acid helps gel polish bond tightly to the natural nail.
How Gel Polish Cures and Adheres to the Nail
Unlike traditional nail polish which dries by solvent evaporation, gel polish hardens or “cures” when exposed to UV or LED light. The photoinitiators react to the light waves, causing polymerization – the acrylic monomers link together to form long, durable polymer chains.
This curing process allows layers of gel polish to fuse together and bond securely to the nail plate for up to 2-3 weeks of wear. Gel manicures can only be removed properly with acetone or nail polish remover that is capable of breaking the polymer bonds that have formed.
Improper curing or application of gel polish can result in weak adhesion and increased risk of chips or peeling. Using an LED or UV lamp with the proper wattage and cure times is crucial, along with thoroughly prepping the natural nail plate.
However, when applied correctly gel polish is significantly more durable, long-lasting, and damage-resistant compared to traditional polish.
Using Gel Polish as a Nail Glue Replacement
Prep your nail bed properly
Preparing your natural nails properly before applying gel polish is crucial for getting the gel to adhere and last. Start by trimming and filing your nails into the desired shape. Use a nail file to gently buff off any shine from the nail plate.
This removes any oils and creates microscopic scratches for the gel to grip onto. Next, use nail prep solution or alcohol to fully dehydrate the nails. This step is important to remove any remaining oils for better gel application.
You can scrub the nail plate and surrounding skin with a lint-free wipe soaked in prep solution. Allow your nails to completely air dry. Properly prepped nails are clean and matte.
Apply gel polish to the nail and nail bed
Once prepped, apply a thin layer of gel polish to the entire nail area, avoiding skin contact. Make sure to completely cover the nail plate from cuticle to tip, as well as wrap the gel onto the forward edge of the nail. This helps the gel adhere properly.
Apply gel to one nail at a time, and be sure the layer is smooth and even. Avoid flooding the cuticles with too much product. A thin layer is ideal for proper curing and strength. Let the gel set for a few minutes before curing for best results.
This allows the gel layer to thicken up a bit, preventing running and pooling around the edges as it cures under the light.
Cure the gel polish under an LED or UV lamp
After applying gel to each nail, cure under an LED or UV nail lamp. Place hands directly under the light, with fingers spread apart. Cure for the full manufacturer recommended time, generally 30-60 seconds. Properly curing the gel is essential for getting a hard, durable finish that lasts.
Undercured gel will stay sticky and weak. Once cured, the gel should feel smooth, dry and hardened. Avoid wiping the tacky inhibition layer off after curing. Applying another thin layer of gel and curing again without removing the tack layer helps build strength and thickness.
Repeat for a total of 2-3 thin gel layers. Finish with a final cure.
Gel polish can be an effective temporary replacement for nail glue when used properly. Following these steps allows the gel to adhere tightly to the nail for an adhesive bond. Prep work is key. Thin, multiple layers cured under the light delivers the hardness and strength needed to keep enhancements attached.
Using gel as glue likely won’t match the longevity of commercial nail adhesives. But it can provide a solution in a pinch!
Considerations When Using Gel Polish as Glue
Using gel polish as an adhesive for nail enhancements may seem like a quick fix, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind before attempting this nail hack. While gel polish does have some adhesive properties, it is not formulated to be used as a glue, so the results may not meet expectations.
It won’t be as strong a bond as commercial glue
Nail glues are specifically engineered to create a strong, long-lasting bond between the natural nail and the enhancement. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure their adhesive strength and longevity.
Gel polish, on the other hand, is designed to adhere to the natural nail itself, not act as a glue between the nail and an enhancement. While gel polish will provide some adhering properties, it likely won’t create as tight of a bond or last as long as commercial nail glue.
The hold may only be temporary
Using gel polish in place of nail glue provides a temporary bond at best. It may hold the enhancement on initially, but that bond is unlikely to be very resilient or long-lasting. The enhancement may pop off after a few days due to the weaker adhesive strength of gel polish.
Properly applied nail glue, however, can hold enhancements in place for weeks at a time before needing maintenance.
Filing the surface can weaken the bond
Nail glue is formulated to bond tightly to the keratin structure of the natural nail, even if the surface is roughened or filed first. Gel polish adheres best to a smooth, intact nail surface. If you file or buff the nail plate before applying gel polish to use it as glue, it likely won’t provide as strong of a bond.
The adhesive strength relies on an interaction with the surface layers, so removing some of those surface layers can compromise the temporary bond.
While using gel polish as a nail glue may seem like an easy shortcut, keep in mind that the results will likely be temporary at best. For longer-lasting nail enhancements, commercial nail glues are scientifically engineered to create strong, resilient bonds on the natural nail.
Using the proper nail glue as directed will provide much better adhesion and enhancement longevity than attempting to substitute gel polish as a glue. Still, in a pinch, gel polish may provide a short-term, temporary bond if commercial glues are not available.
Tips for Making Gel Polish Nail Glue Last Longer
Avoid excessive water exposure
One of the biggest enemies of nail glue longevity is water. When you wash your hands multiple times a day or take long showers, the water can seep under the nail tips and slowly break down the nail glue bond. Here are some tips to limit water exposure:
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning
- Try to take shorter showers
- Always thoroughly dry hands and nails after washing
- Avoid soaking nails in water for long periods of time
Limiting hand washing and water exposure as much as possible will help the nail tips stay adhered for longer.
Use gel polish made for natural nails
While regular gel polish works decently for gluing on nails, using a gel polish formulated specifically for natural nails will create the strongest bond. Natural nail gel polishes are designed to adhere optimally to the natural nail surface. Some great natural nail gel polish brands are:
- OPI GelColor
- Shellac
- Bluesky
- LeChat
Using a natural nail gel polish as the glue will keep the nail tips stuck on for weeks rather than days.
Consider layering top coat
Adding layers of gel top coat over the nail glue can help reinforce the bond and seal out water that causes lifting. Try brushing on 2-3 layers of gel top coat, curing each layer for 30 seconds under an LED lamp. This will create a super shiny and strong seal.
Just be careful not to apply too many layers as this can cause the bond to become too rigid and lead to cracking.
With the right gel polish and techniques, you can get your DIY press-on nails to last for several weeks! Just be patient during the application process and limit water exposure after. Beautiful salon-like nails are possible without ever stepping foot in a nail salon.
Who doesn’t love a great at-home manicure?
When to See a Professional
If the nail won’t stay adhered
If you find that no matter what nail glue or gel polish you try, you simply cannot get your false or acrylic nails to stay fully adhered to your natural nail, it is probably best to make an appointment with your manicurist or nail salon professional (source).
Continually losing attachments can damage the natural nail bed over time. A skilled technician may be able to properly prepare and treat the nails to create better bonding.
Issues like very oily nail beds, improper filing, or not thoroughly removing old product can inhibit high-quality adherence. Alternatively, some people’s nails are just exceptionally arched or curved, making complete contact a challenge.
A professional may have advanced solutions like specialized nail glue formulas or attachment methods better suited to one’s unique nail beds.
For long-term solutions
Visiting a salon every time nail help is needed can get very expensive over time. For more affordable, longer-lasting enhancement options, make an appointment to discuss acrylics or dip powder manicures.
These incorporate plastic or powder building onto the natural nail for reinforcement and longevity. Fill appointment costs are generally cheaper than full sets.
Technicians can also assess nail and cuticle health, shape/length preferences, and activity levels to suggest the most durable solutions tailored to the client. Whether temporarily patching a broken nail, prepping for a special event, or maintaining an always-polished look, professionals have the tools and expertise for fabulous, functional fingertips!
Conclusion
While commercial nail glue products are specially formulated to bond natural nails, gel polish can work in a pinch if you need to re-adhere a popped off nail. Just be mindful of its limitations. With the right prep and curing, gel polish can temporarily hold the nail in place for a few days until you can see a professional.
But for the best, long-lasting results, visit a salon and consider gel polish or acrylics for Reinforced adhesion and strength.
