Home Nails Can You Use Eyelash Glue For Fake Nails?

Can You Use Eyelash Glue For Fake Nails?

by Gabbi
Woman With Fake Nails

Artificial nails can look stunning when you get them professionally done at a salon. They are durable and long-lasting until it’s time to get your next set. However, fake nails can be challenging to apply at home or if you’re in a hurry. 

If you’re applying fake nails at home, you may not have all the materials you need for a proper application unless you’re a nail tech. Some tools can only be purchased with a nail license because some brands only sell to pro nail techs.

Nail glue is a standard tool needed to apply fake nails. Whether it be acrylic or tips, nail glue will ensure your artificial nails are properly attached without harming your natural plates. Nail glue will ensure your set lasts for weeks.

You might be looking for a similar adhesive that’s also used in the beauty world. For example, eyelash glue is a common beauty tool that can set false eyelashes into place.

Can you use eyelash glue for fake nails? While eyelash glue and nail glue are entirely different products, eyelash glue can be used for artificial nails. However, your nails will not last as long, and you may find that it’s hard to apply to your nail plates.

Read on to find out how you can safely use eyelash glue for your nails, the pros and cons, and more.

What Is Nail Glue?

Nail glue is an adhesive designed specifically in mind for nails. While nail glue has similar ingredients as other glues, none are as safe for your nails as nail glue. Because this adhesive is designed for the nails, you know it can be less damaging.

Nail glue may even contain ingredients that nourish the nails. Also, nail glue must be durable enough to attach acrylics or other nail enhancements. Usually, a set of nails can last anywhere between 2-3 weeks with the proper care.

However, if you plan to apply fake nails at home, not all nail kits will provide nail glue. It can be challenging to find the right professional products for at-home use. Nevertheless, nail glue is crucial to ensuring your nails hold and the nail plate is healthy.

How Does Nail Glue Work?

The purpose of nail glue is to bond an artificial nail enhancement to your nail plate. Nail glue can be applied to your nail plate and the fake nail enhancement. Nail glue can dry down on its own, or it may need the help of a UV nail lamp.

Also, not all nail glues are the same. For example, some adhesives can cure without a lamp and some need to be held down into place to set fully. It can also depend on what kinds of fake nails you’re applying to your plates.

Regardless, nail glue is meant to set and hold the enhancement to your nail plates for up to 14 days on average.

What Is Eyelash Glue?

Eyelash glue is another popular beauty adhesive. 

Eyelash glue is formulated for your eyes and to attach false eyelashes. Eyelash glue is much more common to find or purchase than nail glue. However, these glues are not interchangeable. 

Regular eyelash glue can help apply strip or individual lashes for daily wear. Industrial or professional-grade eyelash glue is what’s used during semi-permanent lash services. Usually, these professional lash glues are for licensed lash techs. 

However, regular eyelash glue that you can find at the drugstore is safe for your eyes, and you can apply them daily. They’re formulated to be gentle on the eyelid and lash line.

How Does Eyelash Glue Work?

Eyelash glue can be applied to the lash line or the fake lash, and they can easily be attached to the eyes with tweezers or your fingers. However, eyelash glue is unique because it needs time to dry briefly before it goes onto the lash line.

Most beginners struggle with using eyelash glue because it can slide over the eyes. However, eyelash glues need 30-40 seconds to slightly dry and become tacky. This tacky texture will ensure your eyelashes won’t slip, and they are secure to your eyes. 

Eyelash glue can be removed with an oil-based eye makeup remover. 

Can You Use Eyelash Glue For Artificial Nails?

So, if you don’t have access to nail glue, but you have eyelash glue, can you use it for fake nails? Technically, eyelash glue can work to secure artificial nails, but it may not be as effective or long-lasting. However, it can be a quick-fix if you’re in a pinch.

You’ll notice that eyelash glue won’t adhere the same to the nails as actual nail glue. So, you may need to alter your application methods or take extra time for your nail prep.

It’s essential to remember eyelash glue is made for vulnerable areas like the eyes, and it won’t have as potent or strong of a formula as nail glue. But, as we mentioned earlier, it may work as a temporary solution.

Avoid Using Nail Glue On Your Lashes

While you can get away with using eyelash glue on your nails, you should avoid using nail glue on the eyes at all costs. 

Nail glue is not safe for the eyes, and the formula is more potent and harder than eyelash glue because it’s designed for the nail plate. 

Nail glue is made to attach to hard or durable surfaces like the nail plate. So, applying nail glue to the eyes can cause some serious damage to your skin, lashes, and eyesight.

It’s essential to remember that eyelash glue and nail glue are not interchangeable. 

Eyelash Glue Vs. Nail Glue 

So what are the main differences between lash glue and nail glue? We know they are made for entirely different areas of the body, for starters. While both may be used for beauty services, they don’t share many other similarities. 

Eyelash glue is gentle and safe on the eyes, and nail glue is durable and potent for the nails. Our hands are used for everything, and your nails should be secured against impact. Meanwhile, the lashes protect the eyes from debris.

Longevity 

Nail glue is meant to last. Most nail sets are meant to be worn for 2-3 weeks on average. However, this also depends on how fast your nails grow and how well you take care of your nails. Nevertheless, nail glue offers longevity. 

On the other hand, eyelash glue is flexible and not permanent. Eyelash glue can be applied daily, and it’s meant to be removed every night before sleep. So, eyelash glue isn’t as durable or long-lasting as nail glue.

Formulation 

One product is formulated for your eyes, and the other for your nails. 

Eyelash glue must contain safe ingredients for the eyes to avoid causing skin reactions, damaging the lashes, or putting your sight at risk. However, it still has some adhesive properties. 

Eyelash glue will most likely be harmless on your nails. However, nail glue should never be applied to the eyes. 

Nail glue has a more potent formula than eyelash glue, and it can contain ingredients that latch onto the nail plate and even support nail growth.

Application Methods

Various nail glues on the market may require different application methods. The best way to apply nail glue is by following the manufacturer’s directions. However, some nail glue can dry independently, and others need a UV lamp.

Eyelash glue can be applied daily and should be removed every night. Eyelash glue is not as permanent of a solution as nail glue is for nails. Also, you’ll need to wait for the eyelash glue to slightly dry, so it doesn’t slip around the eyes. 

Accessibility 

Nail glue may not be as accessible as eyelash glue. 

Yes, you can find nail glue in most drugstores like eyelash glue, but it may not offer the same longevity as nail glue used in a salon setting. Some nail products can only be purchased by licensed nail techs.

Eyelash glue is another popular drugstore beauty item that most people can find easily. This is the form of lash glue you can use to apply fake nails. 

Professional-grade eyelash glues are used for semi-permanent lash services that are only performed by a lash tech.

Tips For Using Eyelash Glue As Nail Glue 

Eyelash glue can help apply fake nails. However, it’s important to remember that this is a great temporary solution. You’ll notice that your nails may not be as long-lasting as with nail glue, but the lash adhesive can help when you’re in a hurry.

Thankfully, you can do a few things to ensure the eyelash glue can last for as long as possible. This includes removing moisture from the nail plate, waiting for the adhesive to get tacky, and working in thin layers.

Are you ready to find more tips to secure fake nails with eyelash glue? 

Cleanse Your Nail Plate 

Before doing your nails, you’ll need to prep them. We will include another step for the nail prep, but now it’s crucial to cleanse your nail plate. You’ll want to use rubbing alcohol, nail disinfectant, or nail dehydrator to prepare for the lash glue. 

Cleansing your nail plate should be the priority. You’ll want to remove all moisture from your nails. If there is any moisture on the nail plate, it can cause premature lifting of your fake nails. This will help achieve a seamless application.

So, a cleansed and moisture-free nail plate will ensure the eyelash glue can adhere securely and evenly. 

Shape Your Nails 

Once the nail plates have been cleansed, it’s time to continue with nail prep. You’ll want to push back cuticles and file your natural nails in this step. This is where you need to measure and shape your fake nails or enhancements.

Making sure your fake nail fits your nail plate will ensure that they last. For example, artificial nails that are too small, big, curved, or flat can result in them falling off in the future. The right nail shape can easily be attached to your nail plate. 

Whether using eyelash glue or nail glue, nail prep is essential to promote longevity. You can also add a base coat or primer at this time.

Apply Thin Layers

You’ll want to apply lash glue in thin layers to avoid a goopy mess. You can apply a layer to the nail plate and your nail enhancement. This will ensure that both nails will have the adhesive and that they can secure seamlessly together.

Also, applying too much nail glue at once can risk the glue not drying thoroughly. You may have air bubbles, or you’ll see spots that are dry and other areas that are still wet. So, working in thin layers will ensure the glue will dry and attach evenly. 

Wait For The Glue To Get Tacky 

Eyelash glue differs from nail glue. So, before pressing the fake nail to your nail plate, wait 30-40 seconds for your lash glue to dry slightly.

If you try working with wet lash glue, you’ll notice that nothing will stick, and it will slide the glue around to unwanted areas.

Waiting 30-40 seconds will ensure the lash glue becomes tacky. This means that the eyelash glue is ready to adhere. Tacky eyelash glue is neither too dry nor too wet.

Instead, it’s the happy medium where you can apply the nails and have them attach evenly. 

Hold The Nail Into Place For A Minute 

We mentioned that eyelash glue is not as strong as nail glue. So, once you’ve applied your nail enhancement with lash glue, hold the nail in place. You’ll want to keep the nail where you applied it for at least a minute to ensure they are glued on fully. 

Patience is crucial, and it will help create a slightly longer-lasting effect if you are applying eyelash adhesive to your nails. Holding the nail into place until it’s completely dry will ensure the eyelash glue cures properly.

Seal With Top Coat

Finally, it’s time to seal your hard work with a topcoat. You can even apply the topcoat closely to the nail walls and underneath the free edge to promote longevity.

Using eyelash glue as nail glue will make the removal process much easier because they aren’t meant to last in the first place. You can use warm water, oil-based products, and acetone to remove the nails when you’re done. 

When Should You Use Eyelash Glue For Fake Nails?

Eyelash glue is not a permanent replacement for nail glue. 

However, you can replace nail glue with eyelash glue if you’re in a hurry or pinch. Eyelash glue will only provide temporary results. So, it can work for a night out, but not for two weeks like nail glue.

Overall, it’s a great DIY hack if a nail has fallen off or you want fake nails for a special event. 

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can use lash glue for fake nails. However, avoid using nail glue on the eyes at all costs. For the best results, make sure your nails are free of moisture, and you take time for the eyelash glue to get tacky. 

Overall, eyelash glue is a great temporary solution to secure fake nails. And, finally, if you need a visual tutorial or how to apply fake nails using glue, here’s a great tutorial from Dramatic Mac on YouTube.

Up Next: How To Get Eyelash Glue Off Clothes

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